Our team are dedicated to understanding and helping to overcome the challenges that farmers face day-to-day. Call Tom on 01228 711888 for consultancy advice for your farming enterprise. david-allen.co.uk 7 WINTER/SPRING 2018 Since returning to Cumbria three years ago, I have seen great improvements to maize yields through sowing earlier varieties sooner, in the correct soil and with improved nutrient management. This has been the case even this year, despite the challenging conditions. Other arable forages have been satisfactory, where disease has been controlled, although Spring whole-crops have been poor, suffering from dry conditions earlier on. The same clients make the best silage every year, with many consistently achieving 11ME Winter forage quality, so this is clearly due to better management rather than luck. Many rations are responding to good quality rumen energy and added bypass protein, although an economic response must be seen to maintain any cost changes. This year has seen a higher incidence of fluke and worms and it may be worth discussing this with your vet. “It is important to invest in the best available seeds, focusing on D-value and yield.” Those businesses adopting an annual reseeding policy have been rewarded this year, having on average greater forage quality and stocks. These benefits are even more apparent in a poorer year. Now is the time to plan for next year’s cropping with plans best driven by ration need and existing stocks. Farms should be sampling 25% of their soils per annum to maintain optimum pH, Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Magnesium (Mg) indices. Samples are best taken between December and February, at least six weeks after any nutrient applications. It is important to invest in the best available seeds, focusing on high D-value and yield. Finally, many businesses are benefitting from various grants discussed in the last newsletter, which has been keeping me very busy indeed. These will not be around forever, so it may be worth considering your own options. ££ £