permaculture

[Mark <mpludwig@facstaff.wisc.edu>]

followup on silage

> Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 01:26:32 +0000
> From: dick874 <sbevier@chatham.k12.nc.us>
> Subject: [grazersedge] Re: Ref Buck rake? David and Ken
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> --- In grazersedge@y..., gminskisfarm@a... wrote:
> > In a message dated 8/15/02 4:47:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> > sbevier@c... writes:
> >
> > << On quality. Depends on when you cut it and how well you compact
> >  it.  >>
> >
> > I've heard of this process but never knew anyone who actually did it, and
> > could vouch for the quality.  Everyone I ask insists that getting it at 
> the
> > right moisture level would be a problem plus it couldn't be done in the 
> long
> > stem.  Could you please elaborate on your comment above.
> > Thanks a whole lot-
> > Ken
>
>
> Sure thing Ken,
>         We mow when the clover(crimson) is in bloom but the grass still in
> the boot and does not have a hard stem yet.  This is a little later
> than the experts say cut grass silage.
>         When you pile it try to avoid pockets of air, that is why someone
> working the pile makes such a difference. They can tease ot the clumps.
> also try to keep the sides vertical. you have to pack these by walking
> up and down them as it is too dangerous to use the tractor.  Another
> benifit is you can make this while the weather is still cool so the
> work is not bad at all.  The kids love running up and down the pile as
> it grows.
>         The moisture level does not seem to be a problem. It may be
> because the forage is not chopped or conditioned. Also we build the
> pile on bare ground so that helps.
>         We had one pile that we did not feed last year which i had planned
> on spreading as compost but when we opened it it was still looking good
> and the cows seemed to love it so it will deffinity keep if sealed and
> weighted.
>         I had my doubts when we first tried it so i mowed one acre, turned
> it with a side rake and piled it on a wagon and hauled itb to the
> corner of the field to try it.  When we opened it that winter iwas
> impressed by two things the smell ( like saurkrut) and the fact that
> the clover still had its leaves.
> any other questions
> take care
>
>
>
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Mark P. Ludwig
Poultry Research Lab
University of Wisconsin -Madison
608-262-1730 WK
608-846-7125 HM