PRODUCERS looking to make the most out of excess feed will be given expert advice during a three-day silage course at the Tamworth Agricultural Institute.
Hosted by former NSW DPI pasture production technical specialist and current TopFodder Silage co-ordinator Neil Griffiths, the course will give farmers the tools to replenish silage stores or explore silage making for the first time.
The TopFodder successful silage making course will be held from May 4-6 and will be limited to 15 participants.
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North West Local Land Services mixed farming advisory officer, George Truman said the course was suitable for all levels of experience when it comes to successfully making and storing silage.
"The course will guide producers through all of the aspects of successfully turning their excess paddock feed into silage to be utilised when required," Mr Truman said.
"It will cover both the practical and scientific aspects of what is required to ensure the highest quality product is produced and that it will store well and retain its nutritional levels over time until needed."
Mr Truman said recent rainfalls combined with high stock prices and excess feed meant silage was a viable option for a range of producers.
"Silage making when done well produces incredible results, however there are many aspects to consider, including crop selection, timing of harvest, chop length and storage options," he said.
"If silage is not done properly, for example, if the feed is cut wrong or at the wrong time, a poor nutritional quality product will result. Additionally, if it fails to ensile, it will degrade in quality, possibly to the point of rotting and become wasted.
"In recent years there has been prolific growth in tropical pastures as well which can produce large amounts of high quality feed in a very short time.
"Tropical pastures need to be grazed regularly to maintain this quality. If stock numbers are low, then cutting tropical grasses for silage is a great option for producers."
To book a place in the TopFodder successful silage making course visit www.trybooking.com/BPIOJ
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Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
