Don't '˜over cook' mown grass

“Most swards are now at the right growth stage for cutting. Sugars are high and with dry matters also high grass nitrogen levels are not a problem,” said Tommy (pictured).

“All of this adds up to the perfect scenario, from a silage making perspective, with one possible exception.

“Grass that is cut with a mower conditioner and spreader or tedded and then left to wilt for a full 24-hours will go into the silo with a dry matter of around 40%. Normally, dry matter will rise by 1% every two hours. But under current conditions, this figure can be doubled. Uncut grass tests are coming back with dry matter values in the range 16% to 20%. If aiming for final forage dry matters of between 25% to 30%, farmers should consider reducing their wilting times.

“Higher dry matter forages are very prone to secondary fermentation at feed out. This can result in tremendous losses and, when it does happen, represents a significant financial drain for the farms concerned. This type of crop can be full of mycotoxins.”

Mr Armstrong pointed out that high dry matter forages must be rolled continuously as they are ensiled.

“This helps to maximise consolidation levels throughout the pit, thereby reducing oxygen levels within the forage,” he commented.

“Oxygen is the key driver behind secondary fermentation. Applying Provita’s Advance+ inoculant will also act to reduce this process. It has a proven anti-mycotoxin effect which will double the stability time at feed out.

“It will also work to improve the nutritional feeding value of silage as a whole. This is worth an estimated benefit equal to 2kg of meal per head per day.”

The Provita representative attended this week’s Open Meeting at AFBI Hillsborough.

“The event brought home the essential change in attitude that is needed to maximise production from forage,” he said.

“Grazed grass and high quality silage are the cheapest, and most cost-effective, feeds that we can offer ruminant livestock.

“The reality is that farmers right across Northern Ireland can make exceptionally high quality silage over the coming weeks, which will help make a big contribution to reducing costs next winter.”