Top tips to prepare for the hay and silage season
Announcement posted by KUHN Farm Machinery 23 Mar 2017
Regular annual hay and silage making is now common-place on many farms in Australia and while sticking to a suitable rotation throughout winter will see you through there are still some important things to consider.
Pasture selection and preparation for one, is an important consideration to maximise the production potential of silage and while there is a number of factors that influence the pasture including climate, agronomic constraints and the silage system that will be used, farmers should firstly consider what best suits their whole farm program.
“Harvesting high quality fodder is one of the key focus areas for KUHN Farm Machinery innovation,” says Mr Bruno Fetiveau, Managing Director KUHN Farm Machinery.
“Low quality forage is unlikely to become good quality silage, so it is important that farmers consider the management of their pasture, the growth stage at harvest, as well as wrapping the bales sufficiently for storage.”
Because application of fertiliser can have major implications on the quality and quantity of silage, another key consideration is the soil and plant fertiliser requirements. Nitrogen and potassium levels need to be managed to maximise yield as well and feed quality. Hay and silage production absorbs a lot of potassium from the soil, so an application in early spring may be required. Nitrogen levels also need to be monitored closely, and topdress to individual yield requirements. To address this Mr Fetiveau says that farmers are encouraged to soil test their pastures before sowing and during the growth stages to ascertain the fertility of their paddocks.
For paddock preparation and throughout the pasture growth stages, weed and pest management is also an important consideration. Hay and silage making can be used as a highly effective weed control strategy, however established weeds in silage or hay pastures can reduce the feed quality and in some cases be toxic to livestock. Weeds should be controlled early-on to avoid infestations. The main weeds to consider include Capeweed, Fireweed and Patersons Curse.
The same applies to in managing disease or insect damage. Common pets such as aphids and diseases such as rust can dramatically impact yield and feed quality.
Finally, it is also important to take a look at machinery needs and plan for any servicing, maintenance or repairs, so you’re not let down in the middle of harvest.
Growers will need to weigh up investing in machinery or utilising the services of a contractor. Machinery innovation, technology improvements and the latest precision agriculture software applications make hay and silage production much more productive and profitable.
Mr Fetiveau says: “KUHN offers a large range of reliable products for hay and silage production. Our wide choice of agricultural machinery including vertical tillage systems and power harrows, fertiliser spreaders, sprayers, mowers, rakes, balers and wrappers, are all designed and manufactured using cutting edge technology.”
To ensure farmers have the best machines for the next silage season, KUHN have a special finance offer until 15 April 2017 with 0.99% interest on any two machines purchased for three years with 1/3 deposit. For hay tools 1.99% interest over three years with 1/3 deposit and balers and wrappers 1.99% for four years with 1/3 deposit.
For more information and to learn more about the KUHN difference visit www.kuhn.com.au.
Ends.
Media Contact:
C7EVEN Communications Pty Ltd
Adam Arndell Luci Smith
P: 02 6766 4513/ 0403 372 889 P: 02 6766 4513
E: adam.arndell@c7even.com.au E: luci.smith@c7even.com.au
Pasture selection and preparation for one, is an important consideration to maximise the production potential of silage and while there is a number of factors that influence the pasture including climate, agronomic constraints and the silage system that will be used, farmers should firstly consider what best suits their whole farm program.
“Harvesting high quality fodder is one of the key focus areas for KUHN Farm Machinery innovation,” says Mr Bruno Fetiveau, Managing Director KUHN Farm Machinery.
“Low quality forage is unlikely to become good quality silage, so it is important that farmers consider the management of their pasture, the growth stage at harvest, as well as wrapping the bales sufficiently for storage.”
Because application of fertiliser can have major implications on the quality and quantity of silage, another key consideration is the soil and plant fertiliser requirements. Nitrogen and potassium levels need to be managed to maximise yield as well and feed quality. Hay and silage production absorbs a lot of potassium from the soil, so an application in early spring may be required. Nitrogen levels also need to be monitored closely, and topdress to individual yield requirements. To address this Mr Fetiveau says that farmers are encouraged to soil test their pastures before sowing and during the growth stages to ascertain the fertility of their paddocks.
For paddock preparation and throughout the pasture growth stages, weed and pest management is also an important consideration. Hay and silage making can be used as a highly effective weed control strategy, however established weeds in silage or hay pastures can reduce the feed quality and in some cases be toxic to livestock. Weeds should be controlled early-on to avoid infestations. The main weeds to consider include Capeweed, Fireweed and Patersons Curse.
The same applies to in managing disease or insect damage. Common pets such as aphids and diseases such as rust can dramatically impact yield and feed quality.
Finally, it is also important to take a look at machinery needs and plan for any servicing, maintenance or repairs, so you’re not let down in the middle of harvest.
Growers will need to weigh up investing in machinery or utilising the services of a contractor. Machinery innovation, technology improvements and the latest precision agriculture software applications make hay and silage production much more productive and profitable.
Mr Fetiveau says: “KUHN offers a large range of reliable products for hay and silage production. Our wide choice of agricultural machinery including vertical tillage systems and power harrows, fertiliser spreaders, sprayers, mowers, rakes, balers and wrappers, are all designed and manufactured using cutting edge technology.”
To ensure farmers have the best machines for the next silage season, KUHN have a special finance offer until 15 April 2017 with 0.99% interest on any two machines purchased for three years with 1/3 deposit. For hay tools 1.99% interest over three years with 1/3 deposit and balers and wrappers 1.99% for four years with 1/3 deposit.
For more information and to learn more about the KUHN difference visit www.kuhn.com.au.
Ends.
Media Contact:
C7EVEN Communications Pty Ltd
Adam Arndell Luci Smith
P: 02 6766 4513/ 0403 372 889 P: 02 6766 4513
E: adam.arndell@c7even.com.au E: luci.smith@c7even.com.au