Forage Watch

NWF Silage Watch – Maize

26th October 2022

Three key areas regarding winter rationing this year.
❖ Increasing starch degradability.
❖ Increased energy availability.
❖ Increased risk of hindgut acidosis.

NWF Weekly Grass Watch – 30th September 2022

30th September 2022

Grass growth across GB has picked up this week to 36.4kg DM/ha/day, which is more like 2021 figures.
Regionally, grass growth has typically fallen for most regions. As we edge closer to winter, those farms still out at grass should continue to manage expectations of intakes from and adjust supplementation as required to meet animal requirements.

NWF Weekly Grass Watch – 23rd September 2022

23rd September 2022

GB has seen an improvement in grass growth this week to average 40.1kg DM/ha/day, which is a figure close to the 6-year average and greater than growth seen this time last year. Regionally, Yorkshire saw the greatest increase in grass growth by +13kg DM/ha/day totally an average of 36kg DM/ha/day. Meanwhile Scotland and the East Midlands saw falls of -9 and -7kg DM/ha/day to average 42 and 37kg DM/ha/day, respectively. With grass growth is increasing, please consider magnesium supplementation. Early Autumn grass flushes can cause problems with grass staggers, and it is vital magnesium supplementation is offered to ensure a smooth transition between seasons. It is also important to look towards cover targets with, where grass growth expectations are not met it is important to adjust rations to ensure intakes are met and reduce pressure on the field which can impact grass availability in the following year.