What does sustainability mean on your farm? When it comes to silage-making, it can be the key to animal wellbeing, higher profits, and more environmentally-friendly working practices. Read on and discover how sustainable silage-making can work for you.
From Field to Fork: Farming Sustainably is Key to a Brighter Future
In a rapidly changing global landscape, it is no longer an option for farmers to dismiss sustainable practices in farming as merely a passing trend. From farm to fork, there is a growing focus on sustainable agriculture, as farmers are encouraged to optimize resource use and promote long-term viability.
The Benefits of Sustainable Farming
For some, the term sustainability may evoke concerns about additional costs and regulatory challenges. However, sustainable farming practices can have a tangible impact on a farm’s bottom line and its long-term viability. In an era of volatile raw material prices—particularly protein sources—farming sustainably becomes crucial for continued production and adaptation. Efficient use of inputs in forage production exemplifies how sustainable practices help farms adapt and thrive in a changing world.
If a farm can produce higher quality silage, it can reduce its dependence on purchased feed by better meeting the nutritional needs of its animals. Achieving top-quality silage makes financial sense—but it doesn’t happen by chance. It requires attention to detail at every stage.
Investing in proven inoculants and implementing proper silage management techniques pays off by preserving as much of the nutritional value of the original forage as possible, reducing dry matter losses, and preventing heating and spoilage. This approach delivers clear financial returns while ensuring consistent feed quality.
A recent research study presented at the ADSA Conference 2025, Lactation Performance and Methane Intensity of Holstein Cows Fed Diets Containing Alfalfa Grass Silage Inoculated with a Multi-Strain Inoculant (Abstract 1582), reported that cows fed a ration containing grass silage treated with MAGNIVA Platinum 3 consumed 0.9 kg more dry matter per day compared to cows fed the exact same ration with untreated grass silage. As a result of the improved intake, an extra 2.2 liters of energy-corrected milk (ECM) per cow per day was observed. In addition to the extra milk, milk solids such as fat and true protein were also improved compared to the control.
MAGNIVA Platinum 3 also contributed to a reduction in methane intensity (Methane emissions per liter of milk). Cows fed MAGNIVA Platinum 3 silage produced more milk with nearly no increase in methane emissions compared to those fed untreated silage.
These results demonstrate that producing the best quality silage can lead to significant on-farm impacts. As the agriculture industry undergoes major changes, implementing simple, effective practices that deliver a return on investment can help future-proof farm businesses—while also satisfying regulators, buyers, and consumer demands.
