Forage analysis is the first step to understanding animal protein supplementation requirements. Most producers are familiar with crude protein and understand how this value compares with livestock needs.

There is a new testing method in town. It is far different than any other form of agronomic testing taking place over the last century. Instead of looking at a soil's chemical properties, we catch a glimpse into the soil's DNA.

Recently, I attended a meeting where the presenter spoke glowingly about a new miracle product his company was marketing. His PowerPoint slides dutifully showed fancy tables and graphs, but as I looked around the room, I noticed that some folks were beginning to nod off.

Many forage buyers and sellers equate “horse-quality” hay to forages with the highest nutrient content, especially in comparison to “cow hay.”

Growing and producing horse-quality hay can be both a rewarding and frustrating experience. On one hand, horse owners are often willing to pay a premium for what they consider “horse-quality” hay, but on the contrary, they can be much more selective as compared to other clientele.

While drones and imagery are flying along, the evolution of soil testing seems to be moving at an earthworm's pace.

As spring progresses to summer, the percentage of haylage and small grains in TMR often increases to stretch corn silage inventories or to dilute corn silage if the quality isn’t as good as we had hoped.