Finished silaging? Take one more look at the pile

For many producers, silaging is well underway. Once the pile is covered, it’s tempting to move on to harvest or tackle the next job on the list. But taking a few minutes to check that cover now can help protect months of work.

Silage needs to stay sealed to ferment properly and maintain feed quality. Even a small tear or loose edge can allow oxygen into the pile, creating spoilage and reducing the value of the feed underneath.;

A quick walk around the pile is often enough to catch problems early. Look for holes caused by wildlife, equipment, or weather, and repair any damage as soon as it’s found. Small issues are usually much easier (and cheaper!) to fix before they become larger ones.

It’s also worth checking that tires, gravel bags, or other weights are still secure. Strong winds can shift plastic over time, especially along the edges where spoilage is often most common.

Water management is another area to keep an eye on. Standing water on top of the cover can shorten the life of the plastic and increase the risk of damage. Making sure water drains away from the pile can help prevent problems down the road.

After the time, fuel, and labour invested in putting up quality silage, protecting it is time well spent. A few minutes spent inspecting the pile today could save feed, money, and frustration when feeding season rolls around this winter.