Some mowers are out dropping grass for second cut. A grass test will be useful to check that the nitrate levels are low enough. If in doubt go for an acid additive to guarantee fermentation. Yields are looking good, so maybe this winter could be better than last.

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Now most silages are clamped, attention should turn to the aftermaths. If you wish to graze, aim for 50 units of nitrogen and 30 units of potash. 3,000 gallon per acre of slurry will more than meet the potash requirements, so if applied opt for straight nitrogen to reduce staggers risk.

If the fields are to be utilised for second cut, aim for 75 units of nitrogen and 45 units of potash. If you can avoid grazing these fields, regrowth will be quicker and cleaner. Allowing these fields to be shut off, will help see clamps fill again after last years shortage.

Our annual benchmarking of dairy farms continually shows yield from forage to be a key profit driver. Now that grass quality and growth is at its peak, make full use of it. If cows are are grass full time, with an ME of just over 12, 20 litres of milk is easily possible. Challenge cows who are in calf and condition score 3+, these will produce some cheap milk. Assess the grass, an don’t be afraid to reduce the parlour cake a bit. If you don’t do it now, the chance will be lost.

Silage is now well under way, with many already done. It is perhaps useful to remind yourselves of some of the important points to give better results

1. Additive doesn’t make bad silage good
2. Don’t mow too early in the morning or late at night
3. Always ted out the grass
4. Consolidate quickly in clamp
5. Get the sheet on quickly, with some weight on top

It is worth trying to get these points right – you will be feeding the silage for 5-6 months!