Awel y Grug Project Update -January 2025

Silage making 2024

Both the red clover and white clover plots were closed off for silage on 06.05.24 after grazing with ewes and lambs. The plots were cut on 10.06.24 and subsequently baled on 13.06.24. Both leys averaged just under 18.5 bales per hectare. Second cuts were mowed on the 27.07.24 and baled on the 28.07.24, with an average yield of 7.5 bales per hectare from the red clover plots and 12 bales per hectare from white clover plots. 

The red clover plot was cut a third time on the 17.09.24 and baled on the 18.09.24 with an average yield of 9 bales per hectare.

The cool and wet growing season meant that the target cutting dates were not achieved. The conditions also reduced growth rates and nitrogen production from clover. This impacted the yield and quality in the first and second cuts of red clover.

Silage Results

 

Dry Matter %

D Value

ME

Crude Protein %

pH

RC 1

39.5

65

10.6

11.9

4.7

RC 2

33.1

71

11.5

13.1

4.4

RC 3

24.2

69

11.2

16.7

4.3

WC 1

45.8

66

10.8

11.8

4.7

WC 2

31.5

70

11.3

13.0

4.6

PP

73.4

59

9.4

13.4

N/A

PP (Permanent Pasture) silage analysis was carried out on bales harvested on 19.06.24, cut on 17.06.24 from ‘Above House field’, located immediately next to RC and WC plots.

Autumn grazing 2024

Lambs were introduced to the WC plot with no supplementary creep feed. The plot was split into six grazing paddocks with the lambs moved rotationally every 4 to 5 days.

Although the lambs were not performance recorded, anecdotally the system worked well, with pleasing weight gains and days to market lower than on alternative permanent pastures.  

The late 3rd cut date delayed grazing the RC, unfortunately the wet weather set in and the decision was taken to rest plots to avoid damage. The WC plots will continue to be grazed to the end of December, grazing residual heights have been increased leaving higher covers to prevent sward damage.

Winter feed trials

Prior to lambing 2025, three separate winter rations will be formulated to supply the same amount of energy and protein for each treatment group based on NIRS analysis. The groups will be recorded to assess the performance of each ration.