Great Grass Make Great Quality Silage

MAKE GREAT

QUALITY SILAGE

POOR QUALITY SILAGE COSTS MONEY

THREE STAGES TO MAKING QUALITY SILAGE

STAGE ONE PRE-CUTTING

Silage season is almost upon us. It is important to have a plan in place pre-harvest. The quality of silage should not be compromised in the pursuit of bulk. It’s better to increase yield through correct, timely nutrient application and considering the yield across the year as a whole rather than a “one big cut” approach.

Managing weeds in the grass growth period will increase the quality of silage and should be used appropriately.

REMEMBER

Maintaining healthy grass growth will have an impact on quantity and quality of silage.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

DM

Available in-store or online at TirlanFarmLife.com

• Apply four weeks pre-cutting silage.

• Good suppression at reduced rate.

• Two applications of half rate (1.0L), spring and autumn more practical.

• Not clover safe.

Esteem® 5L

9106284

Hurler® T 5L

Docks and Chickweed

HERBICIDE

Docks Eagle

®

1.0 L/ha new sown leys and maize

• Controls broad spectrum of weeds such as, buttercups, docks thistles, chickweed, fat-hen and mayweed.

• Can be used at 1 L/ha on newly sown leys.

• Not clover safe.

• Controls chickweed and established docks.

• Not clover safe.

• Animals can re-entry 3 days after application.

• Should not be used in very dry weather.

• Clover safe.

THREE STAGES TO MAKING QUALITY SILAGE STAGE TWO CUTTING

Quality silage, that is high in dry matter digestibility (DMD), relies heavily on harvesting at the right time to minimise the loss of feeding value. Aim to cut in mid-May.

TOP TIPS

24

Test grass using NIR4/spectrometer to establish correct cutting time.

REMEMBER

Wilt for 24 hours to increase DM and improve fermentation.

Use silage additives tailored to the specific DM content of your silage.

Delayed cutting or poorly preserved silages can lose up to 5% units of DMD. This can result in milk yield reductions of 1.5 litres per day, and increases the cost of finishing cattle.

DMD

Make safety on farm a priority.

Higher DMD silage can reduce days to finish and lower compound feed rates.

BUY 10 GET 1 FREE

ECOSYL SILAGE ADDITIVES

For consistently better silage

• Increases digestibility

• Decrease waste

• Increases rate and quality of fermentation process

• Increases dry matter intakes

THREE STAGES TO MAKING QUALITY SILAGE

STAGE THREE PITTING AND BAILING

Pitting or baling silage isn’t just about getting the job done. This stage of the silage making process can be a make or break in terms of having a quality feed for livestock and reducing costly losses. So it’s important to get it right.

Along with using the right pitting and baling techniques, using quality silage covers plays a really crucial role in protecting your silage; both during the fermentation process and throughout the winter feeding months.

€3,488/year cost of silage lost through wastage in 500tn pit.*

€450/week/100 cows, feed cost to replace every 5% DMD lost.**

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SILAGE COVER

MAXIMUM PROTECTION

BODYGUARD/HERMITIX + UNDERLAYER

• Maximum protection, minimum waste.

AGRISAFE HYBRID CLASSIC 2-IN-1 NEW

• Standard Black Cover + Underlayer combined.

• Double protection + more convenient.

BODYGUARD/HERMITIX

• Extremely strong, high oxygen barrier.

• Lighter and easier to handle that standard covers.

STANDARD BLACK COVER

• Black; 400 Gauge (100 Microns).

STANDARD PROTECTION

• Proven quality for years.

THREE STAGES TO MAKING QUALITY SILAGE

STAGE THREE PITTING AND BAILING

SILAGE COVERS

STANDARD BLACK COVER

• Proven quality for years.

• High resistance to weathering.

• Performs well even at extreme temperatures.

• Thicker and stronger than most standard covers on the market.

BODYGUARD/HERMITIX HEAVY DUTY SILAGE COVER

A highly flexible, hole resistant cover, with an oxygen barrier.

• Reduces silage surface spoilage by restricting oxygen permeation, the growth of moulds and improves aerobic stability.

• Fits into landscape with green layer.

• Double black layers ensure better preservation and faster fermentation.

• Makes covering your silage pit quick, clean and easy with labour savings.

• High impact and tear resistant.

• Available in 60 x 80, 60 x 100 or 60 x 120FT.

UNDERLAYER SILAGE FILM

Using Underlayer Silage Film will minimise silage waste.

• This sits directly beneath silage cover.

• Thinner and more flexible material allows it to “cling” to surface to avoid air pockets.

• Produce better quality silage with less waste.

BALE WRAP

NET REPLACEMENT FILM

• Silage Quality: Adds extra film to the barrel of the bale. The oxygen barrier is improved and silage is stored better. Leading to higher quality silage.

• Reduces mould: Mould reduces silage quality, the extra film on the bale reduces vermin and handler damage.

• Labour saving: No need to separate net and film when opening bales.

Reduces feeding time, waste disposal easier and reduced costs.

• Better shaped bale: Compresses the bale tighter than net and keeps the bale in better shape.

AGRISAFE HYBRID

CLASSIC 2-IN-1

Innovative, extra strong two-layer sheet Includes standard black cover and underlayer film in one roll.

• High oxygen barrier, preventing spoilage.

• Double protection, more convenient and quicker to apply.

• Available in sizes: 60 x 80FT, 60 x 100FT and 60 x 120FT.

MASTERCROP AGRI-STRETCH BALE WRAP

A durable 5-layer silage wrap. Its high tack finish ensures a tight seal which is air, gas and water resistant

• 25 micron.

• 5-layer for strength.

• Tacky finish ensures a tight seal.

• Suitable for use with all leading wrapping machines.

• Puncture and tear resistant.

STAGE ONE PRE-CUTTING

STAGE TWO CUTTING

GREAT GRASS Make Great Quality Silage

STAGE THREE PITTING AND BAILING