Forward Thinking Essential for Coping with Tight Fodder Supplies
SCOTLAND - Farmers short of essential feed and bedding material are being aided by NFUS with guidance on how to maximise small amounts.
21 December 2012
2 minute read
In cooperation with beef expert Basil Lowman and dairy levy DairyCo, NFUS has published two guides detailing ways farmers can stretch feed and bedding stocks.
This comes after a recent farmer survey confirmed that the weather had impacted greatly on producers with 80 per cent of Scottish livestock farmers admitting they has less winter fodder and bedding than normal.
Basil Lowman’s guidance deals with replacing silage with straw, supplementary feeding of finishing animals to reduce days to slaughter and selling animals as soon as they reach market specifications.
NFU S President, Nigel Miller stated that accurate quantity and quality checks are necessary to assess farm inventories.
“DairyCo extension officer Tom Goatman has helped NFUS with some advice on how to analyse fodder and given some simple actions you can take to help to minimise waste of silage. “
“Farmers should take steps now to not only assess the feed value of your silage by regularly sampling and analysis but also do the sums on exactly how much silage you have in the pit and how much you will need,” added Mr Miller.
The Union have warned that this winter is likely to be the most difficult faced in recent years. They have urged that forward planning is essential for success and, if required, Group Secretary networks Regional Managers can be used to assist with locating feed from those with surplus stocks.
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