When it comes to silage-making, there are two crucial principles to follow. One, the correct moisture content at cutting and entry into the bunker ensures optimum conditions for the microorganisms required to drive the anaerobic fermentation process. And two, the maximum compaction to expel as much oxygen as possible. Wikkie van Schoor, Dairy Technical Advisor at Meadow Feeds, joins the Farmer’s Inside Track podcast to share some practical tips for effective silage production.
“Silage quality is very important in maintaining production on farm. It’s the most cost-effective way of having your roughage preserved. It’s actually good because it can’t be stolen. If you make silage and it’s well made, it’s there for a long time.”
While production cost varies from farm to farm and between areas and seasons, in general making your own silage provides a cheaper source of roughage and fodder than buying that in, says Van Schoor. The crop type is also a cost factor.
“People make maize silage where they’ve got a good idea of the cost of maize silage, because most of the times in our area [the Western Cape] it’s under irrigation. You know you can manage the process without fertilisation, you can have much more control over the process and in that way influence your crop. The crop yield is a very important part of determining the cost.”
Van Schoor emphasises the importance of timing in making silage, as this determines the dry matter content of the silage material. It is also extremely important to compact the material extremely well.
“Most of the problems start with these two factors during silage-making. It makes a huge difference to the end product. It makes [the difference between ending up with] with good, good fermented silage, that is good fodder for animals, or you end up with a large heap of expensive compost.”
In this episode, Van Schoor also discusses:
- Different methods of making silage.
- The biological and chemical processes of silage-making.
- The influence of weather on the process.
- Collaboration between smaller-scale farmers in making silage.
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READ NEXT: Practical advice to maximise silage-making
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