Multiply the total volume be either 0.68, 0.77 or 0.81, depending on the correction required for DM, to find the total (tonne) amount of silage in the pit

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 made should not drop in the pursuit of a higher quantity. It’s better to increase quantity through fertilisation, taking additional cuts or sourcing grass off the farm through contract growing, renting land or buying grass.

• Calculate your silage requirements using Teagasc’s handy guide. This will enable you to plan your grazing paddocks and silage cutting paddocks more carefully. • Monitor grass to help identify the right time to cut.

To achieve a high DMD silage (70%+), it’s important to cut the grass before the stem increases and grass heads-out. • Spray off any weeds such as docks, thistles or nettles when they are healthy and well in advance of cutting silage.

These weeds reduce silage quantity and also have a negative impact on DMD. • Sample soil to give a clear indication of soil pH and nutrient levels in silage ground. Knowing the soil index will determine what fertiliser or nutrients are required and also help you time your fertiliser application more appropriately in the lead up to and in between silage cuts. • Monitor grass sugars as they act as ‘food’ for the fermentation process.

DID YOU KNOW? Silage costs twice as much as grazed grass so it must be preserved and protected.

Top tips:

• Preparation is key to success. Ensure your pit is clean, walls and international research and guard rails are sound and fit for purpose. Have your findings, changes in farm practices, nutrient regulations onset of new grass and cro baling and pitting material chosen and on stand-by including p varieties with different nutrient requirements. Steps to Managing Soil Fequality plastic covers and tyres/sand bags. rtility Soil tend fertility to chan How does grass growth stage at cutting affect silage quality?management needs to be managed over a long term basis as soil nutrien ge slowly. Optimising soil pH and the availability and supply of major nutri such as P and K needs a planned approach over a numbers of years to ensure produ levels are optimised in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner. The following 5 key steps to good soil fertility management:1. Have soil analysis results for the whole farm. 2. Apply lime as recommended to achieve the target pH for the crop. 3. Aim to have soil test P and K in the target Index 3 in all fields. 4. Use organic fertilizers as efficiently as possible. 5. Make sure the fertilizers used are properly balanced. 76+% 74-76% 71-73% 68-70% <67% SILAGE DMD

Fodder Budget Calculation:

A fodder budget should also be completed annually after harvesting, to ensure that there is enough fodder to feed stock for the housed period. Approximate guidelines to follow are:

• Allow 1.6 tonnes per cow/month • Allow 0.7 tonnes per head/month for stock <1 year • Allow 1.3 tonnes per head/month for stock 1-2 years

To calculate the amount of silage in the pit, Teagasc has broken down the calculations required as follows:

1. Measure the length, breath, and height of the clamp

2. Multiply the length x breath x height = Total available volume for silage (m3)

3. Estimate the Dry Matter (DM) content of the silage

4. Multiply the total volume be either 0.68, 0.77 or 0.81, depending on the correction required for DM, to find the total (tonne) amount of silage in the pit:

• DM 25% = 0.68 • DM 20% = 0.77 • DM 18% = 0.81

5. Calculate how long this silage will last