Feb. 7, 2023
Farmers and ranchers operate with the understanding that many things are beyond their control despite the best laid plans and management. Market prices, input costs, pests, and diseases are just some...


Jan. 1, 2023
Feed and forage analysis interpretation in most cases begins and ends with a focus on protein and carbohydrate measures. The prior two articles in this series centered upon improving your ability to u...


Nov. 7, 2022
In the August/September “Feed Analysis” column, we delved into forage protein and its associated complex feed analysis measures. The nitrogen and amino acids in forage are valuable, with protein s...


Nov. 7, 2022
Several scientists have contributed enormously to the dairy industry during the past 50 years, and Dave Mertens might be at the top of the list. If you still need convinced of this reasoning, I invite...


Oct. 25, 2022
Despite alfalfa’s popularity, there are many reasons producers plant and feed alternative forages. Seeding grass species, cover crops, or cocktail mixes may be viable solutions to alfalf...


Oct. 11, 2022
Being an early adopter is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s possible to gain a competitive advantage; on the other hand, mistakes need to be made in real time as there is little experience...


Aug. 16, 2022
Throughout Northern U.S. dairy regions, forage harvester hay heads will soon be replaced with those of a corn silage ilk, and processor rolls will be cranked down...


Aug. 10, 2022
It's corn silage harvest season — a short window of time that affects dairy profitability all year long. What can go wrong?...


Aug. 10, 2022
Have you ever driven past an alfalfa field a few days after harvest and noticed distinct tracks where the equipment traveled?...


July 12, 2022
Let’s be clear on one thing: Corn silage is the primary feed source of the dairy industry...