Dairyland Seed Agronomy Cafe welcomes John Goeser, PhD, of Progressive Dairy Solutions for a fast-paced conversation on corn silage that blends economics, nutrition, and agronomy. John outlines a practical decision framework that pairs yield and quality with cost per acre to get to cost per ton of total digestible nutrients. He explains why year-to-year variation should be measured and managed, not feared, and how to generate better on-farm data with replicated comparisons and product experience plots. The discussion tackles BMR and conventional genetics, plant health and fungicide timing, inoculant choices, feed hygiene, and in-season moves like high cutting, green-chop sampling, and adjusting chop length to match conditions.

Topics discussed:

• Why corn silage remains the best-value on-farm energy source and why consistency matters
• A simple index to guide decisions: cost per ton of TDN from yield, starch, fiber, and their digestibility
• Variation explained with practical sampling and replication ideas that improve confidence
• Better comparisons using split-planter product experience plots and how to interpret those results
• BMR vs conventional silage: agronomic tradeoffs, economics, and why the industry can adapt
• Plant health and fungicide strategy: match chemistry and timing to likely disease pressure
• Green-chop sampling, high cutting, moisture checks, and chop length adjustments to manage tough years
• Teaming up with agronomists and nutritionists to walk fields and make calm, fact-based decisions

Helpful links:

• Hay and Forage Grower articles by John Goeser, PhD: https://hayandforage.com/by-author-25-1.html
• Contact your Dairyland agronomist or DSM: https://www.dairylandseed.com/contact-us.html

Episode notes:

• Recorded February 2026
• Host: Chad Staudinger, Dairyland Seed agronomist
• Guest: John Goeser, PhD, Progressive Dairy Solutions and UW adjunct
• Reminder: Always follow product labels and local recommendations

Produced, edited and mixed by Corteva Agriscience.

All content is developed and produced by the Dairyland Seed Agronomy Team.

Guests do not necessarily reflect the views of Dairyland Seed, or Corteva Agriscience.

All agronomic information provided are merely suggestions. You should always do your own additional research and adhere to any local, state, or national laws.

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