Forage Shortfalls Again?
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?"
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MeatSuite.com is a free resource provided by Cornell University where NY meat farmers can create a farm profile and list their bulk (wholes, halves, quarters) and bundled (i.e. Grilling Bundle) meat products.Why should farmers join?
1. It's free and easy!
2. Connect with more local customers. In the past year the MeatSuite.com farm directory had 8,300 visits from New York consumers. Farm profiles get as many as 25 views per month from potential local customers. We also spotlight MeatSuite farms on social media and bring attention and purchases to farms through highlights and giveaways.
How do I join?
Farmers can visit https://www.meatsuite.com/farmers/ to create a free farm profile. You must list at least one product for your farm's profile to go live. You'll also have access to Cornell's free Meat Price Calculator, a helpful tool for pricing your meat to make a profit.
While you're on MeatSuite, check out the "Creating Consumer-Friendly Bulk Meats" publication on the log-in page. It has tips on how to create bulk meat products that are easier for first-time buyers to say "yes" to.
If you have any questions as you create your farm profile or products, we're here to help! Please email Matt LeRoux at mnl28@cornell.edu.