The grass harvest has started on East Frisia. The first cut is crucial for the feed of the dairy cows. The heavy machines also stand out on the streets.
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Emden/East Frisia – The meadows on East Frisia are very busy these days, because the grass harvest begins in many places. For farmers, the first average of the year is also the most important thing to optimally supply their animals. So that the grass becomes the perfect silage, it now depends on farmers – and the weather. At the same time, the work with the heavy machines also affects road traffic. And some drivers are more of a forbearance on the lane in view of the tractor and chopper.
In view of the ongoing work, the main association for East Frisia asks for understanding, patience and also consideration. “Unfortunately, there are always dangerous situations on the street. The tractor team is relatively long, that should be considered when overtaking, or you don’t see any other vehicles in front of the tractor,” says Managing Director Maren Ziegler at the request of our editorial team. Often the machines are only briefly on the street and soon turn to the field or courtyard. “Overtaking maneuvers are usually not worth it at all,” she is convinced. It can also be dangerous if the machines have to turn off when turning.
From the country it goes directly to the large silo shopping near the courtyard. Image: private
-Since the end of April
Now and in the next few weeks there will be a lot going on in the fields and streets. Depending on the weather, it is usually mowed from the end of April to mid -May. “This year the conditions were relatively good, the first were already on the road after Easter at the end of April,” says Ziegler. On the other hand, the areas were very wet and the fields were sometimes not passable. The result: the meadows first had to dry, and the mowing started later. And it also depends on the temperatures so that the grass grows.
From the time wherever the mow is, it has to go quickly. Because the harvest is dependent on the weather, optimally it should remain dry from the mowing to the film on the finished bunch, and if a change in the weather is reported, it depends on every minute. After the grass has been mowed, it is turned and later merged into long rows. As a rule, the big choppers are then used to transport the grass to the parallel Silowages. The cars finally bring the grass to the courtyard, where it is driven on a bunch and compressed using rolling tractors. That must be to suppress the oxygen. If the pile is firm, it is covered with foils.
The grass section is important to create the high -quality silage. Image: private
Important ingredients
All of this is done so that the cows and cattle are in stock for the cows and cattle all year round near the courtyard. The first silo cut usually provides the most energy-rich and protein-containing food of the year. It is usually reserved for dairy cows, they need energy for milk production. An optimal cutting point ensures high digestibility and nutrient density. If mowing is too late, the raw fiber content increases, while energy and protein content decreases, which reduces the quality of feed. All of the thing that does not provide the silage of nutrients and energy must be compensated for with more expensive, purchased food. A good quality silage saves costs for the farmer.
The optimal cutting point is therefore crucial and ensures the preservation of the ingredients, because too much rain can literally rinse out of the grass and thus reduce the quality. “Therefore, it is unfortunately necessary to drive far into the evening or on weekends,” says Maren Ziegler – and also asks for your understanding.
