EB1465 The Economics of Commodity Feeding Systems for Western Washington Dairy Herds. David Heine, Gayle Willett, Joe Hillers, and Ronald Kincaid. The feeding program for dairy cows accounts for the largest single cost of milk production expenses. Substituting commodities, grains and other products that are unprocessed or partially processed, for part of the commercially prepared grain in cows' diets can save a substantial amount of money since commodities are cheaper. This bulletin discusses the expenses involved, such as milling equipment and increased management costs, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Supplemented with tables and a detailed dairy farm example. Published September 1987. 18 pages. $1.00.