With the topic of grass silage never more prominent, the latest Macra na Feirme competition allows the entrant to have the mineral content of their silage analysed again this year, which is of huge value when it comes to feeding time.
The Macra/Forage Systems competition is open to all Macra members across Ireland and it is an opportunity for young farmers to test their knowledge of growing grass in the hopes of winning a place on the Today FM Ian Dempsey ski trip. The six finalists who go through to the national final will win a €65 voucher for Grasstec products and services.
Macra na Feirme National President Kieran O’Dowd launched the 2013 Forage Systems silage competition on the farm of last year’s winner, James Barber from Rathdowney, Co Laois in May.
Speaking about the competition Kieran O’Dowd said: “This competition provides a fantastic learning opportunity to our members and we are delighted with Forage Systems and Grasstecs support. The competition is a chance for young farmers to assess their grass growing skills and ensure they are getting maximum return.”
Managing Director of KW Forage Systems, Jim Buckley, was keen to stress the importance of making good quality silage and said: “2012 really demonstrated what a hugely important resource grass silage is and our aim is to help Macra’s young farmers to make good quality grass silage and get the best from their crop for the coming winter.”
To enter, young farmers need to visit facebook.com/MacranaFeirme or macra.ie and apply using the online application form available here before Tuesday, the 4 September.
Baling silage. Photo O’Gorman Photography