<p><strong>Hebei JingMing Agricultural Development Co. Ltd. revolutionized their dairy cattle feed production by transitioning from labor-intensive, time consuming hay to nutrient-rich alfalfa silage, implementing baling to ensure consistent, high-quality feed year-round. This shift not only enhanced milk yield and quality but also set a new benchmark in sustainable dairy farming.</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://wp.orkel.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Hebei-province-1024x439.jpg" alt="An overview of multiple green fields in China, with a small town in the middle" class="wp-image-17709"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hebei province in China has almost 1,5 million dairy cattle</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-full"><img src="https://wp.orkel.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Cutting-alfalfa-silage-in-Hebei-China.jpg" alt="Multiple tractors on a green field, harvesting alfalfa grass with movers" class="wp-image-17733"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harvesting Alfalfa in the Hebei province in China. </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Boosting Dairy Feed Production</h2>



<p>Back in 2015, Hebei JingMing Agricultural Development Co. Ltd. took on a big project: cultivating 3,000 acres in China to boost their dairy cattle feed production. Their main focus at the time was hay production, which takes about a week to cut, dry, and bale—a process that's not only labor-intensive but also heavily dependent on good weather.</p>



<p>As weather became more unpredictable, they needed a more reliable solution for consistent feed quality. Their search led them to Wisconsin U.S., where they saw advanced <a href="https://www.orkel.com/materials/alfalfa">alfalfa silage</a> production in action.</p>



<p>Inspired, they began growing alfalfa—a high-protein crop perfect for providing stable, high-quality feed year-round, essential for maximizing milk yield and quality.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8lyJJmPIBg&amp;t=12s
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">See the interview with Mr. Yu on behalf of Hebei JingMing Agricultural Development Co. Ltd.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Hebei Province in China</strong></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>As of 2022, there was 1,4 million dairy cattle in the Hebei province in China</li>



<li>Hebei is one of Chinas top beef-producing regions</li>



<li>The province's fertile plains support the cultivation of various crops, including wheat, corn, cotton, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.</li>



<li>Hebei is home to over 74 million people, making it one of China's most populous provinces.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wp.orkel.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Harvesting-in-Hebei-China-1024x435.jpg" alt="A harvester cutting grass, transferring it to a truck driving side-by-side" class="wp-image-17724"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hebei JingMing manages 3,000 acres, and transitioned from hay production to alfalfa silage in 2018.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wp.orkel.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Baling-alfalfa-silage-in-Hebei-China-1024x436.jpg" alt="Two agricultural compactors baling on a big concrete area with round bales in the background. A front loader dumps material into the feed hoppers" class="wp-image-17730"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An efficient setup where crops are quickly conserved post-harvest, preventing degradation.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Enhancing Dairy Nutrition:  Implementing Alfalfa Silage Baling</h2>



<p>To keep the alfalfa's nutritional value intact until feedout, they purchased their first Orkel compactor, an <a href="https://www.orkel.com/products/mp2000-x">MP2000-X</a>, in 2018 to switch from bunker silo to baling. The baling method involves compacting and wrapping the alfalfa, protecting it from environmental factors that could degrade its quality. Baling not only preserves the nutritional content of the crop, but also makes storage and handling easier.</p>



<p>The shift from bunker silo to bales, reduced total costs from 90 Yuan per tonne to 70-80 Yuan per tonne. Despite the similar overall costs, Mr. Yu emphasizes that the quality of the alfalfa silage bales is significantly superior.<br></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wp.orkel.com/app/uploads/2025/01/MrYu_hebei-JingMing-Quote3-1024x212.png" alt="" class="wp-image-17778"/></figure>



<p><br>By incorporating baled alfalfa silage into their feed formula, Hebei JingMing ensures their dairy cows receive a consistent and balanced diet, leading to optimal milk production and minimal feed waste.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wp.orkel.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Orkel-compactor-baling-alfalfa-1024x442.jpg" alt="The back of a man wearing an orange jacket and white sun hat in the foreground, looking at a agricultural compactor wrapping a round bale" class="wp-image-17712"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Each round bale has high density with up to 800 kg of alfalfa silage.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://wp.orkel.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Feeding-dairy-cows-1024x435.jpg" alt="A tractor with a feed mixer driving throug a feeding tray unloading feed for the cattle" class="wp-image-17718"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hebei JingMing is managing a dairy farm with thousands of dairy cows. Even a small drop in feed quality can mean big losses in profit.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Elevating Feed Management with the Orkel Precision System</strong></h2>



<p>Always looking to innovate, in 2023, <a href="https://www.orkel.com/orkel-precision">they implemented the Orkel Precision system</a>. This technology provides real-time data on production metrics like location, time, and dry matter content of the feed. With precise inventory tracking, they can accurately assess forage availability, making informed decisions about purchasing additional feed or selling surplus.</p>



<p>This level of control ensures a consistent feed supply, directly contributing to optimal milk production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Enhancing Feed Quality and Milk Production</h2>



<p>By strategically adopting advanced agricultural practices and technologies, Hebei JingMing has significantly improved their feed production process. Focusing on alfalfa silage, precise nutrition formulation, and state-of-the-art conservation methods has led to a stable, high-quality feed supply.</p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img src="https://wp.orkel.com/app/uploads/2025/01/Mr-Yu_-Hebei-JingMing-min-1024x894.jpg" alt="Closeup of a man wearing a green overall" class="wp-image-17739 size-full"/></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>According to Mr. Yu, this comprehensive approach  with alfalfa silage baling has been cruical in enhancing milk yield and quality, reinforcing the company's position in the dairy industry.</p>



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Cultivating 3,000 Acres: Alfalfa Silage Baling

Cultivating 3,000 Acres: Baling Alfalfa Silage

Dens-X

Features baling alfalfa silage

MC850

MP2000-X

<p>Alfalfa is highly nutritious and therefore serves as an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for livestock. It is by some thought to be one of the most underrated proteins sources in silage, mainly due to its high protein content of around 16 percent.</p>
<p>Read about how one of our customers <a href="https://www.orkel.com/blog/cultivating-3000-acres-baling-alfalfa-silage">switched from hay production to alfalfa silage</a> to feed thousands of dairy cows in China.</p>
<p>The deep roots of the plant are especially appreciated, firstly due to its resilience to droughts and heat. Secondly, the roots contribute to high quality soil by reducing soil density. Alfalfa also has an impressive regrowing rate and under the right conditions you can harvest up to 13 times during a season. The plant is harvested when it reaches a certain maturity, typically before flowering, to ensure optimal nutritional content. By using bales, not only does the nutritional content stay intact, there is also increased flexibility as to when every part of the field can to be harvested.</p>


Business Developer

Sigrid Skjelstad

<p>Alfalfa, also known as Lucerne, is high in protein and is therefore a great crop for grazing, hay and silage. It is appreciated for its abilities to handle though conditions, especially droughts, but also other weather impacts. There are <a href="https://www.orkel.com/benefits-of-baling">many benefits to baling alfalfa</a>: flexibility in terms of storage and when to utilise it, reduced spoilage and conservation of nutrients and ease of feeding are some examples.</p>


alfalfa1

Alfalfa1

<p>Alfalfa</p>


Alfalfa silage baling in China

Alfalfa, also known as Lucerne, is high in protein and is therefore a great crop for grazing, hay and silage.

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Features baling alfalfa silage

Between

35-40%

Dry matter

Between

600-800

Bale weight

Between

30-40

Tons per hour

Features baling alfalfa silage

Between

35 - 40%

Dry matter

Up to

500

Bale weight

Up to

25

Tons per hour

Features baling alfalfa silage

Between

35-40%

Dry matter

Between

600-800

Bale weight

Between

30-40

Tons per hour

Cultivating 3,000 Acres: Baling Alfalfa Silage

Cultivating 3,000 Acres: Alfalfa Silage Baling