Inventory feed before the farm’s usual seasonal forage shortage. Compare usable supplies and expected delivery dates with the lambs’ needs through the planned finishing period.
Cool-season grass growth can slow in summer, and repeated overgrazing can damage pasture. Use Extension guidance with local advice for Tennessee forage species and conditions.
Separate feed on hand from feed that will be available
Make a simple inventory of stored forage and other planned feeds. Record the amount, condition and where each supply is located. A field you hope will regrow is a possibility, not the same thing as feed already available.
Include delivery and storage arrangements. A supplement that cannot arrive when needed does not fill the gap on your calendar.
Test the material you will actually feed
Forage analysis can help an adviser match the feed supply to the animals and identify supplementation needs. Sample the relevant lot rather than relying on last year’s result or the seller’s description. Why test forage quality?.
Keep the laboratory report with the feed inventory. Identify which bales or field it represents so the information remains useful after supplies are moved.
Review growth and feed before the expected shortage
Choose a point before the expected shortage to review lamb growth, remaining feed and the processing plan. Allow time to obtain advice and make suitable feeding changes.
For example, a late-summer processing group should be reviewed before spring grazing conditions disappear. Waiting until the lambs lose progress leaves fewer practical options.
Include the cost of extra days
If a delayed finish is likely, account for the additional feed, labor and use of facilities. Confirm any appointment change with the processor rather than assuming a later space will be available.
At the review date, update feed on hand, projected purchases and lamb growth. Include extra feeding days in the budget and confirm any processing-date change with Underground Processing.