Managing Corn Silage Shortages - A Guide for Dairy Farmers

By Andi Anderson

Dairy farmers who are facing silage inventory shortages can purchase additional loads of silage to bridge the gap until new silage is ready for feeding. However, it is important to transition to new silage gradually to avoid rumen upset in cows.

MSU Extension recommends creating a separate short pile of newly harvested silage to feed for two to three weeks while the main silage pile ferments. This allows the new silage to begin the fermentation process without being disturbed by oxygen. Once the main silage pile is fully fermented, farmers can begin feeding it to their cows and gradually reduce the amount of short pile silage they are feeding.

It is also important to work with a nutritionist to adjust rations when feeding new silage. New silage may have different nutritional properties than fully fermented silage, so it is important to make sure that cows are still getting the nutrients they need.

In addition to managing the current shortage, dairy farmers should also take steps to prevent silage inventory shortages in the future. This includes keeping accurate records of silage usage and working with an agronomist to develop a silage production plan. Farmers should also consider selecting different hybrid varieties that are better suited to their growing conditions. By following these tips, dairy farmers can ensure that their cows have a stable supply of high-quality silage year-round.

Tips for feeding new silage:

• Create a separate short pile of newly harvested silage to feed for two to three weeks while the main silage pile ferments.
• Gradually increase the amount of new silage you are feeding and decrease the amount of short pile silage you are feeding until you are feeding the new silage exclusively.
• Work with a nutritionist to adjust rations when feeding new silage.

Tips for preventing silage inventory shortages:

• Keep accurate records of silage usage.
• Work with an agronomist to develop a silage production plan.
• Select hybrid varieties that are better suited to your growing conditions.

For more information, inquiries, or assistance with your dairy farm's situation, don't hesitate to contact Martin Mangual at MSU Extension, via email at carrasq1@msu.edu.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-luc-pouliot