Now is the time to take action on fodder supplies

WEATHER conditions this spring have meant poor grass growth in early April and very poor ground conditions. As a result stock has had a longer housing period and on many farms much of the fodder stocks are well and truly depleted.

Although it might seem early to be thinking about next winter now is the time to take action in order to replenish depleted silage stocks. Over the next few months we will grow up on 90 per cent of the grass for the year. This also coincides with the period that we will get the best response from chemical fertilisers so even if you are not heavily stocked you should be mindful of this. Get the fertiliser out early and capture as much fodder as possible early in the season.

Most silage ground should be closed up at this stage. Later closing dates on some farms might compromise yield of first cut silages. However if you are worried about yield you could let it grow out for an extra 7-10 days or into the first week of June. Don’t delay cutting beyond this point as you will drive down quality and the delay in cutting will have an effect on second cut and the availability of aftergrass later in the season.

Some farms haven’t got out to graze the silage ground and have closed up at this stage. There will be a butt of dead grass in these swards from last autumn. Unfortunately this dead butt will decrease digestibility of the silage when it is harvested. Do not be tempted to delay cutting in this instance as the quality of the silage will deteriorate even further. If you are satisfied with the yield consider taking it out a few days earlier if the weather is favourable.

There may well be a temptation to roll silage ground this year to smooth over damage and avoid soil contamination of silage at cutting time. If you have to roll ground make sure soil conditions are sufficiently dry in order to avoid soil compaction. Don’t roll if the grass has started to elongate.

If you have a Nutrient Management Plan check it for permitted phosphorous allowances. It is not a year to be skimping on fertiliser and most drystock farms will benefit from 40-60 units nitrogen per acre this month to boost grass growth and sward tillering.