AN ECONOMIC COMPARISON OF HAY CROP FORAGE SYSTEMS FOR MILK PRODUCTION IN THE NORTHEAST

Abstract

Hay crop forage systems for milk production are compared using the budgeting technique for four feeding plans containing hay (90% dry matter) or hay crop silage (40% dry matter) only and in combination with corn silage as 50% of the forage dry matter. Investments, labor requirements, purchased feed , and cropping program differences are calculated for each hay crop forage system. Hay crop silage·corn silage systems are low cost systems for all herd sizes analyzed. Improved nutrient quality of the hay crop when harvested as hay crop silage is a major factor determining the annual cost ranking.