Spring alfalfa planting is just around the corner. David Miller, director of alfalfa breeding at Pioneer, discusses some factors to take into consideration before putting the seed in the ground. Miller looks at seedbed preparation, planting depth and soil quality recommendations. [audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3?http://zimmcomm.biz/pioneer/pioneer-podcast-49-wdd.mp3] Dave Miller on Spring Alfalfa Planting (4:45 min MP3) To see all archived Pioneer Forage Forum podcasts, click … Read More
New Traits in Alfalfa – Picking the Right Variety
Alfalfa was once considered a one-size-fits-all crop. Through alfalfa breeding and technology, new alfalfa traits offer growers options for matching the right product to the right field conditions. David Miller, director of alfalfa breeding at Pioneer, discusses these new trait advances. [audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3?http://zimmcomm.biz/pioneer/pioneer-podcast-48-wdd.mp3] Dave Miller on New Alfalfa Traits (5:18 min MP3) To see all archived Pioneer Forage Forum podcasts, click … Read More
Feed Efficiencies for Difficult Times
The recent turn in dairy commodity prices have producers looking for tactics to boost their bottom lines. Jim Smith, Pioneer livestock information manager, discusses some management practices to maximize production and lower input costs. Smith says to group the herd according to production capabilities and feed those animals accordingly, focusing on the most profitable animals in an operation. Smith also … Read More
New CBB Chair is Dairy Producer
I had the pleasure this morning of conducting the first interview with the new Chairman of the Beef Board. She’s dairy producer, Lucinda Williams. The Board releases some background information on Linda which I’m sharing with you here. Lucinda’s roots to the beef industry date back to life growing up as the daughter of a Colorado cowboy and rancher. Lucinda’s … Read More
Some Dairy Economics From CattleFax
At this year’s Cattle Industry Forum which is held at the Cattle Industry Convention, we heard from three speakers starting with Kevin Good, CattleFax. He made a presentation about the importance of dairy breeds to beef production and the size of herds and the trends for dairy cattle numbers including changes around the country on a regional basis. He talks … Read More
Starch Digestibility
More than half of the digested fiber comes from the starch and sugar portion of the corn kernel. Therefore, it is vital for a producer to evaluate the availability of fiber in feed supplies this winter and look at factors such as kernel particles that can make a difference in the nutritional value of their silage. Energy from starch is … Read More
Ensiled Versus Dry Corn
Curious as to whether ensiled corn is better for your operation than dry corn? Scott Dennis, Pioneer Hi-Bred technical services manager for forage additives, says it’s not a matter of whether one has more nutritional value but rather how effectively an animal digests the nutrients. Ensiled or high-moisture corn, makes the starch more available to the rumen bacteria. Dennis, however, … Read More
Different Strains of Inoculants
Have you ever wondered how inoculants work and what job each inoculant strain serves? Scott Dennis, Pioneer Hi-Bred technical services manager for forage additives, sorts through the information, explaining the role for each strain and the impact it has on silages. [audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3?http://zimmcomm.biz/pioneer/pioneer-podcast-44-wdd.mp3] Scott Dennis on Inoculant Strains (5:00 min MP3) To see all archived Pioneer Forage Forum podcasts, click here. … Read More
Winter Inventory Strategies
Higher feed prices have put a new twist on developing a strategy for winter feeding for dairy producers. Leo Brown, Livestock Information Manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred, discusses steps livestock producers can take to make the transition to new feedstocks as efficient as possible from an economic and production perspective. “Every year is different,” says Brown. “Because a feed ration worked … Read More
EXCEDE Approved By FDA For Foot Rot
While I was at World Dairy Expo I also spoke with Dr. Gary Neubauer, Pfizer Animal Health, about the fact that EXCEDE has now been approved by the FDA to treat foot rot. In this interview with him he begins by talking about the company’s Dairy Wellness Plan which he says is the flagship of the dairy side of Pfizer. … Read More