Guide to maximise homegrown forage

A new guide aims to help livestock farmers maximise milk and meat production from home-grown forage.

Published by Field Options, the 2022 Grass, Clover and Forage Crop Guide includes details of the company’s specialist grazing, silage and forage crop seed mixtures alongside a wealth of useful agronomic advice.

“As a result of burgeoning feed, fuel and fertiliser prices, many dairy farmers are looking, with renewed interest, to maximise the milk their herds produce from home-grown forage,” explains Field Options manager Francis Dunne.

“Likewise, a significant proportion of beef and sheep farmers are reassessing their cropping and grassland management strategies to find new ways to cut costs and improve production efficiencies.”

Topics within the new publication include guidance on how to get the best results from grass, clover and herbal seed mixtures by reseeding effectively – and practical advice on cultivation technique, soil nutrition and soil health, pH and structure.

The new publication also provides advice on pest and weed control. Simple changes to ley composition and management can offset rising input costs and reduce fertiliser usage without impacting productivity.

Growing and utilising more grass and home-grown forage is key to the profitability and ongoing viability of all ruminant livestock enterprises, says Ms Dunne.

The guide can be viewed and downloaded at www.field-options.co.uk.