Silage: Are you planning on a third cut this year?

After a challenging spring and early summer, some farmers chose to harvest first-cut silage early and aim for a third cut later in the year.

This year had a late spring on most farms, which lead to reduced growth rates early in the season. Around the time first cuts would usually be harvested, rain was forecast.

With a break in the weather, some farmers chose to harvest their first cut early – this meant some first cuts were smaller than farmers would have liked.

Because of this, many of these farmers are now planning on harvesting a third cut to boost fodder supplies.

Third-cut silage

Many farms have already harvested or are close to harvesting second-cut silage. If you are planning on harvesting a third cut of silage, here is the fertiliser that is required.

You need to spread between 60-70 units of nitrogen (N)/ac. If you have a large amount clover in the sward, this figure can be reduced.

It is important not to forget that phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) offtakes from second-cut need to be replaced. The most efficient way to do this is from your slurry.

Apply 1,500-2,000gal/ac, as soon as possible after second-cut has been harvested, to replace Ps and Ks.