Noting a tough season for many farmers there is still an expectation that fodder production will hopefully get underway in the Mansfield district before the end of October.
Mansfield farmer Jim Vasey said the Shepparton area was already well advanced.
“We are starting to cut at Kotupna on the weekend and here in another three weeks,” said Mr Vasey.
Output will depend on stocking rates over winter, he said, if pastures are locked up you will get more.
Moisture in the ground is another factor.
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Another local silage and hay contractor who preferred not to be named believed it was possible late October but only if we "get some decent rain" this month.
For Boorolite contractor Craig Jones, he is looking at cutting silage locally in the third week of October, but rain was key to that happening.
"We had some good rain for germination of sown crop," Mr Jones said.
For those who also used urea it had performed well providing a boost in growth, he added.
"If we continue to get showers, silage will be OK but hay won't last very long without a fair bit more moisture," Mr Jones said.
According to Agriculture Victoria, capitalising on the spring surplus will be critical on farms this year.
While some things are out of our control, focusing on key factors will help ensure that you get the best possible return, the department advised.
This continues on from advice provided at a fodder production workshop held in Mansfield last month during which Agriculture Victoria reminded farmers about five key factors to consider for silage this year.
The first step is to assess pasture surplus and only use pasture that exceeds animal requirements.
Secondly apply nitrogen if needed.
Once cutting is delayed beyond six weeks, the quality of the silage declines more rapidly than if no nitrogen is applied and this can result in large quantities of low-quality silage which is unsuitable to feed cows in the early stage of lactation.
By using rates of nitrogen up to 50 kg N/ha, responses of 18 kg DM/ha for every kg N applied, six weeks after application can be produced.
Use up to 50 kg per hectare to boost dry matter yield and cut pasture within six weeks of nitrogen application.
Thirdly cut at the right stage.
It is advised ideally, cut when ryegrass is at early ear emergence.
Due to the seasonal conditions this year, it is more likely that paddocks will be cut at a range of times, for example, when it is still vegetive or later than early ear emergence.
Step four is the wilt and dry the forage stage.
Use tedders to help speed up drying and to improve quality.
For pit silage aim for 30 per cent dry matter and for bale silage it is recommended to aim for 45–50 per cent dry matter.
The length of the wilting period will be dictated by the type of silage to be made and weather conditions.
Given reasonable drying conditions material should be ready for pit silage within 48 hours and for bale silage within 72 hours.
The final step is to ensile material quickly and seal well.
Anyone needing more information about drought support are encouraged to visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
