SB 1383 - A new page in the book of fodder? October 31 2016, 0 Comments
I truly enjoy fall here in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California. The leaves on the ground, rain (finally) to quench the dry ground and that morning chill. After all, my entire 60 years is here in this area. I guess I'm entering in to the fall of life myself. How things have changed. Growing up in the feed business with my dad, driving hay trucks in the fields at 10 then working in the feed store since 14. Raising all types of livestock; beef, swine, poultry, horses, pets, even helping mom with her chinchillas.
Here I am "chasing the dream" working in the feed business and building fodder systems. At Fodderworks we are actively engaged in "fine tuning" our sprouting systems and learning more of the benefits of feeding fresh, green living feed. The most common report is the condition of the animals being fed fodder. Shiny, lustrous coats, improved hoof conditions and better performance in production.
Recently, we have encountered a new area of study. With the passage of SB 1383 here in California, which intends to regulate and reduce methane production in cattle, we have embarked on the path to determine if there is a reduction in methane production when fodder is included in the ration. There is reason to believe that this may be the case and if so, not only do we help meet the requirements of the newly passed legislation, but quite possibly it can be accomplished with a net benefit to the producer, in increased herd production and decreased feed costs. Sounds too good to be true, but it is worth the effort to find out. It is time for our food producers to get a break. And while I'm at it, THANK YOU to all of those who do work diligently to produce the foods that we eat. One of my greatest joys has been to sit around the dinner table and watch my children eat. Now they have children and I still am grateful for the blessing of food, as I watch my grandchildren enjoying their meal.
You can see that there is more to fodderworks than meets the feed bunk. Please, share your thoughts and experiences for all to benefit.
Curt