Silage Decisions
What is silage decisions?
This computer program has been developed by the British Grassland Society and the EBLEX Better Returns Programme specifically with beef and sheep producers in mind (although most of it will apply to all silage makers).
It is designed to allow you to test out your knowledge of some of the key elements of making a successful silage crop, by answering the multiple choice questions.
But you should bear in mind that an ideal crop for beef finishers on a low concentrate system will differ from that for dry suckler cows in good condition and that making a high yield of silage often means compromising on quality and making high quality silage means compromising on yield.
How to use the program
We recommend that the first time you make your Silage Decisions you put in your current practice (or if you are not currently making silage your best guess).
Then ask yourself if this is the silage you wanted. If you multiplied it up over the acreage you will cut: Is it enough to feed all your stock over the winter? And, is the quality suitable for the class of stock to be fed?
If not, we have provided a number of factsheets, including tips on improving silage yield and quality, which may give you some ideas on improving your results and then you can test your knowledge through the program again.
If you are, you may want to consider whether you could achieve your ideal silage at a lower cost or maybe whether you could increase yields so you have more grass to graze or could increase stocking rates.
Should I use the answers given to make silage on my farm?
While the answers are predominately backed by UK research and we want to help improve silage, we cannot guarantee they will be right for your farm’s soil type, altitude, climate, etc. If you would like to try something different please do so cautiously after taking further advice relevant to your farm, at your own risk, and always start with a small area. BGS and EBLEX cannot be held liable for any losses.