Forage Management

This course will focus on practical information for day to day management and decision making of forage crops from crop selection to feed out on a dairy farm.

Instructors

Dr. Larry Chase, Cornell University
Mat Haan, Organic Valley
Betsy Hicks, Cornell Cooperative Extension
Tom Kilcer, Advanced Ag Systems
Joe Lawrence, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY
Dr. Kristan Reed, Cornell University
Dr. Bill Stone, Diamond V

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Topics

Topics will begin with agronomic factors that influence forage quality and follow key strategies for harvest, preservation and feedout of quality feed.

Fermentation & Silage Science
Forage Variety Selection & Quality Considerations
Forage Harvest Management
Silage Storage & Management
TMR Mixing Procedure & Maintenance
Feed Out & Feed Bunk Management

Who should enroll?

It will be valuable for decision makers and key employees in the cropping and feeding system on the farm. There will be a mix of basic “101” level material combined with more advanced concepts and recent research findings.

There will be aspects of the course that are specific to northeast U.S. growing conditions and horizontal silos (bunks, trenches, drive over piles) but most of the material will be applicable to any dairy operation and storage structure.

How it works

This course is offered online using the web-based platform, Moodle. From the comfort of your home or office, watch pre-recorded presentations and engage at your convenience each week. Quizzes are integrated to reinforce concepts of each presentation. Weekly Q&A sessions are offered for further engagement opportunities.

Platform and Technology Requirements

Internet

We recommend that you use a computer with a DSL or cable modem connection, or a mobile device with a fast connection for optimal viewing of videos.

Software

Special software for the course is not required, beyond an internet browser (Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome, Opera, etc.) and a small free download you will be automatically prompted to complete to access webinars on Zoom. It is helpful, but not strictly necessary, to have Microsoft Office (for Word and Excel documents). Your instructor can provide other options if you don’t have Office.

Hardware

You DO need to have functioning speakers for the webinars but DO NOT need to have a headset or video camera. You should be familiar with the functions of your computer and with browsing the internet. The more comfortable you are with new technology and distance learning, the more you will get out of the course.

For More Information

Kathy Barrett

Senior Extension Associate

Animal Science

PRO-DAIRY

Kathy Barrett

(607) 229-4357
kfb3 [at] cornell.edu

Robert Lynch

Dairy Herd Health and Management Specialist

PRO-DAIRY

Animal Science

Robert Lynch

(607) 255-6830
rlynch [at] cornell.edu

Heather Darrow

Conference Coordinator

Animal Science

PRO-DAIRY

Heather Darrow

(607) 255-4478
hh96 [at] cornell.edu

Accessibility

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If accommodations are needed to participate or fully access content, please contact Heather Darrow at hh96 [at] cornell.edu.