Northern Kentucky Baleage and Botulism – A cow calf producer in Northern Kentucky experienced several deaths of cows from botulism from poorly ensiled baleage (round bale silage). The tainted feed was part of a large number of bales ensiled in a common tube-wrapped row of bales. The producer needed to know why the botulism occurred and if any of the remaining forage was safe to feed. After several consultations between the agent, Michelle Simon, the specialists (Jimmy Henning, Michelle Arnold and Jeff Lehmkuhler) and the producer, it was determined that the botulism was due to a large hole that developed in one section of the bales. From extensive testing of the fermentation profile of the remaining bales, it was determined that 160 bales were a low risk for feeding problems. This saved the producer over $4000 based on the value of the baleage alone. If he had not been able to use it, he would have had to replace the feed, making the total impact for this producer nearly $8000.