1. ForagerHelping dairy, beef and sheep farmers profit from forage
Summer 2015
Forager
Also in this issue
of
Weed control
in grassland
Profit from
Drainage
NEW POTENTIAL
FOR RED CLOVER
Making
gains through
reseeding

2. In this issue of
FORAGER
We welcome feedback, suggestions for
articles and contributions.
Editor: Dr Mary McEvoy
Tel: 00353 (0) 504 41100
Email: mary.mcevoy@germinal.com
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E: mary.mcevoy@germinal.com
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Forage Bites
Positive outlook for beef
Drainage boosts productivity
Improving soil fertility
New opportunities for red clover
Reseeding options
Brassica boost
Keeping reseeds weed-free
Pest control in new leys
Rising milk from forage
Lower milk prices and the threat of
future price volatility will focus
minds on improving production
efficiency whilst lowering the cost of
production. With quotas gone, the
next limiting factor to production
will be land and labour, therefore
improving the overall performance
of the farm will be critical to
maintain farm profits. We are acutely
aware that grass based production
systems are the most cost efficient
and maximising the quality and
quantity of the forage is essential to
our competitiveness.
Poor drainage and waterlogging of
soils will limit yields, reduce grazing
days and can lower the persistency
of the sown species. In this issue,
Dr Pat Touhy of Teagasc examines
the causes of poor drainage and
outlines the options available to
overcome most common problems.
The Teagasc Heavy Soils Dairy
programme is aiming to improve
profitability on heavy soil farms
through the uptake of appropriate
technologies. Danny Bermingham
explains how he has learnt from this
programme and successfully
increased DM yield from 6tDM/ha
to over 10tDM/ha.
Teagasc have recently highlighted
that reseeding can pay for itself
within two years when correctly
managed and this highlights the
value of renewing swards across the
farm in a planned reseeding
programme. Identifying fields which
are underperforming and targeting
these for reseeding will result in the
greatest return on your investment.
Regardless of method of reseeding,
ensure you have a fine, firm seed-
bed, as good soil-to-seed contact is
critical. Use adequate fertiliser and
lime, and roll following sowing. It is
critical to keep your reseeds weed
and pest free, so we look at the role
of post-emergence sprays in
ensuring investment in reseeding
pays off to the full extent.
Dr Mary McEvoy
Editor
From the editor
4 – 5
6 – 7
8 – 9
10 – 11
12 – 13
14 – 16
17
18 – 19
20
22 – 23

3. Reseeding benefits go beyond increasing dry matter
yield and include significant improvements in quality
and better response to nitrogen fertiliser, according to
Grainne Hurley of Teagasc, who was speaking at a
grassland reseeding demonstration organised by
Germinal.
The increased herbage quality will then lead to increased
intakes and utilisation, and as a result improved animal
performance, she added.
“Livestock farmers should be aiming for dry matter
production from grassland in the region of 14 –
15tDM/ha,” she said. “This can really only be achieved
by regular reseeding, as swards will deteriorate over
time, however good the management.
“In addition to the increased production from reseeded
swards, farmers will see the D-value rise by 4-5 units
and can expect to see a 20 -25% increase in the response
to nitrogen.”
Grainne Hurley also highlighted the main areas of
management to focus on in order to maximise the return
on any investment in reseeding.
“Ensure soil nutrient levels are correct from the outset
and be sure to apply sufficient nitrogen,” she advised.
“It’s also important to keep on top of weeds by tackling
any potential problems early, preferably in the first
six weeks.
“Then, manage your early grazing to avoid poaching, as
new leys will not be as resilient as established swards.”
Catch crops were the focus on June 26 at a Germinal/Cooney Furlong
event in Wexford. The benefits and roles of catch crops were widely
discussed and attendees also viewed a range of options in the field.
Jerome Vasseur of Jouffray-Drillaud gave a very informative overview
on catch crops and their importance in improving soil structure and
reducing soil erosion in arable farm systems. Following on from
this Philip Reck, farm manager at Cooney Furlong, described the
improvements he has seen in the soil since introducing catch crops
into their system. He also discussed the management of the crop
from sowing to incorporation.
Philip described the much finer till on the soil and the reduced
requirement for tilling before sowing as a result of using catch crops.
The soil is also much drier following a catch crop over the winter and
they also supress weeds. He uses catch crops on the entire cereal area
and described how different options have worked for him over the years.
Jim Gibbons from Germinal discussed the role of catch crops in
‘greening’ and GLAS and the options available to the farmer. Germinal
offers three different catch crop mixtures, designed to help condition
the soil, reduce nutrient leaching and supress weeds over the winter period.
4
RESEEDING OFFERS MULTIPLE GAINS
Catch crop benefits revealed
Farming can be dangerous work,
particularly during the busy summer
time. The vast majority of farm
accidents are potentially preventable,
so as part of the SAVE LIVES
campaign the IFA has declared
Tuesday 21 July 2015 National Farm
Safety Awareness Day.
The aim of the day is to encourage
farm families to take time out during
the busy summer
period to think about
farm safety, to
identify the risks on
their farm and put in
place practical
measures to reduce
the risks. Unsafe working practices
particularly relating to tractors and
farm machinery pose the biggest risk
on Irish farms with 50% of all farm
deaths in the last 10 years involving
tractors or farm machinery.
It is the responsibility of all in the
agribusiness sector to do what we
can to make farms a safer place to
live and work.
FORAGER – SUMMER 2015
Digestible knowledge on all things forage
For more info call
0504 41100 or email
ireland@germinal.com
germinal.com
– High yielding, high energy forage crop
– High in protein
– Highly palatable with excellent utilisation
– Good regrowth potential
– Winter hardy – ideal for out wintering
Rape / Kale Hybrid
Redstart
Take a day to focus on safety

4. 6
The beef market to date in 2015 has
shown a marked improvement on last
year, with average weekly prices for
R grade steers up 6.3% or 24 cents/kg
deadweight to the week ending 6 June
2015. This is a positive development,
considering that weekly cattle
supplies continued at quite high
levels during the first 4 months of the
year, before falling considerably
during May and June. Until the end of
April total cattle throughput at export
meat plants was running just 2.8%
behind 2014. However, since then the
weekly numbers have seen a
significant dip of 9.6% below last
year’s levels, as a result of tighter
supplies of cows, heifers and young
bulls. Availability of finished animals
during the second half of this year
is expected to remain well below
last year.
In Britain and Northern Ireland prime
cattle supplies have also fallen by
2.2% and 3.5% respectively so far this
year. Similar to Ireland, fewer animals
are also expected for UK beef
producers over the coming months.
Although UK cattle prices in sterling
terms have been slightly lower than
last year, the impact of currency
movements has made the market
more favourable for Irish beef (Euro
at 72p, compared to 79p last year).
Figures from continental EU markets
suggest a small increase in beef
production in 2015, with a rise of 2.4%
in France and 0.7% in Spain set
against decreases of 2.8% in Italy
and 1.1% in Germany.
Consumption, imports and exports
Whilst stagnation in EU beef
consumption has been a feature over
recent years, the EU Commission is
now forecasting an increase of
approximately 1% in 2015 and for this
to be largely maintained in 2016.
Irish beef exports reached 530,000
tonnes last year, increasing by 13%,
based mainly on a 10% increase in
cattle supplies and slightly heavier
carcase weights. Within this export
performance there were some positive
trade signals. Firstly there was a small
shift, with the share of exports going
to the UK dropping by 2% to 45%.
This means that while the UK is likely
to remain our main market for some
time, the industry need not be over-
reliant on that market in a year of
peak production and exports. The
proportion of exports that went to
continental EU remained roughly at
POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR IRISH BEEF
After a difficult situation for Irish beef in 2014, Joe Burke of Bord Bia reports more positive
signs for the market going forward.
50%, however exports to
international markets increased from
3 to 5% despite trade with Russia
being suspended from August
onwards.
The growth in international exports
came from Switzerland, Hong Kong
and the Philippines. The trade with
the Philippines opened a promising
outlet for manufacturing beef which
has seen poor demand from
traditional European markets over
the last 2 years and has impacted
negatively on achieving value
across the carcase.
New developments and promotions
In January Ireland became the first
EU exporter to gain access to the
United States. The total US beef
market is estimated at 11 million
metric tonnes. Average prices there
in 2014 were up 23% on the previous
year and latest beef prices up to June
2015 indicate a 37% increase on last
year’s levels. Bord Bia research of the
US market has identified a market
with up-market consumers who
want to “taste the difference” and
will pay more for Irish beef based on
quality. Bord Bia have engaged
intensively with targeted potential
customers for the past two years and
this saw three buyer groups and five
journalists visiting Ireland in the
month of May alone with the
purpose of sourcing and promoting
premium Irish beef. The
announcement in February that
China is also to lift its ban on Irish
beef again means that Ireland will be
the first EU country to be able to
access this vast market.
The prospects in these international
markets give us exciting possibilities
for diversification leading to greater
stability. It also presents the prospect
of opening niche markets for specific
cuts and offal’s that are less favoured
in Europe as well as higher value
markets for steak meat. However our
core market will remain in the UK
and Continental Europe and Bord
Bia will once again target promotion
and market development activities
on key markets that contribute to
higher value for Irish beef.
Over 80 European retailers now
stock Irish beef and Irish beef is
valued as a premium product in
foodservice. The Chef’s Irish Beef
Club now has over 80 chefs of
Michelin Star, or equivalent
standard, across seven countries,
who endorse Irish beef. Retail
promotions will be carried out across
the continent from Scandinavia to
the Mediterranean and focusing on
two key markets; Germany and the
Netherlands.
In the Netherlands an on-pack
promotion will feature on 1 million
packs with six leading Dutch
retailers and with 1,750 participating
stores. The Masterchef cookery series
which showcased Irish beef in Italy
in 2014 will feature Irish beef in its
recipes in four episodes over the
summer months. Average
viewership for the shows broadcast
to date has been in excess of 400,000.
The German market features an
online and print media campaign,
which will this year focus on Irish
beef’s sustainability message
alongside our natural, grass reared,
family farm and taste propositions.
Outlook
Production and consumption in
Europe are finely balanced with a
slight upward trend in both, while
exports outside the community are
likely to grow further this year.
Globally beef exports from the USA
and Australia will decline this year,
although this will be partly offset by
higher export volumes from Brazil
and India. Internationally, growth in
beef imports is being driven by
higher expenditure across Asia, the
Middle East and Africa.
Looking ahead to the coming years,
production of beef cattle in Ireland
looks set to recover, particularly in
view of an expanding dairy herd.
For the year to date, overall calf
registrations show an increase of
110,000 head. Some 95,000 of these
extra calves were from a dairy
background while 15,000 were
additional suckler-bred stock.
Meanwhile, live exports for the year
to date have been 18%, or 30,000
head, below 2014 levels.
While many producers fear that the
increased numbers of animals being
produced will lead to lower price
returns, the rising demand for high
quality and sustainably produced
beef both within Europe and across
key international markets now leave
Ireland in an improved position.
The option of multiple stable market
outlets, including a healthy live
export trade, should ultimately
help to further grow the value
of Ireland's exports.
7
Joe Burke of Bord Bia
The prospects for Irish beef in many international markets give reason for optimism.
FORAGER – SUMMER 2015 FORAGER – SUMMER 2015

5. 98
Poor drainage is restricting grassland
productivity across large parts of
Ireland, with grass yields being
limited due to the adverse effect of
excess water and a lack of air at
rooting depth. In cases of prolonged
waterlogging, plants will eventually
die due to a lack of oxygen in the
root zone.
Furthermore waterlogged soils can be
impassable to machinery and
livestock for long periods. This
reduces the number of grazing days
and hinders silage harvesting, thus
introducing higher costs related to
imported feedstuffs.
The purpose of land drainage is to
remove excess water from the soil as
quickly as possible. How best to
achieve this will vary with soil type,
and there is a need therefore for a
better understanding of the
underlying causes of drainage
problems and of the design and
implementation of appropriate
drainage systems to resolve
these problems.
Causes of poor drainage
The difficulties of drainage problems
in Ireland are largely due to our
complex geological and glacial
history. In poorly drained soils the
rate of water infiltration at the soil
surface is regularly exceeded by the
rainfall rate due to:
• Low permeability in the subsoil (or
a layer of the subsoil)
• High water table due to low lying
position and poor/poorly-maintained
outfall
• Upward movement of water from
seepage and springs
Objectives of land drainage
The objective of any form of land
drainage is to lower the water table
providing suitable conditions for
grass growth and utilization.
A controlled water table promotes
deeper rooting which improves
productivity and improves load-
bearing capacity of the soil.
When planning any drainage
programme, the potential of the land
to be drained needs to be first
assessed to determine if the costs
incurred will result in an economic
return through additional yield
and/or utilisation. Some thought is
needed in deciding the most
appropriate part of the farm to drain.
From a management point of view it
is better to drain that land which is
nearer to the farmyard and work
outwards, however it may be more
beneficial to target areas with high
potential for improvement.
This ensures a better return on
the investment.
Drainage investigations
What exactly is the problem? How
good is the existing drainage network
(if any)? Is the whole profile made up
DRAINAGE UNLOCKS POTENTIAL OF
MARGINAL LAND
Poor drainage is one of the most common limitations of Ireland’s ‘marginal land’, which
makes up around half of the country’s total land area. Pat Tuohy, Owen Fenton and
James O’Loughlin of Teagasc outline a strategic approach to land drainage.
of poor soils or is the problem caused
by specific layers? Is there water
movement at any depth?
Knowledge of previous drainage
schemes in the area, and their
effectiveness, will often provide an
insight. A number of test pits should
be excavated within the area to be
drained. These are dug in areas that
are representative of the area as a
whole; consider digging in wet and
dry areas for comparison sake. As the
test pits are dug, the faces of the pits
are observed, soil type should be
established and the rate and depth of
water seepage into the test pit (if
any) recorded. Visible cracking, areas
of looser soil and rooting depth
should be noted as these can convey
important information regarding the
drainage status of the different
layers. The depth and type of the
drain to be installed will depend on
the interpretation of the
characteristics revealed by the
test pits.
Two principle types of drainage
system are distinguished:
• Groundwater drainage system: A
network of piped drains exploiting
permeable layers
• Shallow drainage system: Where
movement of water is impeded at
all depths
Groundwater drainage systems
Strong inflow of groundwater or
seepage from the faces of test pit
walls indicate that layers of high
permeability are present. Under
these circumstances the use of a
piped drainage system (at the depth
of inflow) is advised to capture and
remove this water, thereby
controlling the water table.
Shallow drainage systems
Where a test pit shows no inflow of
groundwater at any depth a shallow
drainage system is required. These
soils with very low permeability
throughout are more difficult to
drain. Shallow drainage systems aim
to improve the capacity of the soil to
transmit water by fracturing and
cracking the soil. They rely on soil
disruption techniques, namely mole
and gravel mole drainage and
sub-soiling.
Maintenance
Every drainage scheme is only as
good as its outfall. Cleaning and
upgrading of open drains acting as
outfalls from land drains is an
important step in any drainage
scheme. Before commencing land
drainage the proposed outfall should
be assessed and where necessary
upgraded. Open drains, running in
the direction of maximum slope,
should be established to as great a
depth as possible. Spoil from such
works, where suitable, can be spread
over the adjoining land filling
depressions and should not impede
surface runoff to the watercourse.
Unsuitable spoil should be buried
and covered with topsoil or removed
to waste ground.
When a drainage scheme has been
completed, the layout should be
drawn and noted on a farm map.
This map can then be used as a guide
when maintaining the works, as well
as a record of the works. Land drain
outlets should be regularly cleaned
and maintained especially if open
drains are cleaned/upgraded as this
will result in blockages at the drain
outlets. The use of a concrete or un-
perforated plastic pipe over the end
of the drain pipe, minimum 1m in
length, will protect the outlet from
damage and will make locating and
maintaining it easier.
Test pits excavated as part of a
drainage investigation should be at
least 2.5m deep with approximately
one required per hectare.
Mole drainage using a mole plough is typically used in shallow drainage systems.
Deep piped drains typically used as part of a groundwater drainage system
are usually installed at a depth of 1.5-2.5m and at spacings of 15–50m,
depending on the slope of the land and the permeability and thickness of the
drainage layer.
FORAGER – SUMMER 2015 FORAGER – SUMMER 2015
Pat Tuohy of Teagasc

6. Correction of the pH, phosphate and
potash to optimum levels has the
potential to increase annual grass
production from heavy soil land by
as much as 30%. With such a close
correlation between grass growth
and overall profitability (see table 1),
this means the opportunity to
improve farm performance by
addressing soil fertility is very
significant.
Improving the lime status on heavy
soils has been identified as one of the
key management priorities of
participants in the Teagasc Heavy
Soils Programme. Heavy soils farms
are generally located in high rainfall
areas, which have significantly higher
losses of nutrients.
The actual loss of lime in a typical
grazing season will typically amount
to between 580 and 955kg/ha/year,
according to work carried out by
David Wall, Teagasc, Johnstown
Castle. The largest source of loss is
through leaching (drainage), with
this being higher on heavy soil farms.
On such farms (where rainfall may
exceed 1,500mm/year) the lime
application required to maintain pH is
2 tonnes/acre (5t/ha) every 5 years.
Where pH is below the target of 6.3,
additional lime is required as part of
an overall liming programme.
Impact of soil pH on other soil
nutrients
On heavy clay soils up to 90% of
applied phosphorus is ‘locked up’
after application and is not available
for grass growth (D. Wall, Teagasc,
Johnstown Castle). This phosphorus
fixation can result in a significant
economic cost where an underlying
pH problem is not addressed. The
recommendation on such heavy clay
soils is that phosphorus should be
applied in two to three splits over the
grazing season to avoid this potential
‘lock up’ of nutrient, particularly
where pH is less than 6.
A recent trial showed that an
application of 5 tonnes/ha of ground
limestone increased the phosphorus
status of the soil by one full index
point, without any application of
fertiliser. Where no lime was applied
an application of 80kg of chemical
phosphorus was required to achieve
the same result. The release of ‘fixed’
P as soil pH increases is substantial.
Applying lime on heavy soils
The recommendation on very heavy
clay soils is that application should be
limited to 1-2 tonnes/acre in a single
application with a follow up two
years later if required. Once this level
of liming takes place the soil
biological activity increases with
greater soil aeration and availability
of nutrients (up to 70kgN/ha released
in the year following lime application
on low pH soils). The overall result is
greater tillering of the grass plant,
developing a denser sward and in fact
greater stock holding capacity on the
more dense sod over time.
Lime can be applied anytime,
however on heavy soil farms there is
a greater chance of suitable ground
conditions from July onwards.
Generally avoid applications of slurry
within 10 days of applying lime
(apply the slurry first). Once slurry is
incorporated in soil there is a lower
chance of nitrogen loss to the air from
10
LIMING KEY TO FERTILITY ON HEAVY SOILS
A notable decline in soil fertility across Ireland is undermining grassland productivity,
according to Ger Courtney and James O’Loughlin of Teagasc.With the problem most
pronounced on heavy soil farms, the researchers explain how their organisation’s
Heavy Soils Programme is providing vital direction.
One County Clare milk producer is a
shining example of how the 33% of
Irish dairy farms situated on heavy
land can make dramatic gains in
performance by addressing drainage
and infrastructure.
Like many Irish dairy farmers
situated on heavy ground, Danny
Bermingham has always found it a
struggle to get cows out to grass and
utilising the farm effectively, but in
recent years things have changed
dramatically.
With a view to taking full advantage
of the end in milk quota, Danny has
taken steps to get more from his
existing land base, enabling him to
boost grassland performance and
graze the 100 cow herd for longer.
“I wanted to get more from the same
land with more cows, but I needed to
get the land right,” Danny explains.
Inability to travel on wet, heavy land
is one of the main restricting factors
on farms like Doonbeg. However
through his involvement in the
Teagasc Heavy Soils Dairy
Programme, Danny has been able to
improve drainage, grass quality and
grazing infrastructure. In line with the
project’s aims to improve the
profitability of dairy farms on heavy
soils, he has subsequently been able to
access more land when the weather is
poor. Cows generally go out from
March to 1 November with the herd
averaging 400kg milk solids/cow and
run across a 43ha grazing platform.
An additional 15ha is also rented.
Danny has taken a long term
approach, gradually investing in field
drainage and reseeds. Through the
project he has learnt to strategically
place drainage systems to suit
particular field type. Drains are
placed at 15m spaces and ground is
mole ploughed to carry water from
one drain to the next. Head trenches
are also cleared regularly.
“We’ve only got 4 inches of top soil
so we need the water to get away as
quickly as possible, rather than sit
there. The fields we’ve done have
worked really well,” he says.
Ground has also been reseeded with
a mix of late heading tetraploids and
diploids which have been selected
from the recommended list for
palatability. Variety selection includes
AberChoice, currently the highest
ranking diploid on the Irish Pasture
Profit Index, plus Tyrella (late diploid)
and Kintyre (late tetraploid).
Multiple entrances have also
been added to paddocks to reduce
poaching. In wet conditions, a back
fence will also be used to stop cows
from damaging fields and regrowths.
On/off grazing is also viewed as an
essential part to the system when
it’s wet.
“It’s all part of the spokes in the
wheel. It’s all well and good doing the
drainage, but you need to mind it (the
soil) too. The rule of thumb for heavy
land is on/off grazing and plenty of
access,” he says.
Soil nutrient levels have also been an
area for attention. Like many heavy
farms, Doonbeg is situated in a high
rainfall area, making it prone to
higher nutrient losses and low P
and K. Lime loss in particular can
be particularly bad on these types of
soils, making them prone to low pH.
Low pH can also lead to phosphorus
‘lock up’ so tackling soil pH is vital.
This is something Danny has
addressed through spring application
of a calcium based fertiliser used as
a soil conditioner every 2-3 years at
200kg/acre. A specific slow release
nitrogen fertiliser is also applied to
reduce nitrogen losses through heavy
rainfall. P is also targeted at fields that
need it based on soil analysis results.
This has helped start to drive soil pH
up from a 5-5.5 average toward the
target 6-6.3 on mineral soils.
All of the improvements made mean
yields from targeted fields have
increased from 5-6t grass grown
per hectare to 10-11t. And most
importantly, cows can now utilise it.
“The main benefit is I can get cows
out longer. The ultimate aim is to
increase stocking rates. If I reseed and
drain the whole farm, I should be able
to go from 2.5LSU/ha to 3LSU/ha
across the 43ha,” says Danny.
reaction with the liming material.
Similarly urea should not be applied
within 6 months of a lime
application. Reseeding is another
suitable time for application and
more lime can be applied in that
situation because of greater soil
incorporation.
How long will it take lime to work?
A tonne of ground limestone contains
300kg of finely ground limestone
similar to granulated limes. The fine
lime works relatively quickly whilst
the remaining course particles will
react more slowly and help maintain
soil pH for a number of years.
Grass grown Net Margin
(tDM/ha) €/ha
2011 10.0 1460
2012 6.8 948
2013 8.9 1322
2014 11.0 1560
Source:Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme
Grass growth in relation to
financial performance 2011-2014
James O’Loughlin
of Teagasc
Ger Courtney of
Teagasc
Danny Bermingham. Picture coutesy of Irish Farmers Journal
FORAGER – SUMMER 2015 11FORAGER – SUMMER 2015
Table 1
Soil improvement helps boost dairy farm productivity

7. 12 13
Typically grown as a companion crop
with perennial or hybrid ryegrass,
red clover can produce high protein
silage at yields of 10-15 tonnes of dry
matter per hectare, with minimal or
no nitrogen fertiliser inputs.
Now, with newer varieties promising
four to five year persistence –
potentially twice the life previously
expected from red clover – the crop is
set to offer increased appeal by being
more compatible with standard
rotations.
One farmer from Shropshire in central
England with experience of red clover
is beef suckler producer Tom Morris,
who runs a herd of 100 breeding cows
at New Earnstrey Park, Tugford, near
Ditton Priors. Not only has Tom been
growing the crop successfully for
silage for eight years, but he is one of
the first farmers to include the new
long-lasting varieties bred at IBERS
Aberystwyth University in
his mixtures.
“We currently grow around 59 acres,
taking a first cut at the end of May, a
second cut in mid-August and some
years we also manage a third cut in
early October,” he says. “In a typical
year, we will expect 20 – 25 bales/acre
from two or three cuts.
“We apply a single top dressing of
phosphate and potash (0:24:24) as a
compound fertiliser in the spring, but
no nitrogen as the crop will fix its
own. Without red clover in the leys
we’d expect to apply around 90
units/acre of nitrogen to achieve the
same yields.”
Tom grows red clover as a companion
crop with hybrid ryegrass and is
currently using the new long-lasting
variety AberClaret alongside the Aber
High Sugar Grass varieties AberEcho
and AberEve.
Breeding trials carried out at IBERS
Aberystwyth University suggest that
AberClaret has the potential to deliver
high yields into a fifth year, totalling
as much as 60 tonnes of dry matter
per hectare over its lifetime. As yet
Tom Morris is only in his second year
with AberClaret, but performance to
date has been good.
Tom’s normal policy is to sow red
clover in the spring, following stubble
turnips that are used to over-winter
cattle very cost effectively. Whilst the
spring-sown crop will only usually
yield a single silage cut in its first
year, Tom says the loss of one further
NEW POTENTIAL FOR RED CLOVER
Greater persistency in modern red clover varieties means this valuable source of
homegrown protein offers more potential for livestock farmers, writes Luke James.
Timing of harvest is particularly important with red clover, with the aim being to cut when half the flowers are in bud.
cut is more than out-weighed by
several important benefits of this
system.
“We put stubble turnips in after
cereals and 15 acres will keep around
30 dry cows for most of the winter,
which amounts to about half the cost
of keeping them indoors,” he says.
“Also, the stubble turnips will clean
the ground ahead of the red clover
and we find that by sowing in the
spring we need 1kg/acre less clover
in the mixture.”
Timing of harvest is important with
red clover just as it is for standard
grass silage leys, with the rule of
thumb being to cut when around half
the flowers are in bud. At New
Earnstrey Park, crops are cut with a
mower conditioner and left in the
swath for 48 hours before
round baling.
“Red clover is a delicate crop so we
avoid moving the swath to minimise
any losses,” explains Tom. “As the
swath is baled the crop will be dry on
the top and wetter underneath, but
this evens itself out in the bale and
gives a good result. We don’t use any
additives but do aim to wrap the
bales within an hour of baling.”
Analyses of the bales typically show
silage to be around 30% dry matter at
16% protein and 10-11MJ/kg ME, so
a quality feed for the suckler cows
and calves that are sold as stores at
around 7 months of age.
The farm is primarily down to grass,
with around half the grazing ground
being permanent pasture and half
improved pasture. The reseeding
pastures are mainly based on Aber
High Sugar Grass diploid perennial
ryegrasses with about 1kg/acre of
Timothy and 1kg/acre of white
clover. The rotation also includes
around 30 acres of winter and spring
barley that is rolled for home use.
New red clover varieties with
resistance to two of the more
common disease challenges for the
crop are being developed at IBERS
Aberystwyth University as part
of a collaborative project with
Germinal and NIAB TAG and
co-funded by the Technology
Strategy Board.
With greater persistency of red clover
as a key objective, the project is
focused in particular on resistance to
the soil borne pathogens sclerotinia
and stem nematode, with molecular
breeding techniques being employed
to accelerate progress.
“Red clover is a high protein forage
legume capable of good dry matter
yields (11-12tDM/ha) at up to 19%
crude protein when grown in most
parts of the UK and Ireland,” says
Jim Gibbons. “Susceptibility of red
clover to sclerotinia and stem
nematode has without doubt led to
a decline in its use, depriving the
industry of a very useful homegrown
protein source.”
IBERS’ plant breeders are working
with two parallel red clover
populations, one selected for
sclerotinia resistance and one for
stem nematode resistance.
“By using molecular techniques we
are able to speed up the selection
process and minimise the field
evaluation necessary to identify the
advanced genetics,” adds Professor
Athole Marshall, head of public good
plant breeding at IBERS Aberystwyth
University.
“We are now on our third round
of selection for stem nematode
resistance following a second round
in which the proportion of resistant
plants increased from about 15%
up to 40%. We are one generation
behind with the sclerotinia resistant
population but we expect it to follow
a similar trend.
“Resistance to the two pathogens will
be combined by back-crossing into
elite breeding material. Genetic
markers will be used to help us
follow the pedigree of the selected
material and thus minimise issues
with in-breeding and prevent
selection of resistant – but
agronomically inferior – material.”
In recent years new varieties
exhibiting greater persistence have
already emerged from the IBERS red
clover breeding programme, with
AberClaret and AberChianti now on
the Recommended List for Grass and
Clover in England and Wales. These
varieties have proven ability to yield
significantly into their fourth and
fifth harvest years compared with
the two to three years duration
more typical of red clover.
RED CLOVER BREEDING
FOCUSED ON PERSISTENCY
Tom Morris
Professor Athole Marshall
FORAGER – SUMMER 2015 FORAGER – SUMMER 2015

8. 14 15
Tiller development: When the main
shoot appears above ground level
leaf formation should proceed
rapidly. At the three to four leaf stage,
a tiller normally develops in the axil
of the first leaf. Once tillering
proceeds the grass crop has safely
established. The two factors that
influence tillering are nitrogen and
light reaching the sward base.
Nitrogen fertiliser should be used at
sowing and again after each grazing.
The ideal time to graze is when the
newly established grass plant
survives the “pull-test”. To test this
pull the leaves of the plant with your
hand to mimic an animal grazing, if
the leaf breaks off, the sward is ready
for a light grazing (assuming ground
conditions allow), if the plant is
pulled out of the ground then it
needs more time to allow the roots to
anchor completely. The first grazing
should be at a cover of about 1,000kg
DM/ha and should be a “light”
grazing. The 2nd and 3rd grazing
should be at a cover of 1200kg
DM/ha, this should help the sward
tiller out and will result in a denser
sward establishing.
Ideally, try and avoid cutting for
silage in the first year.
Reseeding methods
Method of reseeding will be
dependent on soil type, amount of
underlying stone and machinery
availability. There are essentially 2
methods of reseeding – the
conventional method is ploughing,
and this is useful to help level out a
field. The alternative method is min-till.
Ploughing (conventional reseeding)
Ploughing and tilling in the
conventional way is often considered
to be the most reliable method of
reseeding in that it provides the ideal
environment in which the seeds can
establish successfully. Ploughing will
bury pests, thrash and native weeds.
Care should be taken not to plough
too deep (<15cm), as this can bury the
top layer of the most fertile soil. Once
the field is ploughed, the field can be
tilled to prepare a fine, firm and level
seedbed. One-pass machines provide
excellent seedbeds provided time is
taken to ensure forward speed, PTO
speed and depth of sowing are
correct.
• Opportunity to level uneven fields
• Weed grass and thrash are buried
resulting in a cleaner seed bed
• Can improve drainage (break pan
near surface)
• May bring up a lot of stones
• Take care not to plough too
deep (<15cm)
• A cloddy/loose seedbed – will
result in seed being buried too deep
A newly reseeded sward can yield
3-5tDM/ha more grass per year than
old permanent pasture. Swards
dominated by perennial ryegrass are
more responsive to fertiliser, have
higher feed quality, improve yield
performance at the shoulders of the
year, are quicker to regrow following
grazing and ultimately can carry a
higher stocking rate.
There are several methods of
reseeding grassland available, from
ploughing and tilling to direct
seeding. Regardless of the method
used there are a number of basic
principles which will help to ensure
the germination and establishment of
the new sward.
Germination: Adequate soil moisture
is critical for the seeds to develop
roots and shoots. In direct drilling
scenarios, seeds may be more
susceptible to drought, where there is
adequate water for germination, but
insufficient water to sustain early
seedling growth. Rolling to create a
firm seedbed will help conserve
moisture in the soil.
Emergence: Seeds will supply
sufficient energy for the grass shoots
to push through the soil and emerge
above ground. If buried too deep, the
seeds will have insufficient energy to
get above ground and the seedlings
will die. Ideally seeds should be
covered with soil, but sown no
more than 10 to 15mm deep.
Root development: Seeds depend on
their own energy reserves until the
roots gain their feed supply from the
soil. Good soil-seed contact is critical.
Without contact with the soil, the
seedling will not survive, this is a
consideration that must be taken
when over seeding, a thatch of grass
which prevents the seed from making
contact with the soil will result in
failure of the crop. The ideal seed bed
should be fine, firm and level. An old
saying is that you should be able to
cycle a bike across the seed-bed
with ease.
For root development phosphorus (P)
is essential. Therefore, an adequate
supply of P must be available in the
soil for the plant at the correct pH
level to ensure maximum availability.
Ideal soil pH is 6.2 to 6.5.
Nutrient requirements of P and K at
establishment are presented in Table 1.
*These rates are as a guideline only – ensure
you check them against total annual P
allowances for the farm under nitrates directive
OPTIONS FOR RESEEDING
With the benefits of reseeding well documented, not least by Teagasc in recent years,
Germinal’s Mary McEvoy reviews the alternative methods and when these best apply.
Primary cultivators can be used to prepare unploughed ground for reseeding,
usually using several passes in different directions to create a seedbed.
Soil index P* K*
1 60 110
2 40 75
3 30 50
4 0 30
Ploughing is a good way to bury trash ahead of
reseeding, but avoid going too deep (more than 15cm).
FORAGER – SUMMER 2015 FORAGER – SUMMER 2015

9. Combining the rapid growth
characteristics of forage rape with
the winter hardiness and yield
potential of kale, hybrid brassicas
can be grown as catch crops after
cereals and achieve yields of around
6tDM/ha from a single grazing.
Sown earlier, they can achieve yields
of 10tDM/ha. They can also produce
regrowths for a second or even a
third grazing, provided they are
well managed.
John and Marita Loughman, who
farm at Shandangan, Donohill, Co.
Tipperary, have been making good
use of hybrid brassicas for a number
of years.
This family dairy farm runs a herd of
around 60 spring-calving Holstein
Friesians, yielding an annual average
of around 6,000l (1,300 gallons). They
rear all their own replacements on
heavily stocked land that is part
owned and part leased.
As with any block calving system,
herd fertility is vital and, due to good
management and nutrition, is
excellent at Shandangan.
“Out of 77 cows and heifers to be
bred, 71 were presented for AI within
one month,” reported John, who also
uses an Angus bull on anything not
breeding replacements.
Reseeding grassland is an important
part of maintaining forage quality and
output, with John quick to highlight
the difference between reseeds and
permanent pasture. All grassland,
including leased land, has been
reseeded over the last 10 years except
for one paddock which was
unsuitable. Hybrid ryegrasses are
now being used on silage ground.
Hybrid brassicas are used as an
alternative forage, in the early
autumn when grass growth is
declining and also for out-wintering.
He first tried the variety Redstart five
years ago, establishing it after triticale
in late July.
“We grew eight acres and it produced
a good and even crop that carried
over 30 in-calf heifers and dry cows
for around 10 weeks,” said John. “We
were delighted with the crop yield
and feeding value and the following
year we this field back into grass.”
Last year a nine acre crop of Redstart,
sown at the end of July, carried over
30 weanlings over the winter. Cattle
received baled silage and some
minerals but no meals were fed and
there were savings in slurry storage
and spreading.
“Out-wintering really stretches the
silage and minimises the need to
purchase expensive dairy nuts and
protein feeds,” said John, “and my
weanlings did very well on the
Redstart.
“We were tight on housing, so out-
wintering was a real benefit. Feeding
the Redstart was a simple job; we just
moved the electric fence every day
and the weanlings are light so there
is no damage to the ground.”
16 17FORAGER – SPRING 2015
BRASSICA BOOST FOR WINTER FORAGE STOCKS
Modern New Zealand-bred hybrid brassicas such as Redstart can be sown from late April
through to August in many parts of Ireland, providing a cost effective supply of high energy
grazing in 10-12 weeks. Dermot Campion of Germinal reports on one farm taking advantage.
Minimal cultivation
Many farmers for a whole range of
reasons cannot or prefer not to
plough. Reseeding can be carried out
by direct drilling and, provided care
is taken, an excellent job can be done.
The normal approach is to spray off
the existing sward. After allowing
sufficient time (according to label
specifications) the surface trash
should be mowed or grazed as
tightly as possible. If left to decay the
trash releases organic acids that can
inhibit seed germination. Minimising
the surface thrash and applying
approximately 2t lime/acre before
cultivation will help neutralise this
effect. Using shallow cultivation
equipment, the seed bed is then
prepared, and the minimal
disturbance of the soil meaning the
more fertile soil remains at the top.
Work from Teagasc has shown
little difference in the subsequent
performance of a reseed regardless
of the method of reseeding used,
assuming the following points
are observed:
Discing & one-pass:
• Aim for 3 to 4 passes of the disc
harrow in angled directions to break
the sod and turn enough soil to form
a seedbed
• Ensure the forward speed is not
excessive as it can result in rough and
uneven seedbeds
One-pass
• The slower the forward speed of
the machine the better finish will be
achieved
• Fast moving operators will leave a
rough and patchy seed bed
Direct-drill
• This can be more difficult for the
seed to establish as there is no
cultivation of the soil
• A ‘slit’ in the ground into which the
seed is dropped will ensure more
soil/seed contact
• Not suitable on hard dry ground
• Sufficient moisture is required
afterwards to ensure the plants can
survive once they germinate
• More prone to slug attack therefore
use of slug pellets is advised.
A number of machines are now available for direct drilling grass seed; the
old sward should be grazed or cut tightly beforehand and ground needs to be
moist for best results.
FORAGER – SUMMER 2015
Hybrid brassicas can be used to provide
a useful break crop with a reseeding
programme, providing useful additional
forage dry matter in the process.
It is important that stock strip-grazed on
brassicas should have access to baled
silage, hay or straw, which offer a good
source of roughage.Access to water is
also essential, as is adequate provision
of minerals.
If out-wintering stock it is important to
select sites that offer the stock some
shelter, ideally with a run-back area.
Bales should be placed in the crop
during the crop establishment phase
when ground conditions are suitable.
Dermot Campion

10. Chickweed
Where common chickweed is present
it is important to spray it before it gets
established. In severe situations
chickweed can smother out the grass
seedling completely and kill off the
new grass. The open patches resulting
are then an ideal environment for
other perennial weeds to establish.
The addition of Triad with a Legume
DB type product will help to kill the
chickweed in new sown leys where
clover is being established.
Docks
Many fields are reseeded due to the
massive infestation from perennial
weeds like docks. In newly reseeded
fields docks can emerge from the
germination of seeds present in the
soil but can also rejuvenate from the
chopped up tap roots of docks present
in the previous sward. It is these
docks regrowing from the root
fragments that are the most difficult
to control and they may need
additional treatment from systemic
sprays the following year
after reseeding.
Research work carried out at Teagasc
in Kildalton in 2010 showed that
where these dock plants are sprayed
off with systemic weed killers the
following season after reseeding and
before they manage to get a large
taproot established they generally
will not come back in the grass
sward, where it is managed well,
even after 5 years.
Many of the undersown products will
effectively control docks germinating
from seed. However if docks are still
present the following season you are
better to switch to systemic root
killers like DoxstarPro or PastorPro to
eliminate the docks before the large
tap root gets established.
Timing is important to ensure good
weed control
Timing is everything in getting a
good, long-term weed kill in both
silage swards and grazing pastures,
adds Chris Maughan.
The two golden rules of effective
weed control are choosing the right
product and applying it when weeds
are at the right growth stage.
Weeds should be actively growing
and be at the ‘rosette’ stage in order
to ensure the most effective kill with
translocated weed-killers such as
DoxstarPro, PastorPro, Thistlex,
and Forefront T.
This means that docks should be eight
to 10 inches high or across and before
a seed head begins to show. Thistles
should have four to 10 leaves and be
up to eight inches high. Nettles
should be 6–10 inches high, but
should not have reached the
flowering stage. If these weeds have
gone beyond these stages in grazing
pastures, it is best to top them and
wait for two to three weeks regrowth
when they should be at the correct
stage for spraying. In silage swards,
it is preferable to harvest the silage
and wait to spray the aftergrass.
Silage
The ideal time to spray is two to four
weeks after nitrogen is applied when
weeds should be at the correct stage
for a good kill. The key requirement is
to wait for a minimum of three weeks
after the weed-killer is applied before
harvesting the silage. This ensures
that the chemical gets fully
translocated down to the roots, a vital
factor in achieving long-term control.
If silage is due to be cut sooner, cut
the silage and spray the docks 3-4
weeks later when they are at the right
stage. Remember the dock taproot can
grow up to a metre deep. This
emphasises the importance of using
powerful chemicals and giving them
enough time to get right into the root
system. The nature of the weed
18 19
KEEPING YOUR RESEEDS WEED-FREE
Where aggressive weeds like docks, chickweed and thistles are a problem in new reseeds,
it is crucially important that you control them before they become established,
says Chris Maughan, technical manager with Whelehan Crop Protection.
Where docks regrow from root fragments they establish rapidly in the new ley.
problem will dictate the translocated product to be used on
silage crops. If docks are the major problem, DoxstarPro
should be used. If thistles are the predominant weed, use
Thistlex. Where there is a combination of weeds, PastorPro
should be the product of choice. It is effective against
docks, nettles and thistles as well as other troublesome
weeds such as chickweed, dandelions and buttercups.
A big advantage of all these products is that, unlike
hormone-based products, they do not affect grass growth.
Water volume
Chris Maughan emphasises the importance of adequate
water volumes. In silage crops where weeds are likely to
be shaded by dense grass, water volumes should be
increased above the recommended minimum levels.
Grazing
Now that summer is here, Chris Maughan said that weed-
infested grazing swards will be approaching the stage
where a targeted spray programme will still pay
dividends. He said the same rules about the correct
growth stage of the weeds apply for grazing as for silage.
The choice of chemical will again depend on the
predominance of the weed population.
Forefront T, the specialist weed-killer for grazing has
become the product of choice for a growing number of
farmers. It contains the most advanced chemistry in weed
control technology and is a highly effective all-purpose
weed killer. As well as controlling docks, nettles and
thistles, it also kills other weeds such as buttercups
and dandelions.
Reseeding
in 2015?
For more info
call 0504 41100 or email
ireland@germinal.com
germinal.com
Big Difference
Big Performance
Use the top varieties on the
new Teagasc Pasture Profit
Index list –
AberGain
Dunluce
AberChoice
AberMagic
Kintyre
Two-thirds of new leys are seriously infested with
chickweed. It is the most aggressive of the annual weeds
and can absorb as much ground cover as docks or
thistles and can cut grass yields in half.
FORAGER – SUMMER 2015 FORAGER – SUMMER 2015

11. 20
Two of the most damaging pests of
new leys are the frit fly and the
leatherjacket. These can be tackled
prior to drilling, by applying a
pesticide at the time the old sward is
burned off and before any cultivations
take place. Alternatively, they can be
controlled post-drilling, once an
assessment has been made of the risk.
Frit fly
The frit fly produces three generations
in a year; it is the third generation that
leads to most damage in new leys.
Autumn grass reseeds are most at risk
from frit fly damage as the emergence
of the new sward coincides with the
feeding of the newly emerged larvae.
Grass reseeds can be totally
destroyed, but a more common result
is a patchy, poorly established sward.
Often this is blamed on seed or poor
seedbed preparation but in many
cases it results from the feeding of the
newly emerged frit fly larvae. This
little maggot burrows into the base of
the newly emerging grasses and cuts
off the growing point resulting in a
symptom called ‘dead heart’.
The damaging effects of frit fly can be
significantly reduced by eliminating
the egg-laying adults. This can be
effectively achieved by applying the
pesticide Dursban 4 onto old
pasture before ploughing.
Alternatively, the pesticide can
be applied to the newly
emerging grass ley. Dursban
4 will kill the adult frit fly,
larvae and eggs as well as
providing systemic
protection to new grass.
Leatherjacket
The leatherjacket is the larvae of
the crane fly (daddy-long-legs).
Damage caused by leatherjackets in
new sown leys is typically seen as
complete bare patches, or as missing
rows. Crows feeding off the larvae in
the autumn can be a tell-tale sign of
the presence of leatherjackets, as well
as the damaged sward.
The leatherjacket cuts the new plant
off just below the surface, resulting in
the total destruction of these
particular seedling plants. High
populations tend to occur in older
grass leys, and it is possible to
measure populations in the soil. The
presence of large numbers of crane fly
on the wing is also a good indicator.
Leatherjackets are relatively easy to
control. A single application similar to
the timings for frit fly will be effective
in most cases.
DON’T ALLOW PESTS TO UNDERMINE
RESEED VALUE
The investment of time and money in establishing a new grass ley is considerable, and the
aim is to achieve a significant uplift in sward performance. It is therefore vital to avoid
the potential setbacks that can result from pest damage, advises Chris Maughan of
Whelehan Crop Protection.
A patchy, poorly established sward could be the result of frit fly damage.
January
FRIT FLY lifecycle
(Oscinella Frit)
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
OctoberNovember
December
LARVAE
LARVAE
LARVAE
PUPAE
PUPAE
PUPAE
ADULTS
ADULTS
ADULTS
3rdGeneration
2nd
gen
1st gen
Older grass can often harbour
large populations of leatherjackets.
FORAGER – SUMMER 2015
The frit fly larvae causes damage by burrowing
into the base of the grass seedlings.

12. 22 23FORAGER – SUMMER 2015FORAGER – SUMMER 2015
The area around Trillick in County
Tyrone, where the Edgar family
have farmed for four generations,
does not immediately look like
prime dairying country, but
appearances can be deceptive.
In the past few years, eldest son John
- who farms alongside his father
Derek and brother James at Gargadis
Dairy – has committed to increasing
output from their 100-cow Holstein
Friesian herd, with improved
performance from forage at the
heart of the strategy.
With progress monitored through the
Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development’s (DARDNI) dairy
benchmarking scheme, the farm has
recorded an improvement in overall
output over the past 2–3 years.
Milk from forage is the main
contributor with an increase from
1,250 litres per cow in the 2012-13
milk year to over 2,117 litres the
following year.
“We expect to be up to 2,500 litres per
cow from forage for the 2014-15 milk
year from a total average milk yield
per cow of 8,500 litres,” says John.
“We are moving in the right
direction, through a combination of
several factors, and there is still room
for improvement. Our long term aim
is to have a sustainable dairying
business by maximising our milk
production from the lowest cost
base that we can.”
To put the Edgar family’s progress
into context, the average milk from
forage performance across the
DARDNI benchmarking group is
1,535 litres per cow. So through a
focused approach and some
significant changes in policy they
have gone from below average to
well into the top quartile in just
a few years.
Challenging conditions
The home farm now extends to 53ha
(130 acres), all ploughable and down
to grass, with a further 12ha (30
acres) of rented grassland. Soils are
predominantly heavy clay loam, with
land rising to over 125m and annual
rainfall around 1,000mm. The
herd calves all year round and
management policy is geared to
the challenging conditions that
can prevail.
“We are not aiming for a New
Benchmarking is providing strong motivation for one Northern Irish dairy farm in the quest
to improve production from forage, reports David James.
Zealand style system as we simply
don’t have the right type of farm for
that,” says John. “We are turning
cows out earlier and extending our
grazing season, but feeding quality
grass silage to housed cows is always
going to be a very significant part of
our plans, particularly as we hope to
increase herd size to 150 cows.”
Progress to date has come from two
main areas; the installation of out-of-
parlour feeders and a reseeding
policy that is leading to increased
yields and grass quality.
“We don’t use a diet feeder, so silage
is put in front of the cows in blocks,”
says John. “Before we installed the
out-of-parlour feeders, meal was fed
in the parlour and also as a mid-day
feed on the silage. Now we are
feeding to yield, with cows receiving
their entire ration individually
through the feed stations. This has
improved our use of concentrates
significantly and has without doubt
been a factor in the increased milk
from forage figures.”
An increase in the rate of reseeding at
Gargadis has seen around 18ha (44
acres) of pastures renewed since 2013,
with the aim going forward being to
replace all leys every 7–8 years in
order to maximise grassland
productivity.
Reseeding
Mixtures are made up of Aber High
Sugar Grass perennial ryegrass
varieties. The main grazing pastures
are sown primarily with intermediate
and late heading diploids including
AberGreen and AberAvon, whilst the
silage ground includes a proportion
of tetraploids. A compatible medium
leaf white clover, such as AberDai, is
included in most mixtures.
“We’re selecting the best varieties for
yield, D-value and persistency from
the DARDNI recommended list,”
says John. “We are definitely seeing
more spring growth, which is
allowing us to turn cows out earlier,
and we include white clover because
the overall production is greater
than can be achieved from
ryegrass alone.”
Reseeding is generally carried out in
early autumn, with soil samples
always taken in advance to ensure
soil nutrient status is correct.
“We generally find we need to apply
lime before reseeding as our soils are
quite acidic,” adds John.“This is
important as having the correct pH
optimises the uptake of phosphate in
particular. We’ll usually take a late
grazing off new reseeds in October
and then have sheep on tack up
to the middle of January.”
Forage utilisation is an important
focus for John, who admits grazing
management is one of the hardest
skills to master.
Grazing
“We are rotationally grazing, but this
is an area where I know we can do
better so we are working with
DARDNI to continually improve.
Having better performing leys is
important, as this is allowing us to
turn cows out earlier and hopefully
have longer grazing into the
autumn,” he says.
“We are using small tactical silage
cuts to keep on top of the grass at
peak growing times, and these bales
are often useful for feeding when
grazing conditions are difficult, as
it allows us to protect the ground
at times.”
The main first silage cut of around
25ha (62 acres) is typically taken at
the end of May, but again the aim is
to go earlier if possible to
maximise quality.
“Silage quality is important, so we
are doing all we can to ensure the
highest ME possible,” says John.
“Any drop in ME will result in us
having to feed more meal to achieve
the same yields, so there are direct
cost savings if we can maintain the
quality of our leys, cut at the right
time, and conserve the grass as
well as we can.”
Rising milk from forage key to growth
- Out-of-parlour feeders
- Reseeding to improve
grazing and silage leys
- Improving grazing
management
- Focus on silage quality
- Slurry analysis and dribble
bar application
How milk from forage
has been increased
at Gargadis
David Little (right) of Germinal inspects a recently
reseeded ley with John Edgar.

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