The aim is to have all the feed through the mixer homegrown with the exception of a small amount of brewers grains, salt and minerals. Any purchased protein is fed through the computerized feeder in the free stall area. Quality haylage is extremely important to us. Quality forage begins with the small seed. Twelve pounds of multileaf alfalfa plus 4 pounds of ryegrass plus 1 pound of timothy make up the forage seed mixture.
Proper fertility is what maintains the stand.
Liquid manure is used on the corn crop and balanced with fertilizer when spread on the alfalfa crop. It is also essential to have adequate drainage. Tile drainage is an integral part of the program. Weather forecasts for the Mid West USA obtained via satellite through a subscription service are used as the basis for planning forage harvest since much weather tracks from the mid-west through here. Four good days are required to harvest the first cut forage stored as haylage.