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Forage Harvest
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Hay, baleage or haylage?

There is significant opportunity for economic growth in forage production if we are willing to meet the market.

May 15, 2023

With input costs and cattle value both at high levels, it might be worthwhile to consider some alternatives. Both energy and protein are more valuable than previously, and higher cattle prices indicate the greater value of higher calving percentage and more rapid weight gain.

Lower yields reduce 2022 hay production totals

The USDA’s October Crop Production report indicates overall hay production will be lower than a year ago despite increased acreage.

October 19, 2022

Dave Natzke

Hay production recovered in the northern Plains, but Texas took a big hit.

Don’t underestimate alfalfa’s potential

High-quality alfalfa, harvested as dry hay or haylage, is a viable option for dairy rations during times of high prices for byproduct protein products.

October 18, 2022

Angie Golombeski

The last couple of years have led to uncertainty in commodity market pricing, and this year has been no different, with commodity prices skyrocketing. This has been especially true for byproduct protein sources, such as soybean and canola meal.

Things you shouldn’t find in a bale of hay

September 21, 2022

Glenn Shewmaker

I help grow, harvest and feed hay and other forages on our family farm, which is downwind from a small town. If I had a dollar for every plastic grocery bag, beer can, dog food bag, trampoline, shed roof, golf ball and mylar balloon I picked out of a hayfield or bale, it would put me in a higher tax bracket.

How much ‘dirt’ is in your forages?

July 8, 2022

Dan Schauff, Loren Bailey, and Gene Gengelbach

Minimizing soil content of forages should be the goal of every forage producer and dairy farm. This is because soil contamination of forages can add to the total ash or mineral content, which dilutes the energy and nutritive value of forages.

More to hay moisture than fire risk

June 9, 2022

Rebecca Kern-Lunbery

When I visit with forage producers about hay moisture in square bales, the top concern is spontaneous combustion and fire risk, followed by mold and mycotoxins and heat damage.

Tips for maximizing forage quality from start to finish

March 31, 2022

Matt LeCroy and Jessica Williamson

Delivering the highest-quality hay is a complicated race against time.

Raise your hay standards

March 31, 2022

Andrew L. Skidmore

Spontaneous combustion of hay bales is just about the worst-case scenario for any livestock producer putting up hay. That’s not the only bad outcome when it comes to hay storage.

Wet hay years and what to watch for

December 31, 2021

Melissa A. Bravo

Single-statement truisms in the livestock feeding business are a rare occurrence. “If this occurs, then that will occur,” is usually prefaced by a disclaimer, “as long as Mother Nature cooperates.”