To Silage or Bale

[WiltonRanch]

Okay what is the economic threshhold for silage to
be more cost effective than making greenfeed? I
know every ranch in each corner ofthe world has
different circumstances but what is the general
rule? Our operation is close to 300 cows, and we
background all our calves to 850-900 lbs. We are in
reasonable grain country but also have a lot of hilly
sloughy cow land.

[wlc]

Recent custom costs to silage .
Swath chop truck pack & cover .
15,000 dollars to do full 1/4
section.

[grassfarmer]

I don't think there can be any general rule - the
variables are too great. Depends if you already own a
baler, if you intend to own one, or own silage
equipment or hire it all done custom. Depends on the
availability of custom operators in your area. Depends
on the lay of your land and whether it is conducive to
hauling silage from (distance = cost) Silage will give
you better feed value on average with less weather
risk, greenfeed may be cheaper. If you have surplus
silage to carry over it's already sheeted and won't
suffer the damage bales would out in the rain.
Greenfeed in bales would give you the option to sell
surplus which silage doesn't lend itself too. One
option to give you maximum flexibility might be to
bale and have a wrapper - make greenfeed if the
weather is with you, silage if it isn't. This may be the
dearest option though.
My preference has always been pit silage made
custom - but we can get it done for @$11 a ton. I
know it's harder to find custom outfits in other areas.
All I need for silage is a silage wagon which you can
buy for $6k used.