Producers wanted for clamp silage project
Beef producers from across England are being encouraged to get involved in an AHDB Beef & Lamb-funded project on silage quality.
The project requires 20 English beef producers to have their silage clamps assessed during winter 2016/17, with up to five dairy producers also being considered. The aim of the work is to understand the practices, from shutting up to feeding out, that have the biggest impact on quality. Results from the project will be used to produce a Better Returns Programme manual giving best practice advice on clamp silage.
As part of the project, producers will receive a visit from silage expert Dr Dave Davies who will carry out an assessment on the farm’s silage once they have begun feeding out from the clamp. Dr Davies will produce a report on his findings which will be shared with the producer and a follow-up visit may be arranged to discuss the findings.
Producers involved in the project will be visited by AHDB staff for a background survey on current silage practice, to be carried out at around the time of the first cut. They will also be asked to collect a grass sample at silage time and freeze for collection at a later date.
Dr Liz Genever, AHDB Beef & Lamb senior livestock scientist, said: “This is a great opportunity for producers to have their silage assessed by a renowned expert and receive valuable feedback on how to improve their practices. Once the project has concluded, AHDB Beef & Lamb will communicate a summary of the work to the wider industry.
“When done well, clamp silage can provide a high-quality forage for winter feeding, while poor silage management can cost producers a lot of money and reduce animal performance. Involvement in this project will help producers improve the quality of their silage and maximise performance off forage.”
Farmers interested in taking part in the project should email bill.reilly@ahdb.org.uk, or call 07814 650708, with details of their farming system and farm location by 30 April 2016.
