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.

Unwanted microbes in silage cause major losses in quality and quantity – not something you want if striving for more milk from forage. So how can contamination with these ‘bad bugs’ be reduced?

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.