Volume 22, Number 1, March 1998

elcome to the Spring 1998 Forager. We are just finishing a remarkable winter with record warm temperatures. What this will mean to the alfalfa fields remains to be seen as of this writing, but it was certainly enjoyable in terms of chores and other outside activities. A possibility exists that the warm temperatures may damage alfalfa fields that begin to green-up too early. See the two articles concerning this in this issue.

The WFC Symposium in Eau Claire was a great success. It was an excellent meeting with many informative presentations. Council members who did not attend should be getting their copy of the proceedings by way of their local council representative. If you have not received your proceedings, please contact your local council, or if you are not affiliated with a local council, contact the WFC Office at 608-846-1825.

1^ST

Place

Our Fourth Annual Forage Spokesperson Contest was held at the Symposium, and as usual, featured some excellent presentations. Our 1998 winner was Alan Henning, our second place winner was Jerry and Shirley Wagner from Black River Falls and the third place winner was Dave and Joyce Berning from Mineral Point.

Alan will represent us at the American Forage and Grassland Council Forage Spokesperson Contest in Indianapolis March 8-10. Thanks to all our contestants, and a special thank you to Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and Cenex/Land O’ Lakes for their sponsorship of this event.

Wetter than average soils and little snow cover this winter could spell trouble for the state's alfalfa crop. The repetition of wet soil freezing and thawing this winter and early spring may push the alfalfa plants out of the soil. This heaving damages alfalfa plants because it raises the crown and causes greater damage to the plants from harvesting machinery. Soils were generally dry going into winter, but due to the lack of frost, most moisture from melted snow has been absorbed by the soils. The potential for heaving is greatest on wet soils with high clay content because they expand and shrink most with freezing and thawing.

There is little management that can avoid the problem, except to leave residue in the fall. Fields that were not harvested last fall will have more ground cover and not change temperature as greatly as exposed soil. Less freezing and thawing means less heaving. If soil does not freeze overnight and thaw during the day,

heaving may not be a problem. Most farmers have little carryover forage and will need to watch the alfalfa fields carefully to make alternate forage plans if heaving occurs to the extent that fields are lost.

If plants have heaved less than one inch out of the soil, there is a good chance these plants will reseat themselves. If heaving is over one inch, the tap root of the alfalfa will be stretched beyond its breaking point. These plants will have sufficient taproot to green-up, but then die later this spring or summer. Growers sometimes ask about taking some action such as driving over fields to attempt to reseat plants. If plants are heaved less than one inch, this is most likely unnecessary. If they are over one inch, this practice will not improve survival and will most likely break off plants and further reduce yield potential.

THERE’S STILL TIME TO JOIN!

If you haven’t paid your membership dues for 1998, it’s not too late. All you have to do is fill out the form below and send it with your membership dues to the address listed on the form.

$-------------------------------------------------------$-----------------------------------------------------------$

Wisconsin Forage Council Membership Form

Name__________________________________________

Make check payable to:

Wisconsin Forage Council

813 W. Lexington Pkwy

DeForest, WI 53532-3055

Farm/Company Name_____________________________

Address________________________________________

City__________________State_______Zip___________

Local Council/County_____________________________

(Check One) Farmer/producer_____ Educational_____ Industry_____

Wisconsin Forage Council	$20.00	$__________
(you will receive a forage Newsletter, coupon book & local mailings)
American Forage and Grassland Council	$7.00	$__________
(join national organization and receive AFGC Newsletter)
	TOTAL ENCLOSED	$__________

Effect of Warm Winter Weather on Alfalfa Winter Survival?

By Dan Undersander, Extension and Research Forage Agronomist

This winter’s unusually warm weather brought several questions concerning how alfalfa would respond in terms of winter injury. While much of this issue will be settled by the time you receive this, it is valuable to review these events.

First, let's consider the basic biology of alfalfa overwintering. The shorter days in the fall initiate hardening (the development of cold tolerance) in cold tolerant varieties. Temperature is also a factor as hardening begins when mean air temperatures are near 50°F. and appear to accelerate when temperatures approach 40°F. Think of hardening as a matter of degree, not a yes or no situation. (In other words, how much did the plant harden?) The degree of hardening will depend on two primary factors: the genetics of the plant (which sets the maximum hardening limit), and the fall weather (which determines how much of the potential hardening was realized). Maximum cold hardiness is normally attained by the time the soil becomes permanently frozen, but cold hardening can continue under snow. Freezing temperatures are necessary to attain maximum cold hardiness. Generally, we had a good fall with a long period of cool and fluctuating temperatures and near maximal winter hardening developed. Other factors such as adequate plant food reserves, unsaturated soils, adequate potassium level and lack of rapid fall growth are necessary for hardening.

Hardening involves an increase in cell sugars and soluble protein. The plant cell also increases fatty acid content, especially of polyunsaturated types, that have lower melting points than the saturated fatty acids of the same length. Unhardened alfalfa plants can be injured by temperatures below 40°F. while hardened plants can withstand temperatures down to 15°F. Lower temperatures will normally kill most plants. Note that these are temperatures at the plant crown and root, so that plants insulated by residue, soil and snow can withstand much colder air temperatures.

Cold air temperatures are important in the retention of cold tolerance. Dehardening may occur if temperatures rise above 50°F. for a few days. In fall or winter, less winterhardy types deharden more rapidly and initiate growth faster than more winter hardy types. Rehardening can occur under cold temperatures provided that no growth has occurred and that sufficient food reserves are available as an energy source.

There are three concerns with the type of warm weather we experienced this year:

1. Warm weather will cause a loss of cold hardening, and then the alfalfa will be killed by a sudden cold snap.

2. Warm weather will cause periodic freezing and thawing and heave the plants out of the ground. Alfalfa can tolerate some of this, but if the plants are heaved over one inch, the likelihood is that the taproots are broken and the plant will die later this summer.

3. Warm weather will cause the alfalfa to break dormancy and then the shoots will be frozen back. Generally, three to four days of 50 degree weather will cause this to happen (may occur at slightly lower temperatures on south slopes with bright sunshine and no plant residue). Begin counting after the snow has gone from the field. Breaking dormancy this early will likely mean that another frost will occur and freeze the alfalfa shoots. Most alfalfa can withstand this once, and sometimes twice, but if it happens too often, the plants simply run out of stored energy to regenerate new shoots and die. This type of injury may delay green-up as new buds must form in the spring to replace the frozen ones. Watch fields carefully and dig a few plants before deciding to plow up a stand. These fields should be allowed to go to at least first flower once during the season to help the plant accumulate stored reserves and recover from the injury .

Custom Harvesting Charges in Wisconsin

by Dennis Cosgrove, UW-River Falls and Dan Undersander, Extension Forage Agronomist

Custom forage harvesting is rapidly increasing in popularity for Wisconsin dairy producers. Custom harvesting has several advantages over more conventional systems including:

Cost savings. While most farmers are aware of variable costs of production such as seed, fertilizer and pest control, many do not take into account the equipment and labor costs associated with producing alfalfa. Table 1. shows production costs and allocated overhead charges for producing an acre of alfalfa. Assuming a 4 ton yield, total cost per ton $66.25. Of this $22.83 or 34%, is attributable to equipment expenses, interest and depreciation. If one considers labor, which is primarily associated with harvesting, this figure increases to $37.38 or 56% of the total cost of production. Production costs for corn silage based on 1995 Green Gold Program participants averaged $45.00/ton. Of this, 67% or $30.15 were equipment and labor charges.

These figures point out the high cost of producing forage when equipment and labor charges are considered, and that, in many instances, custom harvesting may be an economic option to owning expensive equipment. These values will vary considerably on individual farms. It is important to do these calculations to determine your own costs.

Consistent Forage. Quality may vary a great deal throughout a silo. Research has shown that ADF may vary up to 10 points, and moisture content up to 15 percent depending on where in the silo it was taken from. This variability would make it very difficult to accurately balance rations over time. Much of this variation is attributable to the length of time needed to harvest haylage or corn silage. Moisture content, quality and many other factors will change as harvest time increases. Many custom harvesters are capable of harvesting an enter farms haylage acres in a single day, making for a very consistent product.

Less Labor Problems. One of the biggest complaints heard form those undergoing expansion is the difficulty in securing and managing labor. While custom harvesting does not eliminate the need for hired labor, it is greatly reduced as forage handling is a major use of labor on dairy farms.

Time Savings. Removing the burden of harvesting provides producers with extra time to better manage the other aspects of the farming operation or perhaps spend time with family.

Charge Comparisons

In order to compare the cost of custom harvesting with conventional systems, I contacted five custom harvesters and discussed rate schedules, time and other aspects or their service. The charges were fairly uniform from one operator to the next. Most differences were attributable to the size of the equipment and how many acres could be harvested per hour. For instance, a pull -type chopper with forage wagons was generally cheaper on a per hour basis than a self propelled unit with trucks due to the increased acreage the latter units could harvest per hour. I have summarized the results of these conversations below.

Most operators said they arrived at these prices based mainly on what others were charging. Most also said that, based now on experience, they did not believe they were charging enough to cover costs, and that their prices would likely rise next year. Here it is important to note that most farmers do not charge the true cost of operations (including labor, depreciation, etc.) when doing custom work. This means that most published custom rates are below what the cost would be if the custom work was done as a business. Table 2. shows cost per ton for each operator for chopping and hauling costs (two trucks or wagons). These charges are based on the average number of acres/hour they said they could chop. This varied from 10 to 40 acres. In all cases, the costs for custom harvesting were well below that of conventional harvesting if one considers the depreciation and overhead allocated to equipment. Table 3. shows these costs on a per acre basis for comparison. These figures assume the mowing would still be done by the grower. If that was also custom done, then these figures would increase.

Table 2. Custom Chopping & Hauling Charges for Haylage & Corn Silage						Table 3. Custom Chopping & Hauling Charges for Haylage & Corn Silage
	OPERATOR						OPERATOR
	1	2	3	4	5		1	2	3	4	5
	$/Ton						$/Acre
SILAGE	9	--	7.60	--	9	SILAGE	54	--	46	--	54
HAYLAGE	6.75	9	11.50	--	12	HAYLAGE	13.50	18	23	--	24

Custom harvesting is an option for both large and small farms. As this is a relatively new practice, it is important to have a clear understanding with your custom harvester prior to the harvesting season. Questions to ask when considering this option include pricing (per acre or per hour), services provided, size of equipment, your responsibilities and payment options.

OPERATOR 1

CHOPPING (CORN OR HAYLAGE) - $180.00/HR

TRUCKS - $45/HR

WAGONS - $10/HR/WAGON

20-40 ACRES/HR

OPERATOR 2

TRACTOR AND CHOPPER (PULL TYPE) - $75.00/HR

DUMP WAGONS OR TRUCKS - $30.00/HR

MOW - $12.00/HR

RAKE - $30.00/HR

OPERATOR 3

PULL TYPE CHOPPER - $105/HR

SELF PROPELLED - $160/HR

WAGONS - $50.00/DAY

TRUCKS - $35.00/DAY

PACKING - $50.00/HR

MOWING - $9.00/ACRE (1^ST CROP)

$7.50/ACRE (2^ND AND 3^RD CROP)

ROUND BALES - $7.00/BALE

SMALL SQUARE BALES - 0.40/BALE

OPERATOR 4

PULL TYPE CHOPPER, TWO WAGONS

$85.00/HR - CORN

$80.00/ACRE - HAYLAGE

MOWING - $9.00/ACRE (1^ST CROP)

- $7.00/ACRE (2^ND - 4^TH CROP)

ROUND BALES - $7.00/BALE

SMALL SQUARES - $0.35/BALE

OPERATOR 5

HAYLAGE

CUTTING - $8.00/ACRE

RAKING AND CHOPPING - $14.00/ACRE*

HAULING - $9.00/ACRE

*estimated 15 acres/hr

CORN SILAGE

CHOPPING AND PROCESSING - $180.00/HR

HAULING - $45.00/HR

PACKING - $50.00/HR

Introduction

A renewed interest by dairy and livestock producers in feeding corn silage along with the ability to efficiently harvest and transport corn silage have made pricing standing corn for silage an important issue for many producers. It is often difficult to establish a price for corn silage because there is no market information available for the value of corn silage as there is for commodities such as grains or hay. The agreed upon price must be affordable for the dairy or livestock producer and cover the costs of production for the grower. Prices should also reflect the best estimates of overall price expectations for the season, and not wild short-term markets.

Following, it will be discussed how buyers and sellers can arrive at a price for standing corn to be harvested for silage that is fair and equitable for both parties. Three methods of arriving at the economic value of corn silage as a feedstuff will be discussed. Adjusting the price of standing corn for harvesting costs and yield will also be considered.

Economic Feeding Value of Corn Silage

The dry matter content of corn silage should be taken into account when trying to establish a price because all of the nutrients in silage are in the dry matter portion. This prevents anyone from getting short changed. A buyer may be paying a high price for water if the corn silage is very wet, or a seller may be under-pricing his product if the corn silage is especially dry. For example, corn silage at 30% dry matter (DM) is worth only 86% as much as corn silage at 35% DM (30 divided by 35 = .86) when priced on an as fed basis. Therefore, moisture needs to be taken into account if pricing is on a dry matter basis. Take several samples during harvest to determine the dry matter content.

Nutrient Value

When pricing corn silage, it is also important to consider the nutritive value of the silage as a feedstuff. Hlubik and Adams, Dairy Specialists at Penn State University have developed a method for valuing corn silage based on the energy and protein content relative to the prices for dry shelled corn and 44% soybean meal. See Table 1. These values assume 15% of the ensiled material is lost as a result of fermentation and feeding losses.

These prices do not necessarily reflect what silage market prices will be. In a typical year, corn silage in the country often sells for less than its feed value. Values in the table are indicative of the maximum worth rather than as a means of setting prices.

Table 1. Economic Value of Corn Silage Compared to Shelled Corn and Soybean Meal.¹

$/bushel Shelled Corn	$/cwt. Soybean Meal (44%)	Corn silage Value/ton Dry Matter	Corn silage Value/ton 35% DM ²
$2.50	$12.00	$71.40	$24.99
	$14.00	$72.76	$25.47
	$16.00	$74.12	$25.94
	$18.00	$75.31	$26.36
$3.00	$12.00	$84.32	$28.51
	$14.00	$85.51	$29.93
	$16.00	$86.87	$30.40
	$18.00	$88.06	$30.82
$3.50	$12.00	$97.07	$33.97
	$14.00	$98.26	$34.39
	$16.00	$99.62	$34.87
	$18.00	$100.81	$35.28
$4.00

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 2	Freezing, Thawing Of Alfalfa May Cause Heaving
Page 3	Effect Of Warm Winter Weather On Alfalfa Winter Survival?
Pages 4-6	Custom Harvesting Charges in Wisconsin
Page 6	Fifteen Trifolium Conference in Madison in June
Page 6	Upcoming Events
Pages 7-11	Pricing Standing Corn For Silage

by Timothy Jergenson, Agriculture Agent, Polk County UW-Extension

Introduction

Economic Feeding Value of Corn Silage

Nutrient Value