309 - Is The Future of Silage Bagged for Efficiency & Environment?

The Business of Agriculture Podcast

Silage — in case you’re unfamiliar— is high moisture forage chopped and stored for cattle feed, principally dairy animals. It derives its name from the fact we used to blow this forage into silos. That’s not done much anymore for reasons of safety, practicality, and scale. The most common method of ensiling and storing cow feed involves piling it on concrete, packing it with a large tractor, then covering with plastic. For reasons of economics and environment — which aren’t always opposing forces — the stack and pack silage practice may be changing. Large silage bags such as the 14 x 500 footers used by Iowa dairyman Anthony Nunes reduce feed waste, improve feed quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Nunes joins nutritionist Marc Etchebarne and environmental consultant Jake Schmitz to discuss the future of feed storage. Sponsored by: Pattern Ag pattern.ag AGvisorPRO getagvisorpro.com Truterra truterraag.com