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Dairy

Seven Tips to Survive Corn Silage Harvest

Cow : Management

Kevin Dill, Ph.D.

Director of Dairy Technical Innovation

It’s that time of year again – harvest! Whether you’re harvesting corn silage or hay, you know there are long days, extra chores and a seemingly never-ending to-do list ahead.
 
Here are seven tips to help you stay positive during these busy harvest days: 

Corn Silage Harvest Tips

#7 – Keep an extra cell phone charger close. This will help alleviate panic when you see red blinking on your phone.  
#6 – Pack coolers of snacks and drinks for morning and afternoon. Be prepared – those long days and nights can leave you hangry. Make sure your best mood is on display.
 
#5 – Share a corny joke to keep everyone’s spirits up. Don’t have one? Try this one on for size: “What did the baby corn say to the mama corn? Where's popcorn?”
 A group of dairy cows say keep calm and harvest on!
#4 – Do a little yoga. While flexibility may not be your thing, even just taking a few deep, relaxing breaths can do wonders for your stress level. Breathe in. Breathe out. It’s that simple.
 
#3 – Cuddle with a calf or pet your dog. Petting an animal for just a few minutes can reduce stress. A quick walk by the calves or cows can help take your stress level down a notch.
 
#2 – Ask for help. This can be hard, especially when you’re moving fast and your to-do is long. Dairy is a community full of comradery, so go ahead and ask.
 
#1 – Rock out to a good song. No matter your taste, there’s nothing like rocking out to your favorite jam to reduce some stress. Don’t worry, nobody can see you – play that air guitar.
 
Want insights on silage harvest? Check out these quick silage tips.