After the significantly lower grass cuts from earlier this year, the fourth one is of good quality. However, the yield depends on the region. Do dairy farmers also have enough feed to get through the winter?
Edward Ensing, roughage specialist at Barenbrug, is happy with the quality of the fourth cut. "The harvest conditions were exceptionally good. The sunny weather and rain alternated regularly, making the quality very high. The fourth cut contains sufficient sugars and a high protein content."
The grass was also allowed to dry thoroughly before being brought indoors; This certainly applies to the farmers who... cut not mowed too early.
Varying yield
The yield of the fourth cut is still up for debate. "The yield varies per region, which is due to recent weather conditions. For example, the east of the Netherlands has significantly less grass compared to other regions. These yields easily vary from 2,5 to 4,5 tons per hectare." , says Jos Groot Koerkamp, agricultural seed specialist at Limagrain.
Despite a good fourth grass cut, most farmers still have disappointing yields due to the drought. Compared to previous years, most livestock farmers miss approximately 30% to 40% of the normal yield.
Insufficient for winter
In any case, this year's harvest will not be enough to get through the winter. The stocks of last year will therefore be decisive. “Those with a reasonable supply should be able to get through the winter, but enough others will have to buy feed to still meet the needs of the dairy cattle,” says Groot Koerkamp.
It is unclear whether there will be a fifth cut. This will also depend on the weather. "As long as the temperature does not fall below 5 degrees Celsius, the grass will continue to grow slowly," says Gerard Abbink, advisor at Groeikracht. Groot Koerkamp sees it positively: "A fifth cut will happen, although the yield will probably be less."