Managing the gaps in today’s agriculture can be an issue, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer. When visiting an operation, several factors come into play before a crop becomes feed. Pioneer can offer expertise to deal with the full continuum – managing the gaps between growing and cutting the feed to packing the silo and … Read More
Pioneer Inoculant Products for Different Crops
Why does Pioneer have so many different silage inoculants? Pioneer microbiologists have focused on bacterial strains unique to each crop. Bacteria have special niches that they fill. Like humans in a room, some like it a little colder or warmer – bacteria works much the same way, designed for a specific environment. Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional services … Read More
Value of Starch in Corn Silage
Along with higher corn prices, the value of corn silage has tracked notably higher. The industry used to reference corn silage values at “a penny a pound” or $20 per ton. However, the higher corn market and costs related to silage harvest have boost corn silage values in upwards of $50 per ton, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global … Read More
Role of Yeast in Unstable Silages
While yeast is a common ingredient in feed rations, including yeast in silage can cause stability issues, particularly when there is significant variability in the corn crop, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional services for Pioneer Hi-Bred. An increasing amount of yeast can impact digestibility and palatability of the silage, but more importantly yeast can “heat up” the … Read More
Corn Silage for Heifers
Does corn silage really need to be that much different for heifers versus cows? According to Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional science for Pioneer Hi-Bred, the answer is yes since high fat deposits in growing heifers can cause havoc and production issues down the line. Hear how producers can potentially manage this problem and their crops to reduce … Read More
Preserving High Quality Silage
Do all forage additives improve the nutrient quality of silage? Bill Rutherford, research coordinator, Pioneer Forage Additive Group, answers that question and explains the process of preserving high quality silage. He highlights how forage additives can rapidly lowering ph levels and impact nutrients in a positive manor. Bill offers suggestions on how producers can ensure they are buying a quality … Read More
DeLaval International at IFAJ
For the third year in a row, DeLaval International sponsored the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists photo contest, presented at the annual congress, which was just held in Japan. DeLaval PR director Carina Kit presented the awards during the congress, with the help of IFAJ president David Markey. The winner was “The beauties of the winter in Schleswig-Holstein” from the … Read More
Silage Innoculants
Silage innoculants are discussed in this segment of the Pioneer Forage Forum, with information provided by Bill Rutherford, research coordinator, Pioneer Forage Additive Research Group. In addition to the much talked about L. buchneri, Rutherford provides information on organisms which also have an important role as components of silage inoculants. He explains why it is important to have multiple strains … Read More
Storage Time and Feeding Value
Timing is no more important than when it comes to feeding silage after harvest. Dr. Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences Manager, offers background and details on this subject in the latest Forage Forum segment. He also answers the question, does silage ever completely stabilize? Listen in for his answer as well as information on inoculants helping to conserve sugars … Read More
Starch in Fermented Grains
Starch in Fermented Grains is the topic of this Forage Forum segment, with information provided by Dr. Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences Manager. Dr. Mahanna reviews the importance of the form of corn when it is fed, especially to cattle feeders. Additionally, he weighs in on the pros and cons of high-moisture corn, focusing on the fermentation process and … Read More