Quality Forage Production

November 10 - November 19, 2015


Topic focus includes maximizing forage yields by setting realistic yield goals, optimizing fertility, varietal selection, planting and harvesting management, as well as the importance of early pest control, picking the right seed, soil fertility, and harvest and storage management affects quality. We will provide information and guidelines on managing forage pests. This classroom session will qualify attendees for 2 DEC credits as an added bonus. Insects, diseases, and weeds of corn, and alfalfa. The module will highlight forage storage including bunk fill management, packing techniques, management of forage while in storage, managing inventories, nutrition and its importance in dairy cow rotation, factors affecting palatability and digestibility, trends occurring in forage feeding, and profitability. The on-farm visit is usually every attendee's favorite session. The hands-on application of classroom materials provides great experiences. This on-farm field day will teach scouting techniques, educate on forage samples (measuring TMRs with shaker boxes, discuss reading and interpreting forage tests, as well as measure forage dry matter). The class will also take soil samples, read soil tests and interpret their results, discussing how levels correspond to different forages.