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Grading Silage for Maximum Feed Efficiency

Silage is a high-moisture, fermented forage that plays a vital role in the diets of dairy cows, beef cattle, and feedlot animals. When harvested, stored, and fed properly, silage provides excellent energy, fiber, and digestibility. However, not all silage is created equal. Grading silage helps producers assess nutritional value, fermentation quality, and suitability for various livestock applications.

At Barr-Ag, we grow and supply premium barley and corn silage using sustainable practices and precision harvesting. All of our silage products are tested regularly through internationally recognized laboratories to ensure consistent nutritional quality and reliable performance for our customers across North America and abroad.

How Is Silage Evaluated?

Silage quality is evaluated based on both nutritional content and fermentation characteristics. It is determined through laboratory analysis that includes:

Dry Matter (DM%) – Indicates how much of the silage is actual nutrient content compared to water. For reference, ideal DM for corn silage is typically around 32 to 35% and for barley silage around 35 to 40%. Our dehydrated silage product has a DM of greater than 88%, ensuring a concentrated nutrient source.
Crude Protein (CP%) – Reflects protein levels. Barley silage typically ranges from 10–14%, while corn silage is lower (around 7–9%) but higher in energy.
Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF%) – Impacts intake. Lower NDF generally improves consumption.
Starch (% of DM) – One of the most important measures in grain silage. Corn silage typically contains more than 30% starch (DM basis), while barley silage averages around 15–18% (DM basis).
Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN%) – Measures energy. Corn silage has a high TDN (70–74%) due to starch content. Barley silage ranges from 64–68%.
pH Level – Indicates fermentation quality. Ideal pH is 3.8–4.2. Higher pH may signal poor fermentation or spoilage.
Lactic Acid and Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) – Healthy fermentation results in high lactic acid and minimal butyric acid.

Factors That Influence Silage Quality

Several key factors affect the final quality and grade of silage:

Harvest Timing
- Corn silage should be harvested at ⅓–½ milk line for optimal starch and digestibility.
- Barley silage is best cut at soft dough stage for maximum nutritional value.
Chop Length
A proper chop length (19mm to ¾ inches) ensures good compaction and minimizes sorting at the feed bunk.
Packing and Storage
Properly packed and sealed silage minimizes oxygen exposure and encourages strong fermentation.
Moisture Level
Moisture that’s too high leads to seepage and poor fermentation. Too dry, and it may not pack well.
Hybrid or Variety
Some corn and barley varieties are bred specifically for silage and offer improved fiber digestibility or starch content.

Why Silage Quality Matters

Feeding high-quality silage results in:

Increased milk yield and butterfat in dairy cattle
Higher weight gains and feed efficiency in beef cattle
Improved animal health and fewer digestive problems
Reduced need for supplemental grain and protein

On the other hand, poor-quality silage can lead to:

Spoilage and feed refusal
Acidosis or digestive disorders· Acidosis or digestive disorders
Increased feed costs due to nutrient deficiencies

Matching the right quality of silage to your herd’s needs ensures your feed investment delivers the best return.

Barr-Ag’s Commitment to Silage Excellence

At Barr-Ag, we take forage seriously. Our barley and corn silage is carefully harvested, packed, and tested to ensure optimal feed value. We partner with internationally accredited laboratories to monitor key nutritional and fermentation metrics. This gives our customers confidence that every load meets the highest standards.

Whether you’re feeding dairy cows, finishing cattle, or looking for a reliable year-round forage supply, we’re here to deliver.

Partner with Barr-Ag for Reliable Silage Solutions

If you’re seeking consistent, nutrient-dense corn or barley silage that supports your livestock goals, Barr-Ag is your trusted supplier. Our knowledgeable team can help match your operation with the right forage and provide lab-tested assurance in every delivery.

Contact us today to learn more or request a quote.

Your Guide to Premium Alberta Hay Quality, Grades, and Use

Hay is one of the most important feed sources for livestock, and its quality can make a significant difference in animal health, performance, and operational efficiency. Whether you’re feeding beef cattle, dairy cows, horses, or small ruminants, choosing the right grade of hay ensures you’re meeting your animals’ nutritional needs effectively.

At Barr-Ag, we specialize in the production and sale of premium Alberta-grown hay, including Timothy, Alfalfa, and mixed hay. Our products are grown in Alberta’s clean and dry climate, free from pesticides, and are tested regularly through internationally recognized laboratories to ensure consistent quality and nutritional value.

What Is Hay Grading?

Hay grading is the process of evaluating the quality of forage based on its nutritional content, digestibility, physical characteristics, and absence of contaminants. Grading allows buyers to match hay to specific livestock requirements and optimize feed value for the best results.

Unlike Alfalfa, which is typically graded using Relative Feed Value (RFV), grass and mixed hays (such as Timothy or Timothy-Alfalfa blends) are more accurately assessed using Relative Forage Quality (RFQ). RFQ includes fiber digestibility and total digestible nutrients (TDN), making it a better index for grasses and mixed forages.

Common Hay Grades and Uses

Hay is often categorized by nutrient content and overall quality into the following practical categories:

Grade	Typical Characteristics
Premium	High leaf content, green color, excellent smell, no dust/mold
Low Premium	Green to light green, moderate leaf content, slight weathering acceptable
#1	Yellowing, coarser texture, some stem or maturity visible
#2	Poor color, heavy stems, possible contaminants

Key Factors That Influence Hay Quality

Several factors impact the final grade and feeding value of hay:

Type of Hay

o Timothy hay: High in fiber, palatable

o Alfalfa hay: High in protein and energy

o Mixed hay: Offers a balance between energy and fiber.

Maturity at Harvest

Early cut hay is more nutritious and digestible. As plants mature, fiber content increases, reducing digestibility.

Leaf-to-Stem Ratio

Leaves contain most of the nutrients. A higher leaf content results in better forage quality.

Color and Aroma

Bright green color and a sweet, fresh smell indicate quality. Musty or brown hay suggests spoilage or poor curing.

Moisture Content

Ideal moisture levels (12–15%) prevent mold and leaf shatter. Too much moisture can lead to heating and spoilage.

Foreign Material

Dirt, weeds, mold, or dust lower nutritional value and may be harmful to animals.

Why Hay Quality Matters

Feeding low-quality hay can lead to:

o Reduced weight gain or milk production

o Increased need for supplements

o Digestive issues or respiratory concerns

o Lower feed intake and more waste

On the other hand, feeding properly graded, high-quality hay improves efficiency, animal health, and overall performance. Matching hay grade to the needs of your livestock helps reduce costs and improve results over time.

Barr-Ag’s Commitment to Premium Forage

At Barr-Ag, every bale is tested, sorted, and packaged to meet exact quality standards. We work with internationally accredited laboratories to test for crude protein (CP), fiber (ADF/NDF), moisture, and other key indicators.We offer:

o Clean, consistent Timothy and Timothy-mix hay

o Non-GMO Alfalfa hay with high protein content

o Custom blends to suit your livestock’s needs

Choose Barr-Ag for High-Quality Alberta Hay

Whether you’re feeding dairy cattle, horses, or beef stock, Barr-Ag is your trusted partner for dependable, export-grade hay. Our team can help you select the right grade for your specific needs and ensure smooth delivery anywhere in North America or abroad.

For specific dietary requirements, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.

Contact us today to request a quote, speak to our team, or learn more about our current inventory.

Alfalfa Grading 101: Choosing the Right Quality for Your Herd

Alfalfa is one of the most valuable forages in livestock nutrition, known for its high protein, digestibility, and energy content. Whether you’re managing a high-producing dairy herd, raising young livestock, or feeding performance horses, the grade of alfalfa you choose has a direct impact on animal performance, health, and operational efficiency.

At Barr-Ag, we grow and supply premium non-GMO alfalfa from Alberta, using sustainable farming practices. Our alfalfa is tested regularly through internationally recognized laboratories. This gives our customers confidence in the consistency, safety, and nutritional value of every bale.

What Are Alfalfa Grades?

Alfalfa is graded based on nutritional content and physical quality, with a focus on the factors that affect livestock intake and digestion. The most common grading system used in North America is based on the Relative Feed Value (RFV), which estimates the intake potential and digestibility of the forage.

RFV Formula Used by Labs

RFV = [120 / (NDF %DM)] × [88.9 – (0.779 x ADF %DM)]

Where:

ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber) affects digestibility

NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber) affects intake

Alfalfa Grade Classifications

RFV is used to classify alfalfa into quality grades. These help buyers determine the right product for their livestock’s needs.

Grade	RFV Range	Typical Use
Supreme	> 180	High-producing dairy cows
Premium	151–180	Dairy, performance horses
Good	125–150	Dairy heifers, beef stock
Fair	100–124	Beef cows, maintenance feeding
Utility	< 100	Dry cows, low nutrient requirements

Factors That Influence Alfalfa Quality

Several factors can affect the final grade of alfalfa:

Maturity at Harvest
Earlier cuts have higher protein and lower fiber. As alfalfa matures, fiber increases and digestibility decreases.

Leaf-to-Stem Ratio
Leaves contain most of the nutrients. A higher leaf content indicates better quality.

Moisture Content
Ideal baling moisture is 12 to 15 percent. Hay that is too wet can mold and generate heat. If too dry, leaf shatter becomes a concern.

Color and Aroma
Bright green, clean-smelling alfalfa indicates freshness. Discoloration or musty odors signal quality loss.

Foreign Material
Weeds, dust, and debris reduce feeding value and safety.

Why Alfalfa Grade Matters

Choosing the right grade of alfalfa ensures:

Optimal animal health and productivity

Reduced need for supplemental feed

Lower veterinary and feed costs

Less waste and improved feed efficiency

Feeding high-quality forage supports better weight gain and milk production in cattle, while providing the energy and performance benefits needed for horses. Across all livestock, quality forage contributes to long-term health and productivity.

Barr-Ag’s Commitment to Forage Quality

At Barr-Ag, we don’t just grow alfalfa. We carefully grade, test, and package every lot to meet the needs of diverse livestock operations across North America and around the world. We follow a meticulous quality control process from field to shipment.

Whether you’re raising cattle, caring for horses, or supplying feed, you can count on us for clean, consistent, and nutritionally reliable forage.

Choose Premium Alfalfa with Confidence

If you’re ready to elevate your feed program, Barr-Ag is here to help. Our team can assist in finding the ideal alfalfa grade for your animal’s nutritional needs. For specific dietary requirements, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.

Contact us today to learn more.

The Essential Role of Straw in Livestock Care

Straw is one of the most versatile and valuable byproducts in livestock farming. While it may often be overlooked, straw plays a critical role in maintaining animal health and comfort on farms and ranches around the world. Whether used as bedding or as part of a feeding strategy, straw contributes to cleaner, healthier environments and supports efficient livestock management.

Straw for Bedding: Comfort, Cleanliness, and Insulation

Livestock require clean, dry spaces to rest and thrive. Straw is an ideal bedding material because of its natural absorbency, softness, and insulation properties. It helps provide a comfortable resting area and helps maintain a dry, clean environment by promoting airflow and limiting moisture buildup

Wheat, barley, and oat straw are commonly used, each offering unique characteristics:

Wheat straw is durable and hollow-stemmed, making it easy to handle and highly absorbent.

Barley straw is softer, which is often preferred for horses and animals with more sensitive skin.

Oat straw provides good cushioning but breaks down more quickly, making it suitable for short-term bedding needs.

A well-bedded environment improves animal welfare, reduces stress, and contributes to overall quality of life.

Straw in Feed: A Valuable Roughage Source

While straw is not a primary source of nutrients, it does play an important role as roughage in diets of livestock, especially for ruminants such as cattle and sheep. Its high fiber content supports rumen function by stimulating chewing activity and saliva production.

Straw is often used to stretch feed supplies during shortages, balance high-energy rations, or reduce the risk of digestive disorders in confined feeding situations. However, quality is essential; only clean, dry, mold-free straw should be used in feed to avoid health complications.

Understanding Straw Quality and Grades

Not all straw is created equal. Quality can vary depending on harvest conditions, handling, and storage. At Barr-Ag, we offer a range of straw grades to match different livestock and operational needs:

Premium Grade: Bright, golden, dust-free straw ideal for export or high-performance animal facilities.

Feed Grade: Sorted specifically for safe inclusion in livestock rations.

Utility Grade: A reliable choice for general-use bedding on large farms and on ranches.

Canadian straw is especially sought after for its cleanliness, consistency, and long stalks. Our straw is carefully sourced from top-producing regions in Western Canada and stored to preserve its integrity until it reaches your operation.

Looking for High-Quality Straw You Can Rely On?

At Barr-Ag, we specialize in premium Canadian straw for bedding, feed, and export. With a commitment to quality, consistency, and customer service, we help farms of all sizes create healthier environments and more efficient feeding systems.

Contact Barr-Ag today to learn more about our straw products and how we can support your livestock operation with dependable, high-grade solutions.

Barley Silage: A Versatile, High-Quality Forage for Global Livestock Markets

Barley silage is one of the primary forages used in dairy and beef production in Western Canada. It has been cultivated for decades and is well adapted to the local climate, continuing to play a central role in supporting animal health and performance. Barr-Ag Ltd., based in Alberta, Canada, is at the forefront of producing and exporting top-tier dehydrated Barley silage to meet the growing demands of both domestic and international markets.

Nutritional Advantages of Barley Silage

Barley silage offers a harmonious blend of energy and fiber, making it an excellent feed choice for ruminants. Its rapid starch fermentation rate compared to corn can provides a more synchronous release of energy and nitrogen, enhancing microbial nutrient assimilation in the rumen. This synchronization can lead to improved feed efficiency and animal performance.

Moreover, studies have shown that Barley silage can result in higher milk fat yields and production efficiency in lactating cows compared to some other forages. Its palatability ensures consistent intake, which is crucial for maintaining production levels in dairy and beef cattle.

Optimal Harvesting and Ensiling Practices

The quality of Barley silage is heavily influenced by the timing of harvest and the ensiling process. Harvesting Barley at the boot stage, when the plant is just about to head, ensures higher crude protein content and digestibility. Proper chopping, packing, and sealing during ensiling are essential to create anaerobic conditions that preserve the forage and enhance its nutritional value.

Barr-Ag’s Commitment to Quality and Global Distribution

Barr-Ag Ltd. specializes in producing high-quality, non-GMO Barley silage tailored to meet the specific needs of livestock producers. With one state-of-the-art facility in Alberta, Barr-Ag dehydrates, compresses and packages silage into various bale sizes, including:

35-40 kg mini bales

450 kg sleeve bales

These packaging options cater to diverse customer requirements, ensuring ease of handling and storage. 

Strategically located near the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Barr-Ag benefits from clean air, rich soil, and a favorable climate, contributing to the production of superior forage products. The company adheres to stringent quality control measures and complies with international export standards, facilitating smooth shipments worldwide.

Barr-Ag’s extensive experience in exporting forage products has established strong relationships with customers across the Middle East and Asia. Their expertise in logistics ensures efficient delivery through major ports, such as Vancouver for Asia-bound shipments.

Partner with Barr-Ag for Your Forage Needs

Choosing Barr-Ag means partnering with a trusted supplier committed to delivering consistent, high-quality Barley silage tailored to your livestock’s nutritional requirements. Whether you’re operating a dairy farm in Canada or managing beef cattle overseas, Barr-Ag’s expertise and dedication ensure you receive forage that supports animal health and productivity.

Contact Barr-Ag today to discuss your forage needs and discover how our premium Barley silage can benefit your operation. 

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