Farm Diary

AFTER almost a fortnight of summer sunshine, the temperatures have dropped sharply again, and it now feels very cold for May. We cut our silage as planned last week, mowing the grass on Monday, carting it in on Tuesday Wednesday.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th May 2008, 13:39 BST

Updated 8th Jun 2018, 03:24 BST

As ever, Glebedale's (the contractors) excelled themselves by working until midnight both nights.

I sheeted the clamp, and as I walked into the house in the early hours, it started to rain; perfect timing. We knew the rain was coming, and I fully expected something to go wrong, but in fact it all went like clockwork.

This is the earliest we have ever cut our grass silage, and I had booked the date with Neil Clarkson months ago, as I am desperate to improve the quality of our forage for next winter due to the doubling of feed prices.

With 12 days sunshine before cutting, and perfect conditions, plus the speed of ensilement and an additive; I can do no more. The tonnage was greater than I expected, with almost 3000 tonnes in the clamp of dry material. We shall cut again in 40 days.

For full feature see West Sussex Gazette May 11

West Sussex Gazette