Mallorca, meal and making silage while the weather allows
Michael Forde working on his Galway farm. Picture: Ray Ryan
We are delighted to have the first cut of silage made and we got a good return, with 153 bales of silage coming off 16 acres. It is a great relief to have the first cut baled and in the yard, as the weather turned very wet after baling.
We cut our silage on May 25 and turned it early the following morning before baling that evening. With the early cutting date and having swards grazed with sheep in the spring, it looks to be excellent quality, and we will test this silage in a few weeks’ time when preservation is sufficient.
We made approximately 240 bales of silage last year and plan on making a similar amount, if not a little more, this year. With the winter being so wet and harsh, it is very important to have an extra reserve.
As mentioned in my previous article, we slightly changed the silage protocol this year and plan to make less silage at the grazing home platform and take out more paddocks that may go too strong for grazing.
The silage ground has also received cattle slurry, so this should help boost phosphorus and potassium levels.
Meal feeding commenced on June 1, with the hope of drafting lambs for sale or slaughter by mid-June.
When I write my next article, I will give an update on the number of lambs sold and their weights.
It is great to get some sunshine, and hopefully, when we get home, some lambs will be nearing finish.
Lamb prices have taken a cut recently but are still nearing €10/kg with bonuses.
Lambs have been weighed and have also received their 10-in-1 shot. This is a very important vaccine which protects against 10 major clostridial diseases, including blackleg, pulpy kidney and tetanus, among others.
Grass growth has really taken off on the farm, and I will continue to measure grass on a weekly basis.
Measuring grass has been a big help to my grazing management as it gives me great confidence in knowing I will not run out of grass when I am removing strong paddocks that may become unfavourable for grazing.
We will take out more paddocks for silage and more ground for second cut to ensure we have sufficient silage stocks.
Our beef stores are also doing quite well, but as with all beef farmers at the moment, the market is concerning.
We have seen a massive drop in prices over the last six or seven weeks, with prices falling close to 10c a week during this timeframe.
It is both frustrating and concerning, especially considering the prices farmers were paid for cattle a few months ago.
We will continue to graze these animals on good-quality grass and try to get them to gain as much liveweight as possible on our cheapest feed source, grazed grass.
Just a reminder to other sheep farmers to keep receipts and complete the actions of the Sheep Welfare Scheme.
Also, where possible, try to take a break or head away for a few days. Everyone needs a recharge, so it is important that farmers look after themselves as well.
- Michael Forde runs a mixed cattle and sheep farm in Annagh West, Corrandulla, Co Galway. His Teagasc adviser is Kevin Fahey
