Focus on forage quality

Forages form the base of the dairy nutrition food pyramid, and poor forage quality quickly erodes that foundation and contributes to a host of feeding challenges on dairies.

“Forage is the key to cost-effective dairy lactation rations,” says J.W. Schroeder, North Dakota State University extension dairy specialist. “Feeding good-quality forage starts now, in the field and at the feed yard. Don’t let quality escape your feed inventory.”

With that in mind, click here for some timely harvest reminders.

1. New crop cottonseed market rallies in face of tight supplies
2. Corn and soybean prices continue to retrace 2012 drought rally
3. Ag markets generally mixed to start this week
4. USDA announces Conservation Reserve Program sign-up
5. South Dakota State University dairy faculty works With USAID
6. What are the drivers of profit in your dairy herd?

1. Class III futures close out quietly last week
2. D.C. Watch: Farm bill progressing
3. What are the drivers of profit in your dairy herd?
4. Weather report: Rain spreads across the Corn Belt
5. Ag markets were mixed to start the new week
6. Fire kills 17 calves at Idaho farm

1. Analysis: Dairy Security Act better for farmers, taxpayers
2. Commentary: Slanting the statistics
3. World food supply depends on character, virtuous leadership
4. Buffet concerned about soil and starvation
5. Cold spring stunts upper Midwest hay crop
6. N.M. rancher charged with 43 counts of animal cruelty