Farmers around the country, especially in ‘earlier ground ‘ are currently considering what date their silage crop will be ready for harvesting. Crops are typically harvested from mid-May onwards.
Teagasc in Kilkenny are therefore holding a very timely Grass Silage Event on Friday, 16th May on the farm of Sean Meehan, Bamford, Kells, Co. Kilkenny.
Leading Teagasc Specialists in conjunction with local Teagasc Advisers will be available to discuss in detail all the critical issues involved to help farmers make the best decision for their own crops this year.
There will be four separate stands at the event including:
1. Cutting and Ensiling the Grass Padraig O’ Kiely – Teagasc, Grange. Terry Carroll – Teagasc, Kilkenny
2. The Importance of Grass Silage Siobhan Kavanagh – Teagasc, Kilkenny. Pay Moylan – Teagasc, Kilkenny
3. Silage Pit Repairs Tom Ryan, Teagasc, Kilkenny
4. Fertiliser / Lime for Silage Crop Mark Plunkett – Teagasc, Johnstown Castle. Marianne Mulhall – Teagasc, Kilkenny
Speaking in advance of the event, Terry Carroll, Teagasc Business and Technology Adviser, Kilkenny said that a number of practical tips will be demonstrated on the day including looking at grass swaths cut in the preceding day or so, measuring yield of the crop and what’s involved in doing a grass sugars test to see if your crop is ready to harvest. In addition there will be a discussion and display of best practice in making quality baled silage.
While weather is a huge factor outside a farmer’s control which impacts on the silage making process, this event aims to cover in detail all the factors within a farmers control to conserve a quality feed.
The event will be signposted from Kilkenny. It’s 3km out the Kells road from Kells roundabout on the ‘ring road’ around Kilkenny city.
The event is a BTAP approved event. Tours run between 10 am to 11.30 am on Friday 16th May. All are welcome.