A key part of the process is getting out to prepare the fields for growing. The output waste from the digester is re-used as fertiliser on the ground to help stimulate grass growth.

We have begun first-cut silage early-May this year to ensure the best quality grass is available for the plant. We operate a multicut process. The system allows the farm to grow more forage of better quality. Our business looks at the clamps in terms of total megajoules (MJ) of energy and kilogrammes (kg) of protein as opposed to just tonnage. You will not get “barn busting” yields at any cut, but over the course of the season you will conserve more dry matter/hectare (DM/Ha) as the grass aftermaths are greener and the field will photosynthesise for more days of the year.

We spend time making sure there is good consolidation to squeeze out as much air as possible. If you trap too much air in the clamp when you ensile the grass, you reduce fermentation quality and increase aerobic instability problems at feedout. Often, silage isn’t consolidated enough simply because trailers are arriving at the clamp too quickly and grass is not spread properly. We make sure we use the correct machinery to help improve quality.