Forage Production
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Testing forages for beef cattle rations

December 31, 2010

Forages are a primary energy feed source. From a forage standpoint, as plants mature, fiber increases. Fiber is less digestible than other plant parts and fiber digestibility declines as plants mature.

How to determine cost of hay production

December 31, 2010

Most hay producers want to produce hay as profitably as possible. Establishing economic goals is the first step towards profitability. Once goals are established, farmers benefit by developing a management mindset centered on a business approach.

Enhance risk management strategies through fall tax planning

November 26, 2010

As calendar year 2010 quickly comes to a close, farm managers are meeting with their income tax professionals to assemble tax management plans to take advantage of new tax law changes.

Hay quality versus hay quantity

November 10, 2010

The foundation of profitable livestock production is good forage management. The definition of “good” forage management depends on the livestock enterprise, the farm and the economic environment.

Forage yield has a major impact on the economics of harvesting stored feed. As first harvest is delayed, forage yield increases but forage quality decreases.

Planning a successful hay program

November 10, 2010

You may be wondering why winter would be a good time to discuss a hay management program. My experience is that a key to a successful hay program is planning.

Marketing your business based on feed quality delivered

September 8, 2010

Developing a fair and equitable method of charging for custom harvesting forage has long been a popular point of discussion. Most operations charge clients on a per-ton, per-hour or per-acre basis.

Custom feed and forage production

September 8, 2010

Over the last few years there has been some increasing interest in custom feed and forage production.

To fence or not to fence?

September 4, 2010

The following is an excerpt from Genevieve Christ's blog, PAfarmgirl. Christ is a Penn State Cooperative Extension agronomist in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and blogs about agricultural issues.

Pricing standing forage

July 22, 2010

Sales of standing forage require an estimate of market price and a method of determining yield – whether forage is sold by the bale, ton or acre – as a starting point for negotiations between the buyer and seller.

Farm marketing plans

May 31, 2010

Whether it is a conscious action or not, we are all engaged in risk management planning. Prepaying for seed and fertilizer, planning crop rotations, farming in multiple locations and signing up for crop/farm insurance are all considered risk management activities.