As Wisconsin dairy farmers continue to push for higher milk production, nutrition, especially corn silage, is playing an increasingly important role in herd performance.
Dr. John Goeser, a dairy nutrition and management consultant with Progressive Dairy Solutions, says corn silage has become a much larger part of today’s rations compared to a decade ago. “We’re feeding far more corn silage on a relative basis compared to alfalfa… relative to 10 years ago,” Goeser explained. With high-producing cows demanding more energy, that shift means farmers are relying heavily on silage to deliver the calories needed to sustain milk output.
That growing dependence has also increased the focus on silage quality and management. Farmers are exploring different hybrids, including brown midrib corn for improved digestibility, while others are intensifying efforts to evaluate seed genetics and maximize yield per acre. At the same time, maintaining clean, disease-free crops and properly stored silage is critical to avoiding losses from mold or spoilage.
Beyond production, economics are top of mind heading into 2026. Margins remain tight, making efficiency more important than ever. Goeser emphasizes that understanding costs at the field level is key to making smart decisions. “We need to be economic-minded in all of our decisions… and know our cost of production per acre,” he said, noting that this helps farmers compare feed options and determine the true value of their silage.
Forage Supply
While forage supplies in the Upper Midwest are currently strong thanks to a favorable growing season, quality remains inconsistent. Wide variability, ranging from excellent feed to poor-quality forage, has created new challenges for nutritionists and farmers alike. Managing that variability through testing and strategic ration balancing will be essential to maintaining consistent milk production.
Looking ahead, Goeser remains optimistic. With continued advancements in seed genetics, forage management, and nutrition strategies, dairy producers are well-positioned to adapt and improve. The key will be balancing production goals with economic realities while making the most of every acre and every ton of feed.
