Farmers urged to act ahead of potential silage shortages

By Andrew Heskin, Partner, and ARA specialist

An experienced livestock nutritionist has warned that farmers need to act now and implement their winter-feeding strategies into place because of a silage shortage.

The extreme weather in 2025 has placed increasing financial pressures on farmers after another poor harvest year but stressed the importance of planning ahead to avoid a crisis.

For farmers, this means organising their feeding strategies, seeing what food is available and working out the additional costs involved to cover the winter season, especially with costs likely to increase due to demand and availability.

Why should farmers act now?

The silage shortage means farmers will need to find a solution to ensure their livestock is getting the food and nutrition it needs over the winter months.

In addition to this, many farmers will be in the same boat, meaning the quicker you act, the quicker you can stay ahead and put measures in place to prepare.

Speaking about why farmers need to be proactive, Steven Eddie, of East Coast Viners Animal Nutrition, said: “Whatever the markets, getting the feed inputs right is a small investment for consistent long-term gain.

“You need to make sure you have adequate supply of silage in your pit, and if you make the supplementations now, you could stretch this by a month. By February and March, it is too late.”

“Planning effectively will reduce the sleepless nights between now and the first flush of spring grass next year.”

It is going to be a testing period, packed with challenges for farmers, especially with the price of silage likely to increase over the winter months because of the shortage problems.

However, putting a plan in place that helps your account for any additional costs involved makes the challenge much easier to manage.

Help is available for farmers planning for winter

Planning ahead for the winter months is essential, which is why you need to have a clear picture of your farm’s finances.

Having this allows you to work out the funds available to prepare for a silage shortage in winter and ensure your livestock are well-fed in what is going to be a testing period for your farm.

Our team can help you look at your farm’s finances, analyse your current incomings and expenditures and spot opportunities where money can be saved and used for emergencies and long-term strategy planning.

Get your farm ready for winter by getting in touch with our expert team.