A spike in grass growth rates in recent weeks is contributing to a late recovery in winter forage supplies.

Contractors are busy right across the country, but stark differences remain in winter forage supplies.

The latest wave of silage saved has seen greater surpluses develop in western and border counties and while it has helped supplies in areas worst affected by drought, significant deficits remain on some farms, particularly those operating at very high stocking rates.

Prices being asked for silage also vary greatly, with silage currently being ensiled ranging in price from €25 to €30 per 4x4 round bale in the west and midlands, but €5 to €10 higher in drought-affected areas.

There are also farmers asking as high as €40 for bales in areas where surpluses have developed, but there are few confirmed deals completed at this price level, particularly for silage currently harvested with a lower dry matter content.

Prices quoted for pit silage vary from €35/t to €50/t, with location and availability again influencing prices quoted.

Quality is a key factor, especially for silage currently being harvested, and those purchasing are well advised to investigate quality (energy, protein and dry matter) and assess if alternative options, such as restricting silage and supplementing with concentrates, is more economical.