Is Creep Feeding Worth It? Insights from American Cattlemen Using Farmco Creep Feeders

It feels like everything costs more these days. You might be looking at the rising cost of feed, and wondering to yourself: Is Creep Feeding Worth It? The simplest answer is, yes, most experts agree that creep feeding is absolutely worth it. But that’s not the whole story. 

Factors like calf prices, feed cost, and pasture environments can all play a factor in whether creep feeding your calves will actually benefit your herd and your bottom line. 

To get to the bottom of this, Farmco sat down with Virginia Cattleman, Allen Lucas, and Phil Brodhecker from Brodhecker Farms in New Jersey to get real insight on how creep feeding affects return on investment (ROI) and weaning on their farms. Their expertise was featured in our recent article for American Cattlemen.

Here are the full insights they shared. 

Is Creep Feeding Worth It? 

Creep feeding, the process of providing supplemental feed to unweaned livestock through specialized feeders large enough to allow calves in but not cows, for most cattlemen, most years, is worth it. 

Experts generally agree that creep feeding calves results in better calf growth, better weight gains, reduced stress on mothers, and less stress for both calves and moms at weaning. 

For Brodhecker, “most years, it ends up being a win-win situation for us.”

How much value creep feeding adds can depend on the year. In order for creep feeding to be profitable, the cost of added weight gain must be less than the value of that gain. Or, in other words, when the added feed costs are lower than the increased money you make from the calf at sale. 

In most cases, there is no reason not to creep feed. At Brodhecker Farms, if a calf is on a cow, then it has access to a creep feeder. Brodhecker says that there may be times when you feel you’re spending more on feed, but you end up getting it back in performance. 

To determine if creep feeding would be worth it for your program, use Farmco’s Creep Feeding calculator to determine how much return your creep feeding program could have this year. 

What Changes When You Start Creep Feeding Calves 

When Lucas started creep feeding, he was trying to get his cattle ready and started on feed so they would be ready for the next stage of life. When he started creep feeding, he immediately saw calves gain weight faster, hold their condition better, be less stressed at weaning, and overall have more uniform calves in his herd. 

Brodhecker agrees that with creep feeding, you can expect better calf growth and weight gains as well as reduced stress on mothers. He also pointed out that the positive effect of creep feeding is most noticeable during drought periods. 

How Creep Feeding Varies from Operation to Operation

While most producers agree on the benefits of creep feeding, how creep feeding looks can vary from operation to operation. 

For example, timing can be different. Lucas typically introduces creep feed when calves reach around 300 Ibs, letting a few calves learn first and letting the rest follow. Brodhecker, on the other hand, makes creep feed available much earlier, starting with calves as young as two to three weeks old. 

Feed strategy can also differ. Lucas prefers a more balanced ratio that isn’t overly high in protein, but that still has ingredients like cottonseed to support gut health, and added scent to draw calves in. Brodhecker has seen strong results from higher-protein rations, especially when calves are young. 

As far as whether creep feeding is a must, there’s some variation in perspective. Lucas mentioned that it’s always worth it to take a look at what the profitability might be, looking at that year’s feed costs, while Brodhecker takes a more consistent approach and operates with an “always creep feeding” mindset. 

All in all, there’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach, but with creep feeding, there are consistent results. 

Creep Feeding: What It Looks Like Day-to-Day

In practice, managing a creep feeding program doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and careful observation, you can easily boost calf performance. 

Lucas relies heavily on visual cues to monitor how calves are performing. Rather than tracking exact intake numbers, he looks for changes in hair coat, overall appearance, and how calves interact with their mothers. 

“You can see the difference just by looking at them,” he explains. “If they’re not pulling on their mothers as hard and the cows are holding their condition, you know you’re on the right track.”

As calves grow, intake naturally increases, and you might need to make some adjustments to the feed or feeder. Observe your calves and change feed composition and adjust feeder access as needed. If you’re dealing with abnormal environmental or pasture conditions, you might have to make larger adjustments and keep a closer eye on your calves. 

Both producers emphasized that flexibility is key. In drier conditions or harsher seasons, starting earlier or maintaining a more consistent feeding program can help keep calves growing and maintain herd performance.

Key Takeaway: Creep feeding = Easier Weaning 

The single most consistent advantage from creep feeding that cattlemen pointed to wasn’t just added weight on calves; it was what happened at weaning. 

Because creep-fed calves are already familiar with dry feed, their transition away from the cow is significantly smoother. Their diet doesn’t change drastically at weaning, which helps reduce calf stress and maintain their weight during this critical stage. 

Lucas has seen this firsthand, noting that calves already on feed are easier to manage and less stressed overall.

“They’re already used to eating,” he explains. “The only thing they’re missing is the mother’s milk.”

That familiarity makes a noticeable difference in calf behavior, performance post-weaning, overall herd health, and, of course, at sale. 

The Best Calf Creep Feeders 

Because creep feeding is so beneficial to calves and cattleman, there are many solid options when it comes to choosing a creep feeder for your operation. To simplify a quick comparison, here is how some of the most popular options stack up: 

Creep Feeder Comparison Chart: 

The best creep feeder for your operation will be the one that fits your budget, your herd, and your farm. No two operations are the same, and what’s most important is that you choose a brand you feel comfortable with.

Why These Farmers Choose Farmco 

Both Lucas and Brodhecker now rely on Farmco creep feeders for their creep feeding operation. Choosing Farmco for Lucas and Brodhecker was simple. They wanted a feeder that would hold up over the years, be easy to move, and be easy to control intake with. Those are the factors that producers say equipment design makes a measurable difference in. 

Brodhecker even worked with Farmco to design their current feeder, giving advice on access and mobility to create a product that truly meets everyday use needs. 

Lucas’s farm tried several brands. But, as Lucas put it: 

“We started with several different brands of the pull type. Then, about four years ago, we bought the first Farmco one they made.  It’s really, really held up, and we just ordered two more; they’re just so much easier to move from field to field.”

Since Lucas has started rotational grazing and has to move the calf feeders every few weeks, he prefers the Farmco creep feeder, which is designed to fold up. That feature reduces his workload significantly every week.

Brodhecker at Brodhecker farms agrees: 

“We have access to buy and sell other brands, but those lighter feeders just aren’t as durable and don’t have all the features & benefits plus ease of use as Farmco.” 

Frequently Asked Questions About Creep Feeding

Conclusion 

So, is creep feeding worth it? 

The answer is still yes, especially when managed correctly. Experts across the board agree that creep feeding consistently leads to heavier calves, less stress at weaning, and overall stronger herd performance. Like any management decision, how you creep feed will come down to how it fits best in your operation. 

The good news is that creep feeding isn’t complicated. With the right setup and a close eye on your calves, it’s a proven way to improve performance and prepare calves for the next stage of life. 

At the end of the day, creep feeding works best when it works for your farm.

For more from Farmco on Creep Feeding, check out our article in American Cattlemen or read our Ultimate Guide to Creep Feeding.