BENEFITS FROM ENSILAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1930, Page 5

BENEFITS FROM ENSILAGE

BETTER THAN HAY. The necessity for. farmers making the very best use of their surplus summer pastures to ensure provision against shortage was the subject of an interview given an Auckland “Star” representative by Mr C. S. Dalgliesh, fields instructor for the Agricultural Department in Rotorua. This district, being subject to heavy frosts, is in greater need of pasture conservation xhan localities favoured with a more equitable climate, but Mr Dalgliesh emphasises that there is an easier method of carrying stock over the shortage periods than by’ conserving hay and growing root crops.

Uses of Ensilage. He is, of course, a warm supporter of ensilage, the making of which, most ■ > ' farmers realise, does not entail the growing of any special crops. During the last two or three years the making of ensilage has been attended with considerable success, and, as a result, it has gained great popularity wih Mi farmers. Associated with the making of j ensilag" las been th) careful topdressing of all pastures; and this, Mr Dalgliesh declares, is one'of the' main, factors contributing to successful farm- ; ing to-day. With this stimulated growth of feed, the farmer realises the wisdom of putting his summer pasture surplus into a .reliable form of winter nutriment.'. 1 ' '

. During the 1929-30 season more ensilage was made than ever before in this district, with most satisfactory results in the better feeding of cattle and sheep during the i,winter. In the majority of cases a reasonable supply of hay was also provided, but' in a’-few cases no hay!ivais given,‘and the results of feeding with ensilage 'alone have proved quite satisfactory, but there is „a-growing, tendency where ensilage feeding has been practised to dispense with hay. . : Advantage of Early Mowing. . He points out that ensilage has many features to recommend it. In the first place,' it Can be. made during all condi- . tions of weather." (2) If allows surplus feed to be dealt, with when it should be dealt with, which is a very important •faqtor in farm management. (3) It also allows of pastures .being mown at. an learly -stage of growth, when carrying high-feeding. qualities. The mowing of pastures in!the early stages of growth results in improved pasture,- development, and' improved pasture development means better stock-carrying capacity., Better stock-carrying capacity equals greater production." (4) Ensilage can be used with equal benefit as a , supplementary fodder during dry periods as well as for-winter feed. (5) It can easily and safely he held in reserve for use lit'any time,! thus providing an - insurance against contingencies of had times. (6) It gives reserves of feed which are practically free from damage from vermin and fire rish. During the next two .months there will be a ‘ plentiful supply" of 'surplus grass, and every farmer should give the making of his surplus pasture feed into ensilage his immediate' attention. Ensilage made from pastures in their early stages of growth carries a higher feeding value than ensilage made late ir the season, at a time when grasses are too mature. •-