CORN SILAGE

Dairy cows need lots of calories and a higher protein feed than do cattle raised for beef, because every day their bodies provide milk which is high in calories and in protein. Thus, dairy farmers need to store lots of high quality feed for the long winters. The large and attractive barns, so typical of dairy regions, are one of the results of this "need" to store feed.

Source:  Photograph by Randy Schaetzl, Professor of Geography - Michigan State University

Below (two images), the farmer is chopping corn into a wagon. The whole plant is chopped, stored, and later eaten by the cows. Corn stored in silos (tall cylinders) is called silage.  The silos act like large "jars", essentially preseving the corn silage within like peaches are preserved in a fruit jar.

Source:  Photograph by Randy Schaetzl, Professor of Geography - Michigan State University

Source:  Photograph by Randy Schaetzl, Professor of Geography - Michigan State University

This material has been compiled for educational use only, and may not be reproduced without permission.  One copy may be printed for personal use.  Please contact Randall Schaetzl (soils@msu.edu) for more information or permissions.