World Forage Analysis Superbowl
at World Dairy Expo in the back of the Arena Building

The World Forage Analysis Superbowl will have winning forage samples on display at the east end of the Arena Building. Forage experts from the USDA Dairy Forage Research Center, University of Wisconsin and other research centers will be on hand to present cutting-edge information and answer individual forage research questions.

Over $20,000 in Cash Prizes will be awarded!

SPECIAL THANKS to Mycogen for their Platinum Sponsorship

CASH PRIZES in each of the following divisions:

Grand Champion Forage Producer
Case IH

Grand Champion First-Time Entrant
Kuhn North America

Dairy Hay
Syngenta

Dairy Haylage
Kent Feeds

Commercial Hay
Bridon Cordage

Baleage
W-L Research

Standard Corn Silage
Ag Bag

Brown Mid-Rib Corn Silage
Mycogen Seeds

Quality Counts: Hay / Haylage
Quality Counts: Corn Silage
Croplan Genetics

Additional Sponsors:
National Hay Association

World Dairy Expo 2010
Dairy Forage Tool Box speaker schedule

Wednesday, September 29

10:30 a.m. "Getting the most from baleage by knowing what to do when"
Kevin Shinners, Biological Systems Engineer, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Baleage is a great harvest and storage option under many circumstances, but there are numerous choices to make when using this system. Should you wrap bales individually or in a tube? How many layers should you wrap with, and how does bale type (round or square) affect wrapping? What type of plastic should be used? Kevin Shinners will discuss how to select from these options based on harvest conditions and other variables.

1:30 p.m. "A new way of looking at bunker silage density" 
Richard Muck, Agricultural Engineer, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, USDA-ARS

Over the past 10 years, silage producers have made great strides in saving silage dry matter by increasing the dry matter density of bunkers and piles. However, achieving a good dry matter density is not easy to measure while packing and does not guarantee low spoilage losses if the crop is ensiled at drier than recommended moisture contents. Rich Muck will discuss and share resources on a new way of measuring the efficacy of packing silage.

Thursday, September 30

10:30 a.m. "Can alfalfa compete with corn silage in dairy rations?"
Michael Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Illinois

For the past 10 years, corn silage has replaced alfalfa haylage and hay in dairy rations for a variety of reasons. But how much corn silage is too much? What will it take to make alfalfa haylage more competitive in dairy rations? Where does baleage fit in the dairy ration? Mike Hutjens will present his views on this balancing act between corn silage and alfalfa silage.

1:30 p.m. Growing grasses for dairy rations
Geoff Brink, Agronomist, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, USDA-ARS

As interest grows in adding grasses to dairy rations in order to add digestible fiber and improve both cow performance and health, many dairy producers find themselves learning about a feedstuff they haven’t grown or used in many years. Geoff Brink will discuss the agronomic side of growing grasses for dairy rations, including the differences between species, grass management and fertility, and changes in quality as grasses mature.

Friday, October 1

10:30 a.m. "What do the real experts (cows) say about corn silage fiber analyses?'
Dave Combs, Dairy Scientist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The industry uses different methods for analyzing the fiber digestibility in corn silage, and dairy nutritionists/feed analysts debate the pros and cons of each method. Dave Combs will discuss why different methods are used and what the real experts – the cows – say about the accuracy of these various methods.

1:30 p.m. "A primer on rumen microbes, a cow’s best friend'
Paul Weimer, Microbiologist, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, USDA-ARS

Rumen microbes are the behind-the-scenes agents that convert feed to energy and protein sources for the cow. The rumen contains over 100 microbial species, most of which have never been isolated or characterized. Does the species composition of the rumen affect milk production or composition? How does the microbial community change over time and feeding conditions? Are there “good bugs” and “bad bugs”? Rumen microbiologist Paul Weimer describes some recent discoveries.

Saturday, October 2

10:30 a.m." Factors affecting Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) in hay and haylage"
Dan Undersander, Research and Extension Agronomist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) is calculated from both fiber content and digestibility of the fiber. We know how fiber changes under many conditions, but how does fiber digestibility change? Dan Undersander will outline environmental and management changes that affect digestible fiber and RFQ.

Rules and Entry Form
To participate in the 2010 World Forage Analysis Superbowl Contest, download the official Rules and Entry form here (PDF).