Stretch Winter Feed Budget with TMR Mixing

For Alberta ranchers and cattle feeders, winter feeding costs can make or break the yearly budget. With hay supplies often tight and feed grain prices high, stretching your winter feed budget is a top priority. One proven strategy to get more mileage out of feed is using a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) system. TMR mixing involves blending forages, grains, silage and supplements into a consistent, homogeneous ration that prevents cattle from cherry-picking the tastiest (and often most expensive) components.  

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By feeding a well-mixed TMR, producers ensure every bite the cow takes is balanced, and nothing goes to waste. In fact, a properly mixed ration can reduce feed waste and maintain nutrition, meaning your herd gets the full benefit of every dollar you spend on feed. Contrast this with tossing out hay bales in the field – cattle might trample or bed in it, leading to significant waste.  

With a TMR, even lower-quality forages or straw can be incorporated alongside more nutritious ingredients so that nothing goes to waste. The result is improved feed efficiency, better cattle health, and a feed budget that stretches further through the winter. 

This year, many Alberta producers are considering TMR feeding as drought and a poor second-cut hay season have left some forage shortfalls. By October, reports showed dryland hay yields were limited across much of the province, and many producers had to start winter feeding early. Those early-feed scenarios are exactly where a TMR can shine – if you have to feed for extra weeks, blending in less costly roughage (like straw or chaff) with a protein source can extend hay supplies.  

A TMR mixer wagon uniformly chops and mixes these components. Modern vertical mixers can even process whole round bales of hay or straw, saving labour. If you’re new to TMR feeding, start by consulting with a nutritionist to formulate a balanced ration for your herd’s needs. Then, evaluate what equipment suits your operation. Future Ag offers solutions to get you started, whether it’s a feed mixer or the horsepower to pull it.  

One popular choice for cow-calf producers is pairing a Case IH Farmall series tractor with a mid-sized TMR mixer. A Case IH Farmall 120A tractor, for instance, has the power and PTO torque to run a mixer full of heavy silage, yet it’s nimble enough for daily feeding chores. It also features reliable hydraulics to drive mixer augers at consistent speeds.  

At Future Ag, we have both new and used utility tractors that are ideal for running feed wagons – talk to us about options that fit your herd size and budget. Additionally, don’t overlook our parts and service support: mixing a TMR daily puts significant wear on equipment. Our Parts Department can supply knives, auger liners and scale components for all major mixer brands, while our Service Department is here to keep your tractor and mixer tuned up all winter. 

By investing in TMR mixing, Alberta ranchers can maximize every feed dollar. The cattle get a balanced diet, and producers get peace of mind knowing they’re not literally throwing money on the ground. With smart ration planning and the right equipment from Future Ag, you can ride out the winter feeding season with healthy cattle and a healthier bottom line.