Forage & Silage

Dry matter losses are costing UK farmers an average of £25/tonne DM. But simple changes to silaging practices could help cut this cost.

Spraying docks with an effective translocated herbicide two to three weeks after taking a silage cut will give very good control, according to Corteva Agriscience, as dock plants will all be the same size and have fresh healthy leaves when treated.

Late turnout and actions by dairy farmers to cut milk output due to coronavirus impact, may see some running out of silage this spring.

Dairy, Forage & Silage Feature from our March 2020 Issue

Rachael Porter investigates why many producers are switching to multiple cuts of silage rather than the typical two or three cuts per season.

Pioneer is launching a new, faster-acting inoculant for use on maize silage in time for the 2019 harvest.

There is enough energy in a hectare of fresh forage maize to support about 30,000 litres of milk production in dairy cows, once animal maintenance needs are met. 

Grassland farmers may need to tackle dock infestations in silage fields in the next few weeks, as the early spring led to first cuts being taken before these tough perennial weeds could be treated.

With silage shortages being felt on many farms after the dry summer, the upcoming Dairy-Tech event (Wednesday 6 February 2019, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire) will see leading animal nutrition and forage preservation company, Volac, offering timely tips for responding this winter, as well as offering guidance for minimising shortages when making silage in 2019.

By planning ahead and implementing actions now to preserve precious silage stocks, dairy farmers can improve the prospects for the winter.

A five-year programme of trials and demonstrations involving eight UK livestock farms and researchers from Aberystwyth and Bangor Universities has demonstrated significant benefits of integrating a range of forage protein

  Kuhn Farm Machinery is holding a series of bale wrapping workshops, demonstrations and best practise clinics to help farmers improve the quality of, and get the most from, their