Spring is often when forage plans are tested and where any gaps begin to show.

By this point, most producers have worked through the toughest stretch of winter feeding. What remains in the yard gives a clear picture of how accurate the original plan was, how well feed was stored, and whether there is enough in place to carry through to first cut.

Taking the time now to assess your Silage and hay inventory can prevent shortages, protect performance, and give you more flexibility before the season accelerates.

Start With What’s Actually There

Before making adjustments, walk your inventory.

Count bales and open a representative sample. Surface appearance can be misleading. Moisture damage and heating are often worse inside. With silage, pay close attention to exposed faces and edges. If packing or covering was not consistent, losses in the range of 10 to 20 percent are not uncommon.

Most forage shortages do not come from poor planning. They come from overestimating what is actually usable.

Separate inventory by:

• Quality
• Feed type
• Intended use such as lactating, growing, or maintenance

Understanding what you truly have available makes it easier to allocate feed strategically and avoid unexpected gaps.

Match Feed to the Animal in Front of You

Not all forage performs the same, and small mismatches can affect intake, performance, and cost over time.

• Lactating animals require consistent energy and protein
• Growing stock benefit from nutrient-dense forage such as Alfalfa, Timothy, or Mixed Hay to support steady development.
• Maintenance rations can rely more on Timothy or grass mixes
• Finishing programs are generally energy driven with silage forming part of a broader ration

As discussed in our January article on matching forage to livestock needs, aligning feed type with production stage is one of the most effective ways to control both performance and cost.

Project Forward and Do Not Assume First Cut Solves It

Spring conditions do not always cooperate.

A delayed or wet season can push first cut back several weeks. If inventory is already tight, that gap becomes significant.

Work through:

• Herd size
• Daily intake
• Days until turnout or first cut

Then allow for some margin. Weather tends to use it. Planning purchases or additional cuts early gives you more control over supply and cost.

Plan Supply Before You Need It

Once you have a clear picture, act early.

• Secure additional hay or Silage
• Confirm supply with a consistent producer
• Adjust harvest plans based on realistic timelines

Waiting until feed is short usually limits options and increases cost.

Use Each Feed for What It Does Best

• Alfalfa delivers high protein and highly digestible fiber for demanding stages such as lactation, growth, and performance.
• Timothy and Mixed Hay provide balanced nutrition for steady intake and maintenance.
• Corn or Barley Silage supply concentrated energy in higher output systems.
• Straw works well for bedding and as a supplemental fiber source when used deliberately.

Problems tend to show up when feeds are treated as interchangeable.

Protect What You Have Already Paid For

Proper storage and handling preserve both quality and value.

• Keep hay dry and off the ground
• Maintain proper Silage covering and face management
• Rotate older inventory forward before quality declines further

Feed quality can shift quickly if not monitored, especially during spring temperature swings.

Feed Options

Barr-Ag supplies a range of forage and feed products, available in both bale and pellet formats to support different operational needs. Pelletized options can offer convenience for handling, storage, and targeted feeding applications, while traditional bale products remain a dependable choice for many operations.

Whether you are planning for bedding, supplemental fiber, or forage allocation, having flexible format options can help improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Final Thought

Forage issues rarely show up all at once. They tend to appear gradually as lower intake, inconsistent performance, and higher costs. A straightforward assessment in early spring provides time to make adjustments while there are still options available.

Need help planning your spring forage?

If your forage numbers are not lining up, it is worth addressing it early.

Barr-Ag supplies Alfalfa, Timothy, Mixed Hay, Silage, and Straw products, with a focus on consistent quality and dependable supply. We proudly serve both domestic and international markets, working with producers across Canada and abroad. Our team can also assist with logistics and delivery coordination to ensure a smooth, reliable supply.

Reach out to discuss your operation, your timeline, and what you will need heading into the season. Email us directly at [email protected] to get started.