Storage and preservation of multispecies silage and hay

Proper storage and preservation methods are critical to maintain the nutritional value of multispecies swards. Whether producing silage or hay, careful attention to moisture content, handling and storage conditions will protect forage quality and reduce losses.

Whether baled or clamped, successful storage of multispecies forages depends on maintaining the integrity of protein-rich legumes and herbs while making sure the structural energy of grasses is retained.

This results in higher feed value, reduced wastage and more resilient forage systems for livestock production.

Target your dry matter content – wilt forage to 32–35% DM (65–68% moisture) for clamp silage, or 40–50% DM (50–60% moisture) for bale silage. These ranges optimise sugar levels and fermentation, supporting lactic acid production, preventing spoilage, and preserving feed value.

Use a forage harvester or mower conditioner to chop forage to 1–2 cm. Shorter particle size improves compaction, creating anaerobic conditions needed for efficient fermentation.

Minimise time between mowing and ensiling to reduce nutrient loss and prevent aerobic spoilage.

Compact the clamp or bale to eliminate air pockets, then seal with airtight plastic to prevent oxygen ingress, which can lead to mould and heating.

Dry forage to 15–20% moisture before baling. This typically requires 3–5 days of favourable weather with multiple turns per day using a tedder or rake for even drying.

Avoid aggressive handling that could shatter high-value legume leaves.

Bale as soon as the correct moisture is reached to avoid rewetting from dew or rain. Store bales in a dry, well-ventilated area, off the ground and under cover to avoid mould and preserve quality.

Legumes like clover and lucerne are nutrient-rich but prone to leaf shatter. Minimise handling and avoid tedding or baling during dry, brittle conditions.

Avoid cutting before rainfall as wet forage can reduce silage quality and make haymaking difficult. Only cut if dry weather is forecast within 48 hours.

Preserve the protein and sugar content by cutting during cooler times of the day (morning/evening) to maintain plant moisture and reduce loss of soluble nutrients.

Make sure your mowers and conditioners have sharp blades to ensure clean cuts, reducing plant damage and promoting faster regrowth, which is particularly important for clover-heavy swards. Conditioning helps break stems and accelerates wilting for silage production.

Maintain a cutting height of 7–10 cm to protect regrowth buds, particularly in multispecies mixtures.

Harvest red clover at early bloom and white clover during early flowering to maximise digestibility and encourage regrowth.

Cut during dry conditions to minimise soil contamination and pathogen risk. Use clean machinery between fields to prevent disease spread.

Plan your cutting movements to reduce the number of passes and avoid soil compaction. Consider cutting headlands separately to prevent weed or soil contamination.

• Clover and legume swards: Aim for 2–4 cuts per season depending on growth. Red clover requires longer intervals (6–8 weeks) compared to grass-dominant leys (4–6 weeks)
• Grass swards: Perennial ryegrass should be cut pre-heading; timothy and meadow fescue are best at the early–mid boot stage
• Balancing yield and quality: Earlier cuts improve protein and digestibility but reduce total biomass. Adjust cutting dates seasonally to optimise both