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.

“Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting.” While the applicability of this quote varies based on the context in which it is used, it highlights the fact that water is a precious and valuable resource.

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.

Harvest timing, length of cut and correct packing are all key to high-quality forage production in 2024. It all begins with a quality first cutting.

Forage quality is a crucial consideration on a dairy, impacting the success and profitability of your operation.

By concentrating on improving bale density, producers can significantly enhance their return on investment.

While producers and industry professionals alike recognize why forage sampling is important and generally agree with the oft-cited mantra of, “You cannot manage what you do not measure,” taking sufficient and accurate samples often falls to the bottom of the priority list.

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.