Sinclair Mcgill Checklist

EARLY APRIL: It’s time for an early assessment of swards. John Spence, Limagrain’s forage crop manager, recommends a walk across the cutting swards. “You’re looking for at least 70% of sown species – typically ryegrasses - in swards lined up for first cut silage. “Species population and sward quality will determine which swards might need reseeding this year. Now is a good time to assess the grass and prioritise where the best investment in improvements lie.”

LATE APRIL: Attention to detail and good preparation is the key message from Limagrain’s forage crop manager John Spence as farmers start work on reseeds. “These might be leys going back into grass from a crop of fodder beet or maize. “You reap what you sow –literally, when it comes to preparing the ground well and choosing a high quality grass seed mixture,” he says, urging farmers and contractors opt for a mixture with proven yield and feed value credentials. “Sinclair McGill’s Prosper has the LGAN accreditation to prove that it has achieved high yields and outstanding feed value consistently in UK field trials. It’s a good example of a cutting mixture suited to dairy systems.”

Advice from Volac

New analysis points to higher profit from multi-cut grass, even at modest milk price

Volac Check List

APRIL AND EARLY MAY: With some good grass growth this season, seize the opportunity for an early first-cut, if possible, says Volac silage specialist, Peter Smith. “Leaving fields until late May before cutting risks dead grass accumulating in the sward base, which harbours bad bacteria, which, in turn, cause poorer fermentations.

“By comparison, taking first-cut while grass is still ‘spring fresh’ means it will contain less dead material and stubbles should regrow faster for the next cut. Younger grass will also be higher in metabolisable energy and protein. It will still need conserving correctly, but should provide a better-quality end product,” he adds.