The association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) recommends that both farmers and contractors should plan and agree safe operating procedures around silage pit filling heights before cutting commences.

“The height of the silage being rolled in the pit should never exceed twice the height of the retaining walls. As a rule of thumb, the width across the top of the finished silage pit should be a minimum of three times the width of the loader, including dual wheels, if fitted. Furthermore, the finished silage pit should slope at no more than 45 degrees to the retaining walls,” according to guidelines recommend by the FCI.