In order to remain profitable, a dairy needs to be effective at getting cows pregnant. This can be particularly challenging during the summer months because of the effects of heat stress.

Fermentation of whole plants or plant parts has been around for thousands of years, but there is still this mystical fog among most people about the whole process.

Many dairy farmers rely increasingly on corn silage to meet forage needs. While the efficiencies associated with the production, harvest and storage of corn silage are attractive, a less desirable corollary of this management trend is the increased linkage of manure distribution with production of corn.

In Texas, corn silage harvest begins early. By late June, when corn is rather green and dry matter hovers around 28 percent, tractors and choppers head out to the fields to start cutting down stalks.

Many forage growers are discovering the benefits sorghum silage has to offer.

There are many critical control points in the process of converting “corn forage” to stable, high-quality corn silage.

Ensiled forage crops can vary considerably in composition from season to season, within a harvest season and also with time of storage.

In humid climates there can be severe penalties associated with storing hay outside without protection from the elements.

A wooden frame, with most of a roof still intact. No window glass remains, if ever there were glass windows. Even the doorway stands – minus any form of a door.