The Welshpool Livestock Market discovered the quality of hay and grass silage is lacking this year.

This was revealed by analysing forage samples at the recent Wynnstay Beef and Sheep Event.

The event, attended by around 1,000 farmers, served as a platform for experts and industry leaders to share knowledge, discuss trends, and explore innovative practices in the livestock industry.

The forage samples submitted for testing revealed significant issues such as low protein content, high fibre levels, and poor fermentation quality.

These findings have sparked discussions on addressing these problems to improve livestock performance.

The overall quality of the forages submitted for sampling was found to be below target.

This highlights the need for careful supplementation with energy and protein this winter.

Forage samples were submitted at the Wynnstay Beef and Sheep event (Image: Wynnstay) The analysis of hay, grass silage, maize, and whole crop silage indicates that strategic adjustments will be necessary to help farmers enhance the nutritional value of their feed rations.

Bryn Hughes, Wynnstay’s national sheep and beef manager, said: "Understanding your forage's profile is the first step in optimising herd or flock health and productivity."

The hay samples revealed crude protein (CP) levels averaging only 6.5 per cent, falling below the ideal 8-11 per cent range.

Mr Hughes said: "The low CP levels are concerning.

"Mature, late-cut grasses divert nutrients to structural carbohydrates, which lowers protein content.

"Farmers must balance this with protein supplements to maintain livestock performance."

The grass silage showed CP levels at an average of 9.3 per cent, which is also below the target range of 12-16 per cent.

High pH levels, averaging 4.6, also added to the issue.

Mr Hughes said: "Elevated pH allows clostridia to break down protein into ammonia, rendering it less useful to livestock and diminishing the feed's nutritional value.

"This can negatively affect growth rates and cause health issues."

Grass silage showed notably high levels of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) at 68.3 per cent and lignin at 6.3 per cent, suggesting the grass was harvested at an overly mature stage.

Mr Hughes said: "Excessive NDF means more structural carbohydrates, which slow digestion and reduce feed intake."

Butyric acid levels averaged 0.6 per cent, surpassing the preferred threshold of <0.1 per cent, signalling poor fermentation and inadequate silage preservation, which can negatively impact feed quality.

Mr Hughes highlighted the importance of essential management practices.

He said: "Supplementing lower-protein forage with high-protein feed is necessary to sustain livestock productivity.

"And incorporating yeast metabolites can aid fibre digestion and support rumen health, making fibrous silage more manageable."

While farmers cannot control the weather, the foundation for better silage next year lies in proper preparation.

Mr Hughes said: "Adjusting the timing of cuts, ensuring rapid wilting and tightly packed clamps to exclude oxygen can prevent harmful bacterial activity and preserve protein integrity.

"Small but significant changes can greatly enhance feed quality and animal performance."