Over the last few weeks I have spent time on the phone with forage producers concerning the current dairy situation and the economy in general.

What crops are part of your total forage production? “Most of our forage production is based in haylage and corn silage which is produced for our dairy cows. We also grow ryelage, wheatlage and sudangrass which is generally used as part of our dry cow and heifer-feeding program.

Forage management strategies are as varied as the farmers who grow the forages. “Despite differing management plans, there are a few key concepts to remember with the advent of fall,” says a University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist.

Processed corn kernels in silage are readily digested, allowing cows to absorb more energy for milk production.

Farmers know that agricultural equipment can cause compaction in no-till crop fields, but Ohio State University researchers have found that, depending on soil type, compaction can be severe and persist for years.

Since stored feed is almost two or three times more expensive per animal or per day than pasture, extending the grazing season is one way to reduce the need for stored feed.

For Richard Martin, raising hay is about as easy as falling off a tractor seat
For many producers, it takes a lifetime to figure out what niche they will fill in the vast world of forage production.

Although there are strong opinions about environmental impact and supply of fossil fuels, we know that sometime in the future we’ll have to rely on alternative sources of energy to sustain our nation’s economy and way of life.

I recall a safety poster from many years back. It showed a large building in flames and a fellow standing nearby, surrounded by all the firefighting apparatus in the world.

This year’s unusually wet spring and early summer has led many farmers in some areas to store hay that’s wetter than normal, increasing the danger of barn fires.