First cut: Stop the loss

Too wet or too dry leads to higher losses, so hitting the 27.5 - 30.0% DM range achieves optimal from a losses and animal intake point of view. But wilting beyond this can reduce digestibility and intakes without milk or meat output just costs money. 

Last year’s first cut silages tested by ForFarmers showed:
•    A quarter were below 25%DM and therefore effluent losses were likely.
•    A third were above 35% and therefore likely to have in-field losses.

These losses can be minimised with best practice and the use of an effective additive. Of course dry matter losses can be even higher through instability at feedout so if using an additive ensure it will help prevent aerobic instability. 

Soil

The wet winter means that not all of the rolling that would have occurred has, increasing the chances of soil getting into the silage. Careful setting of the working heights of mowers and tedders/swathers will be needed to minimise soil incorporation. The bacteria, yeasts and moulds present in the soil will cause issues with fermentation and aerobic stability. A rapid fermentation is needed to supress their activity. Again an effective additive will pay dividends this year.

Summary

• Target 27.5 - 30.0% dry matter. Be careful with wilting, especially if tedding as soil inclusion could be an issue this year.
• As the first cut is so critical to next winter's profitability, use an effective additive to minimise losses and preserve silage quality.
• Check your fertiliser plan for post first cut. Contact us if you would like us to help you review it.

For more details on maximising your forage, fertiliser plans or application rates please contact your local Account Manager or contact our Forage Team here.