A testimonial from Noel Lawlor, entrepreneur in County Kildare (Ireland)

Noel Lawlor of Emerald Haylage in County Kildare, Ireland, makes around 10,000 small bales each year and 800-900 bigger bales. The small ones weigh about 40 kg and the big ones 350 kg. They are sold to a variety of equestrian enterprises including stud farms, trainers, show jumpers, eventers and hunters.

"The advantages of haylage are clear in years when hay has been very difficult to make. Haylage gives a good consistent product, dust and spore free. It's also a better product nutritionally as it's richer in protein and energy.

"To make good haylage, you still need some good weather. I use Italian ryegrass grown on three-year leys. It's cut a little later than silage but earlier than hay. I'm aiming for a dry matter of 65-70%. I leave the cut grass on the ground for 2-3 days then bale and wrap straight away using six layers of wrap. I've always used six because this is what was recommended. I know farmers use four when wrapping silage, but the air permeates if you only use four on haylage.

"One 40 kg bale lasts one horse one week, eating 5-6 kg/day. The higher the dry matter and colder the weather the longer it will keep after opening. In November, December and January it keeps a week easily, but the more mature the grass the better. I don't use an additive; I just try to make sure the grass quality is good enough."

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Read more about bale silage as fodder for horses

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