Forage Foundations

By Kyle Taysom, Dairyland Laboratories, Inc.
Forage minerals can have many impacts on animal health and production. Although minerals are relatively inexpensive to supplement, failing to account for the variation of minerals within forages can lead to substantial over- or underfeeding.

By Jon Urness, Vita Plus national forage specialist
Nutritionists sometimes use RFV and RFQ to describe how a certain forage is feeding. However, these two values mean more when you compare the relative dollar value of different forages in the market.

By Dr. Michelle Windle, Vita Plus forage products and dairy technical specialist
Moving and re-ensiling silage is never ideal because it exposes the silage to oxygen and predisposes the feed to spoilage. However, you can minimize the impact of this practice with a few preventative steps.

When spring comes around, farmers get anxious to get the planter out and hit the fields. Before you can start putting seed in the ground, make sure you give your planter a proper preseason check. Don Seltzner, Mid-State Equipment, said these are some of the key areas you should check before hitting the fields.

By Jon Urness, Vita Plus national forage specialist
For the past 40 years, Midwest corn growers have increased plant populations in an effort to find that happy place where optimum yield and quality meet. At the Wisconsin Custom Operators and Midwest Forage Association Symposium, Dr. Joe Lauer, University of Wisconsin-Madison, spoke about research conducted to find that 'sweet spot.'

By Dr. Damon Smith, University of Wisconsin-Madison assistant professor and extension specialist
Treating field corn or grain with fungicide has become a common practice in the Midwest. More recently, research has been done on its application to corn for silage. While it may not increase yield, it may help improve feed conversion.

By Pat Hoffman, Vita Plus dairy technical specialist
Anyone who has worked with lactating dairy cows has likely made a comment about loose manure and passage rates, but what do we really know about forage passage rates and how can that help us formulate better diets for our lactating dairy cows?