There is little debate that well-fermented forages conserve dry matter, provide the opportunity for higher-forage diets and reduce purchased feed costs.

The main reason to inoculate forages is to provide insurance that forages will ferment properly.

As you are planning this year’s corn silage harvest, keep in mind the end user – the dairy cow – to produce the highest-quality silage possible for feeding.

Decisions made at chopping affect silage quality in the bunker, nutrition in the feed alley and milk in the tank. Poor-quality silage can lead to lower nutritional value, mold, yeast and toxin presence, reduced feed intake and rumen upset.

Escalating commodity prices are increasing the cost to feed cows. The increase in commodity prices and the competition for crop acres is also driving up the cost of silage.

Even so, silage is still the least-expensive raw material on the farm, so it is imperative to get the most out of silage as possible. Proper silage management must be practiced from field to bunk to reduce losses and ensure a quality feed.