Haylage: The Flexible Alternative

Haylage, essentially semi-wilted silage baled and wrapped, has gained popularity, especially among beef and sheep producers.

Pros:

• Lower moisture content reduces risk of effluent and spoilage.
• More forgiving to make in dry conditions, wilting happens fast.
• Easy to store and feed in smaller units or outwintering systems.

Cons in a Dry Year:

• Lower energy than silage, especially if made from mature grass.
• Risk of mould if not wrapped properly, particularly with uneven bales.
• Labour-intensive: Baling and wrapping require more handling than clamp silage.

Tip: Aim for 40–60% dry matter and wrap tightly with at least 6 layers of film.

Nutritional Value: What’s Inside Matters

This year, forage quality is all over the map. Drought-stressed grass often has:

• Higher fibre, lower protein
• Reduced sugar content
• Variable mineral levels

Whether you’ve got silage or haylage, testing is essential. Send samples for analysis and balance rations accordingly, especially for youngstock, lactating cows, or finishing animals.

Tip: Consider supplementing with concentrates, straw, or alternative forages like whole crop or fodder beet to stretch supplies.

Preservation Techniques: Make Every Bale Count

With forage in short supply, waste is not an option.

• Seal clamps properly: Use side sheets, oxygen barriers, and weight the top to prevent air ingress.
• Monitor bale integrity: Check for punctures and stack carefully to avoid damage.
• Feed out efficiently: Use block cutters or shear grabs to minimise exposure and spoilage.

This year’s drought has forced tough decisions, but it’s also highlighted the resilience and ingenuity of UK farmers. Whether you’ve filled your clamp with silage, stacked haylage bales, or turned to alternative feeds, the key is knowing what you’ve got and how to use it wisely.

Test it. Protect it. Stretch it. And plan ahead, because next year’s forage strategy starts now.