Ensiling Perennial Crops When Haymaking Is Not Feasible
Perennial crops suitable for hay can be ensiled when weather blocks haymaking. Harvest stage greatly affects feeding value, with early bud perennials delivering higher TDN than when late stage. Forage crops should be cut at recommended maturity to maximize nutrient yield and maintain stand vigor. Excess moisture also challenges silage quality and handling.
Alfalfa and Clover Silage Guidance in Lancaster Farming
An agricultural notice discusses alfalfa first cuts and later cuttings, clovers, and perennial grasses with moisture targets for silage. It covers additives and preservatives to control acetic and butyric acids, effects on dairy cows including ketosis risk, milk yield comparisons, and storage and field losses related to moisture content. It notes small grains yield for silage versus grain and notes quality challenges in direct cut silage.
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By Victor Plastoy
Agr. Agent
Lancaster
Sune
Bushong, Inc
Rohrerstown, Pa
Smoketown