Mole Valley Farmers first cut silage analysis
“Quality silage from the South but quantity an issue”.
The latest results from Mole Valley Farmers grass silage analysis of first cut silage point to a potential upside in autumn/winter milk production this year if forage stocks are properly managed.
Data from approximately 200 dairy farms show some key pointers with excellent results for energy, dry matter and intake potential, while protein content is typical for grass silage.
Mole Valley Farmers Grass Silage Analysis 2010
|
Units |
Value |
Dry matter |
% |
33 |
ME |
MJ/kg DM |
10.9 |
Crude protein |
g/kg DM |
144 |
NDF |
g/kg DM |
480 |
Intake potential |
(FiM) |
106 |
Reassuringly the data highlights the potential to produce more milk from forage this coming season. Based on an average intake of 30kg grass silage per cow per day, this high quality material could increase milk production by around 1 litre per cow per day, translating to an extra income of 10,000 for a 200 cow herd over a 200 day period. However, forage quantity is clearly an issue with grass silage stocks at more than 20% below normal levels.
Dr Chris Bartram, MVF Head of Product Development confirmed, The dry spring and summer has created slow grass growth with far less bulk than normal. Grazing conditions are challenging and more silage is likely to be fed earlier. But the maize crop is looking good and although in need of some rain, yields look promising. Interestingly a number of dairy producers have decided to grow maize under plastic for the first time this year and quite a few farmers have recently reverted to whole crop silage. Straw will be in much greater demand and yield per acre is likely to be lower with shorter straw crops due to the lack of rain.
Dr Bartram urged dairy producers to plan feed programmes now for the next 18 months and look closely at all the nutritional and financial options available. To help dairy producers overcome reduced forage stocks, Mole Valley Farmers have developed two new products, a moist feed Golden GrainBeet and a new Forage Extender concentrate, available as a nut or blend.
Developed primarily for dairy cows, the new moist feed Golden GrainBeet is a unique combination of brewers grains, Traffordgold and sugar beet pulp, designed to help maximise fat and protein yield. Formulated to the optimum dairy diet with 45% dry matter, 17.5% protein and 12.8 MJ/kg ME, it will integrate easily into the majority of existing diets.
Peter Isaac, Mole Valley Farmers Dairy Product Manager, believes positive action now will address potential forage shortfalls later. The earlier these points are addressed, and it doesnt mean adopting them all, the quicker the problem can be tackled, ensuring enough forage for the winter feeding period. The longer the decision is left, the more radical the action will need to be later on, he said.
He urged dairy producers to consider a seven point action plan:
-
Assess current forage stocks
-
Plan for later season cuts
-
Plan to keep young stock and heifers out for longer
-
Possibly keep late lactation cows out longer
-
Plan for later season fertiliser use
-
Use high fibre lower energy concentrates where appropriate to extend forage stocks
-
Plan to have more grass earlier for turnout in 2011
To make these plans work he advises:
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Buying in moist feed forage extenders
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Kale planted now could provide extra forage for the winter
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Consider reseeding this autumn as new seeds are more productive next spring
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Sow Italian ryegrass after maize for early spring grass
Mole Valley Farmers have developed a new Forage Budgeter to help dairy producers assess their current situation and ration plans, so decisions can be financially assessed from the outset and any shortfalls addressed now.
Mole Valley Farmers was started in 1960 by a small group of farmers in South Molton, Devon. Today, it is one of the largest employers in the South West, with a turnover of 183.5 million and more than 1,300 staff. Mole Valley Farmers is one of the few co-operatives in the supply industry, with a total commitment to the farming industry. Over the years, Mole Valley Farmers has developed and grown, making investments in:
Nine retail branches in the South West, supplying a wide range of goods to farmers and the public
4 compound feed mills for all animal feeds
A network of 7 blending operations
A specialist feed minerals plant
A quality farm building division
19 SCATS Countrystores across the South and South-East of England
Local agricultural supplies company D & I Bridgman and Son Ltd
A joint venture Mole Valley Forage Services – supplying conventional and technically advanced soil nutrition products and advice
11 CWG country Stores