On 20 April this year, 1.6ha of combi crop, grown for wholecrop, was sown at a rate of 70kg/ha to qualify for the Protein Aid Scheme. Shaun Diver, farm manager at Tullamore Farm, and the team handled the ploughing and soil preparation, while a local contractor used the one-pass method to sow the crop. The payment for the protein-cereal mix crop scheme is estimated to be under €200/ha.

The aim was to produce high-protein silage and lower the meal costs for the weanlings.

The field was selected due to its free-draining sandy clay soil and significant dock weed issues.

Shaun believed that the spraying required for planting the combi crop and the pre-reseeding spraying would help to eliminate the dock weeds for the next year.

The total cost of establishing the wholecrop was €512.96.

Cheesy stage

Shaun plans to harvest the crop around the first week of August when the grain has passed the ‘milky’ stage and is at the ‘cheesy’ stage. This stage offers an optimal balance between dry matter yield and nutritional quality, making it ideal for ensiling.

The grain needs to be at the cheesy stage when cutting. The crop is not there yet.

The goal is to achieve the best possible combination of yield, nutritional value and storage ability for the harvested crop.

Shaun will have the dry matter (DM) content tested close to the expected harvest date or a few days before to ensure the crop is at the desired stage.

The sample will be collected using a portable kit and electronic device designed for on-farm DM testing.

For cereal wholecrop (oats, barley, peas), the target DM content is typically around 35% to 45%.

Challenges if not cut on time

If the DM of the crop reaches 55% to 65%, the grains will be moist and can be split with the thumbnail. It’s recommended to treat with urea.

If the DM reaches 80%, the heads of the grain bend over and become very hard.

There is a risk of yield losses if the crop becomes lodged. Nutritional value of the crop can be decreased for livestock feeding if the grains are too hard and not cracked.

The mix comprised 12.5kg spring oats, 12.5kg spring barley, and 25.0kg of forage seed peas. There is no grass under sown as per the terms of the scheme.

Making bales

The contractor will mow the crop in August with a non-conditioner disc mower.

There will be a 24- to 36-hour wilt depending on the weather and then the crop will be lightly raked into rows, which should help prevent losing too many grains on the ground.

Shaun will be adding the Ensile-Bio additive when baling.

This is one of a wide range of biological preservatives on the market, which works to inhibit spoilage organisms, increase palatability and improve fermentation.

There will be extra layers of wrap put on the bales to total 24 layers. This should help to prevent vermin damaging the bales.

Shaun highlighted that there currently isn’t a vermin problem in the yard as all meal is stored in bins and there is a neighbouring cat that sometimes comes to the yard.

The mix was made up of 12.5kg spring oats, 12.5kg spring barley, and 25.0kg of forage seed peas. There is no grass under sown as per the terms of the scheme.

If vermin becomes an issue for the bales, he will consider putting down poison. However, this action is going against promoting biodiversity and wildlife on Tullamore Farm, but will have to be done as a last resort.

Protein tests

Shaun Diver will perform a protein test on the crop a few weeks after baling to assess its nutritional quality for feeding bull or heifer weanlings.

This post-harvest test is crucial as ensiling can affect protein levels, ensuring an accurate nutritional profile.

The Dumas method will be used to determine nitrogen content, which is then used to calculate protein levels.

Shaun aims for a protein content of 18% to meet the dietary needs of the livestock for optimal growth. If the protein content is high, the crop will be fed to the weanlings before Christmas, along with an option of silage at the barrier.

A harvester equipped with a grain processor is required to prevent the loss of grains, if planning to store the crop in a pit.

Wholecrop in the pit advice

If you are planning to store your wholecrop in the silage pit, here are a few things to consider.

  • Use a harvester equipped with a grain processor.
  • Harvesting can proceed, even in damp or dewy conditions without significantly reducing the crop’s dry matter (DM).
  • Silos should be filled promptly and high DM content will minimise effluent discharge.
  • Ensure the wholecrop is thoroughly compacted and weighed down.

  • Double-sheet the pit to prevent aerobic fermentation.
  • Maintain air-free conditions throughout storage and to minimise the exposure to air during feedout.

  • Dry matter testing is crucial to determine if the crop is ready to harvest. The target DM content is typically around 35% to 45%.
  • Store wholecrop in secure wrap or plastic and keep an eye out for vermin.
  • Feed with grass silage at the barrier or mix in a diet feeder.
  • Test the protein content to know what you are feeding.