August 1, 2024

August 1, 2024 Progressive Forage digital magazine

July 31, 2024

Spreading fixed costs over multiple revenue streams

Agricultural businesses are asset-heavy. Rather than making efforts to lower fixed costs, livestock producers may find more success evaluating how they can generate additional revenue with their current assets.

July 3, 2024

Ross Bronson

Have you ever heard the saying, “Farmers are the poorest millionaires you’ll ever know”? Millionaire status is not based on the amount of money someone has sitting in the bank but rather their overall net worth.

Forage Market Insights: Still on summer break

July 22, 2024

Joy Hendrix

While the rest of the world may be getting ready to start getting in to the swing of things, the hay market is savoring the last of summer. Producers are holding on to good pastures, and the hay market is still on summer break.

Precision starter guide for hay and forage equipment

Technologies, like the more common autoguidance and assisted steering tools all the way up to full autonomy, are driving productivity in all segments of agriculture.

July 22, 2024

Chris Ehman

The use of precision technology has been a pivotal evolution for agricultural practices, aiding farmers in crop management, resource optimization and operational efficiency.

Factors impacting forage quality for grazing beef cattle

As the seasons progress, the nutrient content of grazing forages evolves. Understanding what is going on in those plants can help you provide your cattle with the highest plane of nutrition possible throughout the year.

June 5, 2024

Sam Wyffels

As the summer months progress, the forage quality for grazing cattle begins to change rapidly for much of the western U.S. Cattle performance is dependent on the consumption of digestible nutrients; thus, forage quality and availability are essential for grazing-based systems.

Winter cereals for early spring grazing in an integrated livestock cropping system

Winter cereals provide excellent forage for livestock, either for grazing or to be hayed for roughage. They provide green, active growing plants during the fall and early winter periods, and extend the growing season of living plant roots in the soil.

July 9, 2024

Kevin Sedivec and Miranda Meehan

Winter cereals provide green, actively growing plants during the fall and early winter periods and are the first to green up in the spring.

The fiber that gels

July 12, 2024

Woody Lane

Fiber isn’t fiber isn’t fiber. Lots of folks talk about fiber – doctors, teachers, marketers, nutritionists – but there are different types of nutritional fiber, and fiber digestibility partially depends on the species of animal consuming it.

Carter Cattle Company: Leave it better than you found it

July 24, 2024

Carrie Veselka

At Carter Cattle Company LLC in Pintlala, Alabama, every decision is made with the future in mind. The Carter operation was named the National Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner in 2022.

Safe silage harvest: Prepare now to prevent accidents later

Improve the safety on your farm by adding the following to your preharvest checklist: Inspect equipment, clean storage facilities, check lights and flashers on vehicles and equipment, develop safety protocols, and take the time to maintain your physical and mental health.

July 23, 2024

Emily Krekelberg

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.

Preserve homegrown nutrients for milk production

July 19, 2024

Charlie Kunisch

A herd’s potential for milk production is greatly influenced by the quality of forages we put in storage and how well we preserve them.

Building a strong foundation for your feed program begins with high-quality silage

Good management starts in the field before the crop is even harvested.

July 15, 2024

Kasey Hower

The foundation of most diets fed to dairy and beef cattle includes forages, but making them into high-quality silage that can be fed year-round is a challenge.

Simplifying the feeding program: Steps toward improved efficiency

As every farm strives for greater production efficiency and lower costs, it makes sense periodically to evaluate what is being fed, especially in the premix.

April 22, 2024

Stephen B. Blezinger

A few months ago, I received a call from a dairyman who was having issues with his somatic cell count (SCC). He asked me to look over his feeding program and see if I saw anything that they might be overlooking or that stood out as a problem that might affect somatic cell, mastitis levels, etc.

5 tips to keep kids safe during silage season

Tips to improve silage safety for children include keeping children away from silage storage areas and out of the way of operators, dressing them in highly visible clothing, discouraging them from playing on equipment and informing them of what to do in case of an emergency.

July 24, 2024

Amber Adams Progar

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.

Irons in the Fire: Miracles and rays

July 31, 2024

Paul Marchant

Summer was rolling along. We’d flown by the solstice so quickly I didn’t even recognize it before it was a few days behind me in the rearview mirror.

Equipment Hub: Understand what you’re buying

July 17, 2024

Brad Nelson

I forget how the discussion started, but the other day I mentioned using a cobalt drill bit to easily drill through the handle of an adjustable wrench. The best of my other drill bits wouldn’t touch it, and my cobalt bit made a nice hole without issue.

Tales of a Hay Hauler: Respect can make for safety

July 29, 2024

Brad Nelson

Wes McPherson had a Fu Manchu mustache to die for. Full and just the right bit of dark hair mixed with the gray. A well-worn cowboy-style hat – felt, for all but the hot summer.

I don't have the words

July 30, 2024

Joy Hendrix

Words hold immense power. They can uplift and inspire or hurt and discourage. With words, we can build bridges of understanding or walls of division. They shape our thoughts, influence actions and leave lasting impacts. Choose your words wisely, for they can change lives and shape our world.

Our Publications

Progressive Forage

Digital edition

August 1, 2024 Progressive Forage digital magazine

News & business

Spreading fixed costs over multiple revenue streams

Forage Market Insights: Still on summer break

Topic articles

Precision starter guide for hay and forage equipment

Factors impacting forage quality for grazing beef cattle

Winter cereals for early spring grazing in an integrated livestock cropping system

The fiber that gels

Carter Cattle Company: Leave it better than you found it

Safe silage harvest: Prepare now to prevent accidents later

Preserve homegrown nutrients for milk production

Building a strong foundation for your feed program begins with high-quality silage

Simplifying the feeding program: Steps toward improved efficiency

5 tips to keep kids safe during silage season

Departments

Irons in the Fire: Miracles and rays

Equipment Hub: Understand what you’re buying

Tales of a Hay Hauler: Respect can make for safety

I don't have the words

Forage Market Insights: Shifting prices and seasons

Optimizing health in beef cattle receiving programs

How genomic testing can help lower somatic cell count and increase profit

FREE NEWSLETTERS

SUBSCRIBE to Leading Industry Magazines

I'm looking for ________

[Podcast] Dr. Geof Smith: Maximizing longevity and calf health