Dairy calves experience many challenges in early life, and producers need to be diligent in the hours and days after birth to ensure calf health and reduce mortality. Overall, research shows that eight percent of calves die within 48 hours of birth — this includes those born dead or those that die within the first… Read More
Category: Feeding
The new Massey Ferguson RB Series silage baler is engineered for durability, reliability, and high throughput, according to AGCO. It’s the first silage-specific baler ever offered by Massey Ferguson, says Matt LeCroy, tactical marketing manager for hay and forage at AGCO. He says the RB Series is a tough, heavy-duty choice for producers who bale corn… Read More
Do you plant a cover crop before or after you harvest corn silage? It’s an option dairy farmers should consider, says University of Wisconsin Extension crops and soils agronomist Heidi Johnson, especially when planting corn after corn. Removing corn silage and then leaving the ground bare risks soil erosion, decreases microbial activity, and reduces the field’s ability… Read More
Mycotoxin and mould growth in dairy feed can lead to lower milk production, poor animal health and reduced profits. This impact on production is not a new discovery for dairy producers, but there certainly is a growing awareness of the problem, says North Carolina State University professor emeritus Dr. Lon Whitlow. “A large part of it… Read More
What are the keys to making great corn silage? It’s really important to chop the crop at the right time to ensure you get the highest energy level possible,” says DuPont Pioneer dairy specialist Martina Pfister. In this episode of the Dairy School, Pfister explains that many farmers chop their silage too early. “You really want… Read More