Protein composition determines storage of field beans

De Boerenbusiness Roughage Tour follows 10 plots of maize and grass spread across the Netherlands this year. High time to take stock of the situation with the 10 participating dairy farmers. This time it is Bert Wissels, dairy farmer in Hengelo (Gelderland).

It is mid-growing season. How did the grass harvest go and how is the maize doing?
"The ensiled grass was harvested at the right time and was picked last week. The nutritional values ​​are not yet known, but I expect that there will be enough protein in it, which is not very fast. The composition of the protein also determines how I use the broad beans. When the grass silage shows that the protein is faster than expected, I crush the field beans. That fits better in the ration."

"The maize is in very good condition, it is over 3 meters and is not affected much by the water that has fallen. The maize was sown variably this year, which means that less densely sown in drought-sensitive places, which creates less competitive pressure. more moisture and nutrients is more concentrated. This gives the maize plant more space where it is needed. The concentration varies between 95.000 and 105.000 seeds."

What does the field with field beans look like?
"The field with field beans generally looks good, but unfortunately root rot has occurred (Rhizoctonia fungus). This is probably because it has been quite wet recently, but also because summer field beans are very sensitive to diseases. has received 20 cubic meters of slurry as the only fertilizer and is doing well on this. There is also enough in the soil and the nitrogen can be extracted further from the air. I expect to be able to harvest around the end of August."

How do you like the Roughage Tour so far?
"It is a very nice and instructive group from which I learn several things. There are various dairy farmers who use drag hoses every year and tell them that the manure is better available for the plant. This year I did this myself and was able to do it well. see on the grass. These are fun and instructive things. There is also a lot of activity in the whatsapp group, which keeps everyone on their toes."

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