Innovative Corn Silage Separation Boosts Dairy Efficiency in Wisconsin

Clear Lake, Wisconsin: In a groundbreaking approach to dairy farming, Greg Friendshuh has discovered significant feed efficiency and profitability benefits by separating corn silage before it reaches his cattle.

Friendshuh, a seasoned farmer from Clear Lake, has successfully reduced his alfalfa acreage by one-third. Instead, he feeds about 20% more corn silage, having mastered a unique method to separate its components. "We have a machine that allows us to feed corn silage while concurrently sorting out the stover. This stover is then directed to our dry cows and heifers, delivering substantial feed savings," Friendshuh shared.

This innovative technique presents numerous advantages. "When the feed is presented without the possibility of sorting, all cows receive a consistent ration daily, enhancing their transition period and overall health." By removing the stover, the remaining feed is rich in starch and more energy-dense. This adjustment has resulted in a feed efficiency boost from 1.7 to 1.8, translating into approximately $450 in savings per cow.

With a herd of thirteen hundred cows and additional youngstock, Friendshuh meticulously tracks performance, noting a production increase of two pounds per cow on the separated silage diet, coupled with improved health metrics.

After years of refining his silage-sorting machine, Friendshuh is now using his third prototype and plans to expand its production for wider distribution, allowing other farmers to benefit from this advancement in dairy management.

For more insights on Greg Friendshuh's silage separation system and access to herd performance data, visit www.thefodd.com or contact 715-263-FODD (3633).