Maximising Forage Production and Soil Health: Tramlines Podcast Transcript

Explore expert advice from Agrii’s Adam Simper and Hayley Wellings on improving forage crop quality, building resilience in forage production, and enhancing soil health.

In this episode of Tramlines, Agrii’s National Grassroots and Environmental Seeds Manager, Adam Simper, and Forage Technical Specialist, Hayley Wellings, provide valuable guidance on maximising forage crop quality.

The discussion covers key forage crops, soil health benefits, and strategies to support resilience in UK farming systems.

Understanding Forage Crops in the UK

When it comes to forage crops, UK farmers have several options that go beyond grass. According to Adam Simper, key forage crops include maize, grass, red clover, multi-species swards like chicory and plantain, and root crops such as fodder beet, stubble turnips, and forage kale. These crops contribute differently to the farming system, offering benefits not only to livestock but also to soil health.

Integrating Forage Crops to Improve Soil Health

Hayley Wellings notes a growing trend among arable farmers who are introducing forage crops for soil improvement. In regions like North Herefordshire, farmers are increasingly reintegrating livestock by renting land for grazing. This synergy benefits both arable and livestock operations, enriching soil health through added organic matter, which improves soil structure and productivity.

Grass as the Primary Forage Crop

Grass and clover dominate the UK forage landscape. While Lucerne (alfalfa) is widely grown globally, it’s less common in the UK due to its sensitivity to soil type. According to Simper, grass and clover continue to be the backbone of UK forage, but optimising sward quality and structure is essential for ensuring high-quality yields for livestock nutrition.

Enhancing Forage Quality in Grass Swards

To improve the quality of grass forage, Simper advises regular assessment of sward composition, particularly after variable weather. For instance, the cold spring of 2020 delayed first cuts, and subsequent droughts affected second cuts. Farmers can boost sward performance by overseeding or reseeding underperforming areas, helping to maintain high yields and nutritional value for livestock.

Wellings suggests focusing on the poorest-performing fields first. Starting with thorough soil sampling and targeted improvements ensures that each area contributes positively to overall forage quality.

Importance of Silage Quality and Energy Efficiency

Silage quality is crucial, particularly in terms of Metabolisable Energy (ME), measured in megajoules per kilogram of dry matter. According to Wellings, increasing the ME by one unit can significantly boost milk yield; for instance, raising ME from 11 to 12 adds 10,000 megajoules per 10 tonnes of dry matter, equivalent to around 2,000 litres of milk. This underlines the importance of maintaining high-quality silage for optimal livestock performance.

Challenges and Strategies for Maize Crop Production

This past season has been challenging for maize, with drought conditions impacting yields, particularly in eastern regions. Many farmers are already dipping into winter stocks to support grazing, which may affect winter feed availability. Wellings highlights the importance of selecting maize varieties that align with local soil and climate conditions, such as early-maturing types that allow a second crop, or varieties with high starch yields tailored for beef or dairy cattle.

Building Resilience in Forage Production

To cope with unpredictable weather, Simper emphasises a shift in forage production mindset—focusing on forage crops that are suited to both summer and winter use. Brassicas like stubble turnips, which can be sown in late spring, are ideal as a summer forage resource. Multi-species swards combining grasses, clovers, and herbs are also beneficial, as they improve drought resilience and soil health, creating a more resilient forage system.

Benefits of Multi-Species Swards for Soil Health

Multi-species swards play a significant role in enhancing soil health and farm resilience. Wellings explains that different plant root depths contribute to improved soil friability and micronutrient availability, both of which are beneficial for livestock health. Including diverse species in swards supports soil vitality, improves resilience to drought, and creates a more balanced ecosystem for long-term soil health.

Final Tips for Forage Optimisation

Adam Simper: Farmers should regularly assess field conditions and make data-driven decisions on overseeding or reseeding as needed. Additionally, planning for resilience by selecting suitable forage varieties for dry periods is key to sustained productivity.

Hayley Wellings: Focusing on soil health and diversifying forage crops are essential strategies for improving forage quality. Prioritising silage quality will further ensure that livestock receives maximum nutritional benefits from home-grown forage.