Farmer Focus: Just enough forage to see us through winter

The recent good weather here meant we managed to cut some more forage this month. That’s more than we have done so far throughout this year. It is good to finally look out at green grass rather than the burnt offering we were faced with only a few weeks ago.

See also: How grazing lucerne kept lambs growing as grass turned brown

About the author

Dan and Catherine Mercer

Dan and Catherine Mercer farm more than 730ha on the edge of the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, including land rented from the Ministry of Defence. They run 130 native-breed, spring-calving suckler cows on low-input grassland, finish bought-in dairy-beef cattle and grow 263ha of arable and cover crops. 

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With 300 low-quality silage bales wrapped and stacked, we are now entering the winter with just enough forage to see us through the colder months – and every bale counts.

The lucerne is growing rapidly after its first cut and it is looking hopeful for another decent couple of crops later in the year.

As predicted, though, the maize yield was well below average, confirming that the decision we made in the summer not to grow it again next year is the right one.

Silaging is always a collaboration with our neighbours and friends, and one that works well between us all. That way, everyone has the help  with staff and machinery when required during busy periods.

We will make the most of this favourable weather and turn out a group of young dairy-bred stores into some paddocks around the farmyard.

Having spent the summer inside due to the severe lack of decent grass, they can make use of the recent fresh regrowth.

The sucklers out on Salisbury Plain are enjoying some much-needed cooler weather, with green grass now ahead of them.

It won’t be long before we will be weaning at the end of October, where we will bring the calves back into the sheds for winter and leave the cows to outwinter.

Having all three of our children interested in the farm is such a blessing and one we are grateful for. Between them they make quite the team and without them we would be really struggling.

Finding decent staff can be quite a challenge, as we all know, but they are always happy to step up to the plate and muck in, as and when required. Even while completing degrees and studying for their GCSEs, they are always eager and happy to help.

They understand the level of work the farm and business require to continue to be sustainable into the future.