Developments in both equipment and techniques enable producers to make high-quality feed with reduced loss of dry matter and quality at all stages of the forage conservation system, from cutting through to storage and feeding.

The role for conserved forage is changing - no longer is hay or silage a hit-and-miss operation, with excess forage of bumper years stored for tough times.

It costs about the same to make high quality hay or silage as it does to make rubbish, but small management changes can be the difference between profit and loss.

The string of unpredictable seasons has moved many producers to now include conserved forage in their annual feed budgets to ensure supply of high-quality feed for livestock, to meet production targets.

Hay and silage production has increased significantly since the early 1990s.

Silage is the biggest mover, with tonnage tripling in that time to more than three million tonnes nationally.

With the silage and hay season fast approaching it is important for producers to look seriously at their conserved forage systems and identify ways to improve profitability.

According to John Piltz, livestock research officer with NSW Department of Primary Industries at Wagga Wagga, there have been major improvements in technology and understanding of management that allow producers to conserve and feed forage more efficiently.

"Developments in both equipment and techniques enable producers to make high-quality feed with reduced loss of dry matter and quality at all stages of the forage conservation system, from cutting through to storage and feeding," Mr Piltz said.

"Many producers under-value the production levels that can be achieved from well-managed forage conservation systems and the potential loss in production is mind-boggling."

Highlights at the forthcoming Riverina Outlook conference at Wagga Wagga in August will be presentations by three producers who have all met the challenges of recent seasons - Wagga dairy farmer, Glen Jolliffe, Holbrook beef producer Warwick Cookson and Forbes lamb producer Megan Rogers.

'Climate for fodder' theme

Current and predicted global food requirements are influencing the demand and supply of conserved fodder in Australia.

Consequences, and strategies to manage the changing markets and to also maximise domestic returns from conserved forage are the focus of the 2008 Riverina Outlook conference theme - "Climate for Fodder".

To be held at Wagga Wagga on August 14 and hosted at the EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, the conference program has been developed in response to the increased level of inquiry for up-to-date information on hay and silage production and feeding.

One aim of the event will be to highlight key issues that make the difference between profit and loss from conserved fodder.

Director of the Graham Centre, Professor Deirdre Lemerle, who participated in the recent Federal 2020 conference, said the challenges of maintaining livestock production levels in a variable climate makes the theme for this conference highly relevant to producers, agricultural advisors, consultants, educators and agricultural industry representatives.

Contact Helen Burns, Wagga Wagga, (02) 6938 1947, helen.burns@dpi.nsw.gov.au

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