Filling The Livestock Feed Troughs Of Minnesota And Beyond

This study describes a portion of the grain production and movement patterns in Minnesota. 1999 levels of grain and oilseed production were identified as well as livestock populations in individual counties of the state. Animal scientists were consulted to ascribe typical consumption levels by the various livestock living in particular counties. A series of assumptions were required in order to determine the number of additional animals required to maintain sufficient breeding herds and flocks of livestock. Graphs were constructed to present the consumption levels of grain by livestock species in a statewide fashion. Tables provide detailed data to describe the consumption of feed grains and soybean meal by livestock in each county. Use of electronic spreadsheets allowed the authors to determine the extent of feed grain surplus or deficits in particular counties. Geographic Information System (GIS) software allowed the portrayal of several variables by mapping. These included grain production, corn or barley consumption, feed grain surplus or deficit level by county, net grain available for movement out of the county, and net grain available for movement expressed in "tons per square mile of farms".