Managing Early Season Plant Stress

As fields begin to green up, now is the time to walk stands, make early decisions, and protect first-cut yield. Here are easy, practical steps that help drive more tons in 2026. 

We’ve all heard the old adage that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. This year it came in more like an overfed barn cat than a lion. It still has claws and will fight when cornered, but it’s really more content to just lay around all day on a window sill enjoying the sun.

Today’s dairy and beef operations rely heavily on accurate forage inventory planning. Feed costs remain one of the largest contributors to overall expenses, and even small miscalculations can result in unplanned purchases before the next harvest. Key elements of effective forage management include proactive planning, understanding shrink and waste, accurately estimating animal numbers, and feeding consistent dry matter amounts.