Nutrition

Base quality targets on ration needs.

Now is an excellent time to make choices about managing weeds in pastures.

The cost/benefit of low-lignin alfalfa will depend on the level of lignin reduction, seed costs, yield, milk prices and other factors.

When raising replacement heifers, cost per pound of gain is a far more important metric than daily feed cost, according to Tamilee Nennich, dairy nutritionist and board member for the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association.

The hay harvest is projected to see a minor drop from last year, but is still higher than the 2016 hay crop, the smallest harvest since 1906.

"Every time we move forage, we lose leaves," says Dan Undersander, an agronomist with the University of Wisconsin.

The relative success of spring vs. summer seeding of forages is greatly affected by the prevailing weather conditions, and so growers have success and failures with each option.

Consider your forage quality by each acre, instead of by field.

Just knowing that calves are being fed three quarts of milk replacer twice a day is not enough information.

End-users have enjoyed low priced corn for several years but that could be changing as global supplies dwindle.