Silage baling starts but number of bales way down

Silage baling has got under way in recent days, but yields of grass are reported to be relatively light.

This is because some farmers are deciding to take advantage of the spell of fine weather rather than wait for meadows and paddocks to catch up after the late spring.

Contractors are reporting making five to eight bales per acre for farmers who would normally be getting eight to 10 or even 12. More baling is taking place in eastern and southern counties and less in the west.

In addition, the fine weather means grass is getting a partial wilt before baling and is therefore drier. It also means that silage quality is likely to be high.

Contractors cutting pit silage report yields to be similar to other years. Such fields generally received fertiliser and slurry in good time. Grass quality is very good.

At Monasterevin, Co Kildare, Barry Mahon said he was making as few as five to six bales per acre. “Normally you’d be on nine or 10. But grass is being cut dry and baled dry. Meadows will be getting heavier,” he said.

This week, Co Cavan agri-contractor Michael Clinch reported yields at seven to eight per acre. “You’d be expecting nine to 10 in a more normal year and 11-12 in a good year.” Meadows will bulk up, he said.

In Co Mayo, agri-contractor Tony Kenny said there was little silage baling taking place as farmers were waiting for grass to get heavier.

In Co Kildare, agri contractor Eric Ginty said he was baling nine to 10 bales per acre. “Last year it was more like 12-14. Everything is running late but guys are making it now because of the good weather.”

Diesel

Meanwhile, the recent weekly rise in diesel prices has stopped for now. Many suppliers this week cut prices by about 1c/l on last week.

However, there are no indications at wholesale level of any reversal of the recent rise in prices.