Avoid knee-jerk reaction against extra silage cuts based on fuel price

By The Newsroom
Published 29th May 2022, 12:00 BST
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Do not let high fuel costs put you off taking extra grass silage cuts this season, without first considering the consequences, says Ecosyl silage specialist, Peter Smith.

The impact of higher diesel prices could be minimal compared with the benefit of harvesting better quality grass and being able to make more silage over the season, he says. This is particularly the case given current strong milk prices and since good silage has become a more valuable asset as bought-in feed costs have risen, he adds.

“First-cut silage has been made 2-3 weeks early on many farms this year,” says Mr Smith, “but some farmers are now considering dropping out a cut to save fuel.

“Clearly, farmers need to look at the financials for their individual farm situations. But don’t just look at the cost of each cut. Look also at its potential benefits.”

Taking an extra grass silage cut may cost more with higher diesel prices, but it’s important to weigh this against the potential benefits of harvesting higher quality grass, given strong milk prices, says Ecosyl silage expert, Peter SmithTaking an extra grass silage cut may cost more with higher diesel prices, but it’s important to weigh this against the potential benefits of harvesting higher quality grass, given strong milk prices, says Ecosyl silage expert, Peter Smith
Taking an extra grass silage cut may cost more with higher diesel prices, but it’s important to weigh this against the potential benefits of harvesting higher quality grass, given strong milk prices, says Ecosyl silage expert, Peter Smith

Based on diesel being 60 p/litre more expensive this season, and putting diesel consumption for harvesting and ensiling grass at around 25 litres/acre (62 litres/hectare), Mr Smith calculates each grass cut costs just £15/acre (£37/hectare) more this year compared with last year. However, grass silage is also worth more at around £45/t compared with £35/t last season, he stresses, plus milk prices have risen, and research shows that cutting grass younger and more often produces higher quality and more yield over the season – offering the potential to produce more milk from forage.

Mr Smith said: “Research we conducted a few years ago showed that grass cut five times had the potential to support 3,500 litres/ha more milk compared with taking three cuts. This was based on the five cut approach being both higher in metabolisable energy and producing a higher dry matter yield over the season. At a milk price of 40 p/litre, that extra 3,500 litres is worth £1,400 compared with £875 when milk was just 25 p/litre. The other advantage of cutting more often is it provides more opportunities to apply slurry. That can be significant if looking to reduce reliance on expensive bagged fertiliser.”

He concluded: “I would always urge farmers to use a proven additive, and preferably one also tested on multi-cut grass.”

Related topics:Peter Smith

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