Now is the time to start assessing the yield potential for alfalfa stands – looking for potential winterkill concerns. There are several factors that affect winter injury, such as stand age, variety, soil conditions, such as pH fertility and fall moisture, timing of the last cut and cutting interval. In some parts of the country, snow cover is also a … Read More
Spring Alfalfa Planting
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
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
Evaluating Cost Effective Feed Options
Feed prices are high and look to remain on the high end. There are some factors for producers to keep in mind for their dairy operation. According to Leo Brown, livestock information manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred, producers should evaluate cost-effective feed ingredients, look for good buys, manage the basics of feeding on the farm and keep cows in top reproductive … Read More
Harvesting High Moisture Corn at the Right Time
High-moisture corn (HMC) offers growers some benefits that dry corn may not. Leo Brown, Pioneer Hi-Bred livestock information manager, says high-moisture corn is increasing in popularity because growers have a longer window of time for optimum harvesting, which reduces their field losses. Also helping to reduce losses is the availability of L. Buchneri inoculants specifically designed for HMC at the … Read More