The varied season has resulted in a drop in quality for second cut silages. Analysis of this season's first, second and subsequent cuts of silage show that the first cut is of higher quality due to favourable weather and growing conditions.

There has also been a significant increase in the number of farms adopting a multi-cut silage system, which has seen them cutting much earlier and more frequently.

Nick Berni, ruminant product manager of ForFarmers, said: “We are classifying 2017 early first cut analysis as a category three silage,” explains Nick. “This means that it has a relatively high milk yield potential. It is high in energy, sugar and protein, but its higher fibre content will help to make it more rumen friendly.

ForFarmers' analysis of subsequent silage cuts show a reduction in quality, with lower energy, protein remaining good but high fibre content, resulting in a lower milk yield potential and it being more of a challenge to feed.

Two factors to focus on with this years’ silage are milk yield potential and dry matter intake. Silage with lower More Energy for the Lactating Cow and higher fibre could pose a greater challenge.

Mr Berni continued: “Managing this change in quality, especially when moving between clamps or different cuts, will be important as farmers drive milk yields forward this autumn and winter. Later cuts are likely to have a negative impact on forage dry matter intake.”

Quantity is also likely to be key for some producers this winter said Mr Berni: "It is important to calculate how much silage you have and if it is enough to get you through key feeding periods. If not explore alternatives to plug the gap. Also ensure that you analyse all silage so that you can put together a winter feed plan that will deliver.”