| Grassland
Target the first weather
window in May for
successful multi-cut
Cutting grass silage in the first weather window in May,
and targeting subsequent cuts at 35-day intervals, or less
if the weather is suitable, will help in the adoption of a
successful multi-cut system, says Kite Consulting’s Paul
Macer.
multi-cut system
enables farmers to
grow more forage
of better quality. It
also allows
increased forage
inclusion rates in diets, better land
utilisation and reduces the risk
posed by volatile feed markets,
high concentrate to forage ratios
and the weather,” explains Paul.
“With a multi-cut system sward
cutting height should be targeted
at 5-7cm as residual
photosynthetic rates are crucial,
especially in new leys. Cutting too
low increases the potential for
drought stress, as the plant will
redirect energy for root growth
towards new leaf growth
formation. There is a potential to
lose up to 14 days regrowth time if
A
there is no residual leaf left,
resulting in losses up to 1,000kg
DM/ha/cut. Target a 24-hour
interval between mowing and
harvesting, meaning you can take
advantage of shorter weather
windows than with more traditional
cuts.
“Aim to achieve a target dry
matter (DM) of 35% within 24
hours of mowing. Tedding should
be carried out according to
weather conditions and the weight
of the crop. Where necessary
grass should be spread straight
after mowing to allow the
maximum surface area to be
exposed to the elements during
the crucial two hours that the
plant’s stomata are open.
Remember DM can be quickly
tested using a microwave to dry
24 | Farming Monthly | April 2018
Paul Macer
down the crop.
“Chop length will depend on the
DM of the crop. Wetter crops will
require longer material in order to
avoid them turning to a mush, but
intakes are usually higher with a
shorter crop. When it comes to
clamping the silage fill the clamp
in long, shallow layers as opposed
to the traditional wedge. If possible
clamp multiple cuts in the same
clamp as this will lead to a more
consistent diet during feed out. Put
an extra tractor or use a specialist
compactor on the pit where
possible and target a density of
250kg of DM/m of clamp.
“You have to look at the silage
clamp in terms of MJ of energy
and protein as opposed to just the
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk