Inside every storage structure is an invisible battle between “good” and “bad” microorganisms. If the good guys win, the prize is tons of nutrient-rich silage. If the bad guys win, there may be significant dry matter (DM) and nutrient losses, excessive spoilage, feed refusals, low animal performance or even poor animal health and reproduction. We really need the good guys to win.

When it comes to forage particle size, dairy producers could take a lesson from Goldilocks. Not too long. Not too short. But what is “just right?” Forage particle length affects many aspects of rumen function as well as dry matter intake (DMI). Regardless of current milk prices, input costs or other variables, milk production remains a dairy producer’s highest priority, and DMI is fundamental to achieving high milk production.