Silage

High-quality forage has a high nutritional value in terms of energy and protein and is also well preserved, making it highly palatable which supports high levels of forage intake.

There are then many management decisions to make, including when to cut, how to store and how to feed, and attention to detail at all stages of silage making is key to achieving high-quality silage.

Multi-cut systems involve cutting grass earlier and more frequently than in standard silage systems; this can increase forage yield and quality. 

Low-yielding first cuts can be caused by spring drought, cold snaps and delayed growth, and they can throw off your entire silage calendar.

Making high-quality bale silage requires good timing, careful handling and close attention to detail.

Maize silage makes a good feed for cattle and sheep.

Lucerne, commonly known as alfalfa, is valued for its yield, protein content, digestible fibre and drought tolerance.

However, it is not suitable for every system.

Dry weather and low grass growth put pressure on forage yields and can result in reduced silage stocks for winter.

Our calculator will help you understand if you have a deficit based on current livestock numbers and feed supply.

Our silage resources will help you produce sufficient quantity of silage at the appropriate time of year.