According to him, more silo bags were entered this year compared to previous years. “In addition, more producers are starting to ensile their crops at the correct growth stage. This year 79% of maize silage entries boasted a dry matter (DM) content of between 30 and 40%. In 2019 only 70% of maize silage entries were able to achieve this feat. The optimal DM content for maize silage is 35%,” Prof Meeske explains.
Richardt Venter of AgSci Unlimited, the competition co-ordinator responsible for the sampling process, says the 84 entries received this year were truly encouraging. “In the seven years of the competition, this year represented the second most entries ever received.
“We also launched a test category for silage bales this year. We received three maize, one sorghum and one lucerne silage entry in this category. All five these bales were made using modern, custom-made silage machines that are able to bale and wrap chopped silage,” says Richardt.
“A total of 16 companies entered themselves or their customers this year, six of which were first-time entries – a very positive trend indeed. Two companies, AFGRI Animal Feeds and Sparta Beef, have been participating every year since the competition’s inception and we are truly grateful for their support. Most of the participating companies are local, but one international machinery supplier, BAG Budissa Agroserv, has been participating for four years now,” says Richardt.
Maize silage quality increases
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