Livestock farmers in Northern Ireland have been urged to assess their winter forage stocks as a matter of priority.
According to United Feeds’ general manager, Clarence Calderwood, it has been an “extremely challenging grass growing year”.
“As a result of the cool growing conditions this year, silage crops have been lighter than would normally be the case.
“In many areas, dairy cows have been housed at night time for the past number of weeks, with the result that 2024 silage clamps have already been opened.”
But according to Calderwood, it’s not all bad news, as “the good weather of recent days has allowed farmers to get silage saved that would not normally have been the case”.
“It’s important for these crops to be wilted well in order to maximise the quality of the fermentation achieved.
“In addition, there has been a significant increase in the area of forage maize grown this year. These crops will be harvested over the coming weeks.
“With the 2024 grass growing season fast coming to an end, the need for livestock farmers to assess how much winter forage they will have available to them over the coming winter months is extremely important.
“It’s not simply a case of assessing the total tonnage of silage available. Dry matter percentages are also important, as these determine the actual feeding value of forages,” he explained.
Winter forage
The latest Grass Check figures for Northern Ireland confirm the challenging forage situation that now exists on many farms.
Grass growth continues to fall behind the as it has done for much of the year.
In addition, consistently lower than average growth is meaning that even moderately stocked farms are struggling to meet demand, let alone build covers for extending grazing into the autumn.
A significant drop in temperatures is predicted for the week ahead, which will put even more pressure on grass growth rates.
Calderwood has recently taken up the position of general manger at United Feeds. He will be responsible for leading the business, which is part of Dale Farm, dairy cooperative.
With production facilities in Belfast and Dungannon, United Feeds manufactures blended and compound feeds for the ruminant sector, as well as selling fertiliser, calf milk replacers, silage inoculants and oxygen barriers.
Clarence previously held the roles of sales representative and sales team leader within the business, before taking up the role of sales manager in 2013.
