Heightened risks of soil and slurry contamination in first-cut grass silage after the wet winter, due to increased wheel ruts in fields and delayed slurry applications, will require extra vigilance with silage-making this season, an expert is urging.

Ken Stroud of Volac explains the science behind what a proven additive provides.

Ensuring grass is cut at the right time to achieve the desired silage quality is paramount and leaving it late will result in a reduction in sugars, protein and digestibility.

As the days lengthen and grass begins to grow, thoughts move to first cut silage. But after a difficult end to 2023, what should farmers be focusing on? Find out in our latest Campaign for Better Silage article.

We’ve certainly had unsettled weather over recent seasons – with long wet or dry spells hindering target cutting dates and affecting wilting. Which has made producing quality silage difficult.

As well as being a teaching resource, the dairy unit of Bridgwater and Taunton College has to be a viable commercial farm. So good silage for the year-round housed herd is key.

Five lessons from 2023 that could help improve grass silage in 2024