With all the good summer weather it is hard to concentrate the mind on next winter and, in particular, on silage stocks.

On a number of occasions in the past I have been short of silage, or very nearly short, and I have always found it difficult to find good-quality silage when you need it. Here in the west most farmers have run short of silage at some stage in their farming career. When that happens, it can be a painful experience.

As a result, I would have a lot of neighbouring farmers who get so worried about running out that, when possible, they make enough for a couple of years. Others always have enough left every year that would do them the next year without making any more.

What they say is that it is as good as money in the bank.