Planning for winter feed should not be underestimated
First cut yields are back by up to 50% in places due to the poor growth rates. Work out how much silage you need next winter.
On top of this, many farmers plan for a reserve of winter feed for unforeseen issues, such as a month of bad weather, TB, etc.
For example, take an 80-cow herd with 30 replacements on 50 hectares of reasonable quality land. The herd has a normal winter requirement of about 856 tonnes of pit silage.
One month’s reserve feed will add another 190 tonnes.
If 50% of the farm had the first cut in late May/early June, and the yield was well below average, at six tonnes per acre, this cut would provide about 375 tonnes of silage. This is equivalent to about 40% of the winter feed required. The remainder must be sourced between now and winter. Additional sources of winter feed to consider include:
* Second cut silage — close a larger area and increase fertiliser usage on cow-grazing ground to allow for high stocking rates in June and July.
* Apply more nitrogen to grazing ground — take out surplus bales for winter feed.
* Sow kale or rape on outfarm for outwintering heifers.
* Decide to reduce stock numbers over winter.
* Buy grain off the combine.
* Feed the minimum amount of silage and make up the balance with meals.
* Purchase straw this autumn and feed it with meals.
* Purchase standing crops of silage.
* Purchase pitted or baled silage.
