What fodder is required on the farm?

Section one of the documentation asks you for the amount of animals your farm will keep throughout the winter period. You are asked to estimate the length of this housing period and the two subsequent figures are multiplied by the amount of pit silage demanded by each livestock unit. Completion of the table gives you an estimate of the total amount of bales you need possession of to feed all your stock.

Calculate pit silage conserved & silage to be cut.

Section two of the plan asks you to detail the amount of silage you have cut at present, the amount of silage you intend to cut throughout the rest of the summer and, thirdly, the amount of bales you will have once the summer harvesting season has ended.

Calculate the surplus/deficit

Section three uses the estimates from part two to outline whether or not you should expect a shortage of fodder when meeting demands feeding livestock throughout the winter period. If a deficit is expected, the extent of this worry is also calculated.

Top tips for filling the gap

The final part of the plan provides farmers with tips to prevent any future fodder crisis:

1. Continue to apply 20-30 units of N to grazing ground.

2. Remove surplus bales, where possible.

3. Harvest second-cut by late July.

4. Build grass for extended grazing in the autumn.

5. Build a reserve into your calculations for fodder demand.

6. If short of silage, consider the following:

A. Buy extra fodder locally.

B. Buy additional meals.

C. Reduce demand for feed - sell stock.

D. Finish beef animals on ad-lib meals.