Silage supplies: If the fodder crisis has taught us anything, it is that we need to be more proactive rather than reactive. On some farms cattle will only have been housed in December, while on other farms cattle will have been housed back in late October. Either way, now is a good time to complete a fodder budget to assess how much silage remains in stock.

If a shortage is looming it is important to act now to stretch supplies or buy silage. Do not wait until the pit is empty before going to buy silage. Remember that if you buy now you are more likely to purchase good quality silage, rather than waiting until March when the seller may have already sold it. To calculate how much silage you have, follow these steps:

  • 1. Calculate tonnes of silage on farm by adding:

    • a. Volume of pit (length (m) x width (m) x height (m) x 0.68 (assuming 25% dry matter).

    b. For round bales, multiply number of bales x average bale weight (0.65 tonnes chopped bales).

  • 2. Calculate stock requirement (tonnes silage/month) x average number of stock.

    • a. autumn calving suckler cow = 1.5 tonnes/month

    b. spring calving suckler cow = 1.0 tonnes/month

    c. 200kg to 250kg store = 0.7 tonnes/month

    d. 250kg to 350kg store = 0.8 tonnes/month

    e. 350+ kg store = 1.0 tonnes/month

    f. ewe = 0.15 tonnes/month

  • 3. Calculate stock requirement x number of months housed.
  • 4. Quantity of silage required = total stock requirement – total silage in store.

    • Options for avoiding silage shortages include buying in forage, feeding more concentrates and selling stock. With current meal prices and barley trading around €200/t, good quality silage is worth around €25 per bale. Depending on purchase price and silage quality, feeding extra meal may be a cheaper option to stretch fodder compared to buying silage at prices exceeding €25 per bale. Offloading empty cows will also help reduce silage demand.

    Dehorning calves: Autumn born calves should have been dehorned by now. The earlier this is done the less stressful the procedure. Some calves will present horn buds in the first week after calving while other calves can take up to six weeks to present buds. A heating iron to dehorn and cauterise the bud is the preferred option for many farmers. Remember that use of an anaesthetic is legally required in all calves over the age of two weeks, but it can also make the task less stressful if used on younger calves. Calves should also be properly restrained in a calf crate before attempting to remove horns.

    Calving Preparation: With spring calving approaching for many herds, are you properly prepared for the event? Now is a good time to complete a routine check of calving pens for any repairs or alterations that need to be carried out. Also, check that the calving camera and shed lights are working in preparation for any mid-night intervention during a difficult calving. Stock up on gloves and calving lubricants and make sure you have the calving jack and ropes handy.