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”.