CHOOSE A PROCESSING / ALTERNATIVE FORAGE OPTION THAT SUITS YOU

There are many options for harvesting, storing and processing grain – both traditionalmethods, along with new and exciting technologies. Choosing the correct option to fit yoursystem (both storage and livestock types) is important. The following guide outlines the mainprocessing and storage options.

Whole-crop Options (all cereals)Fermented whole-crop silage• Harvested at the earliest when the grain is at the soft cheese / dough stage.• Crop dry matter content of 35% - 45%.• Important to ensile well and seal the pit properly.• It is advisable to use a recommended additive to ensure proper fermentation and reduce the risk of

secondary fermentation at the pit face when opened.• Proper pit face management is essential (narrow pit face advisable).• No limit on the amount fed provided it is balanced properly for protein and minerals.

Alkaline treated whole-crop• Harvested at a much higher dry matter than fermented whole-crop.• Crop dry matter content 68% to 78%. • Ensure the grain is cracked or milled during harvesting.• Urea based additive applied during ensiling.• Higher protein content than fermented whole-crop silage.• Very stable at feed out.• High pH forage.

Feed Grain – A Golden Opportunitywww.ifa.ie

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Boost livestock thrive & performance andreduce your feed costs this winter

Take Action Now!Don’t Miss Out on a Golden Opportunity - Source Local Grain This Harvest

For Maximum Gain, Feed Assured Native Irish GrainWith the harvest upon us, this presents a golden opportunity for livestock feeders tosource whole-crop grain or grain off the combine from local farmers, co-ops andmerchants. This is the most cost effective method of securing the high energy

concentrate element of your winter feed.

© Farmers Journal

Feed Grain – A Golden Opportunity

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Produced by the IFA National Grain Committee

Whole grain processing and storage optionsThe increased number of processing options now available means that grain can be harvested at a wider range ofmoisture contents and stored safely for long periods either whole or crimped. A good visual assessment alongwith an accurate moisture assessment will determine the most suitable storage option. With the exception ofcrimp, treated grain can be purchased ‘ready to feed’ onto the farm. Native grain is available throughout thefeeding season and can be purchased spot or on forward contracts. It can also be purchased as part of balancedconcentrate ration.

There are many simple and low cost grain storage methods that comply with Quality Assurance Schemerequirements. Proper hygiene is critical for all grain and feed storage. Stores should be thoroughly cleaned prior tofilling and appropriate disinfectants and sanitisers used where necessary. Ensure stores are free from dampness,condensation and moulds.

Crimped grain (wheat, barley, triticale & oats)• Harvest window – narrow particularly in good weather. Cut 2 to 3 weeks before normal harvest.• Grain moisture 30% to 40%. • Mechanically crimp the grain and apply the additive – use a proven additive which aids fermentation. • Proper rolling and compaction essential during ensiling.• Can be stored indoors or outdoors.• Cover and seal well and use proper pest control as it is susceptible to attack from birds and vermin.• Storage Period – 4 to 6 months.• Create a narrow pit face – as proper pit face management is critical.• Ready to feed 4 to 5 weeks after ensiling. High feed rates possible when correctly balanced.

Alkaline grain (wheat, barley, triticale & oats)• Harvest window – wide in a normal harvest.• Grain moisture 16% - 25%.• Grain can be treated whole or rolled provided the appropriate amount of additive is applied.• Can be stored indoors or outdoors.• Cover and seal well. • Treatment increases grain protein levels by 4% to 5%. • Storage period – up to 12 months.• Dry grain can be purchased and treated at any stage throughout the year.• High pH feed, allowing it to be fed at higher rates. Can be fed ad-lib.

Acid treatment (wheat, barley, triticale & oats)• Treat grain using mainly propionic acid.• Moistures range from 16% to 25%.• Minimal moisture weight loss during storage.• Application rates vary according to grain moisture content and product used.• Acid is applied to whole or dry rolled grains prior to storing.• Necessary to store indoors.• Storage Period – up to 6 months.

Dry rolling (wheat, barley, triticale & oats)• It is necessary to lower the moisture to between 14% and 16% to prevent heating and spoilage during

storage.• Aeration necessary if storing at higher moisture contents.• Coarse roll the grain. If it is too finely rolled it can cause acidosis.• Can be included in all dry feed mixes.• Storage Period – can be stored throughout the winter and rolled prior to feeding.• All cereals can be ‘cooked’ or ‘toasted’ at any stage to improve digestibility, allow for higher feed rates and

extend the storage life.

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1. Finishing ration

Ingredient % of mix

Dry rolled barley 70%

Distillers 10%

Citrus pulp or rolled oats 20%

Produced by the IFA National Grain Committee

3. Weanling ration

Ingredient % of mix

Acid treated barley 60%

Soybean meal 12%

Citrus pulp or rolled oats 28%

2. Ad-lib bull ration

Ingredient % of mix

Alkaline barley 50%

Soya hulls 10%

Maize meal 25%

Rolled oats 15%

© Farmers Journal

4. Dairy ration 24%

Ingredient % of mix

Soya hulls 10%

Distillers 10%

Maize meal 18%

Alkaline Barley 30%

Soybean meal 20%

Beet pulp 12%

Warning: Introduce high concentrate diets gradually.

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Quality assured Irish Grain is excellent value for money.

WITH THE HARVEST UNDER WAY, QUALITY NATIVE GRAIN IS AVAILABLE FROM LOCALTILLAGE FARMERS, MERCHANTS AND CO-OP STORES

Make the most of this opportunity to reduce costs.

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Produced by the IFA National Grain Committee

Go to www.ifarm.ie for up to date price information on grain and other inputs.

5. Dairy ration 18% High energy

Ingredient % of mix

Soya hulls 10%

Distillers 8%

Maize meal 20%

Alkaline Barley 39%

Soybean meal 7%

Beet pulp 16%

Note 1: It is essential to use appropriate high quality minerals/vitamin supplements with all rations.Note 2: Some additional on-farm work is involved when using straights but cost savings can be achieved.Note 3: Where a mixer wagon is used, rape straw is a viable alternative to cereal straw.Note 4: Where cereal concentrates are being fed at high levels, introduce them gradually and split feeds between

morning and evening.Note 5: Rolled oats are an excellent replacement for imported digestible fibre sources such as soya hulls and citrus

pulp.Note 6: Crimped grain can be fed at high rates, particularly in TMR (total mixed rations) diets using a mixer wagon.

It is more difficult to feed conventionally. Do not premix with other ingredients and leave to stand for long.periods due to its high moisture content. Consult your nutritionist to discuss the correct feeding rates.

Note 7: All rations should be supplemented with sufficient long fibre.

Fintan Conway IFA Grain Executive

Liam DunneChairman, IFA National Grain Committee

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