Forage quality doesn’t increase after harvest, so it’s critical to achieve optimal harvest and store it right to reduce loss. Let our experts tell you how.
Another harvest season is approaching and, as always, there is no guarantee the weather this season will be better than last.
While some producers suffered from less forage supply than expected, many were starting from a comfortable supply left in bunks from the previous year.
The following came in response to the article 'Drying forage for hay and haylage' which appeared in the May 2011 edition. Click here to read the original article.
Spring winds, unwelcome frosts and the occasional rainstorm have been reminding us that crop season is upon us once again.
The most common technique in North America for harvest of forage crops is making hay. When put up correctly, hay is cost-effective, meets the nutritional needs of nearly all classes of livestock and, if protected from weather damage, can be stored almost indefinitely.
Round bales have become the industry standard in many areas for haymaking systems due to their capacity, the mechanization of hay handling and the reasonable cost of the machinery required.
Historically, when hay was stacked loosely (without binding), it may have dried more extensively than modern stacks because of the time required for hand labor.
When small bales became the most common method for harvesting hay from 1950 to 1975, the bales were hand-stacked, weighed 40 to 80 pounds per two-string bale and density was 8 to 11 pounds per cubic foot.
Alfalfa may be considered the “queen” of forages, but it is also known for its low tolerance of less-than-ideal soil conditions and management.
Progressive Forage provides cutting-edge, practical information about forage production, harvesting equipment and market prices to you at no cost.
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Progressive Forage is the Forage Industry Resource for progressive hay, silage and pasture producers. With contributors including freelance writers, extension specialists and allied industry partners, the leading-edge content is balanced and promotes the best in the forage industry.
All editorial content for Progressive Forage is driven by one primary goal – to provide informational resources that ensure success for forage producers.
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