When it comes to ranch work, feeding cows has always been one of our favorite things to do.

Over the last few years, we’ve periodically gone out to give the herd protein cubes. When we first got into cattle, Liv was a little over two, and for some reason when we would throw out the protein cubes, she would call them “nanas” (like bananas). It’s always made me question the quality of bananas I serve them, haha! But we’ve always loved going every few days to throw out nanas for the cows. Liv even got to help give Pop Pop’s cows nanas when she was really little.

When we transitioned from longhorns to Angus based cattle, we did a lot of research into the percentage of protein supplementation the cows needed on a regular basis, based off how much they are getting from forage/ hay. Getting the percentage correct helps keep them in the middle of the body condition score chart- not too skinny, but not overweight. It also helps your pocketbook because overfeeding isn’t cheap, haha!

While ranching is definitely one of our first loves, our reality right now is that it is not our full time job, and is often done in the fringe hours for us. Which means that when they need to be fed, it’s typically going to be after Steven’s regular work hours, or me in between activities, or on the weekends. While we like doing it, it’s still something that takes time and planning. So this past fall, we began researching liquid feed.

There are a lot of different mixture rations, typically with the protein percentage varying by brand. Basically it’s a molasses based liquid with protein, minerals and vitamins. You get a large tub that holds between 200-300 gallons of this liquid with a little roof with a hole up at the top. Around the edge of the tub lid there are four wheels, and as the cows lick the wheels, they move down into the liquid and spin back up for them to lick again. The cows have unlimited access to it, so they are able to eat as much or as little as they need whenever they want. It’s a win for everyone- they get consistent nutrition, and we don’t have to make time to put it out every day, plus it’s priced in bulk!

A few Saturdays ago, we picked up our lick wheel tank, and took it out to set up. The feed store has a tank on a trailer that is filled up at the store, then you take it out and pump the liquid feed from the trailer tank into the lick wheel tank. Then you drive the trailer tank back and they charge based on the weight difference.

The herd took to it really quickly and everyone’s body condition looks very steady and healthy now. We still give protein cubes periodically to keep them conditioned to come up to us, but this isn’t their only form of supplemental protein now. So far, we are big fans of the liquid feed, and the herd is too!