Use Fertiliser to increase May Grass Growth to maximise Silage Stocks
Type Factsheet
Grass Checklist
May is the month for peak grass growth; this needs to be maximised on your farm.
- Walk silage ground to establish how crop is progressing
- Target first cut silage to be completed by June 10th
- Aim for a 12 - 24 hour wilt when cutting silage
- Test grass sugar content in advance of cutting
- Continue to spread fertiliser (30-40 units with Sulphur) on grazing ground after each grazing
- Take out surplus bales if grass is getting ahead of demand (which is the case this week)
Walk silage ground to establish how crop is progressing
Silage growth has increased in recent weeks, assess your crop. The crop may be better than you think.
Target first cut silage to be completed by June 10th
Don’t delay cutting 1st cut, the aim this year is to have two silage harvests by August 1st. Further surpluses can be taken after that.
Aim to wilt silage for 12 - 24 hours
Aim to wilt silage for a 12 - 24 hour period if possible, this will allow for the crop to dry out, increase sugars and decrease nitrates.
Test grass sugar content in advance of silage cutting
Sugar is the most important measure of ensilabilty – this test is available at your local Teagasc office.
Continue to spread fertiliser on grazing ground after each grazing
Spread 30 units of N after each grazing on drystock farms and spread 40 units of N after each grazing on dairy farms, sulphur should be applied during these rotations.
Take out surplus bales of silage if grass is getting ahead of you
Walk the grazing ground. Skip heavy covers for grazing and take them out as bales.
Teagasc Advisors are available to provide assistance to all farmers
Call us today on 059-9170200 or visit www.teagasc.ie/advisory