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.
The water in your tank is hot by the end of the day. Find out what that does to your forage inoculant.
At a towering 16’ tall, corn native to Oaxaca, Mexico grows up to 10 aerial roots [compared to two in a typical plant] that secrete gel to help nitrogen-fixing bacteria survive.
Corn silage harvest will go much smoother if you start planning now. Use our checklist to get started.
The effects of flooding can last throughout silage feedout. Crops damaged by any weather event are more prone to mold infestation and subsequent toxin production. Learn how to help minimize spoilage in the silage.
Dairy cows can use the starch component in corn silage more effectively when the kernels are processed at harvest — and improved starch utilization results in improved animal production.
The smell of normal, fresh silage should be minimal, but what if something goes awry and it’s not so minimal? Learn more about the fermentation process and how to assess quality using sight, smell and feel.
The ideal wilt window when harvesting small-grain forages for silage is at least 32% dry matter (DM), and preferably to greater than 35% DM, following mowing. Hitting this critical wilt window is important.
A well-constructed silage pile can be one of the most economical choices for storing forage. However, drive-over piles can be difficult to pack and result in lost dry matter (DM).
Silage additives and inoculants are typically incorporated into silage crops to help balance deficiencies in bacteria population and support an efficient fermentation process.
New university research looks at increasing corn silage in diets and if it can help improve your operation’s bottom line.
Planting early is always best, but when that’s not possible, what does it mean for corn silage quality and yield? We’ll explore both with agronomist Dr. Kraig Roozeboom.
What’s more effective: dry granular or liquid forage inoculant? Although dry granular products may seem easier, they can be less effective. Learn why.
An increase in starch digestion may lead to better nutrient utilization and decreased feed costs. However, starch digestibility of WPCS may be affected by several factors.
Research shows how to use the feed bunk to get more productivity out of your cows while reducing costs at the same time.
Are there ensiling challenges that result from using a shredding processor? Find out more about the pros and cons of shredding processors here.
The “perfect” chop length can benefit both ensiling and forage quality. Yet, finding the correct chop length is easier said than done.
Two crucial components to corn silage are moisture and the harvesting process. Learn the best ways to measure your plant moisture and key factors for a successful harvest.
When it comes to first-cut alfalfa, it’s best to start with the end in mind – know what quality and yield are needed for your dairy or beef cows. Higher-quality alfalfa silage can increase your relative feed value. For dairy and beef producers, this can help improve animal performance while maintaining profitability.
Hitting the sweet spot for a corn silage optimal plant population rate might seem easy, but there are a few things to consider, as you fine tune the rate for your fields.
Snaplage might be an option for your operation. Learn the pros and cons of harvesting and feeding snaplage to your herd.
Does silage have an expiration date? Learn how correctly harvesting, filling, packing and storing forage plays a part in its condition.