The perfect cutting time

The harvest season is also in full swing in grassland. The first and second cuts have already been brought in in some places. Whether high-quality silage or hay, the goal is always to obtain the best forage for the animals. Productive grassland requires a healthy plant population and an adequate supply of nutrients. Information about the plant population in grassland can be obtained through a conscious grassland inspection, including an analysis of its current condition.

The intensive plant population

In intensive >5-cut grassland, it is recommended to establish the grass stand primarily with high-yielding grasses such as ryegrass, cocksfoot, red clover, or white clover. Clover species support the N supply and are important partners in the nutrient supply of grasses.

Choosing the cutting time

The most energy-rich harvesting time is before the ears/panicles emerge. Before the flower heads form in the plant, valuable nutrients and a high energy content are found in the leaves. These conditions must be utilized to produce energy-rich forage. High-yielding herds, such as dairy cows or fattening animals with high daily gain, particularly require a good energy supply. In addition, high-quality forage also means minimal use of purchased feed to balance nutrient requirements.

Extensive livestock breeds, which grow more slowly and are less suitable for intensive animal husbandry due to their breeding history, also cope very well with lower-energy feed.

The cutting height

Generally, a cutting height of approximately 6 cm is recommended for grassland. In field forage production, mowing much higher is recommended, as otherwise, severe forage contamination is likely.