He's been doing my nutrition for 16 years. Was Land O Lakes till a year ago.  Got downsized out of his job (dirty politics).  He's been able to really crank my cows in the past, so i trust he knows his stuff.   You're right, seems everybody and their cousin has some microbes to add lately.  Silage on the bunker floor is marginal, as it's been seeping a lot. Been feeding the bottom foot to the heifers though.  Cows get free choice salt and bicarb.  Bicarb intake isn't much different than normal.  Butterfat is rediculously high at 4.1 - 4.2 for Holstiens.  From what I'm told, more guys are seeing that this year.  So I suppose with the premium, the milkcheck is a wash.  Thanks for the comments guys.