Our Silostop manager for Central and South America recently travelled to Costa Rica to visit several farms and operations working with our regional distributor. From sprawling feedlots to smaller family-run silage bunkers and university programs, this visit shed light on how producers in Costa Rica are innovating, adapting, and benefiting from improved silage techniques.
A Technical Powerhouse:
One of the most impressive operations was home to over 2,000 animals and a silage program that’s rapidly evolving. Traditionally reliant on purchasing silage in large tubs or black plastic bags, often inconsistent in quality and prone to contamination—the farm is now focusing on producing silage in-house using Silostop’s two-step system. This transition not only enhances silage quality but also significantly reduces costs.
With their scale and technical capabilities, including an impressive manure processing system—this farm could become a model for self-sufficient silage production in the region.
Success at Smaller Scale
Another highlight was a smaller farm already using Silostop Orange underlay with noticeable success. Their silage pile was securely covered with Gravelbags and local materials, yielding strong results. Meghan advised extending fermentation time and improving feedout consistency for even better outcomes.
Educating the Next Generation: EARTH University
At EARTH University, students are taught silage-making fundamentals. Meghan and the distributor team discussed student education, proper chop length, and best practices in covering and sealing. With guidance and training, the students from all over the world learning here will enter the labor force well-educated and ready to produce excellent results.
From Waste to Value: Pineapple Bales
Pineapple is a key export for Costa Rica. The plants take nearly a year to mature, and once fruit is harvested, the rest of the plant has traditionally proved difficult to dispose of responsibly.
In a new pilot program, pineapple plant material (excluding the fruit) is baled and sold to nearby dairies as a fiber source. The facility Silostop toured processes 80 tons of forage daily and highlights the environmental impact of better silage solutions, transforming what was once a waste product into a valuable feed source.
A Beautiful but Cautious Approach:
Silostop manager Meghan toured a picturesque family farm with trench silos of Mombasa grass. The consulting team identified areas of improvement, especially in chop size, shoulder weighting, and worker training. Overall, this family farm is taking charge of their silage production and becoming more self-reliant and efficient. As is often the case, change may hinge on data and field trials showing measurable gains.
Clean and Controlled:
One final operation produces 850 tons of silage twice yearly for 1,000 head of cattle. Silstop’s team was impressed with their clean feedout and good packing practices. Adding an oxygen barrier could further enhance aerobic stability and reduce mold risk.
Final Thoughts: A Bright Future for Costa Rican Silage
Across the board, Costa Rican producers are showing dedication and a willingness to improve. Meghan praised our distributor’s team for their hospitality, knowledge, and commitment. She emphasized that education on oxygen barriers, chop length, and fermentation times remains crucial, and Silostop is ready to support with translated resources, technically advanced products, and science-backed trials.
