Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence (WAYP) Program 2017 Summary Report PDF Version Program Objectives: To verify the yield and quality of alfalfa harvested from production fields over the life of the stand beginning with the first production year (year after seeding). To quantify decreases in stand productivity of alfalfa fields as they age. 2017 Overview: […]
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Silo Gas and Silo-Filler’s Disease Safety Notes Increased nitrates as a result of the dry growing season are a concern not only for livestock but for humans as well. Weeds and corn are naturally high in nitrates. Nitrate levels in corn are extremely high after a rain following a dry period. High levels of nitrates […]
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Bunker Silo Facers – worth the investment? by Brian Holmes (updated 8/2003) Introduction Bunker silo facers are a form of silage unloader. They are frequently constructed as teeth attached to a drum. The drum is mounted on a boom attached to a power unit (skid steer, tractor, telehandler, etc.) The drum is rotated while unloading and is […]
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Dry Round Hay Bale Storage Costs by Brian Holmes Introduction Round bale storage economics depends on a variety of issues. Investments in structures need a longer time to yield beneficial returns, while low capital systems can be used for a short period before they pay off. If a person will be in the hay storage business […]
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Prevent Hay Mow and Silo Fires by R.L. Tormoehlem, R.G. Koegel, H.D. Bruhn and D.V. Jensen Numerous barn and silo fires occur annually in Wisconsin. Barn fires, usually caused by spontaneous ignition of hay, occur during and after the haying season. Silage may spontaneously ignite when it is ensiled at less than 40 percent moisture. Barn and silo […]
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Wisconsin Alfalfa Yield and Persistence (WAYP) Program 2016 Summary Report Program Objectives To verify the yield and quality of alfalfa harvested from production fields over the life of the stand beginning with the first production year (year after seeding). To quantify decreases in stand productivity of alfalfa fields as they age. 2016 Overview: This summary […]
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Factors Affecting Bunker Silo Densities by Brian J. Holmes1 and Richard E. Muck2 1Biological Systems Engineering Department, University of Wisconsin – Madison 2USDA, ARS, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center April 12th, 1999 Introduction Attaining a high density in a silo is important for two primary reasons. Firstly and most importantly, density and dry matter content determine the porosity of […]
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Preserving Baled Hay with Organic Acids by Mike Rankin Introduction Weather patterns in the upper Midwest often make it difficult to field-cure hay below 20 percent moisture on a consistent basis. In some cases, growers may desire to harvest hay at higher moisture levels to reduce harvest losses from mechanical leaf shattering and improve forage quality. […]
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Improving Forage and TMR Bunk Life by Jim Leverich and Randy Shaver Introduction Forages and total mix rations (TMRs) that begin heating after they are fed can lower dry matter intake and animal performance. Proper management during ensiling and feeding can minimize heating in the feed bunk and improve palatability. What causes feed to heat in a bunk? […]
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Silage Bag Capacity by Brian J. Holmes We frequently get questions about the amount of silage in a silo bag. One way to estimate this value is to calculate the volume in the bag and multiply by its density. The volume of a round bag is calculated as: V = 3.14 × (D2 ÷ 4) × L Where: […]
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