This hay equivalent may be divided to provide 5 tons of hay and 12 tons of corn silage. Table 1 gives an estimation of productivity of crops in Missouri. These estimations are only approximate because conditions vary considerably throughout the state. Approximate productivity of crops in Missouri as reported by the mail-in record program. Information on Missouri dairy farms participating in the 1980 mail-in record program.
Adequate slope is necessary for good drainage and ease of manure handling.
Evaluate the soil type carefully. It will determine the number of acres needed for forage production. You may need 3 to 4 acres of excellent land and 4 to 8 acres of marginal land per cow unit if you plan to raise some or all of your forage. Traditionally, dairy farmers have sought to produce most of the forage for their cows, but as land and machinery costs have risen, more dairy farmers have chosen to dry lot their cows and operate with a minimum acreage of farmland. Nevertheless, it is important to determine whether a sufficient supply of quality forage is available prior to establishment of small acreage dry lot dairy operations.