Efficient Leaf-dense Tree/Shrub Silage Production from Field Edges: Climate-resilient Winter Forage Supplement for Cattle, Sheep, and Goats

1. Complete/perfect Chain-flail Leaf-separator:
   1. Complete fabrication.
      • Report costs: List potential farmer costs for used and new components, including those assembled pro-bono by Karl, winter 2021-22, plus labor/machining costs.
   2. Test and perfect machine on leafy tree-matter. Adjust, repair, improve; re-try.  Perfect  design for optimal safety, leaf volume and piece-size, catchment, and work flow.
      • Provide final machine diagram, photos, video in action. See start of machine photo-diagram under “Results,” near end of this document. Extensive photo folders and videos of our harvests can be accessed through a link on the “SARE Grants” tab of our farm website:  https://3streamsfarmbelfastme.blogspot.com
   3.  Describe leaf-product results  Collect bundle/species present at harvest sites, plus harvest micro-sites of 7 additional species (black locust, red oak, Norway maple, elm, box elder, willow and multi-flora rose). We will harvest willow and multi-flora rose in 2024.  Both are available in large quantity, at separate locations from our 2023 harvests. Multi-flora rose is probably too flexible for the feed-rollers; Jon Thomas has agreed to make yet a larger set of gathering belt gears (19 teeth versus 11, then 15 before) for us this winter, for even tighter grip on small brush such as rose.
      • Report % leaf-silage from 1 or more samples per 13 tree- species: Collect and weigh about 5 gallons separated leaf-matter/sample type; chip corresponding stripped branches; weigh woodchips. Divide leaf volume and weight by leaf plus woodchip total volume and weight.  We reported % leaf-silage for 4 species in 2022, with an average of 40% leaf-matter by weight (echoing nutritional figure proportions of hand-stripped to chipped silages from stock up to 1” diameter), then in the crunch of having the machine one summer later than planned, and due to mostly producing wood too large for Jim’s chipper, plus finding that figures varied more per specific stand than per species, we dropped pursuit of additional data.  (See 2022 data and discussion under “Results” section, near end of this document.)
      • Photograph 17 species of leaf-product with intact leaf, to show piece-size/texture. See “Results” section, near end of this document.
      • Freeze 3 leaf-separated samples/each of 17 species (for future study; seeking additional funding). We froze 1 fresh-frozen/ensiled pair per 22 species, and are freezing 1-2 large and 2 small ensiled samples from each barrel (multiple barrrels of 7 species) fed out during 3 Streams Farm’s three trial periods.  We have applied to SARE for additionl funding of laboratory analyses.
2.  Obtain laboratory results:
   1. Screen wilt-issue species for toxins: Collect 6½  gallons separated leaf-matter each: black cherry, red maple, box elder.  Draw 3 fresh ½ gal. samples/ species; re-pack/seal buckets; store outdoors in shade.  Test 1 fresh sample each (others for future study), then in January draw corresponding ensiled ½ gal. samples/species; send 1/species for same testing...

Cherry for ppm Hydrogen-Cyanide: 

Done:  SAFE, both under the 500 ppm threshold.  Cyanide in this black cherry sample pair reduced with ensilement (from 123.8 fresh to 22.3 ppm ensiled), as expected.  Applied for SARE funding to explore further.  We especiallywould like to check young spring cherry leaves, and wilted samples, plus check pin cherry.

 Maple and box elder for ppm gallic acid: 

Collected & frozen but not yet sent; applied to explore more comprehensively, and so have saved samples of additional maple species.  Box elder is most dangerous, but not using in trials (have no barrels of it, just 5 gal bucket).  Offering red & rock maple with other choices; animals self-regulate, finishing substantial amounts over time by alternating with other leaf species or hay.  

1. 1. 1. Discuss safety/species including fresh/ensiled differences.
2.  
   1. Test nutrition of fresh leaf-matter and stored leaf-silage from each 100-800 ft. species-mix-distinct stretch harvested:

We chose to work wth separate species piles, as each stretch had a few species dominating, and harvest strategy and machine settings turned out to be species-specific.  We saved 5 gal. buckets of most species, and bagged fresh and ensiled samples of each species, accidentally missing a fresh sample of quaking aspen (we will seek come summer).   Barrels are primarily single-species, with a few that have two or more species in well-defined parts of the barrel – not mixed (these will be used in Y Knot Farm’s sheep trial). 

We completed stem-counts for 1^st few barrels; numbers were too varied and stand-specific to be replicable or useful, and we no longer needed stem-counts to determine plant species proportions in single-species barrels. 

Hang ribbons at 100 ft. intervals; change color per species-distinct stretch.  At beginning and end of each color-stretch, and at each intermediate ribbon, fill 5-gallon bucket; seal.  Mix bucket-contents per species-distinct color-stretch; freeze 3x1 qt. fresh samples.  Re-pack/seal 2 buckets/species-distinct stretch; label with corresponding barrel-numbers.  Store outdoors in shade.  In January freeze corresponding 3x1 qt. ensiled samples/bucket.  Send 1 fresh and 1 ensiled sample/bucket, to DairyOne (seek outside funding for additional lab-tests to replicate results).  

See above re: single-species vs mixed complex sampling plan. 

Shana has sent in 3 fresh-frozen/ensiled tree/shrub species sample-pairs, plus one each of our 1^st- and 2^nd-cut hay for nutritional testing (lack of budgeting for hay tests was an over-sight; hay nutritional levels impact 3 Streams trial milk amount differences).  Our budget for laboratory services was decreased when Shana recently decided she needed reimbursement* for Doak Machine’s almost $2,000-worth of repairs and parts installations to the leaf-separator.  Shana plans to save toward a 2^nd limited bout of nutritional testing, and also for 4 gallic acid tests as yet incomplete. 

Since even our ensiled samples are now frozen, timing is flexible.   We have applied to SARE for a 2^nd Farmer Grant, which if awarded will enable much more comprehensive nutritional and toxin testing. 

* Shana has been letting go of paid work while prioritizing this very cherished project; in March of 2022, her budgeted stipend was re-allocated to purchase 64 (instead of 40) new barrels, plus new buckets, as supply-streams of used containers had ended due to COVID, plus prices had risen.  Breaking a rib by bearing against her ribcage to re-close the cracked lid of a barrel of our leaf-silage on November 21^st, 2023 (yes, strange, and minor compared to Karl’s 5-rib accident) sorely limited paid participation in our Blueberry Cooperative’s field prep for burning (200 hrs of LEAF packing and spreading – but these are dead RAKED leaves).  That income loss was a last financial straw, and the rib also necessitated hiring brief help to set up the 22 cattle-panel 3 Streams Farm “Research Station” for our 66-day goat/steer trial.  (Rib is healed now.)

The almost $2,000 machine expense was for leak repair, and installation of upgrades.  Multiple hydraulic leaks (onto leaf-silage) had only appeared upon heavy machine use, post late** machine arrival in fall of 2022.  In spring of 2023 Pat at Doak’s Machine had to work with his helper and run brush through the machine for extended periods, for pressure and heat to be high enough to find and repair the leaks. 

The correct motors for the flails finally became available also post machine delivery (COVID made parts hard to find and more expensive); those and the larger gears which Jon Thomas in Brooks, ME fabricated for the top-feed system (we paid out-of-pocket for these additional parts, and for the higher-grade replacement fittings, that now do not leak) successfully reduced our leaf-separation machine-time by 75%.  We were thus able to fill all barrels in the remaining shorter time-frame of just one growing season rather than two.  

**  Designer/fabricator of our chain-flail leaf-separator Karl Hallen broke 5 ribs, collapsed a lung and punctured his diaphram in 2022 by falling on a different machine, which delayed our machine’s creation and delivery, as discussed above in “Summary” section.

From each barrel fed (see 4.c. and d. below), pack/seal 3 qt. bags from different parts of barrel, then mix/re-pack/seal/label/freeze the 3 bags. 

Doing this, but saving 1-2 (not 3) qt. bags, plus 2 tiny samples, per barrel; Shana bought a larger freezer in addition to smaller one lent to us, yet freezer space remains a limiting factor.  

Send samples for remaining funded tests, choosing variety re: animal response (seek outside funding to test more barrels and to replicate results).  Awaiting word on funding request.  As mentioned above, sent a small subset in for a preview.

• Report: MC, DM, CP, SP, ADF, NDF, NFC, TDN, NEL, NEM, NEG, RFV plus 10 minerals for all samples;; plus Water-Soluble Carbohydrates, Rumen Soluble Protein, Rumen-Degradable Protein and pH for 3 fresh/ensiled pairs of samples, and Ammonia in 3 ensiled samples of the pairs; yeasts and mold counts if needed.
• Examine/report on pH and WSC changes from fresh to various time-spans ensiling;
• Relate nutritional results to animal intake/barrel and nutritional requirements.

As mentioned above, we await DairyOne results on 3 sample-pairs sent plus 3 Streams Farm’s hay fed in trial, and we await funding decision, with improved sampling which includes all above measures.

.

3. Harvest 3½ to 4 tons (60-70 barrels) broadleaf silage from field-edges, using power tools and leaf-separator:

      We filled 74 barrels plus 6 barrels-worth in buckets, but at average of 52 lbs. leaf-silage/barrel, this only a bit over 2 tons.  Our animals’ positive intake rates so far indicate that they will consume all in less than the time planned.  Our missed guess at weight per volume was based on chipped fodders.  Both Karl and Shana expected the machine to grind up leaf material.  Instead, the machine removes intact leaves – a positive result much preferred by livestock, but the silage takes more space.

1. 1. Thin trees to 10’ minimum spacing, remove growth encroaching into field, and top-harvest (pollard) remaining stems, of 5-20 yr. growth:
      ~  300 lineal ft. + 2,000 lineal ft. at Y Knot Farm., Belmont, ME;  We harvested ___.
      ~  800 lineal ft. at New Beat Farm, Knox, ME;  A PFAS-positive field; we cancelled plans to harvest there.
      ~  Up to 2,600 lineal ft. at MOFGA’s Common Ground, Unity,ME;  We harvested 700 lineal ft
      • • using:  Riobe One Plus 18 V Lithium Cordless and Stihl HT56 CE 9 ft. 2-cycle 9-ft. pole-saws; Stihl MS170 chainsaws.   We also used a Huskevarna brush saw, at MOFGA only.  We added harvest at Faithful Venture Farm and used an arborist hand saw on these larger trees, which are very climbable due to good sun exposure.  (This climbing harvest proved most labor-efficient; yields from large trees are higher than from young trees).
   2. Feed harvest through chain-flail leaf-separator into new large bin placed beneath; pack into barrels; tally species per numbered barrel; seal, transport, store in shade.

Done.  Our new bin fits snugly underneath, reducing leaf loss, and receives up to 2 barrels-worth.

• • • Report per site: labor-time,costs/leaf-silage yield; growth-age description.

See short preliminary Leaf-silage Yields summary chart in “Results” section below.

1. Livestock Trials:
   1. Rate buckets/species-distinct harvest stretch for Palatability to 3 Long-Trial ruminant groups (see c. below).  Offer 1 qt./head/species-distinct stretch; Knot sheep use Y Knot leaf-silage; 3 Streams cattle and goats use MOFGA .  Observational ratings consistent with SARE FNE18-897: 

      0 = refused =100% left;
      1 = tasted = 80-95% left;
      2 = eventually consumed = 95% gone within 1 hr.;
      3 = immediately consumed = 95% gone within 10 minutes; 
      In-between ratings at .25 increments.

      Only the Morses’ cow Betsy has refused anything, so far (steer Angelo’s recorded refusals were on a full stomach after eating other offerings).  Betsy refused one barrel of oak and one barrel of honeysuckle, but liked all others of same species.  All other samples for all animals so far have been 3 = immediately consumed,” unless there is one they like better offered at same time.  Our Gray Birch silage is refused consistently when there are other offerings (this over-mature stand had many unpalatable seed catkins).  A more detailed discussion of preferences will be provided in our Final Report. 

   2. Assign barrels: List barrels by palatability rating. Due to prevalence of “3 = immediately consumed,” ordered listing became unnecessary. 

      We ended up sharing MOFGA barrels with Y Knot Farm, plus 3 Streams Farm is using White Ash barrels from Y Knot Farm and Faithful Venture Farm, plus some Red Oak from Faithful Venture Farm.  Faithful Venture Farm is only using their own barrels, due to organic certification nd MOFGA Certification Services decision to refuse certification of MOFGA grounds.  Meadowsweet Farm will only have a trial with whatever remains in March (those Angus cattle appreciate any leaf-fodder).  All barrels will be fed out.

      Transport assigned barrels to livestock trial sites.  Done.

   3. Long Trials:

~  Y Knot Farm Friesan-Dorset dairy ewes (15, not 12);

~  3 Streams Farm Saanen dairy goats (5 milking does, 3 young/1 old does, and 1 young buck = 10 head, not 7);

~  3 Streams Farm Jersey steer (1; his mother died in aftermath of strange farm interactions with MOFGA Certification Services in summer 2022, hence our addition of the Morse cow Short Trial below).

Offer above livestock groups unlimited weighed amounts of leaf-silage throughout 1½ hrs plus 1 hr to finish eating (not just 1 hr), before usual morning and evening rations, running 3 consecutive 4-week trials in winter: 

After consultation with Juan Alvez, we shortened the 3 Streams trial to 11-day periods with only 1 mid-day feeding/day, versus 14-day periods of 2 feedings/day, in order not to run out of leaf-silage with faster eating rate than expected, and due to painfullness of weighing and note-taking with bare hands in early morning (especially during storm events).  Juan says there is precedent of collecting sound data from 7-day measurement periods. 

After observing animals’ intake logistics with this forage (bite-size, mastication needs, bite-frequency) we lengthened the feeding periods to 1½ hours of new offerings, then an hour or so more for animals to thoroughly eat what’s left, plus we leave and weigh last bits next day.  After first eating the best intact leaves, goats continue to eat twiggy remains on and off for 24 hours.  Even Angelo the steer stays focussed for 2 hours straight on the tree/shrub species he most likes.  1 hr was insufficient to determine “how much” they eat.

4-day leaf-silage adjustment period and 7-, not 10-days measured, then

4-day adjustment to no leaf-silage and 7-, not 10-day no-leaf-silage, replacing the leaf-silage offering with timed and weighed offering of 2nd-cut hay in 3 Streams trial only, per each of 3 trial rotations. 

Weigh hay provided, and hay remaining, each day.  Subtract to record hay used/day;

• Compute mean and range of hay-use with and without leaf-silage.
  See chart under “Results” near end of this document.  We have not yet listed ranges, which are easily found by inspection of the lists of daily data.
• See *** under d. below.

Weigh milk yields from 3 Streams cow and goats;

• Chart yield/day/head with/without leaf-silage.
• Summarize mean and range of yields with/without leaf-silage.

As per above, see same chart under “Results” near end of this document.  We have not yet listed ranges, which are easily found by inspection of daily data.  Per head data of goat intake is also not yet listed, but is easy to compute from our 10-goat data, by moving the decimal point one place.

 d. Short Cattle Trials:

~  Faithful Venture Farm 1-2.5 yr.-old Holstein heifers (15, not 10-12);

~  Meadowsweet Farm Angus cattle (5) – as discussed under 4.b. above, we may or may not have leaf-silage left for a shorter version of this trial. 

~  Tilden Pond Farm Mini-Jersey Cow Betsy (1)

Offer cattle unlimited weighed amounts of leaf-silage throughout 1 hr. from 6-7 AM each day for 1 week/group in winter (the Tilden Pond Farm cow completed 10 days eating leaf-silage, 5 day trnsition, then 10 days without leaf-silage; see spreadsheet under “Results”).  

 Karl Hallen, cattle nutritionist as well as leaf-separator machine creator, is advising us to further shorten the Faithful Venture trial, to prioritize having enough leaf-silage to complete the 66-day 3 Streams Farm trial with consistency across 3 on/off rotations.  Judging by Faithful Venture Farm Holstein heifer enthusiasm, plus that there are 15 head in that group now (versus 10 to 12), the 8 barrels we have there would not be likely to last for even a 7-day trial.  Also, their round-baled hay comes in random order from many fields; Karl says both these factors will reduce meaningfulness of data we are able to collect there.  Yet we DO want to ascertain the Holstein heifers’ receptivity to substantial amounts of leaf-silage, SO: 

 Shana plans to start at Faithful Venture Farm on January 19^th (during 3 Streams Farm trial’s 2^nd hay-only period), feed out 1 whole weighed barrel per each of 4 tree species there:  green ash, red oak, black locust, and American elm  (1 per day, or more if they eat fast enough), and TIME how long they take to finish it (as noted above under 4.c., 1 hour as initially planned has not been long enough).  This new plan for time-data will shed light on the Holsteins’ appetites for each leaf-silage species, and we can project whether there is any amount-limit to their acceptance of leaf-silage (beyond bellies simply being full).  Additionally, we will compute hay saved from known dry matter basis of lbs leaf-silage the cattle consume.  

***Leaf-silage Trial-methods for c. and d. above:

Preceding down the livestock group’s barrel label-number list, start by drawing equally from 3 sequentially-listed barrels per meal, re-sealing, using same 3 barrels for multiple meals until one is empty, then using next 3.  Return to left-overs from top of list if end of list is reached. 

During the 3 Streams Farm trial, with higher head count (due to 1-year delay) plus positive result of unexpectedly high intake rate, barrels are frequently emptied in one feeding.  Storing partially emptied barrels is inefficient use of space, plus contents slowly deteriorate.  We are therefore emptying all barrels within a few days of first use.  Another change is that we are feeding every combination of the 7 tree/shrub species used, to learn more about animal preferences.

Offer in 6, not 3, deep feed dishes or troughs - 6 Jet sleds at 3 Streams and Faithful Venture Farms; Y Knot Farm has long mesh mangers -, keeping offerings from each barrel separate. 

Start by offering generous amount based upon observations during adjustment periods at Yknot and 3 Streams Farms, then based upon prior days.  Observe; add/note weighed (platform scales) amounts from a barrel each time the corresponding dish/trough is emptied (this is a judgement call; see notes under 4.c. above.) 

Subtract weight leaf-silage left at end of 2 to 2½ hours from leaf-silage offered (per barrel’s assigned dish/trough).  Next AM re-weigh left-overs and compute and add in goats’ over-night eaten amount.  Compute/record total leaf-silage weight consumed and mean intake/head at each mealtime.    

• Compute/report mean and range (across days) of daily leaf-silage intake/head, per livestock group.

• Discuss nutrition of these animal intake findings, using 2.b. above.
• Compute means and ranges (across all days/barrels, and across days for each barrel) of 1 hr. leaf-silage intake/head/barrel, per livestock group; examine/discuss barrel preferences in relation to tree/shrub species.

Trials still in progress.

5. Compare leaf-silages to other available forages.
   • Chart mean and range/forage type: cost inc. labor-time/DM; animal intake DM/head/day/livestock group; nutritional results per 2. above; yield/acre. 
   • Discuss farmer-participant experience/observations from leaf-silage harvest and livestock trials.

Trials still in progress.