The problem

Producing stored forages for livestock is one of the highest costs for cow/calf producers.  A majority of the round bales produced sit outside after being baled thus exposing the forages to the weather.  Studies have shown dry matter losses of up to 50% if stored in poor drainage areas with high rainfall. Not only is dry matter % affected forages can also lose crude protein content and TDN.   

The educational program response

A few of producers expressed interest in learning more about storing forages inside to reduce the amount of stored forages needed, as well as retain the quality of the forage produced.  Through in office visits and farm visits, the producers received information on the different types of hay storage structures that they could build, hay tarps were also discussed.  

The participants/target audience

Beef cow/calf and beef backgrounder producers. 

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response.

Two producers have since built hay storage structures to store round bales inside to help prevent losses incurred by storing the hay outside uncovered. One other producer has purchased the building package and will construct the facility this summer and store his fall produced hay inside.