With a fairly mild winter so far beef feedlot performance has been good, but its needed with the high cost of gains.  SDSU Extension Feedlot Specialist Warren Rusche says with the higher cost of feed and feeder cattle this fall and winter that is driving up the cost of production and will squeeze margins going forward.

Rusche says rates of gain have been good even with the fluctuating temperatures and he says consistent feed delivery is the key to keeping that trend going.

He says from an animal health standpoint he says the biggest key to feedlot performance in the winter is the condition of the pens and preventing excessive mud.

Rusche says water intake is also critical especially during periods of extreme cold.