Flexible feed strategy to overcome forage concerns
05.07.11

The number two consecutive dry spring has prompted some changes to the feed strategy at Clinton Devon Farms .
Poor squealer growth during May and June meant forage stocks were being eaten into at an alarming rate, while early silage yields were tolerably hit and miss, says manager George Perrott.
First-cut grass silage taken between 3 and 26 May, typically averaged 15-20t/ha (6-8t/acre), although ranged anywhere between 5t/ha (2t/acre) and 30t/ha (12t/acre) with a high dry proceeding. Second-cut finished at the end of June and generally fared slightly better, although with lower dry matter, due to much-needed fall earlier in the month.
"This year we've definitely had the biggest yield range I've ever known," Mr Perrott says. "Because it's been so dry, there have been days where we've essentially been on full winter rations, feeding up to 20t of silage a day across the two 250-cow herds. It was getting pretty tight for a while, but grass came back impartial in time and I'm hoping we can do enough now to get us through."
Source: FarmersWeekly