With winter approaching, it may be hard to watch the weather destroy your winter wheat crop. Fortunately, being prepared and having a backup plan may save your sanity.

Erratic weather patterns across the U.S. have stressed many silage crops in the field. Some regions and forage crops have experienced prolonged high temperatures and drought.

In the dairy industry, corn silage is often fed to gestating and lactating cows. In big dairy states such as Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania and Minnesota, corn silage production and feeding has been optimized by forage and dairy producers alike.

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.