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Taking account of field conditionsÌýahead of silage makingÌýis vital in order to maximise quality.

Second cut presentsÌýdifferentÌýconditions to first cut, as the grass is more fibrous and lignified and days are longer, meaning grass will dry more quickly. Peter Smith business manager of Volac suggests farmers need to bearÌýthisÌýin mind when decidingÌýon wilt times:

"Second cut grassÌýisÌýinherently drier so a 24 hour wiltÌýisÌýoftenÌýexcessive; unless the weather is wet it should be possible to pick upÌýgrassÌýon the same day. If using a contractor, they will be able to provide feedback on their experience ofÌýoptimumÌýwilting timesÌýthis season.

"If filling on top of first cut, alwaysÌýplace a layer ofÌýfresh grassÌýbefore travelling on the silageÌýas otherwise carbon dioxide will be displacedÌýfrom the silage already in the clamp,Ìýand oxygen will move in.Ìý

"Clamps should be filled in layers no deeper than 150mm and each layer rolled before adding another. Once the last layer has been rolled, it is important to place the sheet on as soon as possible and fully seal the clamp to prevent any oxygen entering," Mr Smith advises.

Check

Eleazar McKeever Sales manager from Krone urges farmers to take time to check mowers, tedders and rakes are correctly adjusted to conditions on the day.

"ItÌýis vital to select the right speed on the mower conditioner. For heavy crops, the higher speed of 900 rpm is appropriate, whereas for lighter crops, the grass will need less conditioning".

"There are seven settings for the distance between the baffle plate and top of the mower. For drier crops, choose a higher setting to maintain a greater distanceÌýforÌýless conditioningÌýand for wetter crops, a lower setting will result in more bruising of the grass, leading to a quicker wilt".Ìý

"Avoid closingÌýit up too much as this can lead to excessive power consumption and increased fuel usage". Ìý

"SettingÌýthe correct top link length to set the pitch of the blades will determine the length of stubble left behind the crop. If mowing when the ground is soft, leaving a longer stubble length is desirable to prevent contamination," Mr McKeever explains.

Mr McKeever says tinesÌýon the tedderÌýshould be set with around 20mm tine tip to stubble, to avoidÌýthemÌýscraping the ground:

"The pitch of each tine on Krone machines can be adjusted individually by altering the angle of the wheel between 13oÌýand 19o. For wet, heavy crops or when making hay, a low setting will spread the grass out as far as possible; for lighter crops or for repeat tedding of a hay crop, a higher setting is recommended".

"The PTO speed for a tedder should be no faster than 450 rpm and ideally between 350 and 400 rpm with the higher revs reserved for heavier crops."Ìý

Options

IfÌýfirst-cutÌýyields are disappointing or quality is below expectations, this often indicates weed grasses are out-competing sown speciesÌýand a re-seed might be the best option, John Spence forage crops product manager of Limagrain UK says.

"After the 2022 droughtÌýfollowed byÌýaÌýlateÌýspring, many farmers need more grass this season. Ploughing a field up now will mean taking a hit to production when grass growth is at its peak".Ìý

"A preferred option could be to boost production from existing swards by over-sowing with more productive, fast growing ryegrasses and introducing clover species".Ìý

"Alternatively, some farmers may wish to hold off re-seeding until autumn, or sow a break crop such as stubble turnips or kale to provide an autumn winter forage before re-seeding with grass".

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SpringÌýor autumn re-seed?

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Campaign for Better Silage

Campaign for Better Silage is a new 2023 initiative brought to you by Krone, Sinclair McGill, Volac and Yara, offering advice to dairy farmers on how to navigate the inevitable grassland challenges 2023 will bring, as well as offering best practice guidance to ensure maximum production on every farm.

The exceptionally dry weather in 2022 has left many grassland farmers with a shortfall of silage and 2023 looks to set to be a particularly challenging season for many.

That said, some farmers did manage the 2022 season better than others and employed grassland techniques which have seen them finish the year with adequate stocks.

The continuing economic crisis, coupled with unquestionable changing weather patterns, means that identifying and sharing the techniques which produce best results is going to be critical for the industry to embrace moving forward.

Watch the launch debate LAMMA 2023, below...