Bale Silage – One Piece in the Grass Management Jigsaw

Dr David Lawrence, Head of Nutrition, Agritech

Following a turbulent start to the year from the perspective of weather, global politics, and their combined impact on production costs, the value of making high-quality silage has never been clearer. The temptation is to refill silage pits with as much bulk as possible, ensuring adequate forage reserves for the next long winter; however, we often end up back in the same position, where cows and beef cattle must be supplemented heavily to account for the loss in silage quality.

Surplus bale silage offers an opportunity to access high-quality forage during difficult grazing or growing conditions. For heavier farms that had a late start to the spring, many heavy covers have been grazed poorly or are at risk of being deferred into main crop silage. The smarter option is to take these out as high-quality bales, resulting in more ground remaining in your grazing rotation and reducing the risk of a grass deficit in the weeks to come. Should that grass deficit emerge, we have bales in the yard ready to be used.

Baling surplus grass is one step in the broader approach to maintaining high-quality grass in front of our cows and cattle. In recent years, with reduced mid-season growth rates or difficult grazing conditions during the shoulders of the season, bale silage may become a larger forage proportion of the animal’s diet at any stage of her lactation or production cycle.

Avoid dwelling on the decision to make bale silage. If you have surplus grass covers and graze-outs are poor, bales present two opportunities. The first is to improve the quality of the grass you are grazing, and the second is to improve the quality of the silage you have available. Deferring grass into heavier cuts presents two risks. The first is reducing the quality of both your silage and the grass available to cows or cattle, and the second is becoming tight on grass supply further down the line.

Cutting on time, with a cover between 2,000 and 2,400 kg DM/ha, should result in between 4 and 4.5 bales per acre of excellent-quality silage. Ideally, we wilt this grass to increase the dry matter (DM) to between 30% and 35%. Remember, the crop is light, and a few hours tedded out will do a lot of work to increase your DM in the right conditions.

The use of a silage additive has long been proven to improve fermentation and retain greater energy levels in high-quality forage. This presents an opportunity to achieve consistency in your surplus bale silage. Agritech’s GrasZyme Sugarboost is proven to:

• Increase ADG by 110g/head/day in beef situations
• Increase dry matter intakes by 0.4kg/head/day in dairy scenarios
• Result in milk protein percentage increases of 0.09%

For further information, contact your local Agritech Sales Advisor

Now Hiring: Full-Time Sales Advisors Across Ireland

Agritech, one of Ireland’s leading agricultural input specialists, is expanding their sales team and are looking for motivated, ambitious people to join them across the country.

If you enjoy working with farmers, building strong relationships, and want to grow your career in agribusiness, we’d love to hear from you.

At Agritech, you’ll work with a trusted range of nutrition and forage products, backed by a knowledgeable and supportive team. This is an opportunity to build a long-term career with a company that continues to grow and invest in its people.

Why Join Agritech?

• Competitive salary plus bonus
• Company vehicle and business support
• Ongoing training and career development
• Opportunity to work with farmers in your local area
• Join a respected Irish agribusiness with a strong reputation in the sector
• Independence and flexibility in your role

The Role

As an Agritech Sales Advisor, you will:

• Build and manage relationships with farmers in your area
• Develop new business opportunities while supporting existing customers
• Promote Agritech’s nutrition and forage solutions
• Carry out on-farm advisory visits and provide practical recommendations
• Work towards sales targets and business growth goals
• Represent Agritech at local events, farm walks and industry activities

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who are:

• Passionate about agriculture and the farming industry
• Strong communicators with good people skills
• Self-motivated, ambitious and organised
• Comfortable working independently
• Eager to learn and develop professionally
• Experienced in farming, Agri Sales, Advisory or related sectors (preferred but not essential)

Whether you already work in Agri Sales or are looking to take the next step in your agricultural career, this could be the opportunity for you.

We know great candidates don’t always tick every box. If you feel this role could be the right fit for you, get in touch to discuss.

Locations

We’re growing our farm sales team across Ireland, with immediate opportunities available in selected regions.

Apply Today

To apply, send your CV and cover letter to careers@agritech.ie or contact John Kenny on 087-2534537.

Learn more about careers at https://careers.agritech.ie/

Join a company that values relationships, rewards ambition, and supports your success every step of the way.

Improving silage quality with reseeding
Dr. David Lawrence
Head of Nutrition, Agritech

The basis for dairy production in Ireland is simple; we have a suitable climate for growing good quality grass and forage. We capitalise on this by adopting our farming practices to capture as much quality grass as we can during the growing season and turn it into milk or growth performance. However, we treat silage as a stand-alone crop and in doing so we treat it as something different to growing high quality grass, we treat it as filling the pit or getting good value for money when we cut.

We lose sight of the objective to capture our grass quality and turn it into milk yield or animal growth for the months we cannot grow or graze grass. How do we grow better quality grass? At this stage every dairy farmer knows the obvious answers; improve soil fertility, measure grass and offer cows and young stock the highest quality grass you can, ensure you reseed old pasture with highly productive perennial ryegrass’s that feature on the recommended list. Interestingly, these are the same answers you would expect when discussing how to improve silage quality. Why is it so difficult to make grass silage? Grass that is grazed directly is often over 80% digestible dry matter (DMD), yet the average grass silage quality tends to stay around 68% DMD. The reasons for losing DMD are ranked below from largest to lowest cause.

1. Cutting later (every week past mid-May can reduce DMD by over 3 units) cutting early June could be a total loss of 8 units of DMD.

2. Carrying through a yellow base in the sward from the winter, this could lose over 7 DMD units.

3. Having swards with a low level of ryegrass, will reduce the sugar available for fermentation and increase the delay in cutting date as they are slower at utilising nitrogen.

4. Slow fermentation can lead to large levels of DMD decline.

5. Heating at the feed face will reduce DMD further.

Correct cutting time is often considered 50% ear emergence, which means half the crop has the seed head emerging from the grass. This is linked to the grass variety you choose, as intermediate heading varieties such as Galgorm, Aberspey and Aberclyde will be ready for cutting a week ahead of late heading varieties bringing you earlier yield, which is one of the benefits of Agritech’s Tipperary Grass 3A mixture. Recently reseeded pasture has a larger inclusion of ryegrass which will grow quicker and utilise nitrogen at a faster rate than old permeant pasture.

Reseeded swards will also contain a higher concentration of sugar in grass, which is required for successful fermentation. Coupled with the addition of a silage inoculant such as GrasZyme Sugarboost, reseeding silage ground can improve early silage yield, and preservation which will maximise the DMD we can retain from our ensiled grass. Apart from autumn/ spring sward management, every management point on maximising DMD from grass can be influenced by either reseeding or using a silage inoculant.

Why not get in touch with your local Agritech Sales Advisor for any advice you may need on improving your sward and silage quality.

If We Can Grow Quality Grass, We Can Make Quality Silage
Dr. David Lawrence
Head of Nutrition, Agritech

Autumn/Spring 2025/26 will become a memory as one of the most difficult periods for farming. Cows and cattle were housed in early autumn, and in many cases have only resumed grazing heavier ground in recent days. This is undoubtedly becoming a more frequent scenario, and the sentiment of early/late grazing is proving to be a difficult reality on many farms across the country. Spring 2026 has certainly given fuel to idea that we need to put a larger emphasis on the indoor period of our farms, with grass silage quality featuring in many discussions.

Managing grass quality in the summer months has the same urgency as conserving grass quality as silage for the winter months. The targets are the same in both scenarios, maximise feed quality to optimise both production efficiency and profitability from the forage component of the diet. Simply put, grazing grass that is too strong reduces the production efficiency of milk and beef; equally feeding silage that was cut too strong and/or poorly preserved will reduce the production efficiency of milk and beef. They are merely two sides on the same coin.

There are many factors which influence quality and they all need careful attention and planning for a successful outcome.

Key Steps to Producing High-Quality Silage

1. Maintain a high-quality ryegrass sward with adequate soil fertility by reseeding and soil testing.
2. Cut it on time (Ideally before the 22^nd of May).
3. Mow it higher than you are comfortable with (6-8cm).
4. Give it a fast wilt (24hrs or less, target dry matter (28-32%)).
5. Avoid soil contamination by operator errors (avoid mowing or raking in soil).
6. Get it into the pit quickly and roll it really well and continuously.
7. Use a good cover and oxygen barrier and maintain a good seal, (tyres should be touching on all sides and sandbags on the edges are a help)
8. Use a silage inoculant such as “GrasZyme SugarBoost” to ensure that your fermentation goes to plan, maximising the retention of both the quality and volume of silage available to feed.

For further advice, contact your local Agritech Sales Advisor www.agritech.ie

Agritech has announced another significant appointment with that of Dr. David Lawrence to Head of Ruminant Nutrition.

From Tullow, Co. Carlow, David completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science Degree in Animal and Crop Production with University College Dublin. Following this David completed his PhD with University College Dublin and Teagasc, based at Moorepark. During David’s PhD he examined feed to yield systems and aspects of grassland management which was centered on improving production techniques for autumn calving dairy herds.

Dr. Lawrence joins Agritech from Brett Brothers, Callan Co. Kilkenny where he worked as a Ruminant Support Specialist for over 11 years, delivering tailored advice to dairy beef and sheep farms across the Southeast. Commenting on his recent appointment to Agritech, David explained how his approach to supporting farmers has always been to consider each farm scenario individually.

“I look at the farm, the farmer and the outcome needed on an individual farm basis to provide a solution that is rewarding for the farm business and those involved. I focus on optimizing animal performance and pasture production to achieve this. I very much look forward to bringing solutions to Agritech’s broad client base”, David stated.

In addition to his professional career, David actively farms at home with his brother, where they manage a herd of suckler cows, a flock of ewes and some dry stock.

“As someone who has spent their life in agriculture and finds it an immense privilege to work with livestock, farmers and the wider industry as a career, I am excited about my new position at Agritech”, David concluded.

Agritech are known as one of Ireland’s leading specialist agricultural companies in Ireland working out of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Co. Tipperary.

Welcoming the appointment Agritech’s Managing Director Brian O’Slatarra said, “David’s appointment further adds to the immense expertise that now stands with the Agritech brand, and the science-based solutions we bring to farmers. David brings a strong technical focus along with a wealth of knowledge in animal nutrition and diet formulation. His nationwide role will mean Agritech can provide technical support and knowledge to the entire Agritech sales team and their customers”.

Agritech has announced the appointment of Amie Coonan as Commercial and Technical Development Manager, strengthening the company’s technical and on-farm advisory offering to farmers nationwide.

From Birdhill, Co. Tipperary, Amie is a graduate of University College Dublin, holding a Bachelor of Agricultural Science in Animal and Crop Production. She brings a strong blend of commercial experience and practical farming knowledge to her new role.

Amie joins Agritech from ABP, where she held the position of Farm Liaison Team Leader. In this role, she worked closely with both beef and dairy farmers, providing technical advice across beef genetics, animal nutrition, soil health and grassland management. Prior to this, Amie worked with Dairygold as an Area Sales Manager, responsible for feed, fertiliser and farm requisites sales across the Munster region.

In addition to her professional experience, Amie is actively involved in farming at home. Along with her partner Shane, she operates a suckler and dairy calf-to-beef system. Her commitment and innovation in the sector were recognised in 2025 when she was awarded the FBD Drystock Young Farmer of the Year.

Commenting on her appointment, Amie said, “I am delighted to join Agritech and look forward to working with the sales team and farming customers alike, offering practical support and technical advice to optimise on-farm performance.”

Agritech are known as one of Ireland’s leading specialist agricultural companies in Ireland working out of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Co. Tipperary.

Speaking about Amie’s appointment, Agritech’s Managing Director, Brian O Slatarra said, “the appointment reflects our continued focus on delivering practical, science-based solutions and strong technical support to farmers, helping them improve efficiency, sustainability and profitability at farm level”.

Agritech, one of Ireland’s leading agricultural input specialists, is currently recruiting Full-Time Sales Advisors in Monaghan, Louth and Donegal. Manage farm visits, hit targets, and ensure customer satisfaction. Competitive pay plus commission. Grow your sales career. Apply today at careers.agritech.ie or email careers@agritech.ie

As one of Ireland’s leading specialist agricultural companies, Agritech is renowned for manufacturing and distributing a range of quality and innovative nutrition and forage products.

At Agritech, you’ll have the independence to grow your income, build relationships, and develop your potential. With unlimited earning opportunities, long-term progression, and a team that backs you every step of the way, this is your chance to build a successful professional sales career in agribusiness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet & support farmers in your region, building long-term relationships

• Drive new business and nurture existing accounts

• Promote Agritech’s range of proven nutrition and forage solutions

• Conduct on-farm advisory visits, recommend solutions, and follow up

• Achieve or exceed sales targets and capture repeat orders, and report on performance

• Participate in events and demonstrate technical expertise

Candidate Profile :

• Commercial mindset, self-driven, goal-oriented

• Strong farming interest and background

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Full clean driving licence and willingness to travel daily across your region

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary + bonus + holiday pay

• Company vehicle

• Structured training and continuous support

• Progression within a growing company

• Collaborative and flexible work environment

How to Apply?

If you are interested, submit your reply at careers.agritech.ie or directly to careers@agritech.ie

No two years are the same. This year, first-cut silages should be of better quality than 2024 and second cuts have yielded well. Winter will inevitably arrive, so a little preparation now can help us make informed decisions.

Year-on-year, grass silages can be extremely variable in nutritional qualities. May weather in 2025 allowed many to take their first cut slightly earlier than in recent years. Before the housed period, it will be important to test the silages available in the yard and plan accordingly.

For dry cows, silage quality will dictate the condition of cows at calving, and dilution/corrective feeding may be required.

The target Body Condition Score (BCS) is typically 2.75-3.0 at dry off and 3.0-3.25 at calving. To achieve this, we aim for a maintenance-type diet over the 60-day dry period. Silage with a DMD of 68-70% will generally suffice.

For thin cows, drying off early is the preferred option. If dried off early (e.g., 10-12-week dry period), cows fed average quality silage (68-70% DMD) should have an increase in BCS of approx. 0.5 units before calving.

For youngstock, feeding rates will also be dependent on silage quality results. If we take the same silage used for dry cows above with our youngstock, offering a silage-only diet, a weight gain of only 0.3kg/day can be expected over the winter from a 70% DMD silage. Approximately 1.5-2kg of concentrate would be needed here to achieve target winter growth rates. Is there a higher quality forage available for youngstock?

Target Body Condition Score (BCS) is typically 2.75-3.0 at dry off and 3.0-3.25 at calving.

Fodder Budget

Conducting a quick fodder budget to highlight reserves or deficits is crucial, and the sooner it’s done, the more options there are to bridge the gap. Having surplus silage on farm is a strong position. Housing could come early, or Spring 2026 may be harsh. Removing surplus grass now improves quality and provides more options later.

For further advice, contact your local Agritech Sales Advisor here. 

In recent weeks, slow growth has been the common factor noted across the regions, with much of the focus devoted to balancing grass availability and maintaining quality.

Where grass growth is slow, wasting grass must be avoided. Residuals of 3.5 – 4cm must be achieved in order to create high-quality covers for the next rotation when growth rates will hopefully rectify themselves. Grass walks should be undertaken at least once weekly but ideally twice weekly where grass is tight.

Milk output must also be monitored; average milk yield decline should be no greater than 2.5% per week at this point in lactation.

Where volume or solids are falling quicker than this, quality and quantity of grass needs to be revised. Where quality is low, or silage is introduced into the diet, ensure the cows’ energy requirements are being met accordingly. Increased supplementation may be required.

Reduced energy density in the diet will result in decreased milk protein % and reduced milk output. Once growth has increased and quality has been rectified (with breeding also concluding), feeding rates can be reduced.

Looking ahead to the winter, now is a good time to assess how much fodder is on farm with first cuts completed, while some early 2nd cuts and surplus bales have been taken.

It’s important to plan for the forthcoming winter while noting how much subsequent forage remains unharvested.

At this point, Spring-born calves should have smoothly transitioned to grazing.

Weighing scales remain one of the most underutilised management tools on farm and should be used to gauge where we are at regarding target weights ~ 200kg by mid-September (33% of mature cow weight) or 07-0.8kg/hd/day.

Parasite burdens can also have a huge impact on youngstock performance over the 1st grazing season and should be discussed on a herd-by-herd basis with your veterinary practitioner.

For more information and calf rearing advice, contact your local Agritech Sales Advisor here. 

Farmers must prioritise the next generation of milking cows by ensuring that the target weights of their replacement heifers are realised over the coming months.

With this in mind, heifers should reach 30% of their mature bodyweight at six months of age and achieve 60% of mature weight when bred at 15 months.

Over the next few months, optimal average daily gain may be difficult to maintain when grass growth/quality declines and grazing conditions become more challenging. So it is important to consider where your replacement heifers are in relation to targets (% of mature weight) currently.

By weighing heifers in early autumn as opposed to weighing at the point of housing, farmers can identify which animals are behind target. The best advice is to group accordingly and make alternative plans for heifers below their target weights.

Underweight heifers are considered to be those that are 5% or more below target bodyweight. Therefore, the regular weighing of heifers can help farmers to keep track of performance through the season.

Heifers that are lighter than this should be separated and given priority access to the highest quality grass and be re-introduced to concentrates depending on their weight relative to the herd’s target.

Higher weight gains can be achieved from grass rather than from winter/silage diets and a good response to autumn supplementation can be achieved. Should grass be in short supply and quality or when conditions are deteriorating, under-target replacement heifers should be fed a supplement until housing time to maintain weight. To increase growth rates, 1-2kg of concentrate/head/day should be sufficient.

Research shows that youngstock at grass in summer can achieve a weight gain of 0.85kg/day on grass alone. Come the autumn, where 1kg of concentrate plus high-quality grass are offered, average daily gains of 1kg/head/day can be achieved.

For more information, contact your local Agritech Sales Advisor here.