Managing cattle grazing cornstalks Beef cattle experts share nutrition advice for herds grazing crop residues in the winter12 February 2024 12 February 2024 3 minute read 3 minute read By: By: Kansas State Research and Extension North AmericaMany know the key to good health is eating a balanced diet, and in the case of cattle grazing cornstalks, their diet may need to be adjusted as the quality of the forage deteriorates, according to the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute. Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster encouraged producers to walk the fields periodically to assess the quality of the feed resource. To keep that from happening, Lancaster said the cattle need to be supplemented with protein when they are first turned out to graze the cornstalks. “If the cornstalks are deteriorating, my next step is to start supplementing the cattle with hay,” Lancaster said. “If the cattle are sinking in 2-4 inches into the ground then producers should move the cattle to a dry lot,” Lancaster said.