Farmers are being urged to prepare for any possible forage shortages this year, as a result of mixed weather conditions the last few months.
Mole Valley Farmers is advising farmers to “get one step ahead” and assess their forage stock now, as its experts are predicting that many could be left with shortages this winter.
Nutritionist Dr. Kerensa Hawkey and head of forage and grassland agronomy Lisa Hambley, both of Mole Valley Farmers, urged farmers to take action to overcome any shortages as leaving it until the winter could be a “costly risk”.
“There is a window of opportunity right now that farmers can take to address any forage shortages,” Hambley said.
“Have those conversations and think about optimising what you are doing and do it now rather than wait until the winter when everyone else will be looking.”
Dr. Hawkey said that forage stocks are expected to be down in many areas following a second consecutive poor forage growing year.
“Stocks are tight anyway and people fed more from their reserves across the winter, so there’s just not the spare forage on farms,” she said.
Mole Valley Farmers said experts are predicting yields down on some farms by as much 30%.
Hambley and Hawkey urged farmers to accurately measure their clamps and forage stocks, the amount of stock that needs feeding and calculating a “realistic view” of how long forage will last.
“This must take into account all stock from dry cows, milking cows, youngstock, any sheep or other animals that eat forage, too,” Hawkey said.
The women offered advice to farmers on steps they can take to overcome shortages.
This includes:
- Looking for opportunities by walking the fields;
- Outwintering youngstock;
- Feeding youngstock straw with a protein supplement;
- Feed using forage extender products;
- Optimise grass by overseeding;
- Use good quality silage additive;
- Use a grain treatment.
