WEBVTT 00:00:23.619 --> 00:00:27.940 from genomic codes to robot facts we cut through 00:00:27.940 --> 00:00:31.879 the noise no holes back. Not your daddy's dairy 00:00:31.879 --> 00:01:03.009 news tonight. Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast, 00:01:03.530 --> 00:01:06.730 your hub for the boldest ideas and insights transforming 00:01:06.730 --> 00:01:10.510 the dairy industry. In today's episode, we unpack 00:01:10.510 --> 00:01:13.290 groundbreaking research from Michigan State University 00:01:13.290 --> 00:01:15.709 that challenges everything you thought about 00:01:15.709 --> 00:01:18.989 corn silage nutrition and strategy. Get ready 00:01:18.989 --> 00:01:22.109 for fresh, actionable intel that could boost 00:01:22.109 --> 00:01:24.489 your milk production and farm profitability. 00:01:24.760 --> 00:01:27.359 Welcome back to the bull vine podcast the show 00:01:27.359 --> 00:01:29.379 that digs deep into the topics that matter to 00:01:29.379 --> 00:01:32.060 dairy producers And what a topic we have today 00:01:32.060 --> 00:01:34.420 We're diving into a feature article from the 00:01:34.420 --> 00:01:37.340 bull vine that has truly sent ripples through 00:01:37.340 --> 00:01:40.180 the dairy industry It's forcing us to reconsider 00:01:40.180 --> 00:01:42.319 some long -held beliefs and we're gonna break 00:01:42.319 --> 00:01:45.120 down every facet of this deep dive Absolutely, 00:01:45.120 --> 00:01:47.760 the article that has captured everyone's attention 00:01:47.760 --> 00:01:51.659 is titled br2 corn silage a new challenger to 00:01:51.659 --> 00:01:55.239 BMR. Yeah If that title alone doesn't pique your 00:01:55.239 --> 00:01:58.700 interest, let me assure you, its central, provocative 00:01:58.700 --> 00:02:02.180 claim certainly will. This piece suggests that 00:02:02.180 --> 00:02:05.939 recent Michigan State VR2 corn trials may completely 00:02:05.939 --> 00:02:08.599 flip the script on BMR's long -standing reputation 00:02:08.599 --> 00:02:11.560 as the unbeatable silage. Flip the script feels 00:02:11.560 --> 00:02:13.360 like an understatement, doesn't it? It really 00:02:13.360 --> 00:02:15.580 does. When this research first started circulating 00:02:15.580 --> 00:02:18.039 at summer dairy meetings, there was a palpable 00:02:18.039 --> 00:02:21.289 buzz, almost a sense of disbelief. among seasoned 00:02:21.289 --> 00:02:24.689 producers and nutritionists alike. BMR has been 00:02:24.689 --> 00:02:27.289 the gold standard, the undisputed champion of 00:02:27.289 --> 00:02:31.009 high quality forage for so long. It's been the 00:02:31.009 --> 00:02:33.729 cornerstone of high producing Gary rations for 00:02:33.729 --> 00:02:37.310 decades. Ages, yeah. So to hear that this new 00:02:37.310 --> 00:02:41.110 BR2, short stature corn, isn't just competing, 00:02:41.310 --> 00:02:43.689 but actually outperforming BMR in some really 00:02:43.689 --> 00:02:47.050 critical metrics. Well, it genuinely makes you 00:02:47.050 --> 00:02:49.250 sit up and take notice. It's like hearing a new 00:02:49.250 --> 00:02:52.069 rookie just beat the perennial MVP. It truly 00:02:52.069 --> 00:02:54.889 is. And for you, our listener, our mission today 00:02:54.889 --> 00:02:58.289 is to thoroughly unpack this surprising research. 00:02:58.370 --> 00:03:01.050 Yeah, let's get into it. We want to really understand 00:03:01.050 --> 00:03:03.590 its intricate details and implications and ultimately 00:03:03.590 --> 00:03:05.930 help you figure out what these findings could 00:03:05.930 --> 00:03:09.409 mean for your 2025 feed strategy. We're here 00:03:09.409 --> 00:03:11.349 to provide the clarity you need to make informed 00:03:11.349 --> 00:03:14.030 data -driven decisions for your operation. And 00:03:14.030 --> 00:03:15.810 before we get too deep, let's quickly set the 00:03:15.810 --> 00:03:17.889 stage by defining a few key terms we'll be using 00:03:17.889 --> 00:03:19.740 throughout our conversation. Just so we're all 00:03:19.740 --> 00:03:22.419 on the same page. Good idea. First up, the familiar 00:03:22.419 --> 00:03:25.939 BMR. BMR, which stands for brown midrib, is a 00:03:25.939 --> 00:03:28.580 type of corn characterized by a naturally reduced 00:03:28.580 --> 00:03:31.199 lignin content. Right, that reduced lignin. This 00:03:31.199 --> 00:03:33.659 reduction is absolutely crucial because lignin 00:03:33.659 --> 00:03:36.840 is essentially the indigestible glue in the plant 00:03:36.840 --> 00:03:39.300 cell wall, and less of it means significantly 00:03:39.300 --> 00:03:41.939 improved fiber digestibility. That's the key. 00:03:42.099 --> 00:03:45.199 For decades, BMR has been the premium forage 00:03:45.199 --> 00:03:48.389 standard. the benchmark against which all other 00:03:48.389 --> 00:03:50.530 silages were measured for high -producing dairy 00:03:50.530 --> 00:03:53.569 cows. Then we have BR2, which is shorthand for 00:03:53.569 --> 00:03:55.990 brachydic 2. Okay. This is a novel gene that 00:03:55.990 --> 00:03:59.550 gives us short -stature corn. What's truly unique 00:03:59.550 --> 00:04:02.490 about BR2 is its completely different plant architecture 00:04:02.490 --> 00:04:06.069 compared to conventional or even BMR corn. How 00:04:06.069 --> 00:04:08.750 so? It's much shorter, much more compact, and 00:04:08.750 --> 00:04:10.550 that structural difference plays a significant 00:04:10.550 --> 00:04:13.150 role in its agronomic and nutritional profile. 00:04:13.449 --> 00:04:16.389 Gotcha. And as we talk about performance, you'll 00:04:16.389 --> 00:04:19.610 hear us refer to ECM or energy corrected milk. 00:04:19.930 --> 00:04:22.490 Important one. This isn't just about the volume 00:04:22.490 --> 00:04:24.850 of milk. It's the metric that truly reflects 00:04:24.850 --> 00:04:27.269 what matters for your milk check, as it accounts 00:04:27.269 --> 00:04:29.730 for both the milk volume and its energy rich 00:04:29.730 --> 00:04:32.389 components like fat and protein. Right. It balances 00:04:32.389 --> 00:04:34.470 it out. It gives us a more accurate picture of 00:04:34.470 --> 00:04:36.790 the energy output from the cow. And finally, 00:04:37.110 --> 00:04:40.189 DMI or dry matter intake. This is simply how 00:04:40.189 --> 00:04:42.779 much feed your cows are actually consuming. on 00:04:42.779 --> 00:04:45.500 a dry matter basis. Pretty straightforward. Generally, 00:04:45.779 --> 00:04:48.060 higher DMI often correlates with higher production, 00:04:48.399 --> 00:04:50.360 because the more high -quality nutrients a cow 00:04:50.360 --> 00:04:52.879 can consume, the more she has available to convert 00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:56.079 into milk. Makes sense. But, as we'll see today, 00:04:56.620 --> 00:04:58.860 it's not always a direct one -to -one relationship. 00:04:59.339 --> 00:05:02.439 Hmm. All the fascinating data and observations 00:05:02.439 --> 00:05:04.500 we're dissecting today, those numbers that got 00:05:04.500 --> 00:05:07.420 everyone talking, come from rigorous scientific 00:05:07.420 --> 00:05:10.360 research. Yeah, this isn't just hearsay. Specifically, 00:05:10.660 --> 00:05:13.100 we're drawing from the work by Sirmikasaglulu 00:05:13.100 --> 00:05:16.899 et al. published in August 2025 in the Journal 00:05:16.899 --> 00:05:19.319 of Dairy Science Communications. Right. So this 00:05:19.319 --> 00:05:22.980 isn't speculation. It's backed by credible peer 00:05:22.980 --> 00:05:25.180 -reviewed science, which is vital when we're 00:05:25.180 --> 00:05:27.319 discussing such potentially disruptive findings. 00:05:27.600 --> 00:05:29.759 Okay, let's truly unpack this. The executive 00:05:29.759 --> 00:05:32.000 summary from the article doesn't mince words. 00:05:32.100 --> 00:05:33.959 It drops some pretty remarkable numbers right 00:05:33.959 --> 00:05:36.300 off the bat. Yeah, it gets right to it. It claims 00:05:36.300 --> 00:05:40.779 these new BR2 short -stature corn hybrids are 00:05:40.779 --> 00:05:43.560 crushing BMR in the feed bunk. Now, crushing 00:05:43.560 --> 00:05:46.129 is a strong word. But when you look at the raw 00:05:46.129 --> 00:05:48.750 data, it's hard to argue. It becomes incredibly 00:05:48.750 --> 00:05:50.410 difficult to argue with the sentiment. Yeah. 00:05:50.430 --> 00:05:53.649 It really does. We're talking about an impressive 00:05:53.649 --> 00:05:57.589 8 % higher dry matter intake for cows on BR2 00:05:57.589 --> 00:06:00.990 silage compared to those on BMR. 8%. That's huge. 00:06:01.170 --> 00:06:03.689 But what's truly significant is that this isn't 00:06:03.689 --> 00:06:06.160 just a number on a spreadsheet. That higher intake 00:06:06.160 --> 00:06:09.600 translates directly into a 3 .8 % increase in 00:06:09.600 --> 00:06:12.279 overall milk production. It's a compelling story 00:06:12.279 --> 00:06:14.839 playing out in the bulk tank. And that 3 .8 % 00:06:14.839 --> 00:06:16.939 increase isn't just an abstract percentage point. 00:06:17.300 --> 00:06:19.420 The article quantifies it for us, estimating 00:06:19.420 --> 00:06:22.399 it at roughly 2 .6 extra pounds of milk per cow 00:06:22.399 --> 00:06:25.199 daily. 2 .6 pounds. For a lot of producers, that's 00:06:25.199 --> 00:06:27.079 not just a statistic. It's a game changer for 00:06:27.079 --> 00:06:29.240 their bulk tank. day in and day out. Definitely. 00:06:29.540 --> 00:06:31.600 What also strikes me about that intake jump is 00:06:31.600 --> 00:06:34.160 the sheer metabolic drive it represents. An 8 00:06:34.160 --> 00:06:36.839 % higher DMI means cows were consuming over four 00:06:36.839 --> 00:06:40.000 pounds more dry matter daily when fed BR2. Over 00:06:40.000 --> 00:06:42.839 four pounds more feed? Wow! That's a massive 00:06:42.839 --> 00:06:45.259 amount of additional fuel driving a more productive 00:06:45.259 --> 00:06:47.670 engine. Absolutely. When you start connecting 00:06:47.670 --> 00:06:49.509 these numbers to your bottom line, the picture 00:06:49.509 --> 00:06:52.029 becomes even clearer. Yeah, let's talk money. 00:06:52.550 --> 00:06:54.769 The article suggests this increased production 00:06:54.769 --> 00:06:59.389 could inject an additional $1 .25 per cow daily 00:06:59.389 --> 00:07:02.779 into your operation. $1 .25 a cow. If you multiply 00:07:02.779 --> 00:07:06.639 that across your herd over a year, you're looking 00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:10.319 at nearly $400 annually per cow based on current 00:07:10.319 --> 00:07:13.279 market prices. And let's not overlook the potential 00:07:13.279 --> 00:07:16.500 for a significant protein bump, especially with 00:07:16.500 --> 00:07:19.180 protein prices hovering around, what, $1 .87 00:07:19.180 --> 00:07:21.819 per pound in many markets? Yeah, protein's valuable. 00:07:21.899 --> 00:07:25.019 That's real, tangible money that directly impacts 00:07:25.019 --> 00:07:27.959 your profitability and could easily justify considering 00:07:27.959 --> 00:07:30.160 this new forage. What truly makes these findings 00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:32.370 even more remarkable and honestly a bit eyebrow 00:07:32.370 --> 00:07:34.870 -raising is the context in which this trial took 00:07:34.870 --> 00:07:36.949 place. Right, the conditions. This was during 00:07:36.949 --> 00:07:40.910 the 2023 Michigan corn year, which, as many dairy 00:07:40.910 --> 00:07:43.329 producers painfully remember, was characterized 00:07:43.329 --> 00:07:45.930 by a severe and brutal drought. Oh yeah, that 00:07:45.930 --> 00:07:50.230 was tough. Now, BMR corn, while excellent, often 00:07:50.230 --> 00:07:53.110 doesn't perform at its absolute best under such 00:07:53.110 --> 00:07:55.629 intense environmental stress. No, it can struggle. 00:07:55.750 --> 00:07:59.480 So for BR2 to not only hold its own, but actually 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:02.399 show this kind of success and challenging drought 00:08:02.399 --> 00:08:04.839 -affected conditions, that to me is genuinely 00:08:04.839 --> 00:08:07.620 noteworthy and suggests a robust resilience. 00:08:07.899 --> 00:08:11.199 It does. It raises the question, could BR2's 00:08:11.199 --> 00:08:14.519 unique compact plant architecture, perhaps with 00:08:14.519 --> 00:08:17.620 a more efficient root system or less surface 00:08:17.620 --> 00:08:20.600 area for transpiration, be inherently more tolerant 00:08:20.600 --> 00:08:23.199 to water stress than the taller BMR hybrids? 00:08:23.259 --> 00:08:25.279 That's a good question. Something to watch. That's 00:08:25.279 --> 00:08:26.779 something worth watching in future research. 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:29.680 And the cows involved were mid -lactation, averaging 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:32.960 around 150 days in milk, not fresh cows. Right, 00:08:33.059 --> 00:08:35.519 not the fresh group. Typically, we see BMR shine 00:08:35.519 --> 00:08:37.860 brightest and offer its most pronounced advantages 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:40.340 in those early lactation high -demand periods 00:08:40.340 --> 00:08:43.039 when cows are peaking and need maximum energy 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:45.700 density and rapid passage. Exactly. Fresh cows 00:08:45.700 --> 00:08:48.889 need that kickstart. For BR2 to show such strong 00:08:48.889 --> 00:08:51.509 results in mid -lactation hints at a broader 00:08:51.509 --> 00:08:54.409 utility, suggesting it might be a valuable tool 00:08:54.409 --> 00:08:56.649 across different stages of the lactation curve, 00:08:57.090 --> 00:08:58.690 which is something we might not have initially 00:08:58.690 --> 00:09:01.529 assumed. That's interesting. And beyond the impressive 00:09:01.529 --> 00:09:03.970 feed bunk performance and milk increases, there's 00:09:03.970 --> 00:09:06.730 an agronomic advantage that's a real kicker for 00:09:06.730 --> 00:09:08.990 producers. Oh, yeah. What's that? The article 00:09:08.990 --> 00:09:12.049 highlights that BR2 hybrids also offer better 00:09:12.049 --> 00:09:14.529 standability in the field. Ah, standability. 00:09:14.570 --> 00:09:17.350 That's huge. This means a significantly reduced 00:09:17.350 --> 00:09:20.129 risk of lodging that dreaded situation where 00:09:20.129 --> 00:09:22.850 the corn stalks fall over and tangle, making 00:09:22.850 --> 00:09:25.769 harvest an absolute nightmare. Lodged corn is 00:09:25.769 --> 00:09:27.870 the worst. Anyone who's had to deal with tangled 00:09:27.870 --> 00:09:31.029 lodged corn knows the sheer frustration, time 00:09:31.029 --> 00:09:34.289 loss, and valuable silage tonnage sacrificed. 00:09:35.029 --> 00:09:36.830 The peace of mind alone that comes from better 00:09:36.830 --> 00:09:39.210 standability when the weather turns ugly is a 00:09:39.210 --> 00:09:41.929 substantial on -farm benefit. It truly is a double 00:09:41.929 --> 00:09:43.750 win, isn't it? better performance in the cow, 00:09:43.950 --> 00:09:45.870 and better resilience in the field, reducing 00:09:45.870 --> 00:09:47.649 harvest headaches and protecting your yield. 00:09:47.909 --> 00:09:51.070 Seems like it. But, as with anything that promises 00:09:51.070 --> 00:09:54.129 such significant upside, there are always a few 00:09:54.129 --> 00:09:56.389 practical trade -offs and hurdles to consider, 00:09:56.590 --> 00:09:58.970 and the executive summary is commendably upfront 00:09:58.970 --> 00:10:02.340 about them. Right, it's not all roses. It's not 00:10:02.340 --> 00:10:05.039 a magic bullet. You're right. The two main downsides 00:10:05.039 --> 00:10:07.940 highlighted are a slight drop in butterfat, about 00:10:07.940 --> 00:10:11.419 0 .13 percentage points. Okay, 0 .13 fat points. 00:10:11.679 --> 00:10:14.379 Which, while not massive, is certainly something 00:10:14.379 --> 00:10:16.500 to monitor very closely, especially if you're 00:10:16.500 --> 00:10:18.539 shipping to a plant with strict fat requirements. 00:10:18.820 --> 00:10:20.379 Definitely need to watch that. And then there's 00:10:20.379 --> 00:10:22.909 the big one. that need to budget for equipment 00:10:22.909 --> 00:10:26.710 modifications, an estimated $15 ,000 to $22 ,000 00:10:26.710 --> 00:10:29.490 per machine to handle the lower ear heights of 00:10:29.490 --> 00:10:33.190 BR2. Wow, $15 ,000 to $22 ,000 per machine. Yeah. 00:10:33.710 --> 00:10:35.970 While these are certainly significant considerations, 00:10:36.529 --> 00:10:38.750 the article posits that when you crunch the numbers, 00:10:39.269 --> 00:10:41.350 the overall economics still look pretty compelling, 00:10:41.690 --> 00:10:43.789 at least on paper. Okay, so the math might still 00:10:43.789 --> 00:10:47.120 work out. even with those costs. It's crucial 00:10:47.120 --> 00:10:49.480 to understand the scientific rigor behind this 00:10:49.480 --> 00:10:52.399 research. This wasn't some small -scale anecdotal 00:10:52.399 --> 00:10:55.659 observation on a handful of cows. No, it was 00:10:55.659 --> 00:10:58.799 proper study. Michigan State conducted a meticulously 00:10:58.799 --> 00:11:02.840 designed trial putting three different BR2 short 00:11:02.840 --> 00:11:06.139 spatcher hybrids head to head against Pioneer's 00:11:06.139 --> 00:11:11.000 P0956 AMX BMR, which is a widely recognized and 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:13.799 high performing BMR hybrid. Yep, a good benchmark. 00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:16.740 As well as a conventional tall hybrid. They used 00:11:16.740 --> 00:11:19.620 40 mid lactation cows, rotating them through 00:11:19.620 --> 00:11:22.720 three 21 day periods. Standard crossover design. 00:11:23.039 --> 00:11:25.919 This kind of crossover design with multiple replicates 00:11:25.919 --> 00:11:28.580 is a fairly standard and a robust protocol for 00:11:28.580 --> 00:11:30.740 dairy nutrition work. adding significant credibility 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:33.120 to the findings. And that rigor truly makes the 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:35.240 author's personal admission even more impactful. 00:11:35.720 --> 00:11:37.580 The article mentions that when the author first 00:11:37.580 --> 00:11:40.580 saw Dr. Mike Van de Haar's initial numbers, their 00:11:40.580 --> 00:11:42.299 immediate thought was that there must have been 00:11:42.299 --> 00:11:44.500 a mistake somewhere in the data collection or 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:46.120 analysis. Really? They thought it was an error. 00:11:46.360 --> 00:11:49.720 Yeah. That raw human reaction really highlights 00:11:49.720 --> 00:11:52.379 just how deeply entrenched BMR's reputation is 00:11:52.379 --> 00:11:55.240 as the ultimate silage, and how genuinely disruptive 00:11:55.240 --> 00:11:58.279 and unexpected these new BR2 findings truly are. 00:11:58.340 --> 00:12:00.580 Wow. It forces everyone in the industry to take 00:12:00.580 --> 00:12:03.139 a second, much closer look. So the production 00:12:03.139 --> 00:12:05.039 numbers are genuinely impressive, and they've 00:12:05.039 --> 00:12:07.500 certainly got everyone's attention. But here's 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:09.980 where it gets really interesting, and frankly 00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:12.720 a bit puzzling for us as nutritionists and scientists. 00:12:13.559 --> 00:12:16.360 the article highlights a significant disconnect 00:12:16.360 --> 00:12:19.179 between what the standard lab tests predicted 00:12:19.179 --> 00:12:22.779 and what actually happened inside the cow. Ah, 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:25.759 the lab versus cow disconnect. This is the big 00:12:25.759 --> 00:12:28.779 one. And that, to me, is the true head scratcher 00:12:28.779 --> 00:12:31.840 that might force us to rethink how we evaluate 00:12:31.840 --> 00:12:34.159 forage quality. Exactly. This is the part that 00:12:34.159 --> 00:12:35.799 has nutritionists everywhere scratching their 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:37.980 heads, perhaps even questioning some of our core 00:12:37.980 --> 00:12:40.740 assumptions. I break it down. The pretrial lab 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:42.990 work, conducted as we normally would, showed 00:12:42.990 --> 00:12:46.330 exactly what we've all come to expect. BMR absolutely 00:12:46.330 --> 00:12:48.549 crushed the competition for fiber digestibility, 00:12:49.049 --> 00:12:52.649 clocking in at an impressive 63 % IVND -FD after 00:12:52.649 --> 00:12:56.190 30 hours. 63 % IVND -FD for BMR? That sounds 00:12:56.190 --> 00:12:58.649 about right. Compare that to the BR2 hybrids, 00:12:58.710 --> 00:13:01.830 which range from just 57 % to 60%. OK, so quite 00:13:01.830 --> 00:13:04.649 a gap in the lab. Based purely on those lab numbers, 00:13:05.190 --> 00:13:07.389 any dairy nutritionist would confidently predict 00:13:07.389 --> 00:13:10.230 BMR to be the clear winner, driving superior 00:13:10.230 --> 00:13:12.379 intake and performance in the cow. Makes sense 00:13:12.379 --> 00:13:15.000 based on the standard metrics, but... But then, 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:17.480 when they actually measured total tract digestibility 00:13:17.480 --> 00:13:20.139 in live cows, which is the real acid test of 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:22.159 what nutrients the animal actually absorbs. Right. 00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:24.340 What the cow actually gets out of it. That lab 00:13:24.340 --> 00:13:27.620 advantage for BMR completely vanished. Vanished! 00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:30.580 Really? The NDF digestibility was essentially 00:13:30.580 --> 00:13:35.299 identical across the board. 45 .4 % for BMR and 00:13:35.299 --> 00:13:39.340 45 .2 % for BR2. Wow. Practically the same. The 00:13:39.340 --> 00:13:41.899 difference was statistically insignificant. Look, 00:13:41.899 --> 00:13:44.480 this isn't just a minor discrepancy. This fundamentally 00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:46.559 challenges a lot of our long -standing assumptions 00:13:46.559 --> 00:13:49.080 about how we evaluate forage quality and what 00:13:49.080 --> 00:13:51.299 truly drives performance in the animal. It really 00:13:51.299 --> 00:13:52.820 makes you wonder what we're missing, doesn't 00:13:52.820 --> 00:13:55.399 it? It really does. What's truly fascinating 00:13:55.399 --> 00:13:58.779 here is how this disconnect directly impacts 00:13:58.779 --> 00:14:03.019 our heavy reliance on 30 -hour IVNDFD numbers 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:05.720 for forage purchasing decisions. Yeah, that 30 00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:08.539 -hour number is king. For years, that metric 00:14:08.539 --> 00:14:11.559 has been a go -to. often dictating premium prices 00:14:11.559 --> 00:14:14.620 for BMR. We put so much stock in that value, 00:14:15.139 --> 00:14:17.320 believing it's the ultimate predictor of how 00:14:17.320 --> 00:14:20.759 a forage will perform in the cow. But if actual 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:23.600 total tract digestibility, the real world performance, 00:14:24.080 --> 00:14:26.740 tells a different story, it strongly suggests 00:14:26.740 --> 00:14:29.080 that we might be oversimplifying the biological 00:14:29.080 --> 00:14:31.639 process. So maybe that one lab value isn't the 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:33.779 whole picture. Perhaps we're missing something 00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:36.440 more significant, a more complex interaction 00:14:36.440 --> 00:14:39.309 within the rumen and the... entire digestive 00:14:39.309 --> 00:14:42.289 tract that isn't fully captured by a single in 00:14:42.289 --> 00:14:45.549 vitro lab value. It absolutely raises a profoundly 00:14:45.549 --> 00:14:48.470 important question for the industry. Are we leaning 00:14:48.470 --> 00:14:51.350 too heavily on one lab test, perhaps ignoring 00:14:51.350 --> 00:14:54.080 the holistic living system of the cow? It kind 00:14:54.080 --> 00:14:56.120 of feels like it based on this. It implies that 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:58.679 the cow herself is the ultimate most sophisticated 00:14:58.679 --> 00:15:01.139 laboratory and what happens in her unique room 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:03.200 and environment and subsequent digestive tract 00:15:03.200 --> 00:15:05.980 is far more nuanced and complex than a snapshot 00:15:05.980 --> 00:15:08.879 of fiber degradation in a test tube. Yeah. This 00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:11.139 could mean a paradigm shift in how we approach 00:15:11.139 --> 00:15:13.320 forage breeding and evaluation moving forward. 00:15:13.659 --> 00:15:15.879 It really could. Let's let's really dig deeper 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:18.539 into the parlor numbers because ultimately this 00:15:18.539 --> 00:15:20.980 is where producers make their money. and evaluate 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:23.360 their free choices. Right, the proof is in the 00:15:23.360 --> 00:15:25.659 production. The article provides a clear daily 00:15:25.659 --> 00:15:27.919 production comparison that truly tells the story. 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:32.799 For feed intake, BMR fed cows were at 24 .5 kilograms 00:15:32.799 --> 00:15:36.360 of dry matter per day. Okay, 24 .5 kilogram DMI 00:15:36.360 --> 00:15:40.279 for BMR. While the BR2 average soared to 26 .5 00:15:40.279 --> 00:15:43.179 kilograms. 26 .5 kilograms. That's an impressive 00:15:43.179 --> 00:15:45.779 8 .2 percent increase for BR2, meaning those 00:15:45.779 --> 00:15:47.879 cows were consuming over four pounds more feed 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:50.620 daily. That's a huge difference in fuel. Wow, 00:15:50.840 --> 00:15:53.000 that intake difference is striking. And as we 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:55.179 discussed, that higher intake directly translated 00:15:55.179 --> 00:15:58.220 to higher milk production. BMR fed cows produced 00:15:58.220 --> 00:16:02.480 32 .0 kilograms per day, while BR2 fed cows hit 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:06.200 33 .2 kilograms per day. OK, so 32 versus 33 00:16:06.200 --> 00:16:09.299 .2 kilograms. That's a 3 .8 % increase or an 00:16:09.299 --> 00:16:11.580 additional 2 .6 pounds of milk per cow per day. 00:16:11.789 --> 00:16:13.870 For many operations, even a fraction of a pound 00:16:13.870 --> 00:16:16.429 makes a difference, so 2 .6 pounds is a significant 00:16:16.429 --> 00:16:18.429 boost to the bulk tank, especially when compounded 00:16:18.429 --> 00:16:21.429 across a large herd. Definitely noticeable. More 00:16:21.429 --> 00:16:23.730 importantly for today's market, where component 00:16:23.730 --> 00:16:26.149 premiums are king and milk protein is highly 00:16:26.149 --> 00:16:29.610 valued, milk protein yield saw a healthy and 00:16:29.610 --> 00:16:31.809 valuable bump. Protein's key. What were the numbers? 00:16:32.190 --> 00:16:35.690 BMR came in at $1 .10 kilograms per day, while 00:16:35.690 --> 00:16:40.330 BR2 produced 1 .15 kilograms per day, a 4 .5 00:16:40.330 --> 00:16:43.720 % increase. Nice bump in protein. With protein 00:16:43.720 --> 00:16:46.279 premiums sometimes reaching as high as $3 .50 00:16:46.279 --> 00:16:48.860 per hundred weight in certain markets, that increase 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:51.840 isn't just significant, it's extremely valuable 00:16:51.840 --> 00:16:53.639 revenue that goes directly into your pocket. 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:55.820 Yeah, that adds up quickly. It's a key reason 00:16:55.820 --> 00:16:58.759 why BR2's economic appeal is so strong. Now we 00:16:58.759 --> 00:17:00.639 do need to address the trade -off, and it's an 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:03.159 important one, with milk fat. Ah yes, the fat 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:05.579 percentage. The percentage dropped from 4 .45 00:17:05.579 --> 00:17:10.440 % on BMR to 4 .32 % on BR2. Okay, that .13 point 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:13.339 drop. That .13 percentage point hit is certainly 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:15.619 not nothing, as the article states, especially 00:17:15.619 --> 00:17:18.299 for operations dealing with very particular processing 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:20.720 plants or quotas. You gotta watch your components. 00:17:21.160 --> 00:17:24.380 However, it's worth noting that due to the significantly 00:17:24.380 --> 00:17:27.799 higher milk volume from BR2, the total pounds 00:17:27.799 --> 00:17:30.519 of fat produced per cow actually remain quite 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:33.319 similar between the two diets. So total pounds 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:35.559 of fat were similar. That's important. Exactly. 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:38.420 So while the percentage drops, the overall fat 00:17:38.420 --> 00:17:41.279 output in terms of total pounds was maintained, 00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:44.240 which is a crucial distinction. OK, good clarification. 00:17:44.539 --> 00:17:46.240 And here's another point that truly highlights 00:17:46.240 --> 00:17:48.640 the nuance and prevents us from seeing this as 00:17:48.640 --> 00:17:52.099 a simple winner takes all scenario. when we look 00:17:52.099 --> 00:17:55.299 at feed efficiency. Right, ECM per DMI. BMR still 00:17:55.299 --> 00:17:58.119 was the champion. It registered at 1 .51 ECM 00:17:58.119 --> 00:18:02.200 per unit of DMI compared to BR2's 1 .43. Oh, 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:04.119 interesting. So BMR was more efficient. That's 00:18:04.119 --> 00:18:07.619 a 5 .3 % difference favoring BMR. So it's clearly 00:18:07.619 --> 00:18:09.980 not a simple case of BR2 being better across 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:12.289 the board. No, definitely more complex. This 00:18:12.289 --> 00:18:14.470 disparity in efficiency, despite higher intake 00:18:14.470 --> 00:18:16.730 in production, points directly what the article 00:18:16.730 --> 00:18:19.609 calls two distinctly different feeding philosophies. 00:18:19.750 --> 00:18:22.190 OK, explain that. Different philosophies. What's 00:18:22.190 --> 00:18:24.910 truly fascinating here is that this isn't necessarily 00:18:24.910 --> 00:18:28.609 about declaring one forage better or worse than 00:18:28.609 --> 00:18:31.569 the other, but rather about recognizing that 00:18:31.569 --> 00:18:34.390 we now have different highly effective tools 00:18:34.390 --> 00:18:36.690 for different situations on the farm. Right, 00:18:36.869 --> 00:18:39.690 different tools for different jobs. BMR. with 00:18:39.690 --> 00:18:42.710 its demonstrated higher efficiency, and the Michigan 00:18:42.710 --> 00:18:45.309 State data showing BMR cows maintaining slightly 00:18:45.309 --> 00:18:47.690 better body condition. Better body condition 00:18:47.690 --> 00:18:50.390 with BMR? Truly seems built for efficiency and 00:18:50.390 --> 00:18:52.430 condition maintenance. This could make it an 00:18:52.430 --> 00:18:55.289 ideal choice for specific groups, like fresh 00:18:55.289 --> 00:18:57.809 cows that need to recover body condition quickly 00:18:57.809 --> 00:19:01.150 while still producing at a high level. Its rapid 00:19:01.150 --> 00:19:03.829 passage rate is crucial here. Okay, so BMR for 00:19:03.829 --> 00:19:06.349 fresh cows, maybe. Where efficiency and condition 00:19:06.349 --> 00:19:08.890 are paramount. Exactly. If you're focusing on 00:19:08.890 --> 00:19:11.450 those critical early lactation animals, where 00:19:11.450 --> 00:19:13.509 every pound of body condition matters not just 00:19:13.509 --> 00:19:15.789 for current production, but for future reproductive 00:19:15.789 --> 00:19:18.829 success and overall health. Right. BMR's characteristics 00:19:18.829 --> 00:19:21.150 that efficient nutrient utilization and maintenance 00:19:21.150 --> 00:19:23.869 of condition might be precisely what you need 00:19:23.869 --> 00:19:26.960 in that phase. It helps them maintain that delicate 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:29.400 balance and sets them up for success throughout 00:19:29.400 --> 00:19:32.160 lactation. On the other hand, BR2 really looks 00:19:32.160 --> 00:19:34.599 like a high throughput production driver. Yeah, 00:19:34.619 --> 00:19:36.539 push the intake, push the milk. It's allowing 00:19:36.539 --> 00:19:39.740 cows to consume more feed, which is then translated 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:42.920 into significantly more milk and valuable components. 00:19:43.539 --> 00:19:45.839 This could be particularly well suited for well 00:19:45.839 --> 00:19:49.299 -conditioned cows in mid to late lactation, where 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:52.059 your primary goal shifts slightly from conditioned 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:55.740 recovery to maximizing component output and driving 00:19:55.740 --> 00:19:58.359 that bulk tank number. Right. Cows that can handle 00:19:58.359 --> 00:20:00.599 the higher intake. These cows are already stable 00:20:00.599 --> 00:20:02.660 and you want to push them for maximum yield. 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:06.099 It's about tailoring your forage strategy, providing 00:20:06.099 --> 00:20:08.599 a more refined approach to precision nutrition 00:20:08.599 --> 00:20:11.480 based on the specific needs and goals for different 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:13.759 groups within your herd. Yeah, makes sense. More 00:20:13.759 --> 00:20:16.240 tools in the toolbox. It's not a one size fits 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:18.880 all solution, but rather an expanded and more 00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:22.019 specialized toolbox that allows for more sophisticated 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:24.869 management. And the researchers, to their credit, 00:20:25.009 --> 00:20:27.730 were incredibly refreshing and honest about why 00:20:27.730 --> 00:20:30.069 BMR might have stumbled in this particular trial. 00:20:30.309 --> 00:20:32.910 Yeah, they didn't hide the context. This transparency 00:20:32.910 --> 00:20:35.730 is incredibly valuable for interpreting the results 00:20:35.730 --> 00:20:38.230 and understanding how they might or might not 00:20:38.230 --> 00:20:40.890 apply to your own operation. It's a vital piece 00:20:40.890 --> 00:20:44.250 of the puzzle. First, and we briefly touched 00:20:44.250 --> 00:20:47.690 on this, it was a 2023 Michigan corn year, which 00:20:47.690 --> 00:20:50.269 was a brutal drought year. Right. The drought 00:20:50.269 --> 00:20:53.119 factor again? This intense environmental stress 00:20:53.119 --> 00:20:56.680 likely impacted BMR more severely than the more 00:20:56.680 --> 00:21:00.480 structurally robust Br2 hybrids. Okay. As many 00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:03.200 producers know, drought -stressed BMR can become 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:06.279 extremely challenging both agronomically in terms 00:21:06.279 --> 00:21:09.200 of standability and harvestability and nutritionally, 00:21:09.460 --> 00:21:12.259 where the benefits of reduced lignin can be overshadowed 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:14.579 by overall plant stress when water is scarce. 00:21:14.900 --> 00:21:17.460 Yeah, drought BMR can be tough. Its genetic advantages 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:19.980 might be compromised in such extreme conditions. 00:21:20.170 --> 00:21:22.869 Second, these were mid -lactation cows, averaging 00:21:22.869 --> 00:21:26.470 150 days in milk, not fresh cows. Right, we covered 00:21:26.470 --> 00:21:29.190 that. In mid -lactation, animals aren't typically 00:21:29.190 --> 00:21:32.130 as constrained by physical fill as they are in 00:21:32.130 --> 00:21:34.109 early lactation when they're rapidly ramping 00:21:34.109 --> 00:21:38.140 up intake. So BMR's signature faster passage 00:21:38.140 --> 00:21:40.339 rate, which is a huge advantage for clearing 00:21:40.339 --> 00:21:42.640 the rumen and allowing more feed intake in fresh 00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:45.900 cows, might not have provided the same significant 00:21:45.900 --> 00:21:48.339 benefit in these mid -lactation animals whose 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:50.839 appetites are already well established and less 00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:53.140 physically restricted. The need just wasn't as 00:21:53.140 --> 00:21:55.940 great, maybe. The physiological need simply isn't 00:21:55.940 --> 00:21:58.880 as acute. Third, and this is a crucial detail 00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:00.980 that highlights the complexity of research. Okay, 00:22:01.079 --> 00:22:03.730 what's this? When the herd switched from their 00:22:03.730 --> 00:22:06.450 normal diet to the study diets, both intake and 00:22:06.450 --> 00:22:09.529 milk yield dropped by 3 .6 and 4 .8 kilograms 00:22:09.529 --> 00:22:12.890 per day, respectively, across all groups. Oh, 00:22:12.930 --> 00:22:14.930 wow. So production dropped when they went on 00:22:14.930 --> 00:22:17.789 to the study diets. Yeah, for everyone. This 00:22:17.789 --> 00:22:20.569 suggests the experimental diets, despite careful 00:22:20.569 --> 00:22:23.430 formulation, might not have been perfectly optimal 00:22:23.430 --> 00:22:26.950 or palatable for these specific cows. This general 00:22:26.950 --> 00:22:29.960 stress response or dietary challenge could have 00:22:29.960 --> 00:22:32.759 potentially masked some of BMR's usual advantages, 00:22:33.339 --> 00:22:35.759 or perhaps even limited the full expression of 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:38.240 BIA2's potential, making it harder to discern 00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:41.339 specific dietary effects. That's a really important 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:43.700 caveat because it underscores that even in a 00:22:43.700 --> 00:22:46.000 highly controlled research setting, external 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:48.460 factors and dietary transitions can influence 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:51.140 outcomes. Absolutely. Additionally, the study 00:22:51.140 --> 00:22:54.920 didn't include mycotoxin analysis. Ah, no myco 00:22:54.920 --> 00:22:57.599 data. In a drought year, particularly one as 00:22:57.599 --> 00:23:01.859 severe as 2023, mycotoxin contamination is always 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:04.460 a concern. Big concern in drought years. The 00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:06.420 absence of this analysis leaves an important 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:09.059 question unanswered, especially when unexpected 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:11.240 intake patterns are observed. It's a piece of 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:13.359 the puzzle that's missing and could have impacted 00:23:13.359 --> 00:23:15.680 the overall health and performance of the cows 00:23:15.680 --> 00:23:17.720 on any of the diets. Yeah, that would have been 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:20.460 good to know. This trial, despite its remarkable 00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:23.019 findings, perfectly illustrates why, as an industry, 00:23:23.460 --> 00:23:26.059 we absolutely cannot solely rely on isolated 00:23:26.059 --> 00:23:29.039 lab numbers or even single -location trial results. 00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:31.720 It's never that simple, is it? Real cows, real 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:34.380 environmental stresses, and real -world management 00:23:34.380 --> 00:23:37.500 constraints. They all interact in complex ways 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:40.259 and matter far more than we sometimes admit. 00:23:41.460 --> 00:23:44.549 The lab provides a valuable starting point. A 00:23:44.549 --> 00:23:47.910 hypothesis. But the farm, with all its variables, 00:23:48.210 --> 00:23:50.750 provides the ultimate undeniable truth about 00:23:50.750 --> 00:23:53.730 what truly performs. So the cow performance data 00:23:53.730 --> 00:23:56.230 is compelling, and it definitely paints an intriguing 00:23:56.230 --> 00:23:58.650 picture for the future of forage. It does. But 00:23:58.650 --> 00:24:00.630 here's the reality check we mentioned earlier. 00:24:01.089 --> 00:24:04.170 The article is also very clear that BR2 isn't 00:24:04.170 --> 00:24:06.490 a plug and play solution. You can just seamlessly 00:24:06.490 --> 00:24:08.869 drop into your existing system without forethought. 00:24:09.049 --> 00:24:10.720 Nope. Definitely not plug -and -play. There's 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:12.920 a significant elephant in the machine shed we 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:15.420 absolutely need to talk about. The equipment 00:24:15.420 --> 00:24:17.880 required for harvest. That's right. The harvest 00:24:17.880 --> 00:24:20.579 challenges for BR2 are substantial, primarily 00:24:20.579 --> 00:24:23.839 due to its defining characteristic, those significantly 00:24:23.839 --> 00:24:26.299 lower ear heights. Right, the short stature means 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:29.099 low ears. Industry sources are reporting BR2 00:24:29.099 --> 00:24:31.640 ear heights ranging from 20 to 26 inches, which 00:24:31.640 --> 00:24:33.940 is considerably lower than the typical 34 to 00:24:33.940 --> 00:24:36.940 40 inches we see for conventional or BMR models. 00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:40.720 Wow, that's a big difference 20 -26 versus 34 00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:43.140 -40 inches. This isn't just a minor adjustment. 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:46.220 It often forces existing headers to operate well 00:24:46.220 --> 00:24:48.859 below their normal designed operating range, 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:51.470 which creates a host of issues. And this distance 00:24:51.470 --> 00:24:54.069 isn't trivial in terms of cost or logistics. 00:24:54.789 --> 00:24:56.670 Based on conversations with equipment dealers 00:24:56.670 --> 00:24:59.329 across the Midwest, preliminary estimates for 00:24:59.329 --> 00:25:01.609 necessary header modifications are running a 00:25:01.609 --> 00:25:06.349 hefty $15 ,000 to $22 ,000 per machine for older 00:25:06.349 --> 00:25:10.809 equipment. Oof. 15 to 22 grand per machine. Even 00:25:10.809 --> 00:25:13.150 newer machines will require significant setup 00:25:13.150 --> 00:25:15.589 changes and potentially slower ground speeds, 00:25:15.910 --> 00:25:17.789 especially during that initial learning curve. 00:25:18.029 --> 00:25:20.430 It's not just old equipment. It's a substantial 00:25:20.430 --> 00:25:22.309 upfront investment that can't be ignored when 00:25:22.309 --> 00:25:24.410 you're looking at the full ROI. It's a truly 00:25:24.410 --> 00:25:26.269 significant upfront investment, as you said. 00:25:26.990 --> 00:25:28.849 And early adopters have emphasized budgeting 00:25:28.849 --> 00:25:31.990 not just money, but also extra time for adjustments 00:25:31.990 --> 00:25:34.829 during harvest. Right. Time is money, too. Expect 00:25:34.829 --> 00:25:36.890 some initial learning curve losses in that first 00:25:36.890 --> 00:25:39.269 year. You need to get your settings meticulously 00:25:39.269 --> 00:25:42.190 dialed in correctly. And that takes time, patience, 00:25:42.390 --> 00:25:44.210 and effort. It's definitely not something you 00:25:44.210 --> 00:25:46.710 want to be figuring out on the fly when the weather 00:25:46.710 --> 00:25:49.190 window is closing fast and every hour counts. 00:25:49.589 --> 00:25:51.910 This can impact your overall harvest efficiency 00:25:51.910 --> 00:25:55.150 and profitability. To help minimize harvest losses, 00:25:55.529 --> 00:25:57.910 which can eat into those potential gains, the 00:25:57.910 --> 00:26:00.650 article details a practical loss check protocol. 00:26:00.789 --> 00:26:04.099 Yeah. Gotta check your losses. It's pretty straightforward 00:26:04.099 --> 00:26:07.519 but absolutely essential. You need to stop periodically 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:10.339 during chopping and physically count years behind 00:26:10.339 --> 00:26:12.900 the header across several transects. Get out 00:26:12.900 --> 00:26:16.420 look. Then weigh those measured swaths to accurately 00:26:16.420 --> 00:26:19.660 estimate your actual loss percentages. This gives 00:26:19.660 --> 00:26:22.039 you concrete data to work with. And based on 00:26:22.039 --> 00:26:23.839 those findings you immediately adjust your deck 00:26:23.839 --> 00:26:25.799 plates, your stout angles, and your header height 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:27.859 accordingly. Check and adjust, check and adjust. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:31.369 It's an iterative process and Critically, you 00:26:31.369 --> 00:26:33.430 should be targeting kernel processing scores 00:26:33.430 --> 00:26:36.789 above 70 % on your standard lab analysis. Gotta 00:26:36.789 --> 00:26:39.210 crack those kernels! This isn't just about getting 00:26:39.210 --> 00:26:41.309 the corn off the field, it's about getting it 00:26:41.309 --> 00:26:44.650 off efficiently and processed optimally, so those 00:26:44.650 --> 00:26:47.190 valuable kernels are fully available to the cow, 00:26:47.549 --> 00:26:50.490 not passing through undigested. Makes sense. 00:26:51.309 --> 00:26:53.329 Beyond the harvest, we absolutely need to talk 00:26:53.329 --> 00:26:56.009 about ration management, specifically protecting 00:26:56.009 --> 00:26:58.009 butterfat. Right, back to that fat percentage. 00:26:58.279 --> 00:27:01.500 That .13 percentage point drop in milk fat we 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:04.339 discussed earlier isn't just a number. It adds 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:07.200 up fast, especially with current component pricing 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:09.759 structures. It sure does. This makes getting 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:12.099 your nutritionist involved early and deeply in 00:27:12.099 --> 00:27:14.779 the conversation an absolute necessity if you're 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:17.799 even contemplating trialing BR2 silage. Yeah, 00:27:18.000 --> 00:27:19.980 call your nutritionist first thing. They will 00:27:19.980 --> 00:27:22.940 be your co -pilot in navigating this. The enhanced 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:25.460 starch digestibility of BR2 means potentially 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:27.859 faster and more vigorous rumen fermentation. 00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:30.039 Okay, faster fermentation. While this can be 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:32.619 good for energy, it also requires careful monitoring. 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:35.420 You'll want your nutritionist to watch your physically 00:27:35.420 --> 00:27:40.200 effective NDF, BNDF levels, very closely to ensure 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:42.920 adequate rumen health and function. Keep an eye 00:27:42.920 --> 00:27:45.680 on PennNDF. If fermentation happens too quickly, 00:27:46.019 --> 00:27:48.980 rumen pH can drop, impacting fiber digestion 00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:51.680 and potentially leading to acidosis or milk fat 00:27:51.680 --> 00:27:55.579 depression. Monitor fecal starch like a hawk 00:27:55.579 --> 00:27:58.259 during any transition periods as it's a direct 00:27:58.259 --> 00:28:00.740 indicator of how well that starch is being utilized 00:28:00.740 --> 00:28:03.720 and whether it's too rapidly fermentable or simply 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:06.319 passing through. Fecal starch checks. Got it. 00:28:06.619 --> 00:28:09.019 And to prevent exacerbating milk fat depression 00:28:09.019 --> 00:28:11.359 issues, you might need to consider adjusting 00:28:11.359 --> 00:28:14.019 buffer levels in the diet based on real -time 00:28:14.019 --> 00:28:16.680 room and pH patterns. Adjust buffels. And carefully 00:28:16.680 --> 00:28:19.099 monitor the total unsaturated fatty acid load 00:28:19.099 --> 00:28:22.099 in the ration, as excessive levels can also depress 00:28:22.099 --> 00:28:24.640 butterfact. Okay, watch the fatty acids too. 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:26.740 It's a holistic approach to managing room and 00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:29.470 function and balancing the entire diet. The good 00:28:29.470 --> 00:28:31.869 news though is that the protein response was 00:28:31.869 --> 00:28:34.950 consistently solid across all three BR2 hybrids 00:28:34.950 --> 00:28:37.369 tested. That's good news on protein. Which in 00:28:37.369 --> 00:28:39.750 today's market with those high protein premiums 00:28:39.750 --> 00:28:42.089 really matters and helps offset any fat concerns. 00:28:42.230 --> 00:28:44.750 So let's talk economics, the real numbers for 00:28:44.750 --> 00:28:47.109 2025 because this is where the rubber meets the 00:28:47.109 --> 00:28:49.430 road for every producer. Yep. Time to crunch 00:28:49.430 --> 00:28:52.109 the numbers. If BR2 consistently gets you an 00:28:52.109 --> 00:28:55.190 extra 2 .6 pounds of milk daily, and assuming 00:28:55.190 --> 00:28:58.710 protein premiums hold strong around $3 .50 per 00:28:58.710 --> 00:29:02.009 100 weight in many markets, that could translate 00:29:02.009 --> 00:29:05.869 to roughly $1 .25 per cow per day in additional 00:29:05.869 --> 00:29:08.509 revenue. $1 .25 a day, that's that number again. 00:29:08.680 --> 00:29:11.279 That's a powerful incentive, assuming you can 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:13.779 navigate the butterfat considerations and maintain 00:29:13.779 --> 00:29:16.460 your overall component standards. Big assumption, 00:29:16.680 --> 00:29:19.059 but powerful number. But you absolutely cannot 00:29:19.059 --> 00:29:21.099 look at just the revenue side of the equation. 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:23.900 You must realistically budget for the additional 00:29:23.900 --> 00:29:26.039 costs involved. Right. Gotta look at the expense 00:29:26.039 --> 00:29:29.059 side. Seed premiums for BR2 hybrids are generally 00:29:29.059 --> 00:29:32.839 15 -25 % higher per bag compared to conventional 00:29:32.839 --> 00:29:35.279 or BMR, though this can vary by seed company 00:29:35.279 --> 00:29:37.460 and specific hybrid. Okay, seed's more expensive. 00:29:37.640 --> 00:29:40.059 You also likely need higher planting populations, 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:43.279 typically in the range of 38 ,000 to 42 ,000 00:29:43.279 --> 00:29:45.549 plants per acre. compared to the conventional 00:29:45.549 --> 00:29:48.589 $32 ,000 to $36 ,000. Higher pops, too. Which 00:29:48.589 --> 00:29:51.069 means more seed costs per acre. Then there are 00:29:51.069 --> 00:29:53.230 the substantial equipment modifications we discussed. 00:29:53.730 --> 00:29:57.890 Those $15 ,000 to $22 ,000 per machine, which 00:29:57.890 --> 00:30:00.049 need to be amortized over their useful life, 00:30:00.349 --> 00:30:02.730 but still represent a significant capital outlay. 00:30:03.130 --> 00:30:05.509 That equipment cost is a biggie. And let's not 00:30:05.509 --> 00:30:09.119 forget the soft learning curve costs. Potential 00:30:09.119 --> 00:30:11.920 harvest losses even have minimized and slower 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:14.099 ground speeds, especially in that first year, 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:16.720 which translates to increased labor and fuel 00:30:16.720 --> 00:30:19.559 costs per acre harvested. Right, the hidden costs 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:22.039 of learning. These are very real expenses that 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:24.339 can quickly erode profits if not accounted for. 00:30:24.660 --> 00:30:27.599 The article uses an example of a 500 cow operation 00:30:27.599 --> 00:30:31.140 with 800 acres of corn silage. Okay, decent size 00:30:31.140 --> 00:30:33.460 operation. For an operation of that size, you're 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:35.880 looking at a truly significant upfront investment 00:30:35.880 --> 00:30:38.640 when you combine all these factors. The economics 00:30:38.640 --> 00:30:41.220 can certainly work and look very appealing, but 00:30:41.220 --> 00:30:43.500 only if you achieve the full production response 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:45.700 shown in the Michigan State trial. Yeah, gotta 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:47.359 hit those numbers. There's little margin for 00:30:47.359 --> 00:30:50.319 error here, so careful planning, meticulous execution, 00:30:50.559 --> 00:30:53.160 and discipline tracking are absolutely paramount 00:30:53.160 --> 00:30:55.839 to ensure a positive ROI. So if you're listening 00:30:55.839 --> 00:30:58.240 to all this fascinating data and thinking about 00:30:58.240 --> 00:31:01.359 diving into B or two, the article provides some 00:31:01.359 --> 00:31:05.319 really clear, practical guidance on how to trial 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:09.539 it correctly for 2025. Okay, actionable advice 00:31:09.539 --> 00:31:12.920 time. It emphasizes starting smart, being methodical, 00:31:13.359 --> 00:31:15.819 and documenting absolutely everything. This isn't 00:31:15.819 --> 00:31:17.960 the flip a switch whole farm conversion decision. 00:31:18.119 --> 00:31:21.019 No, got to ease into it, Hal. Absolutely. The 00:31:21.019 --> 00:31:23.460 advice is to plant a manageable trial acreage, 00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:27.299 perhaps 50 to 100 acres of BR2 right alongside 00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:30.359 your current hybrid and ideally in the same soil 00:31:30.359 --> 00:31:32.619 zone. Side -by -side trial. Makes sense. This 00:31:32.619 --> 00:31:35.359 minimizes variables and allows for a direct side 00:31:35.359 --> 00:31:37.460 -by -side comparison. When it comes to harvest, 00:31:37.819 --> 00:31:41.279 aim for a dry matter content of 32 -35 % and 00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:43.099 make sure your processor is dialed in tight. 00:31:43.200 --> 00:31:45.019 Get that processing score up. You're looking 00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:47.359 for kernel processing scores above 70 % on your 00:31:47.359 --> 00:31:50.180 standard lab analysis to maximize starch availability. 00:31:50.380 --> 00:31:52.319 And set your theoretical length of cut between 00:31:52.319 --> 00:31:54.940 17 and 22 millimeters based on your specific 00:31:54.940 --> 00:31:56.920 pin DF goals for your ration. Right, get the 00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:59.380 chop length right too. This meticulous approach 00:31:59.380 --> 00:32:02.359 to harvest and processing is truly crucial for 00:32:02.359 --> 00:32:04.539 unlocking the full nutritional potential of this 00:32:04.539 --> 00:32:06.940 silage. This isn't just about getting it off 00:32:06.940 --> 00:32:08.980 the field, it's about getting it ready for the 00:32:08.980 --> 00:32:11.519 rumen. What's truly not optional for making an 00:32:11.519 --> 00:32:14.920 informed decision about expanding BR2 acres is 00:32:14.920 --> 00:32:17.640 meticulous tracking. To track the data, what 00:32:17.640 --> 00:32:21.119 specifically? You need to closely track dry matter 00:32:21.119 --> 00:32:24.960 intake, DMI, milk yield, energy corrected milk, 00:32:25.279 --> 00:32:28.680 ECM, butterfat percentage in total pounds, milk 00:32:28.680 --> 00:32:32.079 protein percentage in total pounds, and even 00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:34.380 fecal starch for at least three to four weeks 00:32:34.380 --> 00:32:36.900 minimum after introducing it. Okay, track everything. 00:32:37.319 --> 00:32:39.859 This comprehensive data is your compass for making 00:32:39.859 --> 00:32:42.359 scientifically sound future decisions, allowing 00:32:42.359 --> 00:32:44.599 you to see if those promising trial results are 00:32:44.599 --> 00:32:46.859 replicating on your farm. Before you even think 00:32:46.859 --> 00:32:49.259 about planting next spring, there's a vital pre 00:32:49.259 --> 00:32:51.380 -planting checklist to tackle. Okay, homework 00:32:51.380 --> 00:32:53.859 before planting. First, get definitive answers 00:32:53.859 --> 00:32:56.220 from your equipment dealers on header modifications 00:32:56.220 --> 00:32:59.259 and their actual costs for your specific harvesters. 00:32:59.460 --> 00:33:02.640 Nail down those equipment costs. Second, confirm 00:33:02.640 --> 00:33:05.000 seed availability and population recommendations 00:33:05.000 --> 00:33:07.680 for your area, as new genetics can sometimes 00:33:07.680 --> 00:33:10.539 be in high demand. Check seed supply. Good point. 00:33:10.980 --> 00:33:14.390 Third, Budget meticulously for those higher seed 00:33:14.390 --> 00:33:17.849 costs and increase planting populations. And 00:33:17.849 --> 00:33:20.650 crucially, map out your most uniform field for 00:33:20.650 --> 00:33:23.269 the trial. Pick a good, even field. You want 00:33:23.269 --> 00:33:26.089 to eliminate as many confounding variables as 00:33:26.089 --> 00:33:29.430 possible to get a clear, unbiased picture of 00:33:29.430 --> 00:33:32.269 BR2's performance on your farm. The key thing 00:33:32.269 --> 00:33:34.470 everyone's learning is that header setup and 00:33:34.470 --> 00:33:37.230 ground speed matter more with BR2 than they ever 00:33:37.230 --> 00:33:39.269 have for conventional corn. Really got to dial 00:33:39.269 --> 00:33:41.230 in that harvest. You'll want to start with low 00:33:41.230 --> 00:33:43.630 profile snouts, if available, and ensure your 00:33:43.630 --> 00:33:46.410 deck plates are set tighter. Responsive header 00:33:46.410 --> 00:33:49.029 height control is also critical, and this is 00:33:49.029 --> 00:33:51.630 vital. Establish a lost check routine before 00:33:51.630 --> 00:33:54.049 you start chopping. Don't wait until you're halfway 00:33:54.049 --> 00:33:55.730 through the field to realize you're leaving money 00:33:55.730 --> 00:33:58.210 on the ground. Check losses early and often. 00:33:58.529 --> 00:34:00.269 Proactive management here will save you a lot 00:34:00.269 --> 00:34:02.509 of headaches, frustration, and lost tonnage, 00:34:02.750 --> 00:34:05.589 which directly impacts your bottom line. As compelling 00:34:05.589 --> 00:34:07.789 as these Michigan State results are, the article 00:34:07.789 --> 00:34:09.849 readily acknowledges that we're still working 00:34:09.849 --> 00:34:12.489 with limited data. Yeah, it's just one study 00:34:12.489 --> 00:34:15.570 really. This initial work is solid, truly foundational, 00:34:15.710 --> 00:34:19.090 but it's one trial. from one specific year under 00:34:19.090 --> 00:34:21.809 a particular set of conditions. Right. To truly 00:34:21.809 --> 00:34:24.889 understand the full comprehensive picture of 00:34:24.889 --> 00:34:27.590 BR2's potential, we still need to know a lot 00:34:27.590 --> 00:34:30.030 more before widespread adoption. Absolutely. 00:34:30.469 --> 00:34:33.469 We need more data points. Specifically, we urgently 00:34:33.469 --> 00:34:37.070 need early lactation data. This is where BMR 00:34:37.070 --> 00:34:39.889 typically shows its biggest, most critical advantages 00:34:39.889 --> 00:34:42.630 for cows under immense metabolic stress. Yep. 00:34:42.750 --> 00:34:45.010 The fresh cow question is huge. Understanding 00:34:45.010 --> 00:34:47.750 how BR2 performs in this phase is paramount. 00:34:48.250 --> 00:34:50.969 We also need multi -location trials across different 00:34:50.969 --> 00:34:53.630 climates, soil types, and management systems. 00:34:53.969 --> 00:34:55.789 Right. Michigan isn't everywhere. What works 00:34:55.789 --> 00:34:57.969 exceptionally well in Michigan might not translate 00:34:57.969 --> 00:35:00.650 directly to, say, the dry conditions of the southwest 00:35:00.650 --> 00:35:03.389 or the humid environments of the southeast. Each 00:35:03.389 --> 00:35:05.650 region presents its own unique challenges and 00:35:05.650 --> 00:35:08.250 opportunities for forage performance. And perhaps 00:35:08.250 --> 00:35:11.389 most importantly, we need performance data. from 00:35:11.389 --> 00:35:14.329 actual commercial dairies, not just research 00:35:14.329 --> 00:35:16.230 facilities where conditions are typically more 00:35:16.230 --> 00:35:18.329 controlled and optimized. Real world results. 00:35:18.690 --> 00:35:21.150 That's key. Real world farms face equipment limitations, 00:35:21.710 --> 00:35:24.690 labor challenges, variable weather, and daily 00:35:24.690 --> 00:35:27.329 economic pressures that can significantly influence 00:35:27.329 --> 00:35:30.679 outcomes. How does BR2 perform when everything 00:35:30.679 --> 00:35:33.039 isn't perfectly managed? Yeah, that's the real 00:35:33.039 --> 00:35:35.219 test. This is where the rubber truly meets the 00:35:35.219 --> 00:35:37.820 road. This need for more diverse data is powerfully 00:35:37.820 --> 00:35:40.440 highlighted by the contrasting Italian work mentioned 00:35:40.440 --> 00:35:42.840 in the MSU paper. Oh yeah, the Italian study. 00:35:43.119 --> 00:35:45.559 That research, apparently using different BR2 00:35:45.559 --> 00:35:48.300 genetics or under vastly different environmental 00:35:48.300 --> 00:35:51.059 and management conditions, found no effects on 00:35:51.059 --> 00:35:55.170 DMI, ECM, or body weight. from BR2. Wow, completely 00:35:55.170 --> 00:35:56.849 different results. That's a pretty different 00:35:56.849 --> 00:35:58.889 story from Michigan's remarkable results and 00:35:58.889 --> 00:36:01.730 it makes you really ponder just how significant 00:36:01.730 --> 00:36:04.809 genotype by environment GXE interactions are. 00:36:04.809 --> 00:36:08.389 Big time. And how much location specific genetics 00:36:08.389 --> 00:36:11.650 and local management truly matter in expressing 00:36:11.650 --> 00:36:15.110 these traits. It suggests these aren't universal 00:36:15.110 --> 00:36:17.949 plug and play findings. It's also an incredibly 00:36:17.949 --> 00:36:21.570 important caveat that these results pertain specifically 00:36:22.039 --> 00:36:25.500 to the BR2 genetics used in this Michigan State 00:36:25.500 --> 00:36:28.400 trial. Right. Not all short corn is the same. 00:36:28.880 --> 00:36:31.079 Not all short stature corn is created equal. 00:36:31.460 --> 00:36:33.760 Other short stature platforms using different 00:36:33.760 --> 00:36:36.679 genetic mechanisms or breeding approaches may 00:36:36.679 --> 00:36:39.119 not deliver the same performance benefit. So 00:36:39.119 --> 00:36:42.159 don't assume that any short corn hybrid will 00:36:42.159 --> 00:36:44.340 give you these same impressive results. You need 00:36:44.340 --> 00:36:46.039 to know exactly what genetics you're planting 00:36:46.039 --> 00:36:48.940 and what data backs that specific hybrid. Looking 00:36:48.940 --> 00:36:50.880 ahead, what's coming down the pike to help fill 00:36:50.880 --> 00:36:53.590 these data gaps? Well, Penn State and Cornell, 00:36:54.050 --> 00:36:56.230 two highly respected dairy research institutions, 00:36:56.769 --> 00:36:58.750 are reportedly planning trials for next year. 00:36:58.969 --> 00:37:01.610 OK, more research coming. This is fantastic news, 00:37:01.949 --> 00:37:03.789 as it should definitely help fill in the picture 00:37:03.789 --> 00:37:06.190 with more diverse data from different regions, 00:37:06.429 --> 00:37:07.690 different climates, and different management 00:37:07.690 --> 00:37:10.719 systems. That multi -state, multi -environmental 00:37:10.719 --> 00:37:13.699 data will be invaluable for broader industry 00:37:13.699 --> 00:37:16.559 adoption decisions. And the most intriguing possibility 00:37:16.559 --> 00:37:18.760 on the distant horizon, something that truly 00:37:18.760 --> 00:37:22.079 sparks the imagination, is the potential of combining 00:37:22.079 --> 00:37:27.949 BR2 with BM3 genetics. Ooh, BR2 plus BM3. This, 00:37:28.150 --> 00:37:30.070 theoretically, could achieve the best of both 00:37:30.070 --> 00:37:33.190 worlds. Both the improved standability and compact 00:37:33.190 --> 00:37:36.469 architecture of BR2, and the even further enhanced 00:37:36.469 --> 00:37:39.469 digestibility of BM3. Wow, that would be something. 00:37:39.730 --> 00:37:41.570 If successfully developed, this could create 00:37:41.570 --> 00:37:44.670 a truly robust and incredibly high -performing 00:37:44.670 --> 00:37:47.630 hybrid that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously. 00:37:48.030 --> 00:37:49.829 But that's still very much in development, so 00:37:49.829 --> 00:37:51.510 it's something to watch for in the future with 00:37:51.510 --> 00:37:53.809 keen interest. Yeah, one to keep an eye on for 00:37:53.809 --> 00:37:55.800 sure. Ultimately, what we really need moving 00:37:55.800 --> 00:37:58.300 forward is honest, transparent, and detailed 00:37:58.300 --> 00:38:00.360 feedback from commercial producers who are willing 00:38:00.360 --> 00:38:02.599 to try these hybrids under real world conditions. 00:38:02.719 --> 00:38:04.800 Right, need that farmer feedback. University 00:38:04.800 --> 00:38:07.699 trials are fantastic and provide critical foundational 00:38:07.699 --> 00:38:09.840 data, but they don't always capture the full 00:38:09.840 --> 00:38:12.980 reality of tight harvest windows, equipment limitations, 00:38:13.619 --> 00:38:16.039 unpredictable weather, and the daily economic 00:38:16.039 --> 00:38:19.440 pressures that actual farms face. That commercial 00:38:19.440 --> 00:38:22.559 validation is the next critical step for BR2. 00:38:23.869 --> 00:38:25.949 to distill all this down to the bottom line for 00:38:25.949 --> 00:38:29.000 your operation. Three things truly stand out 00:38:29.000 --> 00:38:30.940 from this groundbreaking work that matter for 00:38:30.940 --> 00:38:33.860 your 2025 decisions. Okay, let's summarize. First, 00:38:33.960 --> 00:38:36.039 the production potential appears to be genuinely 00:38:36.039 --> 00:38:39.019 real based on Michigan State's data. We're talking 00:38:39.019 --> 00:38:41.719 about a four plus pound higher daily dry matter 00:38:41.719 --> 00:38:44.519 intake and meaningful milk protein increases 00:38:44.519 --> 00:38:48.440 that could translate to a compelling $1, $1 .25 00:38:48.440 --> 00:38:51.679 per cow daily in additional revenue with current 00:38:51.679 --> 00:38:54.179 pricing. The upside looks real. That is a powerful 00:38:54.179 --> 00:38:56.780 upside that demands attention. Second, the equipment 00:38:56.780 --> 00:38:59.159 challenges are significant, unavoidable, and 00:38:59.159 --> 00:39:01.500 expensive. Can't ignore the cost. You need to 00:39:01.500 --> 00:39:05.119 budget $15 ,000 to $22 ,000 per machine for older 00:39:05.119 --> 00:39:07.980 equipment modifications, plus you much realistically 00:39:07.980 --> 00:39:10.480 factor in a learning curve on harvest management. 00:39:10.940 --> 00:39:13.059 This isn't just about swapping out a seed variety. 00:39:13.619 --> 00:39:15.840 It's a fundamental shift in how you might harvest 00:39:15.840 --> 00:39:19.099 your corn silage, and it demands upfront investment 00:39:19.099 --> 00:39:22.320 and careful planning. And third, this is definitively 00:39:22.320 --> 00:39:24.719 not a plug -and -play technology. Needs management. 00:39:24.829 --> 00:39:27.170 It requires proactive nutritional management, 00:39:27.489 --> 00:39:29.610 particularly focused on protecting butterfat 00:39:29.610 --> 00:39:32.230 and optimizing room and health. It demands careful 00:39:32.230 --> 00:39:35.389 monitoring and a willingness to adjust rations 00:39:35.389 --> 00:39:38.269 to fully maximize those intake advantages while 00:39:38.269 --> 00:39:41.289 avoiding potential pitfalls. Right. It's a system 00:39:41.289 --> 00:39:44.110 change, not just a simple product swap, and it 00:39:44.110 --> 00:39:47.170 requires a dedicated, informed approach. So what's 00:39:47.170 --> 00:39:49.750 your strategic move for 2025? Yeah, what should 00:39:49.750 --> 00:39:52.070 listeners do? If you're running newer equipment, 00:39:52.360 --> 00:39:54.900 Have the financial flexibility for some calculated 00:39:54.900 --> 00:39:57.380 experimentation and a strong relationship with 00:39:57.380 --> 00:40:00.059 your nutritionist. A 50 to 100 acre trial of 00:40:00.059 --> 00:40:02.719 BR2 makes a lot of sense. Okay, for some folks 00:40:02.719 --> 00:40:04.940 a trial makes sense. Start with your most uniform 00:40:04.940 --> 00:40:07.000 field. Get your nutritionist deeply involved 00:40:07.000 --> 00:40:09.719 from day one to manage the ration and document 00:40:09.719 --> 00:40:13.260 absolutely everything meticulously. That data 00:40:13.260 --> 00:40:16.059 will be your most reliable guide for future decisions. 00:40:16.460 --> 00:40:18.699 But for most operations... For most operations, 00:40:18.739 --> 00:40:21.239 especially those with older equipment, tighter 00:40:21.239 --> 00:40:24.000 margins, or simply a lower appetite for risk, 00:40:24.519 --> 00:40:28.780 I'd lean towards watching and waiting. Let's 00:40:28.780 --> 00:40:30.780 see more diverse research results from other 00:40:30.780 --> 00:40:33.239 regions and gather more real -world feedback 00:40:33.239 --> 00:40:36.000 from those early adopters. Allow someone else 00:40:36.000 --> 00:40:38.059 to work through the initial learning curve first, 00:40:38.300 --> 00:40:39.980 and then you can make a more informed decision 00:40:39.980 --> 00:40:42.789 with less financial and operational risk. Patients 00:40:42.789 --> 00:40:44.730 might be wise here patients can definitely pay 00:40:44.730 --> 00:40:46.829 off here what I'm really watching for and what 00:40:46.829 --> 00:40:49.210 this deep dive has profoundly highlighted for 00:40:49.210 --> 00:40:52.510 me is how the striking disconnect between lab 00:40:52.510 --> 00:40:55.920 predictions and actual cow performance challenges 00:40:55.920 --> 00:40:58.659 our fundamental assumptions about how we evaluate 00:40:58.659 --> 00:41:01.699 forages. That lab versus cow thing again? It's 00:41:01.699 --> 00:41:05.139 huge! If Br2 corn can consistently deliver higher 00:41:05.139 --> 00:41:07.559 intake and milk production while maintaining 00:41:07.559 --> 00:41:10.000 those crucial agronomic advantages across varied 00:41:10.000 --> 00:41:12.519 environments, it could fundamentally reshape 00:41:12.519 --> 00:41:15.099 our entire approach to corn genetics, breeding 00:41:15.099 --> 00:41:17.539 programs, and even our scientific metrics for 00:41:17.539 --> 00:41:19.780 forage quality. This might indeed be the start 00:41:19.780 --> 00:41:22.900 of a significant paradigm shift, pushing us towards 00:41:22.900 --> 00:41:25.260 breeding for more balanced genetics that perform 00:41:25.260 --> 00:41:28.219 consistently and robustly across varied conditions 00:41:28.219 --> 00:41:30.800 and management systems. Right, breeding for resilience. 00:41:31.000 --> 00:41:33.559 Rather than simply chasing a single isolated 00:41:33.559 --> 00:41:36.300 trait like ultra -low lignin. That kind of inherent 00:41:36.300 --> 00:41:39.420 robustness and resilience is precisely what our 00:41:39.420 --> 00:41:43.079 industry needs as weather patterns become increasingly 00:41:43.079 --> 00:41:45.969 unpredictable and economic pressures continue 00:41:45.969 --> 00:41:48.590 to mount, making every decision on the farm that 00:41:48.590 --> 00:41:51.449 much more critical. So after all that incredible 00:41:51.449 --> 00:41:54.050 detail, what's the key takeaway, the most actionable 00:41:54.050 --> 00:41:57.309 insight for farmer listening today? Okay, boil 00:41:57.309 --> 00:41:59.949 down. For you, the farmer, the article really 00:41:59.949 --> 00:42:02.590 boils down to three core actionable insights 00:42:02.590 --> 00:42:04.530 you can apply right now. All right, number one. 00:42:04.829 --> 00:42:08.280 One, evaluate the ROI with open eyes. The production 00:42:08.280 --> 00:42:10.659 potential of BR2 is significant and exciting, 00:42:11.039 --> 00:42:13.460 but you must factor in the substantial equipment 00:42:13.460 --> 00:42:16.079 modification costs and increased seed expenses. 00:42:16.579 --> 00:42:18.440 Don't just look at the potential for more milk 00:42:18.440 --> 00:42:20.940 per cow. Look at your total budget and the full 00:42:20.940 --> 00:42:23.599 financial picture, including those initial capital 00:42:23.599 --> 00:42:25.900 outlays and potential learning curve costs. Okay, 00:42:26.019 --> 00:42:28.139 see the whole picture, costs included. Number 00:42:28.139 --> 00:42:31.320 2. Nutritional partnership is non -negotiable. 00:42:31.610 --> 00:42:34.869 If you decide to trial BR2, bring your nutritionist 00:42:34.869 --> 00:42:37.530 into the conversation from day one, even before 00:42:37.530 --> 00:42:40.289 you planned. Protecting butterfat, optimizing 00:42:40.289 --> 00:42:42.849 room and health, and managing those faster fermentation 00:42:42.849 --> 00:42:45.130 dynamics will be absolutely critical to realizing 00:42:45.130 --> 00:42:47.570 the full component premium benefits and avoiding 00:42:47.570 --> 00:42:49.789 potential pitfalls that could negate your gains. 00:42:50.289 --> 00:42:52.469 Get your nutritionist involved early. Makes sense. 00:42:52.690 --> 00:42:56.690 And number three. Three. Start small and document 00:42:56.690 --> 00:42:59.530 everything. This is not a wholesale switch for 00:42:59.530 --> 00:43:02.730 2025. If you're going to try it, allocate a manageable 00:43:02.730 --> 00:43:05.670 trial acreage, say 5 ,100 acres, choose your 00:43:05.670 --> 00:43:08.469 most uniform field, and meticulously track every 00:43:08.469 --> 00:43:11.789 relevant metric, DMI, milk components, and even 00:43:11.789 --> 00:43:14.730 harvest losses. This comprehensive farm -specific 00:43:14.730 --> 00:43:17.210 data is your compass for making sound future 00:43:17.210 --> 00:43:19.590 decisions, allowing you to scale up confidently 00:43:19.590 --> 00:43:21.969 or re -evaluate. Start small, track everything. 00:43:22.090 --> 00:43:24.309 Got it. Great points. And that's all the time 00:43:24.309 --> 00:43:26.530 we have for today's deep dive into this fascinating 00:43:26.530 --> 00:43:28.869 research. For more articles and insights, be 00:43:28.869 --> 00:43:33.340 sure to visit Don't forget to subscribe wherever 00:43:33.340 --> 00:43:34.960 you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening. 00:43:35.360 --> 00:43:37.360 Thanks for listening to the Bull Vine Podcast. 00:43:37.880 --> 00:43:40.659 If you found value today, subscribe, leave a 00:43:40.659 --> 00:43:42.900 review and share this episode with your fellow 00:43:42.900 --> 00:43:45.619 dairy innovators. Here's to pushing boundaries 00:43:45.619 --> 00:43:49.280 and driving innovation on your farm. Until next 00:43:49.280 --> 00:43:51.300 time, keep disrupting and growing.