For British farmers, first-cut grass silage is crucial. It often sets the standard for feed quality across the entire winter. But achieving both high quality and sufficient yield is a challenge, and many farmers wonder exactly when to cut and how to get the most from their silage.
In this article, we explore the specific challenges of first-cut grass silage in the UK, why timing and management are critical, and how modern solutions like Safeguard 6 can help.
Why First-Cut Grass Silage Is So Important
First cut often represents the largest single contribution of feed energy for the herd during winter. Its quality influences milk yield, cow health, and overall farm efficiency. According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), early-season grass typically has a higher digestibility and energy content than later cuts, but these advantages are easily lost if the silage is poorly managed.
For example, research indicates that even a modest improvement of 0.5 MJ/kg DM in silage can lead to an extra litre of milk per cow per day during winter feeding, potentially adding £50+ per cow over a 200-day period.
"First cut is your foundation. If it's high quality, the rest of the season flows better. If it's low quality, it's a constant uphill battle," says Colin Orr, silage specialist and developer of Safeguard 6.
The Key Challenges with First-Cut Grass in the UK
1. Timing: The Age vs. Yield Dilemma
Traditionally, farmers aim to cut when around 50% of the sward is at ear emergence. The idea is to balance yield and quality. Cutting too early can reduce total tonnage, while cutting too late decreases energy content and digestibility.
However, trials from SRUC show that cutting just 7–10 days earlier can significantly improve silage quality without dramatically reducing total seasonal yield. Early-cut silage can have higher digestibility, higher energy content, and even improve subsequent cuts.
2. Weather Variability
UK spring weather is notoriously unpredictable. Wet conditions can delay cutting or increase drying challenges, while warmer, drier springs can accelerate growth. Both extremes impact silage quality and fermentation.
3. Multi-Cut Systems
Modern UK farms often operate multi-cut systems to maximise yield. This adds pressure to get first cut right, because it sets the stage for the regrowth and overall seasonal productivity.
4. Storage and Feed-Out Losses
Even the best first-cut grass can lose value if clamp management and fermentation aren't optimised. Heating, spoilage, and protein breakdown reduce feed value and milk performance.
"More milk from forage isn't optional in 2026 — it's survival," says Colin Orr, developer of Safeguard 6. "The clamp is where you either recover or lose the value you've already grown."
How Safeguard 6 Helps Solve These Challenges
This is where Safeguard 6 comes in. Developed by Colin Orr, one of the UK's most experienced silage additive specialists, Safeguard 6 is designed specifically for British grass, multi-cut systems, and modern farm pressures.
The lactic acid lowers pH quickly, protecting the silage early, while acetic acid ensures stability during feed-out. The enzyme also releases extra sugars, improving digestibility and milk performance.
"First cut is always tricky, but with the right additive, you can protect what you've grown and make every tonne work harder," explains Colin. "Safeguard 6 is farmer-priced, so you get premium performance without breaking the bank."
Putting It All Together
Successfully managing first-cut grass silage is a balancing act. Farmers need to consider timing, weather, crop composition, storage, and feed-out. Modern additives like Safeguard 6 make this task easier, protecting silage quality, improving feed efficiency, and helping maximise milk yield.
In short, Safeguard 6 helps farmers turn first-cut challenges into an opportunity, delivering better silage, better performance, and better returns.
Learn More About Safeguard 6
If you want to improve your first-cut grass silage and get the most from every tonne, find your nearest distributor today or order online.
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