FARMERS attending UK Dairy Day next month will be given advice on how to make the most of their silage following the summer drought.

Volac, the forage preservation and animal nutrition company will be telling them to "make every per cent count" with the company's Ecosyl silage experts offering timely advice on safeguarding as much silage as possible.

Peter Smith, one of the experts said that in a normal year it may be possible to tolerate a few losses. "But losses this year could leave stocks on some farms perilously low," he said.

"It is important not to underestimate how much is at stake. Using inadequate silage-making practices can result in losses of more than 25 per cent of the tonnes grown not being available to feed in the case of grass silage, and it's a similar situation with maize. So it's important to do everything well."

Mr Smith said if farmers are ensiling grass in rapidly-drying conditions they must avoid over-wilting. "It not only risks losses from grass blowing about, but drier grass is also more difficult to consolidate, and so more prone to heating losses from aerobic spoilage," he said.

“As an integral part of the process, including an additive proven to reduce fermentation losses will give you more silage to feed. Similarly, look to use an additive to prevent heating in higher dry matter grass silage and maize.

“Monitor silage stocks regularly, and budget in advance how much you’re going to need. If you’re unable to make enough, buying in extra forage or moist feeds now may seem expensive, but it might be the cheaper option in the long run.

“Whether you are short of silage or lucky enough to have not been too badly affected by the drought, the message is the same: maximise every percent that you can produce. If you have sufficient, you may be able to supply some to less fortunate farmers.”

UK Dairy Day is at the International Centre, Telford, Shropshire on Wednesday, September 12.

Farmers can find out more about best practice when making grass and maize silages at www.cuttoclamp.com.