Muddy conditions are common across the Southeast this time of year. Not only does it create problems around hay-feeding areas, but it also affects cattle performance.

Reducing hay storage loss and feeding waste are always beneficial, but given limited forage supplies and the price of hay, this year they are even more critical.

The palatability of feed has a lot more to do with cattle health than some might think. Much like humans, if food doesn’t smell or taste good, cattle simply won’t eat it. However, we can’t discuss palatability without first considering the hygiene and quality of the forage in the feed.

Rising temperatures in summer months are challenging for highly productive cows, and this is exacerbated if feed is unstable, heating and spoiling during feeding.

This podcast episode is with Jared Coley, of Setac, a silage and feed covering company in Idaho's Magic Valley.

As a mom of three boys, one of my biggest pet peeves is a sink full of dirty dishes that no one else seems to notice. I have even threatened my boys that if they don’t put their dishes in the dishwasher (which is right next to the sink), dinner will be served on dirty dishes.