Shrink is a Deceptive Term

Shrink is a Deceptive Term Brian Holmes, Professor Emeritus, UW-Madison The term shrink is used widely in the feed industry. It frequently is used to refer to the loss of feed during harvest, handling, and storage. Since it refers to the weight before and after a process, the moisture content and moisture content change can […]

Estimating the Weight of Forage in a Forage Wagon

Estimating the Weight of Forage in a Forage Wagon by Daniel W. Wiersma and Brian J Holmes Introduction Most dairy farmers do not have a drive-over scale available on their farms. Frequently it would be useful to know the weight of forage harvested from a field. Measuring alfalfa or corn silage yield is necessary to adjust […]

Making Sure Your Kernel Processor Is Doing Its Job

Making Sure Your Kernel Processor Is Doing Its Job by Kevin J. Shinners and Brian J. Holmes Introduction For cows to digest the starch in corn efficiently, the corn kernels in chopped and processed whole-plant corn must be broken into small particles. Three decades ago it was thought that effective starch utilization occurred if […]

Hay Market Report 6-27-16

FULL REPORT previous HAY MARKET REPORTS

Rain Damage to Forage During Hay and Silage Making

Rain Damage to Forage During Hay and Silage Making by Mike Rankin and Daniel Undersander Introduction Rain that occurs between the time forage is cut and harvested causes both yield and quality losses that reduce the value of the crop as an animal feed and a marketable commodity. Weather-induced losses can be caused by: Increased and […]

Effect of Wheel Traffic on Alfalfa Yield

Effect of Wheel Traffic on Alfalfa Yield by Dan Undersander How does wheel traffic cause forage loss? Wheel traffic causes yield reduction in part to both deep soil compaction and surface soil compaction. Another portion of the yield loss is due to cracking or breaking of crowns, which will reduce the shoots produced and […]

Hay Market Report 6-13-16

FULL REPORT previous HAY MARKET REPORTS

Assessing Alfalfa Stand Condition in the Spring

Assessing Alfalfa Stand Condition in the Spring by Dr. Dan Undersander, University of Wisconsin As alfalfa comes out of dormancy in the spring we should evaluate stands for condition and yield potential. The earlier we make a determination the more possibilities we have for remedial action. This stand assessment should occur in three parts: Are individual […]