The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

On a farm, even a simple task can turn into dangerin an instant. There are many “simple” tasks during annual silage production and harvest that are so familiar we can become distracted and lose the focus required to ensure safety.

“In the farming community, every year we hear stories of on-farm accidents while working around silage that affect both workers and bystanders, regardless of their age and experience,” notes Bob Charley, Ph.D., Forage Products Management, Lallemand Animal Nutrition.

However, these tragic accidents can be prevented with strict adherence to good silage management and silage safety resources.

“It is unfortunate that many people are not aware there is a danger but, in reality, there is,” says Dr. Charley. “Given the right resources and awareness of the issues, potential risks and fatalities can be understood and avoided.”

One area of silage safety issues that is often overlooked is face management. Improper face management is one of the biggest contributors to silage avalanches or cave-offs. Proper management of the face on a daily basis is crucial to safety. Plus, these practices benefit the quality and consistency of the feed, so there is no reason not to adopt them. With the right tools and resources, injury and death can be prevented by:

  • Practicing caution around silage. This includes keeping a safe distance from the face and inspecting surroundings cautiously.
  • Executing proper feedout. Never dig the bucket into the bottom of the pile: this can create an overhang that could lead to a potential silage avalanche. Additionally, never drive the unloader parallel to, and in close proximity of, the feedout face in an over-filled bunker or pile.
  • Use caution when removing plastic, tires, tire sidewalls or gravel bags. When working in, around or on a pile, always wear a harness connected to a safety line and bring a buddy to watch out for you.

“At Lallemand Animal Nutrition, safety is a priority, especially when working around silage,” Dr. Charley says. “People are the greatest resource in any operation, and ensuring the safety of farm employees and visitors is the highest priority. For this reason, we have created a silage safety kit to help provide the best materials for silage safety.”

The information and resource kit was developed in conjunction with leading silage safety experts, Keith Bolsen, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Kansas State University and Ruthie Bolsen. The kit includes:

  • Silage Safety Handbook, which offers practical tips for building, maintaining and feeding out silage bunkers and piles safely
  • Quick-reference poster, which demonstrates the main principles for silage safety
  • Safety vests to improve staff visibility when working in, at or near silage storage facilities
  • Warning sign to be placed strategically to raise awareness of visitors and staff
  • Basics of Silage Safety video — a quick video resource that reiterates the importance of safe practices, which is also hosted on the Lallemand Animal Nutrition YouTube channel

Producers can request these free resources by contacting their Lallemand Animal Nutrition representative or by visiting http://QualitySilage.com/.

“We want to ensure all livestock producers practice silage safety. By offering these free resources, people have the opportunity to improve their safety practices — and even their silage quality,” Dr. Charley states. “These resources demonstrate Lallemand’s commitment to continually support producers and partners, safely and productively.”

Lallemand Animal Nutrition is committed to optimizing animal performance and well-being with specific natural microbial product and service solutions. Using sound science, proven results and knowledge, Lallemand Animal Nutrition develops, produces and markets high value yeast and bacteria products ─ including probiotics, silage inoculants and yeast derivatives. Lallemand offers a higher level of expertise, leadership and industry commitment with long-term and profitable solutions to move our partners Forward. Lallemand Animal Nutrition is Specific for your success. For more information, please visit www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com.