When grass silage yields are under pressure, many British dairy farmers ask the same question: what is wholecrop silage, and could it work on my farm?
In short, wholecrop silage is a forage made from cereal crops such as wheat, barley or triticale harvested before full maturity. Unlike traditional grass silage, wholecrop includes both the grain and straw in the chop, offering high dry matter, useful scratch factor, and, if timed right, excellent starch content.
But wholecrop isn’t just an emergency backup when grass is tight. Managed well, it can become a reliable, cost-effective, and nutritionally valuable part of your silage plan.
Let’s take a closer look at how it works – and how to make it work for you.
Why Choose Wholecrop Silage?
For many UK dairy farms, wholecrop silage is seen as a flexible forage option that can:
- Boost forage stocks in dry or difficult grass years
- Improve ration balance with higher dry matter and effective fibre
- Spread risk by reducing reliance on grass alone
- Deliver starch energy for milk yield or beef finishing when harvested at the right time
It also fits well into mixed systems. For example, cereal crops destined for grain can be diverted to wholecrop in poor seasons, helping farmers make the most of available ground.
Timing Is Key
Cereal crops move fast in July and August. One week, the grain is milky, the next it’s like concrete. Therefore, the harvest window is tight.
The ideal stage for wholecrop silage is the soft-to-mid dough stage of the grain. At this point:
- Starch levels are high and digestible
- Fibre is mature, but not yet too lignified
- Dry matter is typically in the 35–45% range
Harvesting too early sacrifices starch. Too late, and the digestibility drops sharply. If crops reach the hard dough stage, consider using a wholecrop header and grain processor to crack the grain and maintain feed value.
Cutting Height and Chop Length
When it comes to cutting height, aim slightly higher than for grass, around 10–12 cm off the ground. This avoids the tough, lignified base of the plant and reduces the risk of soil contamination.
Chop length should be short, around 10-12 mm. This helps with:
- Consolidation in the clamp
- Better fermentation
- Improved palatability and digestibility
Wholecrop can be springy and difficult to compress, so short chop lengths are essential for a firm, airtight clamp.
Clamp Management: Oxygen Is the Enemy
Wholecrop silage doesn’t forgive poor clamp discipline. It is high in dry matter and low in natural sugars, making it especially prone to spoilage from yeasts and moulds.
To prevent heating and energy loss:
- Roll well: every layer, every load
- Layer thinly, don’t dump in large mounds
- Use an oxygen barrier film, not just black plastic
- Apply plenty of weight on top when sealing
If possible, orient clamps to encourage even compaction and protect from water ingress. Indoor clamps offer even more stability, but outdoor ones can still perform if managed properly.
Avoid folding sheets back across the face, even in wet weather. This traps warm air, triggering the spoilage cycle and attracting insects.
The Role of Additives in Wholecrop Silage
Because wholecrop silage ferments differently from grass, bacterial inoculants are highly recommended, not just as insurance, but as a genuine investment in feed quality.
Look for products with strains like:
- Lactococcus lactis 0224 – Drops pH rapidly, scavenges oxygen and limits yeast activity
- Lactobacillus buchneri LB1819 – Produces acetic acid, which inhibits spoilage organisms and improves aerobic stability
One such additive, SiloSolve FC, uses a two-strain approach to both rapidly acidify and stabilise silage. Research shows it can significantly reduce yeast and mould activity, preserve dry matter, and allow safe opening in as little as 7 days.
Wholecrop Silage vs Grass Silage
| Feature | Wholecrop Silage | Grass Silage |
| Dry Matter | 35–45% | 25–35% |
| Starch | Moderate to high (if timely) | Low |
| Protein | Lower | Higher |
| Scratch Factor | High | Low to moderate |
| Fermentation Risk | High (needs care) | Moderate |
| Consolidation | Difficult | Easy |
Used together, wholecrop and grass silage can balance each other out. Wholecrop adds energy and structure, while grass brings protein and fermentable fibre.
Feeding Wholecrop to Cows
Wholecrop can be fed as part of a TMR for:
- Dairy herds: to increase energy density and effective fibre
- Youngstock: as a palatable and structured forage
- Beef cattle: especially finishing animals who benefit from added starch
Cows like it, especially when it’s cool, clean and well-fermented.
Final Thoughts
Wholecrop silage isn’t just a plan B, it’s a powerful forage option when managed correctly. With attention to crop maturity, harvesting technique, clamp sealing and fermentation, it can become a reliable, high-value part of your feeding strategy.
As more UK farmers face unpredictable growing conditions, diversifying silage sources is becoming not only smart but essential.
