You can save €26/cow over winter months by reducing spoilage and losses when feeding fodder. Aim for 20% to 25% dry matter content for pit silage and 25% to 30% dry matter content for round bales.

For pit silage, use two sheets of thick black 0.125mm polythene. Fast filling and quick sealing limits heating and preserves feed quality. Fully cover from edge to edge with tyres or other suitable materials. For round bales, aim to produce firm bales with a target of at least 600kg/bale fresh weight (4ft x 4ft).

Wrap bales within one hour of baling with four layers of good quality stretch or six layers where more handling or longer storage is required. Transport bales to the storage area immediately after wrapping and do not puncture. Protect from birds, vermin and livestock.

One small hole (3mm) per bale results in an 8% loss of edible silage, while one large hole (24mm) resulted in 33% loss of edible silage.

Effluent

Reducing silage effluent saves money, reduces corrosion and minimises pollution risk. You can reduce the effluent produced by almost 12,000 gallons by increasing the DM of grass at ensiling from 20% to 24% (this is based on 600 tonnes of grass). If possible, wilt grass prior to ensiling to reduce the amount of silage effluent that is generated. See Table 1 for the levels of effluent produced.

Buy in bulk

Consider buying feed and fertilizers in bulk (one tonne or 500kg bags) — it can save you up to €15 per tonne. This will minimise the amount of packaging waste. Feed production costs (fertilizers, purchased concentrates and harvesting costs) account for over 75% of variable costs on Irish livestock farms. Ensure that any losses through spillages and spoilage during storage are minimised. Use appropriate storage facilities, which are dry. Ensure birds and vermin do not have access to the storage area. Each 1% loss of purchased concentrate through spillages and spoilage in store costs you €3 per cow. For example, a 3% loss on a 60-cow dairy herd feeding one tonne concentrate costs €540, or €9/cow. A 5% loss of fertilizer through overspills or poor handling and storage costs you €21 per tonne purchased of 18:6:12. If you purchase 25 tonnes of fertilizer for a typical 60-cow herd, this will cost you approximately €525.

Minimise farm waste

Prevent disposable waste being generated by looking at the amount of packaging on goods purchased. Designate a clean dry area on the farm where such wastes are segregated and stored before recycling or disposal. Waste materials have the potential to cause harm for farmers, animal health and the environment. Some wastes will be hazardous because of certain properties, such as being flammable, toxic or irritant. Such materials should not be left lying around the farmyard. Dispose of waste using the guidelines (Table 2). Remember, it’s illegal to bury or burn wastes on your farm.