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Statistics on agriculture and social media

September 27th, 2010 by Karlie Justus

We always enjoy chatting with agvocate Kelly Rivard on Twitter, and were happy to come across this AgWired post about a video she created for the AgChat Conference:

Farmers have a story and are learning to tell it more and more. This video was featured at the opening session of the AgChat Foundation’s first ever “Agvocacy 2.0 Training Conference” in Rosemont, Illinois where 50 farmers gathered to learn more about the tools of the trade.

“Agvocacy” is the term coined to represent the act of advocating agriculture. The AgChat Foundation works to empower a community of connected and enthusiastic “agvocates” through social media. This video gives insight on some of the tools used and some of the facts that drive the agvocacy campaign. Every farmer and rancher has a story, and it is time for them to share it.

Here are a few of the statistics you’ll find in the video, which you can also view on YouTube:

  • 23% of large acreage farmers spend more than 10 hours online weekly.
  • In 2009, 62% of high-acreage growers had sent or received text messages during the last year.
  • In 2009, 44% of high-acreage growers had begun taking pictures on their mobile phones.
  • As of 2009, 44% of large growers have been on Facebook.

Thanks to the entire AgChat Foundation crew for the interesting information!

Podcast: Dr. Randy Shaver on quality corn silage

September 23rd, 2010 by Courtney Beck

At NutriDense, we talk a lot about quality corn silage. What do we mean by that, and why is it important to dairy production?

For the answers to those questions and more, listen as I interview Dr. Randy Shaver, professor in the Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, in the first in a series of two podcasts.

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For more specifics on corn silage, visit our Silage University online learning tool. We designed it to help dairy producers, seed representatives and those involved in the dairy industry learn more about high-quality corn silage and its connections to feed efficiency.

Corn and Soybean Digest polls

August 18th, 2010 by Karlie Justus

Each week, Corn and Soybean Digest asks its readers to answer a poll on topics ranging from planting season and corn yields to sustainability and seed decisions. The results, found here, are always interesting and sometimes surprising.

Here are a few of our favorites so far:

Be sure to stop by the Corn and Soybean Digest website each week to answer and view new poll questions and results.

Feed Efficiency: Effect of Corn Silage Quality and Hybrid Selection

August 11th, 2010 by Rich Lutz

Feed costs in dairy rations are no doubt the largest single expense associated with milk production, as often they can average in excess of 50% of production costs.  Feed Efficiency (FE), also known as milk production efficiency, is often utilized to benchmark herds in terms of their relative profitability.

Hutjens (2007 and 2010)1, 2 offers practical approaches to feed efficiency and their applications on dairy operations.  With regard to silage quality contributing to feed efficiency, Hutjens points out the following:

  • As neutral detergent fiber (NDF) percent in the ration dry matter increased, FE declined from 1.8 to 1.4 based on Journal of Dairy Science data from 2002 to 2004.  FE values remained constant at 35 percent NDF and above.
  • Currently, with herd FE ranging from 1.4 to 1.7, each change in 0.1 point is worth approximately 34 cents per cow per day.
  • Feeding high-quality forage is a key solution.  Consider increasing corn silage levels in rations as cost per cow per day may drop 15- 30 cents as protein prices remain competitive.
  • Evaluate the use of silages with more effective fiber and high neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD).

For more practical tips on increasing feed efficiency, click here to read the paper.

Additionally, feeding corn silage hybrids with increased fiber digestibility has been shown to significantly increase FE in dairy herds.  Spain and Sampson (2007)3 published findings determining the feed values and ultimate effect on FE utilizing a corn silage hybrid with NutriDense Silage traits:

  • Cows fed NutriDense Silage produced 71.7 pounds/cow/day compared to 70 pounds/cow/day for cows receiving conventional corn silage.Based on dry matter intake, cows receiving NutriDense Silage were 11.4% more efficient than cows fed conventional silage (1.56 vs. 1.4).
  • In related in vitro work, Spain and Sampson observed a 13% increase in the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) with NutriDense Silage when compared to conventional silage.
  • This positive measurement of fiber utilization supports that NutriDense Silage contains favorable fiber for energy contribution to the overall TMR used in the feeding trial.

More recently, Chase (2010)4 conducted a trial with lactating dairy cows to examine the relationship between corn silage hybrid fiber digestibility, milk production, dry matter intake and feed efficiency.  Results demonstrated that:

  • Cows fed NDS had significantly better feed efficiencies when compared to cows receiving either BMR or conventional hybrid silages.Feed efficiency (kg 3.5% fat corrected milk/kg dry matter intake) was significantly higher for cows fed NDS (1.87) compared with either BMR (1.76) or conventional (1.74) rations (P<0.002).
  • Dairy consultants utilizing FE numbers to evaluate dairy production profitability may wish to consider how silage quality and hybrid selection can affect those values.

Rich Lutz is a forage specialist with BASF Plant Science. You can contact him at rich.lutz@basf.com.

References:

1 Hutjens, M.F.  2007.  Practical approaches to feed efficiency and applications on the farm.  Penn State Dairy Cattle Nutrition Workshop Proceedings.  Pages 1-7.

2 Hutjens, M.F.  2010.  Lessons learned with low milk prices.  2010 NEAFA Dairy Health and Nutrition Conference Proceedings.  Pages 18-21.

3 Spain, J.N. and J.D. Sampson.  2007.  Use of NutriDense corn for corn and corn silage in diets fed to high producing dairy cows.  J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 85, Suppl. 1/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 90 Suppl. 1.  Page 556.

4 Chase, L.E.  2010.  Milk production and feed efficiency in dairy cows fed corn silage hybrids varying in fiber digestibility.  2010 ADSA PSA AMPA CSAS ASAS Joint Annual Meeting, Denver CO.   Abstract #813.

New Research Validates Feed Efficiency of NutriDense Silage

August 4th, 2010 by Courtney Beck

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, August 4, 2010 – A recent study from Cornell University concluded that lactating dairy cows fed NutriDense Silage showed a 6 to 8 percent improvement in feed efficiency, or converting feed to milk. The other hybrids compared in the study were brown midrib and dual purpose.

“One of the most interesting conclusions from the study was the difference in feed efficiency. NutriDense Silage was about 6 to 8 percent better in feed efficacy, or converting feed to milk, than either of the other two hybrids that were used, so we did get a highly significant improvement in feed efficiency in NutriDense Silage in this particular trial,” said Dr. Larry Chase, professor and dairy nutrition specialist at Cornell University. “That means to get the same pounds of milk producers would feed about 6 to 8 percent less pounds of feed. In theory that would say they’re going to get the same milk income with a lower feed cost input or a wider difference between milk income and feed costs. It should improve profitability.”

The study, entitled “Milk production and feed efficiency in dairy cows fed corn silage hybrids varying in fiber digestibility,” was presented by Dr. Larry Chase at the American Dairy Science Association’s 2010 Joint Annual Meeting, held July 11-15 in Denver, Colo.

“Dr. Chase’s research has important implications for the dairy industry,” said Greg Jones, NutriDense Silage product manager. “At BASF Plant Science, our goal is to improve the profitability of dairy producers. We are excited to see university research continue to prove that NutriDense Silage improves feed efficiency and thus income over feed costs.”

For more information on the study, visit the NutriDense blog (www.nutridense.com/blog) to listen to a podcast with Dr. Chase.

NutriDense Silage is nutritionally enhanced corn silage developed specifically for efficient milk production. University studies show NutriDense Silage provides a four to eight percent improvement in feed efficiency, or converting feed to milk, giving dairy producers an income over feed cost advantage. The result is lower feed costs and greater profitability for dairy producers. NutriDense Silage yields equal to or greater than dual purpose and greater than brown midrib, so producers can achieve high-quality corn silage without sacrificing yields.

To learn more about NutriDense, visit www.nutridense.com, follow on Twitter @NutriDense or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NutriDense.

About BASF Plant Science

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. BASF Plant Science – a BASF group company – is one of the world’s leading companies providing innovative plant biotechnology solutions for agriculture. Today, more than 750 employees are helping farmers meet the growing demand for improved agricultural productivity and healthier nutrition for humans and animals. BASF Plant Science has developed an unparalleled gene discovery platform focusing on yield and quality traits in crops such as corn, soybean and rice. Jointly with leading partners in the seed industry BASF Plant Science is commercializing its products. Current projects include higher yielding row crops, nutritionally-enhanced corn for animal feed or higher content of Omega-3’s in oil crops for preventing cardiovascular diseases. To find out more about BASF Plant Science, please visit www.basf.com/plantscience.

About BASF

BASF – The Chemical Company.

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $13 billion in 2009. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €50 billion in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

NutriDense is a registered trademark of BASF Plant Science L.P.

Podcast: Dr. Larry Chase discusses the results of his feed efficiency study

August 4th, 2010 by Courtney Beck

We recently shared the results of a Cornell University study comparing NutriDense Silage to two other hybrids. To learn more about the study’s background, experimental design and results, I was able to talk with Dr. Larry Chase, professor and dairy nutrition extension specialist at Cornell University, about the study and what he and his team found.

Listen in with the audio player below to hear our conversation.

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Feed efficiency study featured in Progressive Dairyman

July 21st, 2010 by Courtney Beck

With the dairy industry facing economic constraints, producers are looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing milk production. One place to look is feed — when feed efficiency increases, producers are able to get the same milk with less feed.

That’s why NutriDense was excited to see the results of a recent feed efficiency study performed by Dr. Larry Chase, professor and dairy nutrition extension specialist at Cornell University. Dr. Chase revealed results that found NutriDense Silage to be six to eight percent better in feed efficiency, or converting feed to milk, than other high-quality corn silage in the study.

These findings were featured in a recent Progressive Dairyman article titled “Improve feed efficiency, increase profitability by selecting high-quality corn silage hybrids.” To learn more about the study and how NutriDense stacked up against other hybrids, check out the findings in the magazine’s July 1 edition or online.

2010 Joint Annual Meeting begins July 11

July 9th, 2010 by Karlie Justus

Next week, the 2010 Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), Poultry Science Association (PSA), Associaciόn Mexicana de Producciόn Animal (AMPA), Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS) and American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) kicks off. The symposium runs July 11-15 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo.

The meeting will feature more than 2,800 abstracts and 44 scientific symposia on topics such as food science, dairy production, animal and human nutrition, livestock transport, food safety, animal care, animal health, genetic improvement, production and management, and web-based information programs, making it one of the largest JAM events to date.

We’re especially looking forward to the Forages and Pastures: Dairy Forages, abstracts 813-821, and the presentation by Dr. Larry Chase of Cornell University. You can check out the full agenda and links to abstracts here.

If you can’t make it out to Denver next week, follow along with the conference on Twitter @JtMtgTweets.

Look for ‘Managing Feed Costs 2010’ seminar at World Dairy Expo

July 2nd, 2010 by Karlie Justus

From genomic testing to calf diets, the World Dairy Expo’s 2010 seminars schedule will examine a variety of industry topics. Dairy industry leaders will lead eight seminars during the show’s five-day run, held in the Exhibition Hall’s Mendota 2 meeting room.

BASF Plant Science is excited to sponsor “Managing Feed Costs 2010” on Thursday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. The seminar will be presented by Dr. Mike Hutjens, professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2008 American Dairy Science Fellow and 2008 World Dairy Expo Industry Person of the Year.

Dr. Hutjens will discuss strategies for evaluating forage inputs, building rations for optimal performance in high-producing cows, and determining nutrient levels and forms, and will be available to answer questions from the audience.

For more information on 2010 World Dairy Expo seminars and speakers, visit the World Dairy Expo Seminars website.

Consider a foliar fungicide for more tonnage and healthier plants

June 24th, 2010 by Courtney Beck

The use of foliar fungicides in corn grain production has gained favor over the past few years.  As grain prices increased, savvy producers realized that the investment in a well-timed fungicide application could pay huge yield dividends at harvest.  Corn silage, another valuable crop especially when chopped for high-performance dairies, can benefit from a foliar fungicide application as well.  The return on fungicide investment for the corn silage producer can be more tons per acre of higher-quality silage.

Corn growers have learned that the yield increases associated with some fungicides stem not only from a decrease in leaf diseases, but also from a general increase in plant health.  By reducing the incidence and severity of fungal leaf disease, the corn plant is better able to convert light energy into starch, protein and sugars.  Healthy plants are also better able to deal with the environmental stresses often encountered during the growing season. In silage, since the entire plant is harvested, the plant health aspect becomes even more valuable.

Foliar fungicides vary in their formulation and mode of action, and only a few products are labeled for applications to corn grown for silage.  Headline® fungicide, manufactured by BASF, is the fungicide most widely used by corn growers in North America.  Data from research plots and field trials have shown very positive responses to Headline applied to corn silage.  A trial in Plainfield, Wisconsin in 2008 showed an average of 1.62 tons/acre (at 70% moisture) increase from a Headline application over an average of 35 hybrids.  This yield increase translated to an average of 2,837 additional pounds of milk per acre using the standard dairy industry tons to milk calculation.  The results from a trial in Unity, Wisconsin were even more impressive.  Averaged over 21 different hybrids, the Headline application resulted in an extra 3.26 tons/acre and an increase of 3,986 pounds of milk per acre.

Silage quality can also be maintained by a timely application of Headline.  Trials grown in Wisconsin, Maryland and New York showed increases in fiber digestibility and corresponding increases in milk per acre when compared to an untreated check.

Another important benefit of a foliar fungicide application is the increase in “stay green” or late season plant health.  This increase in plant health means a wider silage harvest window.  Whether your customers are large operations with hundreds of acres of silage to cut or smaller operations waiting on a custom chopper, cutting silage at the proper moisture is an important step in harvesting quality corn silage.  Keeping the crop healthy and green for a longer period of time can pay huge dividends in the feed bunk.

After starting with the right hybrid, your customers can help maintain the nutrition potential of that silage crop with a timely fungicide application.  A foliar fungicide such as Headline can be a management tool in your customers’ quality silage plan.

This article was written by Mark Schultz, a sales agronomist for BASF Plant Science. He can be reached at mark.schultz@basf.com.