Farmers are being encouraged to utilise pre-cut grass testing to understand the optimum time to cut grass for quality silage production.
Bryan Buckley Regional Business Manager for Lallemand Animal Nutrition, says incremental improvements in silage quality make a considerable difference to feeding efficiency and production margins, yet many farmers are missing out on the opportunity to make the best silage possible.
He believes this is often due to overlooking the planning part of the process, with farmers commonly being governed by the calendar rather than actual grass quality.
“Pre-cut grass testing helps determine when the grass is at the optimal point for cutting with the maximum nutrient content, of which the most can then be preserved by using Sil-All 4×4 inoculant. Bringing average quality grass into the clamp will lead to average quality silage,” says Bryan
“One of the most important things to observe in pre-cut testing results is the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content. This is the main gauge of plant maturity, giving the best indication of when grass is ready to cut.
For example, when we look at the graph below, which shows the average results of pre-cut testing over the last three years, we see that NDF levels can change quickly throughout one season, often in as little as one week,” he notes.
However, Bryan explains the huge variations between years is the most important thing to note.
“This shows why pre-cut testing should be a key component to the annual silage making programme. It allows farmers to accurately establish when to cut based on the quality of the grass in the field, not simply on historic cutting dates or visual assessment,” he says.
“There will never be a more important year to produce top quality silage with high input costs we are facing every day.”
He suggests keeping contractors informed about proposed forage plans for the year, with a rough estimate of when you think your first cut will be, and update them as you get pre-cut results in, to make sure everything aligns.
“By regularly testing your crop throughout the season and treating the grass with Sil-All 4×4 when it is ensiled, farmers will be able to set up the foundations to produce good quality silage that is high in nutritional value,” says Bryan
Lallemand Animal Nutrition has been working alongside farmers to improve forage quality and utilisation for over 25 years and are currently offering free pre-cut grass testing kits. To get yours please scan the Lallemand QR code below or call your United Feeds representative.
Pre-cut testing targets
| Parameter | Target |
| Sugars (% DM) | >15% |
| Free nitrates | <1,000mg/kg |
| NDF (% DM) | 36-42% |
| DM (%) | 18% at mowing, 30% for clamping, 35-45% for baling |
| ME MJ/kg DM | >12 MJ/kg |
