Forages are crucial to support an adequate diet for cows. Because of that, we must monitor and improve its growth. Also, when it comes to silage management, we need to follow the best practices for harvesting corn silage and haylage. As for optimizing forage quality and fiber digestibility, we must consider weather conditions and other factors. So there’s a lot to be considered, right? In this episode, Joe Lawrence and I discuss a whole farming approach meant to determine which crops are best suited for a farming operation and that takes into account soil types, climate, management, and facilities. In addition, we talk about some aspects of renewable energy and sustainability in agriculture.“I really believe in the concept of trying to target our most productive acres and optimize production.” - Joe Lawrence???? ??? ???? ?????:Alfalfa and corn silage this yearAlternative forages Team communication and extension on farmsProducers’ current interests on dairy farmsHow to reduce input costs on dairy farmsExpectations for next year’s foragesAgriculture, renewable energy, and sustainabilityJoe Lawrence serves as the Dairy Forage Systems Specialist with the Cornell PRO-DAIRY team. He has been involved with the US northeastern dairy industry his entire life, having grown up on a farm in Northern NY and worked as an Extension Educator and private sector Crop Advisor prior to his current role. His work has always had a strong focus on approaching forage management on the farm by integrating the growth, harvest, and storage of forage crops to assure these feeds meet the goals of the farm.?????? ?? ????? ????????, ??????? ?? ??? ????? ????????.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista (https://www.abvista.com/)- Protekta (https://protekta.com)- DSM (https://www.dsm.com/anh/species/ruminants.html)- Diamond V (https://diamondv.com/)