At Kreamer Feed, we know that smart planning doesn’t stop at the growing season. When the harvest comes in and storage bins begin to fill, it’s easy to shift your focus to what’s next. But how you manage your feed supply during and after harvest plays a major role in your operation’s efficiency, productivity, and bottom line.
Strong feed inventory management helps ensure you have the right products, in the right amounts, at the right time. That becomes especially important during harvest and post-harvest periods, when demands on your time and resources are high.
Here’s how to approach feed supply management strategically through these critical seasons.
Why Feed Inventory Management Matters
When livestock are in full production and crops are coming off the field, feed planning can quickly fall off the radar. But poor feed inventory management can lead to last-minute shortages, overstocked bins, or feed that spoils before it’s used. All of these impact livestock feed efficiency and overall farm performance.
By planning ahead, you protect both your animals and your budget from avoidable risks.
Step 1: Forecast Your Needs
Harvest season feed planning starts with forecasting. Look at your herd size, production goals, and past feed usage data. How much feed will you need to get through the harvest season? How about the months that follow?
Use historical averages to guide your estimates, but also factor in any recent changes such as:
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Increased animal numbers
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New production phases
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Changes in growth targets or weather patterns
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Variability in forage or grain quality
The more accurate your forecast, the better you can prepare your orders and avoid costly gaps or surpluses.
Step 2: Evaluate Storage Capacity
Before ordering, assess your feed storage setup. Do you have enough space for your projected inventory? Is that space protected from moisture, pests, and temperature fluctuations?
Proper feed storage is essential to preserving nutritional value and preventing spoilage. Here are some best practices:
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Keep feed off concrete floors using pallets or elevated bins
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Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas
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Rotate stock by date to use older product first
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Monitor bins regularly for condensation, mold, or crusting
Protecting your feed from the elements ensures it remains safe and palatable for your animals.
Step 3: Schedule Orders Strategically
During the busy fall season, demand can spike and shipping times may lengthen. That’s why proactive feed supply management is so important. Work with your supplier to place orders in advance, especially if you’re using bulk or custom mixes.
At Kreamer Feed, we encourage customers to communicate early and often. When we know your seasonal needs, we can help schedule production and deliveries that align with your farm calendar.
Planning ahead avoids emergency runs, reduces stress, and keeps your livestock program running smoothly.
Step 4: Focus on Post-Harvest Handling
Once harvest wraps up, it’s easy to overlook leftover feed or partial bins. But post-harvest feed handling is just as important as in-season management.
Clean out old feed before introducing new loads. Leftover material can attract rodents or serve as a breeding ground for mold. Inspect bins, replace damaged seals, and ensure everything is ready for colder months.
This is also a good time to review your feed program. Could adjustments improve livestock feed efficiency going into winter? Are there opportunities to cut waste or optimize nutrient balance? Your feed partner can help evaluate these options.
Trusted Support from Kreamer Feed
We’ve been helping farmers manage seasonal feed strategies since 1947. From custom nutrition plans to reliable delivery and storage guidance, our team is here to support every phase of your operation.
Smart feed inventory management isn’t just about counting bags. It’s about making sure your animals get the nutrition they need, when they need it, without waste or compromise.
Plan Smart. Feed Well. Thrive Year-Round with Kreamer Feed.
As you move from harvest to winter prep, remember that good feed planning is good animal care. At Kreamer Feed, we’re proud to walk alongside farms like yours with high-quality feed, trusted service, and decades of experience you can count on.
Let us help you build a plan that keeps your bins full, your animals fed, and your farm thriving through every season.
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