The 2021/22 FWGS All-Wales Clamp Silage competition winner is South Caernarfon Grassland Society member – Ifan Ifans, Tyddyn Cae, Boduan, Pwllheli.
The Judging Panel agreed that Tyddyn Cae met all the criteria laid out in the competition specifications. It is a well-managed system. Whilst the analyses on the quality of the silage is important, the judges also visit each farm to assess clamp management and feeding practices amongst other efficiency markers.
Tyddyn Cae is a 520 acre dairy farm situated on the Llyn Peninsula, with 400 acres grass used in rotation and 120 acres arable forage (80 undersown wholecrop and 40 acres maize). They have a total milk production each month of 6700 litres/cows. Butterfat 4.6% Protein 3.7%
The foundation of the winter ration analysed at DM 33%, D-value 74.6%, ME 11.9 MJ/kg and CP 12.8% showing high intake levels and a very well made crop.
200 acres was taken for first cut on the 5th of May – the crop was wilted for 18hrs and the ensiling process completed in a day. Ecosyl additive is used at each cut. There was a second (10th June) and third cut (22nd July) of 250 acres each making up a total of 2000t ensiled.
The runner-up to this year’s very close run competition was dairy farmer Dai Davies and family of Gwarffynnon, Silian, Lampeter – members of Mid Cards Grassland Society.
Gwarffynnon is a 184 acre farm with 135 dairy cows, and 75 young stock. The foundation of the winter ration analysed at DM 28.1%, D-value 78.1%, ME 12.5 MJ/kg and CP 16.7%.
The other three worthy finalists and regional winners were Bryn Jones, Nantgoch, Penybont, (member of Powys Grassland Society); Ian Haycock, Allt Y Bailey, Velfrey Road, Whitland (member of Narberth Grassland Society); and David Price, Ackhill Farm, Presteigne (member of East Radnor Grassland Society).
The judging panel consisted of technical judge John Evans; Industry sponsor Bryn Hughes, Wynnstay; as well as 2021 Clamp Silage competition winning partnership Nigel Williams & Joy Smith, Parc-y-Marl, Llysyfran, Clarberston Road; and the 2020 Clamp winner: Michael Williams, Fagwrfran East, Puncheston, Haverfordwest (who due to Covid restrictions missed out on the farm visits in last year’s judging process).
John Evans, Lead Judge said: “Once again it was a pleasure and a privilege to Judge the Clamp Silage Competition. We saw five farmers all doing a very good job and adopting the
systems that suited them and their farms. Most notable this year was the almost complete lack of waste (surface, side and shoulder) in all the clamps. Clearly a great deal of care went into sealing each clamp. Congratulations to all five finalists for their hard work.”
Charlie Morgan, FWGS Secretary said the standard and attention to detail shown by all finalists continues to reach new levels. Modern technological advances coupled with sound stockmanship is a solid combination for success.
The All Wales Clamp Silage Competition is run in conjunction with the RWAS, and sponsored by Wynnstay, and the analysis is provided by Agri-Lloyd. The competition is open to all members of the 22 Welsh Grassland Societies.
The Wynnstay website can be found at wynnstay.co.uk
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