It's been a difficult season with farmers concerned about the winter ahead. Latest survey results from Volac also show a clear desire to reduce maize DM and nutrient losses. In our latest article Peter Smith shares his five point plan to reduce losses.

Sheeting the clamp at the end of a long day can seem like a chore. But whether making maize, grass or other silages, putting extra effort into it can improve both the quality and quantity of what you conserve.

As with the rest of the season, the focus should still be on maximising quality and minimising dry matter losses when making late-cut grass silage. Here are some quick DO's and DON'Ts for your late-cut grass.

Reduced grass silage yields in the first half of the year are set to make producing good maize silage even more important this season. So how do you achieve the best maize preservation? Get expert advice and the latest top tips to help you get more from this valuable forage.

With shortfalls in grass silage after the dry spring, maize could be an important source of forage dry matter – especially with grass silage alternatives, such as brewer’s grains, in short supply.

Taking good care of grass silage made during the rest of this year could be crucial to avoid excess spending on bought-in feeds.

Grass silage yields this season are 25-50% down in places, but you can take steps to conserve as much quality dry matter (DM) as possible from future grass cuts, and to minimise wastage.

There’s tremendous untapped and high quality potential in baled silage for dairy farms, says Volac Business Manager, Ken Stroud.