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There is good interest in whole crop and crimping as sources of feed at farm level. #
The windows to take these options are relatively tight, so you need to have customers lined up and ready to go.
Valuing immature crops is always difficult and it must relate in some way to the 20% or dry product.
Harvesting immature crops is likely to remove much more P and K than normal harvest and this should be reflected in price.
If you clear fields early use the opportunity to help improve your land by planting catch crops and/or spreading organics.
Catch crops:
Many growers have already experienced the many benefits of catch crops on owned land.
There is terrific opportunity to do this following winter barley straw removal, but you must use species that are neutral to rotation.
Consider one or two shallow cultivations before planting to reduce weed and volunteer levels.
If you plan on grazing, you should seriously consider only half grazing the crop. This leaves vegetation to regrow and incorporate, as well as the animal manure.
This protects the soil and adds more soil organic matter.
SHARING OPTIONS: