Packing density can make or break corn silage quality, yet many southern Idaho operations still struggle to hit the minimum standard.

Late September in Wisconsin brought a corn silage harvest ride-along opportunity during the final day of the Jaguar 1000 Series demo tour. Alan Osterhaus, a territory product specialist, shared his expertise in hay tools and forage harvesters.

The International Silage Conference is a place where real-world issues meet real-world solutions among a vibrant, global blend of custom harvesters, academics, industry professionals and forward-thinking producers.

Recently, I attended the 20th International Silage Conference in Gainesville, Florida – an event that brought together more than 330 leaders in silage research, innovation and sustainable agriculture from 37 countries.

Their names are synonymous with silage safety. This year, the global forage community gathered to honor the enduring impact of Dr. Keith and Ruthie Bolsen.

To mitigate bunker silo hazards, it is crucial to ensure safety protocols are in place when filling, covering and removing silage, as well as when handling gases and performing other tasks around the bunker silo.

There are six main hazards when it comes to silage: 1) complacency and fatigue, 2) entanglement by machinery, 3) rollover by machinery, 4) fall from heights, 5) crushing by silage avalanche or collapse, and 6) silo gases. By regularly taking safety precautions at each of these hazard points, we can ensure that our farm workers return home safely at the end of the day.

As silage season approaches, now is the time to start having conversations about silage safety with your children. It is also the right time to put practices into place that will make this silage season safe. Here are five tips to help you keep this silage season safe for your children. 

Safety for corn silage harvest includes everything from equipment checks to personal care. It’s no secret that harvest season is a dangerous time on any farm. Help prevent your farm from becoming another statistic by following these easy – and potentially lifesaving – safety tips.