Tiffi never knew how tedious working on a farm can be

_Elsa_

“I have a question for you,” Tiffi says. “You mentioned that they should have forage or silage for eating. What’s the difference?” 

“The difference between forage and silage is that forage is fodder for animals, especially cattle and horses while silage is fermented green forage fodder stored in a silo,” says Baby Huey. A farmer gave us valuable information. 

‘Cattle raised on ranches graze on the range, and cattle raised on farms graze on pasture. Calves gain 50-70% of their final weight before they are weaned from their mother by consuming primarily their mother’s milk and grazing on the same land that their mother’s graze. After weaning, cattle are fed hay, silage, grain and food processing by-products such as cottonseed meal, citrus pulp, tomato pulp, potato peels, sugar beet pulp, almond hulls, cereal by-products, soy hulls, or canola seed hulls. Most cattle feed is produced on non-irrigated land.’ (Info here) 

“There was so much to learn before we were able to bring the cattle here,” says Baby Huey. “Putting up the fencing was tedious but not difficult to do. Then we had to learn how to make silage and how to mow it.”  

‘Quality grass - Select the right grass breeds and varieties for the pasture, to balance yield and quality over a defined reseeding period. Rye-grass is a common option, with clover to boost yields and protein and reduce fertiliser demand.

Nutrition - Low pH and nutrient levels will reduce yields and grass quality.

Pasture management - Weeds will decrease silage yields and quality, so assess pastures in spring and apply herbicides if required.

Timing - This is the most influential factor affecting silage quality which the farmer has control over. For example, silage cut in early May might have 25% crude protein, 75 D Value and yield three tonnes/hectare dry matter. Two weeks later yields will have risen to 6t/ha but protein will have dropped to 18% and D Value to 68. After another fortnight yields might be at 8t/ha, with protein down to 12% and a D Value of 60.  Timing is also relevant when it comes to fertiliser and herbicide applications – make sure they have sufficient time to work before harvest, otherwise it is a waste of money.

Harvest techniques - When it comes to harvesting, preparation is everything. Make sure equipment is well maintained and ready to go to avoid costly breakdowns at critical times.

Mowing - Sugar content is highest in the afternoon after the plant has photosynthesised, so that is the best time to cut, when the pasture is free from rain or dew.’ (Info here) 

“That’s Moody driving the tractor,” Baby Huey says. “I will introduce you to him later.” 

Baby Huey waves to his brother and then then continue walking. 

Let’s continue here – Searching for a job

Start at the beginning – Tiffi and the 7 pumpkins