This year has shown a real mixed bag for forage quality.  The better producers have still made some good silages, but maize silage samples so far have suggested a poorer quality crop.  The main theme seems to be lots of bulk lacking in quality.

Maize Silage
Maize fresh weight grown per acre has been high, but the quality has been diluted with lower energy, starch and dry matter and particularly low fibre levels.  Buffering and additional energy are likely to feature highly this winter.

1st Cut Grass
Some very good silage produced where farmers implementing exceptional silage making practice. Strong energy and protein values.  Many samples seem to be lacking the usual sugar levels.

2nd Cut Grass
Higher dry matter as you would expect given time of year, leading to the usual issue with PH and fermentation quality.  Be wary of protein stated on samples as to whether this protein is actually available to the cow.

Late Cut Silages
Lower in dry matter and energy; a lot of bulk but many issues with ammonia, soil contaminants, low sugar and low lactic acid.

Wholecrop
Some very good silages made, although some issues with uncracked grains.  The good fibre levels could prove very useful given other issues seen in other forages.

If you need help this winter, then please contact Wesley Habershon at wesleyhabershon@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office.