'Autumn cuts also fit in dairy rations'

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 Roel Assies, dairy farmer in Zeewolde (Flevoland).

How has the growing season been so far?
"For the first cut, 40 cubic meters of slurry was applied early on February 22. It was a wet and cold spring, which meant that the growth of the grass only started later. Still, I am satisfied with the water that has come this season. Because part of the lawns was sown in the autumn last year, the grass quality was at a good level later in May, resulting in a good quality first cut. It is noticeable that the red clover already gives a very nice result from the first cut."

How is the stable feeding going this year?
"The stable feeding is going very well this year and optimal grass has always been taken from the land for the dairy cows. On a block of 12 hectares, stable feeding can be rotated. In addition to stable feeding, the first cuts are now also fed, the results of this silage has not yet arrived, but it is very tasty food and is therefore well absorbed."

What is your strategy for the other grass cuts?
"The other cuts that are ensiled are fed in both the young cattle ration and the dairy cattle ration. This is done because each cut is actually good quality which can be fed to any animal group. There aren't really bad quality fall cuts here."

Would you consider grazing?
"Grazing is done here and there in the area, but with this good quality soil and losses with grazing, this is not an option for me. "We practice Flevoland's pastures here, where we bring the grass to the cow."

How do you experience the roughage tour so far this year?
"It is an interactive and instructive group this year where it is nice to learn from different topics. Sometimes there are also discussions where new arguments come up, giving you new insights."

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