Analysis of grass prior to silage making - samples to 14 April 2021

Another week of cold wind and morning frost has kept grass growth lower than usually seen at this time of year. Growth rates have climbed from the previous week with the AHDB reporting South West grass leys to be growing at 32.3kg DM/ha and to have an average of 12.5ME.

The farm we have been sampling from in Cornwall has taken their first cut this week. This is due to grass being at the correct growth stage (3 leaves present) to fit in with their multi-cut system. Yields also look to be encouraging with a reported average of 4.5T/acre.

Outside of Cornwall, our sampling farms seem to be a bit further away from 1st cut. However, it is encouraging to see that sugar levels continue to rise – with all samples now having an estimated ensiling sugar quality of 3% or higher. Nitrates generally OK now except one field of permanent pasture which has suddenly jumped this week as the rain has finally washed in the fertiliser applied weeks ago!

Following our previous newsletters, more of our clients have taken the option of taking pre-cut samples to obtain a clearer understanding the current quality of their leys. Please get in touch with us if you wish to send in your own samples, or use existing sample bags if you have any, tick the pre-cut grass analysis box when filling in the information sheet.

CS Capital Grants Application Deadline Approaching

The deadline of 30th April 2021 for submitting Countryside Stewardship Capital Grant Applications is fast approaching.

As a reminder, these applications can only be made for land parcels that are not currently within a Mid Tier, Higher Tier, or ELS/HLS scheme. They have a £60,000 cap but only £20,000 can be spent in each of the three sections (Boundary, Air and Water quality).

Important Change to Fencing Eligibility

Since the window for submitting these applications was opened in February, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) have made a significant change to their guidance when submitting applications including fencing. The RPA has now confirmed that fencing options (post & wire and sheep netting) in CS Capital Grants applications can only be located "to prevent water pollution caused by farming". However, the use of such options in a Mid Tier scheme has not changed – they can still be used to protect environmental features such as hedges. .

For assistance in applying for these schemes, or to see if a Mid Tier scheme could be beneficial to your business, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Regards,

The Kelly Farm Consulting Team!

Sam Kelly 07777 696080

Charlie Davies 07904 601104

Pete Kelly 07970 942668

Office 01454 614624

Analysis of grass prior to silage making - samples to 7 April 2021

Since taking our first samples, we seem to have had all four seasons within a week! Most of our farms have had bright but windy days, this sun has helped grass sugar levels which have risen between 1 and 4% from the previous week. However, the cold wind seems to have kept growth rates low. The AHDB reported an average growth rate at 20.5Kg DM/ha for the South West – up just 0.5kg from the previous week.

These low growth rates, combined with no significant change in weather (at the time of writing) for at least another 7 days, are making conditions extremely challenging for farmers to know when the right time is to cut.

We have also seen quite a lot of fertiliser sitting on the soil due to a lack of rain to wash it in, making it even more important that you know the nitrate levels in your grass before cutting. This has been shown in the samples this week where, except for the farm in Cornwall, nitrate levels have risen from the previous week. Our recommendation would be to test a selection of silage leys before you consider cutting.

Please get in touch with us if you wish to send in your own samples, or use existing sample bags if you have any, tick the pre-cut grass analysis box when filling in the information sheet.