Long before conventional farming was a thing, farmers and ranchers fed their animals off what they could produce on their own land. And if you’re like us and you want to rely less on grain when your pastures are less than stellar and prices are through the roof, this is the post for you!

Home grown meat and eggs are wonderful things. But when you total up the feed bills at the end of the month, it can be quite discouraging. Are you really saving money? Is it worth it?

Sacks of feed and bales of hay, especially today, come with a heavy price tag that can make “living the simple life” pretty expensive. The good news is that many garden crops can reduce or eliminate your dependence on purchased livestock feed.

Below are some easy, affordable vegetables to add to your pastures or garden to lighten the load on your pocketbook.

And of course, livestock needs minerals and vitamins just like we do.

Make sure your animals have a balanced diet for optimal health.

• carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes and mangels, for energy

• proteins & fats, readily available from seed crops such as sunflowers and squash

• fiber, present in all these vegetable crops and in pasture plants

• micronutrients—vitamins and minerals

Let us know in the comments what you try this winter to supplement your livestock feed!