Fluctuations in milk prices, feed costs and government programs are forcing dairy farmers to become more efficient with their farm operation. Since feed accounts for approximately one-half of the total cost of producing milk, and high-quality forage optimizes the productivity of the animals, increasing the quality of forage available is one of the best methods of improving overall feeding efficiency.

With the world population recently passing the seven billion mark, many questions have been asked concerning the ability of our planet to feed this growing population. It is predicted that in the next 40 years, two billion more people will be eating on Earth.

Land is often the primary asset of a farm or ranch business, but it is also a major source of liability exposure. Harm to a person on the farm property can bring liability for medical bills, lost wages, attorney fees and other costs.

When harvest time brings an everyday shower, cutting forage is ever more challenging. The biggest limit on is weather where it mists or rains nearly every day. When coupled with cool temperatures, shorter day length and less intense sunshine, it makes a perfect storm for not drying to 35 percent.

It’s bound to happen … corn silage harvest is in full swing, harvesters are rolling, trucks are busy hauling and the pack tractors are moving back and forth when the nutritionist pulls in the driveway.