Using a combination of four machines from the Claas silage range means farmers can experience the benefits associated with high-quality silage
The last thing any farmer wants is for their hard work to be in vain, with inadequate machinery compromising output.
The flow-on effects can be significant and in the case of silage making, the financial implications are just one aspect.
Poor quality silage can impact animal health and performance, along with lowering the farm’s sustainability.
Silage making can be a complex and delicate process which requires considerable care and attention to detail, as one wrong move can significantly reduce the end product’s quality and undermine much of the work completed.
One of the best ways to ensure any job on the farm runs as smoothly as possible is to use the best quality machinery, with every piece working perfectly in sync.
Claas machinery is available to handle every step of the silage making process – with a combination of four products helping to cover everything a farmer needs.
The four weapons in Claas’ arsenal are the Disco mower, Liner rake, Jaguar forage harvester and Torion wheel loader.
By using these together, farmers can tackle silage season knowing they have the tools to produce high quality silage and experience all the benefits this brings.
Step by step
The challenges associated with silage making begin at the first step, as it must be chopped at the correct moisture and maturity.
This can be done with the Disco mower.
Offering clean cuts at high speeds thanks in part to its Max Cut mower bar, the Disco also has an innovative bolt concept which provides maximum impact resistance.
Correctly setting and height adjusting the mower will help to avoid soil contamination and subsequent silage damage.
One feature of the Claas Disco mower is its Active Float hydraulic system, which helps to ensure consistency in the cut height, while it also offers excellent ground contour following.
Another machine which can be added into the mix is Claas’ Volto tedder, something which helps to significantly increase wilting prior to raking and therefore maintains as much nutritional quality in the silage as possible.
The next step after mowing is raking – and Claas offers the Liner for this purpose.
Offering 3D ground contour following and tine adjustments means it is well equipped to ensure contaminant-free forage.
Its continuously lubricated and tightly sealed swathing drive is another feature, along with the Profix tine arm bracket which attaches securely and is easily replaceable.
After raking comes the all-important harvesting, which is where Claas’ Jaguar forage harvester comes in.
It is also during the harvest process where the benefit of all machines working together becomes even clearer.
Using the Disco mower and Liner rake successfully means farmers will have good silage, chopped at the correct time and free from contamination.
When harvested at a time when the crop is over-mature, mould and yeast growth can occur in the silage due to too much air being trapped behind the dry material.
Furthermore, the harvest should be completed within 24 to 36 hours after mowing, as nutrient value declines as the silage sits on the paddock awaiting harvest.
During fermentation, understanding the processes which occur and getting these right is crucial towards achieving silage success.
A slow and inefficient fermentation process can lead to nutrient losses and spoilage, significantly reducing the silage quality regardless of how good the original crop is.
Fermentation-enhancing inoculants speed up the fermentation process and help to reduce dry matter losses.
The Jaguar forage harvester has Actisiler 37 additive applicator technology which controls flow rates and application and provides on-the-go response to varying harvest and throughput conditions.
It also offers leading assistance systema and a CEBIS touch control hub to make operation as easy as possible.
Once harvested, the next crucial step is to achieve a well-compacted silage pit.
Sealing the stack as soon as harvesting is completed is crucial, as this will prevent air from entering.
Using the Claas Torion wheel loader will help to achieve this.
The versatile and powerful unit offers a Smart Loading feature which speeds up loading cycles and also enhances handling efficiency, something which is advantageous when trying to get silage compacted as quickly as possible.
Available with either hydrostatic or infinitely variable ZF transmission, the Torion provides precision and agility along with a comfortable and intuitive cabin.
Reaping rewards
By carefully timing every step of the silage making process and carrying it out effectively thanks to the Claas machinery range, the end result will be high quality silage.
This will lead to numerous benefits.
Maximising the available nutrients means the livestock consuming the silage will have optimal health and are less likely to experience issues related to poor feed.
It is also more palatable and digestible for the animals, leading to a higher feed intake.
This also reduces the need for expensive supplemental feeds, reducing input costs for farmers.
Good quality silage without spoilage also means less feed is wasted, as it is both more desirable for the livestock and preserves better which enables it to be a consistent feed supply during the year.
Healthier animals also lead to better financial returns for farmers due to livestock reaching market weight more quickly and economically.
Claas machinery is available in Australia through Landpower and Claas Harvest Centre, with the full range online at www.claasharvestcentre.com