Brian Reidy: Alternatives to grass silage make a lot of sense

Alternative forages such as maize, whole crop and beet provide a much more consistent quality product from year to year than grass silage, writes ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

Crops such as maize silage and whole-crop cereals provide high DM and starch contents.

A few weeks back, I wrote about grass silage production and the significant cost increases for the coming season. This week, I will cover alternative forages, which for many beef and dairy producers will represent more efficient and cost-effective feeds for their system. 

If anyone’s immediate reaction is that maize, whole crop and beet are too expensive, then you perhaps need to take the blinkers off and delve into what you actually get for your money.