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As cattle graze on pastures this winter, how do producers ensure they will remain healthy during those blustery, snowy months? In trying to control feed costs, you don't want to sacrifice a cow's body condition. Successful winter grazing comes down to one key point: making sure cows maintain a good body condition until calving time.

As the cold weather settles in and the snow begins to accumulate on the ground, caring for cattle through the winter months becomes one of the most expensive times of the year for input costs. One option is winter grazing.

Research has revealed that cutting back in certain areas, like parasite control, can actually increase the overall cost of cattle production. A recent study shows parasite control in cow herds actually has a huge effect on breakeven prices -- providing a value of $201 per head.

Residual feed intake (RFI) is the new buzzword in the beef industry. Simply put, it measures metabolic efficiency, so you'll hear it expressed as a performance trait. "RFI measures how efficiently an animal converts what it eats into maintenance and growth," says University of Missouri nutritionist Monty Kerley.

Because a large percentage of a producer's input costs goes toward feed, it's no surprise that feed is at the top of the list when it comes to trying to cut costs. Recent studies show that wet distillers' grains with solubles (WDGS) may offer an inexpensive alternative to traditional feed ingredients when fed to livestock.

Trimming fat from feed costs lets beef producers chisel breathing room from the cost-price squeeze. "Think about what you're doing in terms of your feeding program and find ways to reduce cost in that area," says Kansas State University Extension agricultural economist James Mintert. He offers five ways to help control costs.

In the Cattle Talk discussion group, one farmer asks, "What are the advantages and disadvantages to Holstein beef? Is it profitable, and if so, how?" Another producer says, "Holsteins will pay if you go light on the grain early and you sell direct to customers as freezer beef." See what others are saying and add your own thoughts.

Plummeting prices and skyrocketing input costs have beef producers looking to save money wherever they can. Some are turning to a new product from Fodder Solutions -- a hydroponic growing room that sprouts grain and legume seed for a nutritious, cost-effective feed.

A Wisconsin producer is looking to buy Red Angus, Devon, Murray Grey or British White bred cows. Price is negotiable. "Preferably from a 100% grass-fed herd," he says. Check out this and other offers and post your own free ad in the Agriculture Online Classifieds.