DairyCo

Forage stocks low but feed value high – so plan winter feed carefully

Published 19 July 10

A cold winter and spring followed by a long dry spell for most dairy farmers has lead to an unusual year for forage production, says Adam Clay, DairyCo extension officer.

"Many producers are reporting lower that usual stocks of silage this year," says Mr Clay, "and grass growth has slowed down dramatically in some areas. For many it's going to be a case of juggling what stocks there are, focusing on good grazing management and maybe looking at alternative feed sources this winter. 

"Silage stocks seem to be 25 - 30% down on an average year, but keep in mind it seems to be a good quality crop on the whole. Because it's so dry there will be more feed value than you think.

"Whole crop wheat and maize are going to be valuable this winter," Mr Clay continues. "Contractors have reported that bookings for whole crops are up this year as more producers look at ensiling this crop. But, if you are thinking of harvesting more wheat for whole crop, you need to compare the value of the milling crop and straw with the benefits of increased forage stocks. How much feed could you buy in this winter with the income generated from your wheat? And how much will straw be this winter?

"In some cases it might be worth seeing if there are possibilities for buying wheat from a local arable farmer. In the midlands whole crop and straw are selling at around £400 an acre.  

"Think about buying in other moist bulk feeds such as Trafford Gold, brewers' grains or potato peel this winter," says Mr Clay. "Look around and see what is available in your area. And think about some of the dryer feeds like soya hulls or dried sugar beet pulp that are fibrous and have some structure so can be used as forage. But remember that as demands for these feeds increases throughout the autumn and winter, so will the prices.

"If you're worried about forage stocks for the winter consider if taking a third or even fourth to increase silage stocks makes financial sense. Yields may not justify the cost per acre of cutting and feeding the silage out. Instead, look at your grazing management this summer and autumn. In the vast majority of cases grazed grass is cheaper than silage. Many farmers are going in and grazing fields that have been shut up for silage because it doesn't seem logical to cut silage, ensile it and feed it out pretty quickly.

Mr Clay continues: "Farmers may have to think about taking a hit on yield in order to preserve forage stocks. Consider how much it is costing to push for those extra litres if forage stocks are low and reliance is on purchased feeds. This isn't to say underfeed your cows of course, and can only be considered on late lactation animals once they are in calf and in good body condition.

"On a brighter note bear in mind that we might well see some excellent compensationary grass growth with wetter conditions. So don't panic just yet!"