24 August 2018
Early decision making is key to plugging the significant forage gap that exists on many livestock and dairy farms across Wales.
Grassland specialist Chris Duller estimates that the prolonged dry spell has left farms on average with only two thirds of their winter fodder needs – but says action taken now can fill that gap.
Before deciding what strategy to adopt, farmers must first calculate fodder stocks and winter demand, he advised farmers attending a Farming Connect ‘Bridging the Forage Gap’ event in Builth Wells.
Count and weigh silage bales and, for clamp silage, multiply the height, width and depth dimensions to work out volume.
“The contractor will have a record of how many bales were made – often quicker and easier than trying to count up bales in stacks,’’ says Mr Duller. “There can be massive variations in the density of bales so get them weighed – take five or six to the local weighbridge or weigh them in your mixer wagon.’’
Establishing the dry matter value of silage is important. “Either get it analysed or do your own dry matter assessment in the microwave,’’ suggests Mr Duller.
Once the volume and dry matter values are known, demand can be calculated.
In a spring calving suckler herd this winter, a 650kg cow’s daily dry matter intake should be around 1.5% of her liveweight, equivalent to 9kgDM a day.
“Feeding 20 cows for 150 days will require 27,000kgDM,’’ says Mr Duller. “If the silage is 40% dry matter that’s 67,500kg of fresh silage, although 10% wastage should be factored in which means that the amount of silage needed by those 20 cattle for the winter will be 74,250kg. If bales average 550kg that’s 135 bales.
“Everyone has different size cows, different housing periods and different silage dry matters – and different levels of wastage - but it’s a vital calculation to do.’’
When existing supply and winter demand are known, consider options for filling any fodder gap.
It is not too late to reseed, either with long term varieties or short term Italian ryegrasss and Westerwolds.
“Reseeds have the potential to grow double that of old leys this autumn but care is needed when grazing to prevent damage and keep utilisation high,’’ warns Mr Duller.
“Short term leys provide lots of forage, within 10 weeks Westerwolds and Italians can be grazed, and by Christmas they could easily have grown 4tDM/ha, but they suit drier ground and will need careful management next spring.’’
Stubble turnips and forage rape are other options, providing 3.5-4tDM/ha of grazing by November. “Feed them well to get quick establishment and have the infrastructure in place to maximize utilization,’’ Mr Duller advises.
Fertiliser inputs will underpin production this autumn.
Top-up fields with 30kgN once moisture levels have returned to soils, Mr Duller recommends. Silage crops will need sulphur too.
To keep production going, target ryegrass and young leys with 30-40kgN/ha in September.
“Feed your good fields, the response will be at least 15:1, allowing you to get at least an additional 600kgDM/ha from September nitrogen applications,’’ says Mr Duller.
For some farms, reducing stock numbers, the housing period and wastage should be considered, says Mr Duller.
“Cull early, sell finished stock, condition score and identify groups that can have restricted feed. Don’t be afraid to use concentrates to get stock away but
target concentrates on animals with the best feed conversion rates.
“Take steps to minimize waste with good clamp management – consider using additives on silage, sharpen the blades on shear grabs, double wrap silage bales.’’
Grazing must be controlled. “Adopt the mentality that every blade of grass that grows between now and the end of November will be used,’’ says Mr Duller.
Consider conserving grass for winter grazing by setting aside grass that grows between now and December. Choose dry fields. “Investment is needed in electric fencing but it costs twice as much to make silage than grazing it,’’ Mr Duller explains.
Or consider buying forage. “Prices are high but the quality is good. Buy now because it is not going to get any cheaper by December.’’
Farming Connect development officer for Breconshire, Nerys Hammond, who facilitated the meeting, said the overriding message was that farmers faced with potential feed deficits must not leave it to chance.
“The situation across Wales is varied but strategies implemented now will help prevent winter feed shortages,’’ she said.
Funding for the project has been provided by the Welsh Government’s Rural Communities Rural Development Program 2014-2020.