WITH the first cut of the year just around the corner and more pressure than ever to reduce input costs , we take a look at the critical importance of high-quality silage in 2022 .

Producing high-quality silage is always the aim , but this year – with rising costs assailing even the most diligent farmer – it is more important than ever to get it right .

With fodder shortages an increasing concern , farmers need to be targeting 70-75 % Dry Matter Digestibility ( DMD ) by the summer . Anything lower could potentially lead to performance loss and a slowdown of growth – meaning more money being

spent on off-farm inputs to pick up the slack .

Higher quality silage encourages feed intakes and better livestock performance , as well as helping to insulate the bottom line from increased meal prices , which could remain an issue as we progress through the year . Here are three steps to ensure your silage success :

Strike a balance between yield and quality

As grass approaches heading , yield increases – however , you could run the risk of diminishing returns . If you leave it too late , digestibility and metabolisable energy will decline by an average of 5 % per day after heading .

To strike a strong balance between quality and yield , cut just before heading . While it is tempting to cut lower to increase yield , there are good reasons for not doing so , not least because the stem base of the plant has the lowest digestibility and soil microorganisms can hinder fermentation .

Consider cutting earlier in dry conditions

Traditionally , the first cut of the year is taken around the 15th of May , but this is heavily dependent on weather conditions . When rain is in short supply – as it may be this year – it can be useful to cut grass for silage earlier in the spring .

This will guarantee a reasonable crop from your first cut without running the risk of the grass drying out .

Alternatively , if you are looking for a new silage management system then you may want to consider the multicut . This is where silage is cut earlier and more often , starting at the end of April , and may help you if you are looking to get more from forage .

Provide adequate protection

When silage is stored in the clamp it is vulnerable to birds , rodents and other animals , as well as general wear and tear from the elements . The key is to use a silage cover that is made

from hard-wearing materials , closely woven and designed to withstand the stress of the agricultural environment .

One marker of a quality silage cover is hemmed edges , which will prevent fraying over the course of the year . The best manufacturers will also offer a multi-year guarantee , which will give you peace of mind that the cover is of the highest quality .

Optimising your silage process is an effective way to keep livestock healthy and offset rising prices .

For more information on how to protect and store your silage , contact the Galebreaker Team .

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