There is an increased focus on the feed industry and hay markets as producers scramble to determine how they will combat low forage supplies this winter.

It’s common for dairy producers to experience a “fall slump,” or a time when cows fail to reach their full production potential. Producers also might notice decreased feed intake or loose manure.

When you consider the ration you feed your cows and the feed additives and nutritional components you invest in, do you also prioritize the conditions under which this feed is consumed?

Maximizing your silage space can allow producers to – quite literally – pack more tons of valuable feed into the same space.

Ensiling or fermenting fresh forage is an effective way to preserve nutrients, allowing us to feed animals year-round. However, the value and quality of silage is dependent on how well it was preserved.