Producers learn to maximize forage and feed production

Putting out the best possible silage is on the minds of local producers, following 2015 Corn Silage Day south of Simplot near Portage. Manitoba Agriculture food and livestock specialist Shawn Cabak explains the goal of the day was to provide information to farmers, when it comes to growing and producing silage.                         

"We're looking at what the main factors are for growing high yielding corn, some of that is fertility, weed control, plant populations and varieties. We also had Pride Seeds grain plot we were looking at, and Dieter Schwartz with Pride Seeds highlighting some of the features on his varieties. We also had someone talking and corn and cereal harvest management, as well as feed silage."

He says the topic is something that's on many producer's minds, noting feeding costs is one of the highest costs incurred by farmers.

"Maximizing forage and feed production is important, especially with high land prices. With poor haying weather and high grain yields, we have more producers looking at alternatives such as putting up corn or cereal silage and/or wrapping alfalfa haylage or making it into a bale silage."

Cabak notes the silage day wrapped up with demonstrations, focusing on mixing silage, as well as baling.