Baled silage, the sensible choice

THIS winter’s feed requirements are already on the agenda as silage cutting begins in earnest. A reserve of extra silage will give security for the coming year whatever the weather is like.

Plans should now be underway for silage on most farms. A silage plan should include an estimate of how much silage will be needed for the coming winter. The stocking numbers will decide how many hectares will need to be closed for first and second cut silage. Energy requirements will differ for example livestock that are lactating or pregnant will have higher energy needs.

Convenience and cost are two reasons why baled silage has become so popular in Ireland. Baled silage is a good choice because the costs of baling, wrapping and transport are calculated per bale and there is less waste when making small quantities of high quality silage when compared to conventional pit silage. Bales can be stored where they will be needed at feed out and they can be used as supplements to diet where only a small number of stock is housed or during periods of wet weather such as last summer. Baled silage can be made with surplus grass and as an alternative to hay where conditions do not allow for the grass to sufficiently dry out.