Working in a commercial agricultural-testing laboratory, I see all different types of feed and forage samples submitted in all kinds of ways. A silage sample might be sent to us in a large vet glove, while a corn grain might come in a coffee can, even when most labs provide sample bags for submission. Which brings me to the first of four common mistakes made when submitting forage samples to a commercial laboratory for testing.

Anyone who owns, operates or invests in farmland knows there are many factors that can drive farmland values.

Interest in protecting soil integrity is not a new topic. Soil conservation came to the forefront after the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Since then, producers have recognized the importance of the macroorganisms and microorganisms that call the soil home, as well as their roles in producing healthy plants.

The primary purpose of our haymaking equipment is to dry hay to the optimum moisture for storage, then package densely. This winter, our shop has been a staging ground for improved hay drying.