Forage & Silage

Farmers are being urged to look more closely at silage analysis and consider ‘plan B or C’. Sarah Kidby reports.

Baled grass silage can be as good as clamped silage, but it is essential to employ equal attention to detail when making it, starting by cutting grass at the optimum time, said a Volac silage expert. 

Failing to adopt modern varieties is a “missed opportunity”, AHDB says as 11 new varieties are added to the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists (RGCL).

Gary and Jess Yeoman, who farm in Monmouthshire, say forage quality, storage and management, as well as high quality balewrap, are important for their success in producing a premium, award-winning product.

Berry Global says its Baletite and Silotite Pro agricultural films offer farmers a smarter solution to silage preservation, optimising the way in which you wrap, store, and utilise crops.

After a wet winter, increased wheel ruts in fields and delayed slurry applications, there is an increased risk of soil and slurry contamination in first-cut grass silage, Volac has warned farmers.

Correct varietal choice is the first step towards achieving a successful maize harvest. Andrew Cook of seed breeder, KWS, offers some advice on narrowing down the options.

Entries are now open for the 22nd annual AgriScot silage competition, a prestigious event highlighting the importance of quality silage production, particularly at a time when rising feed and fertiliser costs are putting pressure on farm businesses.

With mixed silage quality experienced this year, dairy farmers are being encouraged to start planning for winter feeding early to ensure consistency across rations and achieve optimum milk yields.

As we head into the colder months, Farmers Guide offers three top tips to prepare for housing cattle this season – from building maintenance and farm safety, to animal health and nutrition.

Understanding forage quality will be key to making the most of this year’s silage stocks, and farmers will need to think carefully about balancing diets with appropriate supplements to increase forage intakes and digestibility in the rumen, advised Dr Liz Homer of Trouw Nutrition.

Dairy farmers are being urged to make the most of the recent grass growth to produce good quality third and fourth cut silages.