SilAC announces new research into ‘smash and grab’ silage making
It comes as part of an ongoing research programme run by SilAC, whichacts as vital source of information for farmers weighing up the pros and cons of different silage systems, processes and materials.
“Farmers operating in the UK and Ireland are at the mercy of very changeable weather conditions and often have to take quick decisions regarding silage-making that can have a major impact on profit and loss,” explained Dr Dave Davies of IBERS.
“We want to thoroughly investigate whether it’s best to harvest forage crops which have reached ideal silage-making stage quickly - even though weather conditions may not be ideal - or whether it’s better to wait until a prolonged dry spell even if it means compromising on crop quality.
“Although some desk research exists on the subject we believe it’s such an important issue for famers that it’s worthy of full-scale field trials as the results will really benefit their decision-making.”
Currently, farmers are faced with the dilemma that delaying cutting of a mature forage crop until a prolonged period of good weather will significantly reduce the production potential of any silage as well as the subsequent grazing sward. Studies indicate differences of up to 2.5 litres of milk per day comparing grass harvested just two weeks apart.
On the other hand, whilst cutting on a rain-free day in a period of intermittent showers will deliver good crop chemical composition, risks include rain reducing dry matter content of silage, increased effluent potential and likelihood of poor fermentation.
“Farmers using big bales to store silage can of course make the most of opportunities to harvest at least a proportion of their land when the forage crop is at optimum digestibility,” added David Craig, SilAC’s Managing Director. “However, it’s important that farmers have all the facts to hand when deciding when to cut, which is why we are eager to support this new research.”
A factsheet summarising current research into the pros and cons of the ‘smash and grab’ approach is available at www.silageadvice.com, along with a series of other tips about silage making, grazing and forage crops.
Results of the study are not expected until the beginning of next year, once summer trials have been completed and resulting silage analysed. Details will be publicised by SilAC through www.silageadvice.com, which also provides farmers with down to earth, pragmatic advice and tools to maximise fodder and grassland management systems using baled silage effectively.
Farmers are welcomed to discuss the smash & grab approach with Dr Davies and meet other silage and forage experts at the Silage Advisory Centre stand at Scotgrass (Dumfries, 11th May) and Balmoral Show (Belfast, 12th-14th May). Farmers visiting SilAC’s stand will also have the opportunity to enter a free prize draw competition to win free grassland health checksand reels of bale wrap film.
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About the Silage Advisory Centre
The Silage Advisory Centre is an industry initiative that promotes the science of silage to aid farmers’ decision-making on baled silage production, forage and grassland management. Its mission is to aid UK and Irish livestock farmers produce quality and nutritional silage at a reasonable profit through research, demo farms, seminars, knowledge transfer and advisory tools. For more information, please visit www.silageadvice.com
For more information, please contact:
Sergio Di Gesù
Tel: +322 4130657
