Forages continue to be the “backbone” of successful dairy rations. Crude protein used to be the “focus” nutrient, but the focus has shifted to fiber digestibility for several reasons: digestible neutral detergent fiber (NDF) impacts microbial protein production, feed intake, rumen volatile fatty acid profile and production, and rumen pH associated with animal health.

Bill asked if adding amino acids to dry cow rations would be a good idea. His question was interesting, as several factors and new research reports indicate responses to added rumen-protected amino acids may be an economical and effective decision.

Fiber continues to be a key nutrient in the dairy rations of high-producing cows. Forages are the main source of fiber that may be raised on the dairy farm. But quality can vary greatly from crop to crop and year to year.

Trace minerals continue to be studied and explored in dairy cattle nutrition. Trace minerals do not immediately impact milk yield such as increasing amino acids, added fats and oils, or improved fiber digestibility.

Dairy farmers are facing a financial challenge as milk prices have dropped more than 40 percent since 2014. Future milk price increases may be several months away with excess milk production from the European Union, New Zealand and the United States, low oil prices limiting several countries from buying dairy products and Russia’s import ban.

With the 2016 forage harvest season in full swing, dairy managers will be testing their forages for nutrient content and quality. Several questions have been asked on how to evaluate energy content of forage.

With profit margins squeezed due to lower milk prices, dairy farmers are examining ways to reduce their cost of producing milk. Feed cost is at the top as dairy farmers control this expense compared to fuel, fertilizer, labor and health costs, and represents 50 percent of costs of production.

As of this writing (early December 2015), milk prices in the first quarter of 2016 may be dropping as the holiday demand for butter and cheese declines. Current butter and cheese prices are higher in the U.S. compared to the world market, while U.S. milk powder prices are similar to the world market.

It’s time to get ready for harvesting 2015 corn silage, as the crop has an early start in many areas of the U.S. With current corn prices, corn silage may be the most economical forage source available to your dairy herd. The following checklist can lead to a successful harvest session.

TRENDING TOPIC ARTICLE: FEED & NUTRITION In this video, published in the July 20, 2012 Progressive Dairyman Extra e-newsletter, Dr. Mike Hutjens of the University of Illinois discussed drought-stress corn concerns and strategies for the drought of 2012. At the time, nearly one-third of the U.S. corn crop was experiencing drought-stress.