The following immediate
actions are recommended
Complete a feed budget for next winter including a reserve of at least one month forage. Consider how many horses you will have on the farm (over-estimate in case planned sales are not achieved), how much forage they will require monthly, and extend the housing season duration by one month to that planned). Fertilise forage ground before closing based on soil test results. Ensure enough Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S) are available to grow the crop. Seek advice from your local agricultural advisor. By mid-April close off sufficient area based on forage budget requirements. Roll forage ground as required and where soil conditions are suitable. Bear in mind the ring roller has aeration benefits over a flat roller. Plan for lime application where low soil pH needs to be addressed. Applying lime on bare ground after first cut is a good opportunity. Consider also
Constantly changing forage types is not conducive to horse health and often responsible for gastric problems and colic. Ideally purchase or produce enough of the same batch of good quality forage for a whole season, therefore careful forage budgeting is a very important first step to know how much will be required. Open bales of haylage should be used inside of four days (winter)/three days (summer) and this can determine the choice between hay/haylage based on the number of horses required to feed large bale haylage within the safe periods when opened.