July 29 2024 Net wrap and baler twine configured out of plastic as thin as five-thousandths of an inch thick can hold the shape and support the weight of bales well over 1,000 pounds
July 2 2024 Being half forage and half grain, corn silage has the unique ability to meet a range of energy and fiber requirements. That being said, it can be a difficult ingredient to incorporate into different t
July 2 2024 Moving round bales out of a field and under cover may seem like one more item on the to-do list of a busy hay season, but rushing to complete this step may result in improper storage that can squander
July 2 2024 Winter wheat harvest is running ahead of schedule this year, especially in Midwestern states like Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. An early end to wheat season opens up acreage for annual forage crops tha
June 25 2024 All entrepreneurs want their businesses to be profitable, and the greater the profit margin, the better. Grazing businesses are no exception, but factors like land area, carrying capacity, and feed co
June 18 2024 Perhaps the best way to understand grazing livestock and forage management from a fresh perspective is to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes — or in their pasture. Whether you are a beginni
June 18 2024 Rain has finally quenched the thirst of several drought-stricken states this spring, especially in the Midwest. With that said, the wet weather that has delayed planting and harvesting activities has
June 11 2024 As the summer progresses, perennial forage production will start to slide downward on the forage growth curve. Having a warm-season annual at the ready to graze or harvest when cool-season grasses go
June 11 2024 Not all weeds look — or smell — like they will wreak havoc on a pasture. Take multiflora rose, for instance. Despite its sweet smell and summertime blooms, it is one invasive plant that can...
June 4 2024 Whether farmers raise dairy cattle, beef cattle, or any other type of livestock, one thing they all have in common is that they must manage variability — variability in weather, variability in marke
June 4 2024 Most cool-season perennials will reach peak forage quality soon, if they haven’t done so already. This downfall from the spring flush of fresh growth results in lower fiber digestibility and crude...
May 28 2024 Annual forages can be valuable tools for livestock producers who want to diversify their forage resources and bolster their feed supplies. They are especially useful to extend the grazing season in ei
May 28 2024 Even though water is the most important nutrient for livestock, it is often the most limiting. Forage intake will suffer if water intake doesn’t suffice, and animal health and performance hinge on...
May 21 2024 Cereal grain and alfalfa harvests are afoot on many Midwestern farms, and with planting underway, corn will have its harvesting heyday in the second half of the growing season, too. Just because these
May 21 2024 In some regions, cattle may be transitioning from winter annuals to perennial forage, while in others, the grazing season is just beginning. Nevertheless, it’s time to check last-minute items
May 14 2024 Making hay for horses is a different beast, figuratively and literally speaking. In addition to high quality and color standards, the tolerance and acceptance of toxic plants in horse hay can vary gre
May 14 2024 An invasion of orange cones and an influx of scaffolding are sure signs that construction season is upon us. Those summer crews that sport neon vests while repaving roads and repairing buildings
May 7 2024 The futures market is shining a more promising light on milk prices for the second half of the year. Even with record high milk prices expected, though, the risk of weaker export sales, changes
