Rain at last, but not enough to kick-start regrowths

Good quality, variable quantity but with regrowths desperately needing a kick-start. That¡¦s the verdict on first cut silage according to KW Alternative Feeds nutritionist Dave Collett, and with only modest quantities of rain falling over the weekend ¡V and many regions missing out yet again ¡V the outlook for second cut looks poor.

¡§The first serious quantities of rain arrived last weekend, but for most silage aftermaths it¡¦s been too little, too late,¡¨ insists Mr Collett. ¡§Many areas have yet to see any significant quantity of rain since first cuts were made, and regrowth for second cut is virtually non-existent.¡¨

The trend to make ever larger quantities of first cut silage by shutting up as big an area as possible puts extra pressure on grazing. It¡¦s a strategy that relies heavily on summer rainfall to get regrowth off to a quick start, but with the continued dry weather, aftermaths intended to ease that pressure are just not producing enough grass.

¡§The lack of regrowth has definitely left cows short of grass, and many farms are now looking to increase buffer feeding to avoid grazing second cut areas. With alternative feeds available and generally offering better value than manufactured feeds, it¡¦s a pretty sound strategy, which should help preserve overall forage supplies,¡¨ he adds.

The good news is that most first cut silages are going to make an excellent winter feed this year. Conditions were as good, if not better, than last year, with most silage made quickly under strong sunshine. Where cuts were taken early and second cuts look likely to be poor, forward buying moist feeds now to cover winter requirements makes a lot of sense.

¡§Although first cut volumes may appear a bit low, dry matters were generally very high, so the total dry matter yield should be close to target,¡¨ Mr Collett explains. ¡§Quality shouldn¡¦t be an issue, although the continuing trend to cut earlier means fibre levels may need a boost, and there¡¦s some evidence of high nitrogens in very early cuts. There¡¦s certainly no need to panic at this stage, as there¡¦s plenty of alternative feeds available to buffer grazing and bolster silage stocks if needed.

¡§But it¡¦s definitely worth thinking about winter rations sooner rather than later, particularly now second cuts look set to be very light,¡¨ he concludes. ¡§In particular, make sure there¡¦s going to be enough structural fibre going into the ration, with whole crop wheat or alkalage useful options for raising both fibre levels and forage stocks. Alternatively, add chopped straw where fibre levels are low, and combine with moist feeds such as brewers¡¦ grains, molassed sugar beet feed and C„gTraffordgold to boost bulk.¡¨