Grass quality up on 2000
Grass quality up on 2000
By Richard Allison
FIRST cut is well under way and early indications suggest that while grass yields are variable, quality is better than last year due to the shorter growing season.
Southern-based independent nutritionist Pete Kelly expects more than 90% of his clients will have completed their first cut by the end of May, weather permitting. "First cut is earlier than last year, but still a week late."
Further north, first cut has only just started, says North Yorks-based contractor Brian Metcalf. "We started cutting grass on May 18 ready to pick up at the beginning of this week. So far, the crop looks good, but is variable."
Variability has also been reported in other areas of the UK, generally reflecting wetter soils. Yield is particularly suffering on heavy clay soils, while the lighter free-draining areas are producing reasonable yields, says Mr Kelly.
John Mackie, who farms in Dumfries, is expecting a good yield. "The crop is now looking better and will be cut shortly. Recent warm weather has salvaged it from the late spring."
Kites Paul Macer adds that early results from grass samples in the midlands show protein content has reached 16-18% and sugar is above target. In addition, nitrate levels are low and D-values are between 73 and 75; all indicating some high quality first cut silage will be made this summer.
"Remember that D-value will fall by about 3-4% each week. Silage should be made as soon as possible to maximise silage quality, but yields will be compromised a little," he advises.
High nitrate levels were expected this spring, but have only been a problem on very wet ground, says Mr Kelly. Organic nitrogen has been washed away this spring, so any fertiliser nitrogen applied was barely sufficient for first cut, as reflected by lower-than-expected protein values.
"But cutting perennial ryegrass now should result in silage with a protein content of 14-15%, which is much higher than last years 10-12%. But protein levels are expected to fall rapidly and delays in cutting will lead to lower protein silage.
"Grass this year is different to last years. First cut last year had been growing for 12 weeks before it was clamped, but this spring there was no grass in early April so we are harvesting grass which has only been growing for about eight weeks.
"This is good news for dairy producers. Higher silage quality, together with a better milk price and lower cost of quota leasing, means more profitable times are ahead," says Mr Kelly.
Fresh grass quality results from Promar Laboratories have shown that, while protein is lower than expected, it has increased over the last two weeks. "This is unusual because it normally declines at this time of the year as it matures," says Rob Holliday.
"This increase in protein suggests that cold weather was causing a poor uptake of nitrogen from the soil. Producers need to keep an eye on grass quality over the coming week as nitrate levels may increase," he warns.
Producers with Form D restrictions have the added problem of obtaining licences when transporting grass by road. Mr Kelly advises those who have not applied yet to act now.
"It takes about a week before permission is granted. Once you have the licence, it is fairly flexible over timing." *
FIRST-CUTSILAGE
• Well under way.
• Variable yield.
• Quality better than last year.
Grass quality
% Protein % Sugar D-value
Promar* 16 11 73
Kite 16-18 >15 73-75
Independent 14-19 17-22 73-75
*Average