Feed costs account for 40–60% of dairy farm operating expenses, making supplier selection one of the most critical decisions you'll make. Asking the right questions before signing a contract can save thousands annually and protect your herd's health. Here's what to dig into before committing.
What's Actually in the Feed?
Request a detailed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis from any supplier. You need to know the crude protein percentage, fat content, fiber levels, and whether it includes added minerals, vitamins, or medications. Ask specifically about:
- Source of protein (soybean meal, canola, alfalfa, etc.)
- Whether feed is GMO or non-GMO
- Any use of antibiotics or growth promoters
- Consistency of ingredient sourcing month-to-month
Different forage quality demands different supplement formulations. A supplier who won't provide ingredient transparency or recent lab analysis isn't worth your time.
What's the Actual Cost Per Cow Per Day?
Don't just compare the per-ton price. Ask for a complete cost breakdown:
- Delivered price to your farm (transportation matters)
- Minimum order quantities
- Bulk discounts for larger orders
- Price adjustment clauses (if feed commodity prices shift, do your costs?)
- Payment terms (net 30, net 60, upfront required?)
A seemingly cheap feed at $280/ton might cost $2.10 per cow daily in your ration, while a $310/ton option costs $1.95 per cow daily because it's denser and more efficient. Do the math based on your herd size and feeding program.
How Consistent Is Quality Batch-to-Batch?
Dairy cows thrive on consistency. Sudden changes in feed composition, moisture content, or particle size can trigger digestive upset, reduced milk production, and higher veterinary costs. Ask:
- How often is feed tested for quality?
- What's their standard deviation for moisture content?
- Do they mill custom rations or use pre-mixed commodity blends?
- How do they handle variation in raw ingredient batches?
- Can they provide 3–6 months of lab analysis results?
Request references from two other farms buying the same ration. Call them and ask whether milk production remained stable and if they've had any digestive issues.
What About Delivery and Storage?
Logistics affect both cost and feed freshness. Clarify:
- Delivery frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly?)
- Truck size and whether they can handle your farm's driveway/storage constraints
- Storage recommendations (silo type, moisture management)
- Lead time for custom orders
- What happens if delivery is missed or delayed
Feed stored improperly for more than 2–3 weeks can develop mold or nutrient degradation, especially in humid climates. Some suppliers offer on-farm storage bins as part of their service; others expect you to manage it.
Are They Responsive to Herd Performance Changes?
Your nutritional needs shift seasonally and with milk production cycles. Ask whether the supplier:
- Conducts regular herd visits or has a nutritionist on staff
- Will adjust rations based on milk fat/protein test results
- Responds to mastitis, lameness, or reproduction problems with feed changes
- Provides feed quality documentation in writing
- Has a clear escalation process if you report a problem
A supplier who only sells and never engages isn't a partner—they're just a vendor.
How Long Have They Been in Business?
Stability matters. Ask about:
- Years operating in your region
- Ownership changes or company history
- References from farms they've served for 5+ years
- Their sourcing resilience during commodity supply disruptions
Smaller regional mills often provide better customer service than large commodity traders, but they're also more vulnerable to economic shifts. If a supplier goes under, you lose continuity and may face sudden price increases from switching.
What's the Contract and Exit Strategy?
Before signing anything, confirm:
- Contract length (avoid multi-year locks with new suppliers)
- Exit clauses if quality issues arise
- Price-adjustment frequency and caps
- What constitutes a breach on their end
If Mercoly helps compare and find trusted dairy farm suppliers in one place, you can evaluate multiple options side-by-side before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I change feed suppliers or switch feed types? A: Avoid unnecessary changes, but re-evaluate annually as commodity prices shift and your herd's genetics or production goals evolve. Always transition gradually over 7–10 days when switching feed to prevent digestive upset.
Q: What's a realistic price range for quality dairy feed in 2024? A: Expect $280–$420 per ton delivered, depending on protein level, region, and whether feed is custom-formulated versus commodity-grade; higher-quality forage can allow you to use lower-cost lower-protein supplements.
Q: Should I buy feed in bulk to save money? A: Bulk purchasing saves 5–15% per ton, but only if you have proper storage and can use it within 4–6 weeks; moldy or degraded feed costs far more in lost production and veterinary expenses.
Start with these questions at your next supplier call—they separate serious partners from price-shoppers.