Silage Management
The impact of corn silage on a dairy’s bottom line is a year-round priority. From field agronomics in the summer and packing at harvest to nutritional balancing and ROI analysis during the winter feeding months, silage management demands constant strategic adjustment. This collection of insights explores how to optimize forage performance, milk production and cow health.
As dairy producers transition into newly fermented corn silage it’s important they pay attention to the potential for higher-than-average levels of molds and mycotoxins.
The unique growing conditions of the 2023 crop year have a lot of dairy producers on edge about the quality and safety of their new-crop corn silage. But the experts advise that there’s probably little need to panic.
As silage harvest season is underway, don’t let your fall cover crop plans fall to the wayside.
With drought bearing down on much of the country this summer, the incoming corn silage crop is going to require some close nutritional evaluation.
Proper harvest timing is key when it comes to storing high quality corn silage.
Feed costs will continue to be the No. 1 expense. Jim Salfer, Extension dairy educator with the University of Minnesota, offers some best practices to help producers lower feed costs.
The inaugural edition of the Three-Minute Student Thesis (3MT) contest with a poster component was held in conjunction with the 2023 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference in Dubuque, Iowa on June 7-8.
What if you could accurately measure your silage pile inventory with a few clicks of a button? With today’s drone technology, you can.
Producers know all too well that once the feed truck comes down their driveway, a bill will follow. The rising cost of feed has forced dairies to dial in on efficiency to help boost overall profitability for the farm.
Silage-storage methods have evolved over the years, with drive-over piles becoming the increasingly popular method of choice today.
For the second time this year, a Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) payment will be issued. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency announced that March’s DMC income over feed costs calculation is $6.19/cwt.
The challenges that face the Golden State have quickly changed from drought to flooding and played havoc with the California agriculture landscape. This has forced several dairies to move their cattle to higher ground.
So, you want to build a new feed center? Where to start without getting caught up in all the nitty gritty details? Start with all your wants and a wish list that fulfills your finished project vision.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the mycotoxin results for the 2022 harvest. How did your corn silage compare?
Recently, three dairy producers from coast to coast talked about the biggest, unexpected challenge that faced their dairy this year on a Farm Journal Farm County Update webinar.
Enrollment for the USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) is now open until Dec. 7, 2022. FSA administrator says this year showed why enrolling in DMC makes good business sense.
Pricing silage correctly can tell you if it’s your most cost-effective option. New learnings help ensure we are doing it correctly.
While prioritizing growing quality forage is a must, proper feed ingredient storage is equally important, especially during the hot summer months.
As corn planters are finally starting to roll in the Midwest, planning for the finished product can never start too early.
During the rush of corn silage harvest, safety often takes a back seat. However, tragedy can strike in the blink of an eye.
Silage-making season is here, and with it comes the need for heightened safety awareness.
Rainfall has been lackluster throughout parts of the country. With fields deprived of moisture, don’t be surprised if this year’s corn silage crop is drought stressed.
Here’s a comparison on a number of varieties and models
Dairy farms are a hustling and bustling place. Last year, the Berning family in Illinois opened their dairy farm barn doors and offer Farm Camp for kids of all ages. Camp includes farm chores, scavenger hunts and more.
While dishing up meals in Styrofoam to-go containers happens simultaneously with the roar of a diesel tractor, signing its harvest season, some farm families go with plan B.
An often-over-looked expense is having excess corn silage inventory. The decision has to be made soon, when you are chopping—to sell it or use it on the farm.
Are you a silage-making pro? Even veteran silage growers will want to read Dr. Donna Amaral-Phillips’ tips and tricks to help make the most out of this year’s corn silage crop.
The high temperatures and lack of rain that face south-central Missouri have not only played havoc on Michelle Eilenstine’s mind, but also with her corn crop.
As we soon will be flipping the calendar to August, you likely already have your chopper in the shop. Mike North, president with ever.ag says there is a narrow window to get things priced in terms of silage.