Second-cut silage is your next big opportunity to secure quality winter feed. While the first cut may have provided the bulk, the second cut is all about achieving the quality that supports high-performing dairy and beef herds through the winter. With variable weather, rising input costs, and tighter margins, making the most of second cut has never been more important.

Here’s how to plan, cut, and manage your second-cut silage to maximise both quality and return on investment.

Don’t Delay Cutting – Quality Declines Fast

Once the crop reaches the right stage, cut without delay. Delaying second cut to bulk up yield often comes at the cost of digestibility, sugar levels, and feed quality. Grass matures quickly in July, and a few days’ delay can significantly reduce silage DMD and energy value.

Aim to cut 3–5 weeks after first cut, once regrowth hits 3,500–4,000 kg DM/ha. Grass should be green, leafy, and free of seed heads. Cutting at the right time ensures:

  • Higher digestibility and energy content
  • Better intake potential and animal performance
  • Less reliance on costly concentrates

Focus on Wilting and Sugar Levels

Wilting is key to preserving nutrients and improving fermentation. Aim to wilt grass to 28–32% dry matter within 24 hours of cutting. This reduces effluent loss and improves intake.

To help sugars reach the right level for effective fermentation:

  • Cut in dry conditions, ideally late morning or early afternoon
  • Avoid mowing wet grass or during prolonged dull weather
  • Use an additive if sugar content is low or weather is unsettled

A rapid wilt, combined with high sugar levels, sets the stage for stable, high-quality silage.

Choose the Right Fertiliser Timing

If you’re applying slurry or fertiliser after first cut, timing is everything. Second-cut grass needs around 70–80 units of nitrogen (N) and appropriate levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). 

Preparation Matters: Check Machinery, Swards and Weather

Before going near the mower:

  • Check mower blades are intact and replace any that have been damaged
  • Walk fields for stones or debris that can damage machinery or contaminate silage
  • Monitor the weather forecast — a 2–3 day settled spell is ideal to cut, wilt, and lift safely

Also, keep an eye on grass composition. If swards are open, thin, or showing weed issues post-first-cut, this is a good time to address them before regrowth begins.

Clamp Management: Seal in Quality

What happens in the pit is just as important as what happens in the field. Good clamp management prevents waste and locks in feed value.

  • Fill and roll in layers of no more than 6 inches
  • Use silage additive to break down fibre, releasing more sugars.
  • Roll continuously to exclude air and promote anaerobic fermentation
  • Sheet the clamp tightly the same day — use a quality top sheet and side sheets to prevent oxygen ingress
  • Consider using SiloStop silage film to maximise spoilage prevention and feed quality.

If using bales, ensure they’re wrapped tight and stored away from vermin and sharp objects.

 

Make Every Cut Count

The second cut is your chance to lift silage quality and reduce winter feeding costs — but it requires planning and quick action. From fertiliser timing and weather windows to clamp sealing and feed-out strategies, every decision matters.

If you want to get the best return from your second cut this year, our team at Specialist Nutrition is here to help. We offer advice on silage quality, feeding strategies, and the right moist feeds and supplements to support animal performance. Contact us today to build a second-cut plan that protects your forage and your bottom line.

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