By Blake Jackson
As spring arrives, Pennsylvania farmers will begin harvesting winter small grains such as rye, triticale, oats, and wheat. While these crops help extend forage supplies, they also provide benefits to soil health.
Timing of harvest is critical. Small grains harvested too early may have high moisture, often exceeding 70% at the flag leaf stage, which can create challenges during ensiling.
Cutting at this stage helps preserve feed quality, but crops should be wilted below 70% moisture before chopping to reduce risks associated with wet forage. As grains mature, protein and energy content decline as the plant prioritizes grain fill.
Unpredictable spring rainfall can make harvesting at the optimal stage difficult. Late-harvested grains may have reduced feed quality for lactating cows but can still be fed to heifers and dry cows.
Farmers should monitor potassium levels when feeding these grains to close-up dry cows and regularly test mineral content to ensure balanced rations.
Small grains are commonly stored in wrapped bales or silos. High-moisture grains require careful monitoring for seepage and butyric acid formation. Research from Penn State shows that small grains chopped and stored in silos often produce a more suitable particle size for total mixed rations (TMR) compared to wrapped bales. When using wrapped bales, allow adequate mixing time and ensure mixer wagon knives are sharp.
For grains stored in bunks or piles, cover and seal them quickly with evenly spaced tires. When using ag bags, remove all oxygen during packing to promote proper fermentation.
Properly packed bags avoid trapped air, while adequate spacing between multiple bags helps prevent damage during feed retrieval and ensures consistent quality.
Proper harvesting and storage practices are essential for maintaining small grain quality and maximizing their value as a forage resource in Pennsylvania dairy operations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Hay & Forage