Plan ahead for better density in your pile and bunker through proper dry matter, chop length, layering, pack tractor weight, and delivery to storage.

It’s never too early to think about harvest. See our 12-Step Silage Success article in the June 2024 issue of Feedlot Magazine.

Silage is an integral part of your herd’s ration. Whether you grow it yourself or buy it from a neighbor, taking care of this valuable ingredient is worth the attention to detail. When harvested and stored correctly, you’ll benefit in three ways:

More inventory — the bunker or pile lasts longer with more tonnage and fewer feed losses. Every inch of discolored (black, tobacco brown, or carmel-colored) started as 4 inches of [insert $$ per ton you paid] potential inventory.

Better nutrition — it makes sense that cattle will eat more, milk better, and have less rumen upset when fed a higher-quality feed. Make good use of every pound of nutrition you’ve paid for.

Safer working area — silage bunkers and piles are dangerous places, but if we build them correctly, we can increase their density and decrease height, which can help avoid avalanches and falls.

No matter how many harvests you’ve done, there’s always something new to learn and improvements to make.