Forage Center

Is a Fungicide Right for Your Forages?

Each year, agronomists and nutritionists alike get many questions on fungicide applications on crops that are intended to be harvested for forage. Ultimately, we are supportive of fungicide.

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ION fx: Corn Silage Biological

Are you looking to take the next step in your silage yields? If the answer is yes adding a biological to your crop plan may be for you. There are numerous options on the market when deciding which biological to consider. The FS system uses the AgValidity program to vet out these sources, so you don’t waste your time or money on snake oil. The AgValidity program tests and screens thousands of products that are supposed to enhance yields. Each year, only a handful of products receive approval from AgValidity after a thorough evaluation process.

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The Cost of Inoculant: a 365 Payback

With corn harvest just around the corner, now is the time to evaluate your forage inoculant program. Inoculants can preserve the nutritional value of your ensiled forage - which ultimately translates into improved animal performance and higher return on investment. All corn products - corn silage, high moisture corn, and corn byproducts– are at an elevated risk of having mycotoxins compared to haylage and using a good crop specific inoculant from your local Insight FS feed specialist is a cost-effective way to mitigate these risks.

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Value of our Home-Grown Feedstuffs

One of the core nutritional philosophies of the Feed Division at Insight FS is to maximize the on-farm forage and home-grown feedstuffs that our clients produce. Insight FS knows that our customers thrive when they can grow quality feedstuffs and rely on their own forage center, rather than purchased feeds, to meet the production goals of their herd. 

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Weed Control in Cool Season Grass Pastures and Hay Fields

As spring temperatures steadily rise, our grasslands become green again and unfortunately, so too may weeds. This article discusses key aspects of considerations for weed management in cool season grass pastures and hay fields.

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Quick Notes on Summer Annual Forages

During the summer, productivity of our common perennial forages decrease due to increased heat and water stress.  In a droughty season, productivity may be extremely reduced, and other alternatives may be sought.  This is where summer annual forages come into play. 

Forage Management Determines Yearlong Ration Costs

Harvesting forage for livestock is arguably the primary focus for livestock producers during the summer months. Depending on production goals and the type of livestock, there are numerous options for selecting the most suitable forage that aligns with the nutritional goals of the herd. Over the years, crops such as alfalfa, various sorghum hybrids, perennial/annual ryegrass, and other small grain forages have been used to meet our livestock's needs. Each crop holds its own value and potential fit on a farm, depending on the tonnage and nutritional objectives.

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Managing Forage "Undesirables"

It is widely known that elements of our forage harvest, storage and feed-out processes can bring potential risk factors to our livestock herds. Topics like mycotoxins and forage hygiene are prevalent, and solutions to these concerns are readily available and quickly deployed to help manage the concern. The concerns associated with these challenges are a real threat to animal wellness and production.

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