Entries have opened for AgriScot’s annual silage competition – sending a message that high-quality, home-produced forage will be a key element for farming businesses trying to keep costs down this winter.
Farmers have until Monday, October 17, to submit their silage analysis to sponsors and organisers, Watson Seeds, and have four categories to choose from – Beef and dairy clamps; big bale and a Young Farmer class for those under 26, which can be submitted from any cut of silage.
Three finalists will be chosen from within each category, with the winners being announced during AgriScot, following a live forage analysis. First place in each category will be presented with 10 acres of any Watson Seeds Castle Mixture, with second and third place, receiving five and two acres, respectively.
Organiser, Andrew Best, commented: “Long dry spells this summer will have affected certain regions more than others and will no doubt have had an impact on silage quality and quantity, and with volatile weather patterns likely to continue in the years to come, the need for conducting silage analysis grows increasingly important. For every farm across Scotland, it is important to have a baseline with your silage, so you know how you are best to ration it.”
The 2021 competition attracted more than 140 entries and one of the most hotly contested categories was the dairy clamp section won by Daniel Ritch, from Brettobreck Farm, in Orkney.
He said: “We were over the moon to win in 2021 and it was quite an achievement for this far north in Orkney. It definitely helped put us on the map. Forage analysis is vital for dairy farming as you could be over, or under feeding your cattle and it is important to get it right for both the financial benefit and the health of the animals.”
The winners of this year’s competition will be announced at AgriScot, by returning judge, Hugh McClymont, entertaining the crowds with his specialist commentary and nose for quality forage alongside first time judge and RHASS chairman, Jim Warnock.
Mr Warnock pointed out: “There has never been a more crucial time to secure high quality forage as it is the cheapest feed you will secure for your animals during the winter months. So much good grassland is lost by high infestation by aggressive weeds, as farmers tend to prioritise other land first.
"More time and effort must go towards the renewal of grass swards, but fundamental to that is soil analysis. By understanding and improving your soil PH, you will get a much better sward, and this will translate into better value on fertiliser spend and higher quality silage.”
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