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TopFodder Silage: Pasture to gold!

You may have some thoughts on how well you did with the last round of silage making...

By Department of Primary Industries - 4th May 2006 - Back to News

You may have some thoughts on how well you did with the last round of silage making, for example:

Did your silage test over 10 ME and 15% CP this year?

Did your stack have any mould on the top or sides?

Are your bales still round or turtle shaped?

How many layers of silage wrap should you use?

Was there any smelly liquid at the base of the stack or bales?

Did you have any problems with birds or vermin putting hole in the plastic seal?

Should you go for quantity or quality silage?

What does "good" silage really smell and look like?

What are these new pH and Ammonia tests?

These and many more questions will be answered at TopFodder Silage courses to be run at Nyora on June 8, 9^th and July 6^th, Neerim South on June 13, 14^th and July 11^th, and Heyfield on June 15, 16^th and July 13^th.

Most farmers have been in the silage game for many years now, so what is new? There are many new bits of information available now, along with some older knowledge that, unfortunately, has not been fully taken up or has been incorrectly applied. There is also plenty of new machinery on the market and its use is discussed at the TopFodder Course.

Silage contractors are encouraged to attend these courses and are another wealth of practical information. However, it is surprising how many contractors walk out the door after the third day saying:

"I didn’t know this or that!"

"I didn’t realise the importance of the timing of harvest."

"I and my farmers weren’t aware of all the losses occurring in the silage making process."

"Now that I know the importance of timing and speed of the actual harvesting operations, I will work more closely with my clients to give them a better product."

The course covers all aspects of silage making and most participants agree that the three days is not long enough. They enjoy and learn a lot from the practical sessions and farm visit and they especially enjoy learning from each other’s experiences throughout the course.

This year the TopFodder Silage course costs $200. This includes the very well regarded TopFodder "Successful Silage" manual, venue hire and meals.

Farmers, contractors and agribusinesses wishing to sign up for a course or wanting further information should contact Frank Mickan at DPI Ellinbank on 5624 2222.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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