As the 2020 silage season comes to an end, it’s time to start planning for the next year, and the issue of managing feed shrink should be at the front of every farmer’s mind. Feed makes up 40-60 percent of the total cost of producing milk, and, on average, farms lose 12 percent of feed through shrink. Consider the guide below on the factors that can cause shrink and how to anticipate these losses.

Harvest

When harvesting wet forages, making sure that they are wet enough to go through fermentation properly and pack well is key. Covering piles or bunks with a plastic that is at least 5 millimeters thick can also reduce shrink. Research has shown that uncovered piles can have a dry matter loss of 30-40 percent. 

Packing is also an important factor. It is recommended that for every ton of silage delivered, 800 pounds of pack for your tractor is required. A 3:1 ratio of height to width has been found to allow for the best packing, without the sides getting too steep. 

Both packing and covering reduce the amount of oxygen that can get to the feed, which will allow for good fermentation and reduce dry matter loss. Many farms will also use an inoculant to speed up and create a better fermentation of the silage.

Storage Type

Storage type is also a factor in shrink. Bulk ingredients used on farms that are stored in upright bins typically have a 1-2 percent shrink, while bulk ingredients stored in open bays have a 5-15 percent loss. If bulk ingredients are being purchased, and they are dry enough to come out of an upright bin, the difference in shrink when switching away from an open bay can often pay for the new upright bin storage.

Feed Out

Knowing how much of the forage will be fed per day will help determine how large a feed face can be managed. The general rule of thumb is removing at least 6 inches of forage per day, so understanding how well your feed is packed, and knowing how many tons per foot of pile, bunk, or bag is critical in keeping quality feed.

As the dairy industry continues to be tried financially, improving how forages and bulk ingredients are stored and used can save money and increase quality. If you have any questions about your forages, reach out to Allied Cooperative, based in Adams, WI. Join them on October 6, 2020 for their virtual Forage Management Meeting. Call their Feed Mill at (608) 786-1102 to RSVP and register for their farmer’s co-op online.