Maize growers are advised to check fields frequently for an optimum harvest with many crops expected to be ready four weeks early.
Hot summer weather and a warm and dry growing season mean dry matter content has been rising by up to 6-8% per week compared to a more typical 2% weekly increase, says Neil Groom of forage specialists Grainseed.
“It’s going to be easy to get caught out this year and with grass silage stocks generally low in both yield and quality, we need to be conserving as much maize energy as possible in the next few weeks.
“Many people drilled their crops early because of the warm spring and good seedbed conditions with some going in at the end of March. Summer heat units have been high, so many crops have gone through the growth stages very quickly.
“With things moving so quickly, it’s important to walk the fields at least twice a week and aim for that 32-35% dry matter sweet spot for harvest.”
Variable quality
Some crops have been hit hard by the recent lack of rain and are in early senescence. Others are highly variable across fields with both areas of green leaves and plants under severe drought stress, says Mr Groom.
“Some crops are very compromised and it’s advisable to cut the driest crops with a shorter chop length than usual to help with clamp consolidation.
“Where you have still green patches mixed in with drier areas, you’re going to have to strike a balance with regard to optimum harvest date. If you can, cut the dry areas first and put the heavier, greener crop on top at the clamp to again aid consolidation.”
Reducing waste
Clamp management is vital, says Mr Groom. Keep as much oxygen out of the clamp as possible, he says. “Make sure the clamp is as clean as possible then line the walls with side sheeting to make sure oxygen cannot enter.”
Filling the clamp up properly with layering up of material, good consolidation and lots of rolling are key, adds Mr Groom. A high oxygen barrier Silo stop film can reduce wastage and ensure more of the energy clamped is available for milk production.
“Reducing chop length to 12mm from a more usual 18mm will help considerably in promoting good fermentation as material will pack better. Keep plenty of weight on top rolling and keep pushing thin layers of forage up all the time.