Forage Shortfalls Again?

In 2012 some people were short of forage because of the dry weather. In 2013 some people will be short of forage because of the wet weather that delayed corn planting or caused some fields to not be planted at all. The strategies to deal with the shortfalls are pretty much the same.

Preserve what you harvest by following good storage and preservation practices. Determine your inventory and make plans earlier, rather than later, if you know you will be short of feed. Consider harvesting late cuttings of hay crop this fall. Consider the use of forage extenders in your ration. Wet brewers, soy hulls, citrus pulp, beet pulp, wheat midds, cottonseed, and other ingredients can stretch your forage supply if you add them early on. The forage they replace adds up over time. Consider heavier culling. Again, earlier culling will save forage over the long haul. Also, see if you can buy nearby corn for silage. Much of the late planted corn will have to be harvested for silage because it will not mature enough for grain. If you're looking for some guidance on how to price corn silage contact the office and ask for a fact sheet titled "How Do I Price Corn Silage?"