Getting your basics bang-on

Grass Conservation

Grass is the cheapest feed available to all farm animals, with the exception of pigs.

While cows and sheep can graze the grass for approximately nine months of the year, when the grass stops growing and the temperatures drop, an alternative is necessary.

In addition, some animals may be housed during the winter months and so winter feed is an essential consideration for any farming enterprise.

The farmer has two main options: hay or silage. Both are methods of grass conservation, where spoilage caused by bacterial growth and the growth of other organisms is restricted. Although silage is the more expensive method of grass conservation, it is more palatable and has a higher DMD than hay. In addition, it can be cut up to three times a year and is less dependent on the weather. Taking into account such factors, especially in a country such as ours with unpredictable summers, it has become the preferred option of grass conservation.

Pit silage

The field is closed approximately eight weeks before ensiling begins.

The grass is fertilised accordingly at least six weeks before cutting. The first cut of grass usually takes place in May – May 21 being the ideal date – using a mower conditioner and laid out in rows. Ideally, the grass should be cut when the digestibility of the sward is at its highest. This is known as the ‘ heading out’ stage, when half of the crop is showing its seed heads.

The second cut takes place around July 1. Once cut, the grass is macerated, blown into a silage trailer using a forage harvester, and eventually transported to the pit where it is heaped out.

Lumps of grass are removed, and the surface of the pit is levelled out to remove air pockets.

An additive may be added to improve the quality of the silage

The pit should be filled as quickly as possible as sugar levels will drop as respiration continues.

The grass is rolled with a tractor to remove trapped air.

The silage pit is covered with a couple of layers of heavy duty polythene, with the edges pulled tightly and secured with tyres, manure or ground limestone.

This should be repeated 2-3 times as the silage subsides over the weeks.

Baled silage:

Once the grass is cut, it is allowed to wilt for 1-2 days and an additive is added if required.

Special machinery is used to collect the grass and make it into ‘round bales’.

Round bales are easily transported and, so, easily bought and sold. They are suitable for small farms and have a low pollution risk.