Benefits of Whole crop silage to wildlife

Feargal as Luimneach

http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/269365-study-shows-wildlife-benefits-of-cereal-silage
"Livestock farmers can give threatened wildlife a boost by opting for cereal silage over maize or grass, according to a new scientific study.

Wholecrop cereal silage has increased in popularity in recent years. Research funded by Defra and carried out by the RSPB has shown it provides benefits for farmland birds including skylarks, yellowhammers and lapwings – all of which are continuing to decline in areas dominated by lowland livestock.

The study is set to be published in the scientific journal Biological Conservation. Researchers looked at 16 farms - 15 dairy and one beef - over three years. Each farm featured four plots of typical silage crops – wheat, barley, maize and grass.

The results showed that spring sown barley delivered the most benefits for wildlife with skylarks, linnets, yellowhammers and sparrows all feeding on beneficial arable weeds within the crop. Wheat provided some benefits during summer, but grass and maize were largely avoided by priority farmland birds."
Winter sown crops are not of benefit........

reilig

Feargal as Luimneach wrote: »

The results showed that spring sown barley delivered the most benefits for wildlife with skylarks, linnets, yellowhammers and sparrows all feeding on beneficial arable weeds within the crop. ........

Its a lovely spin on it. Arable weeds

Somehow I think they feed more on the peas and grain - firstly on the seed that is sown and then on what is growing. Sure every seller of arable seed mix tells you to sow it a little heavier than recommended to allow for bird damage.

Birdnuts

reilig wrote: »

Its a lovely spin on it. Arable weeds

Somehow I think they feed more on the peas and grain - firstly on the seed that is sown and then on what is growing. Sure every seller of arable seed mix tells you to sow it a little heavier than recommended to allow for bird damage.

Did u read the full article

this scheme specifically targets species like skylark, yellowhammer etc. that feed in stubble - not standing/newly sown crops like crows and pigeons who are the main culprits when it comes to bird damage. Plus input cost are alot lower then silage etc. and support may be available under various schemes that are replacing REPS.

5live

Birdnuts wrote: »

Did u read the full article

this scheme specifically targets species like skylark, yellowhammer etc. that feed in stubble - not standing/newly sown crops like crows and pigeons who are the main culprits when it comes to bird damage. Plus input cost are alot lower then silage etc. and support may be available under various schemes that are replacing REPS.

Yawn;). Post for nature forum perhaps

Birdnuts

5live wrote: »

Yawn;). Post for nature forum perhaps

Sadly its that kind of attitude that can alienate many from supporting the cause of the family farm in Ireland:(. With the reform of the CAP more and more EU farm supports will be going into this area as opposed to headage and other "market" distorting schemes. This is in the best interests of of maintaining as many farmers and family farms on the land as opposed to going down the ultimately hopeless road of trying to compete with the Brazils of this world which would soon lead to the obliteration of farmer numbers and the rural countryside with giant "ranch" type farming.:(

5live

Birdnuts wrote: »

Sadly its that kind of attitude that can alienate many from supporting the cause of the family farm in Ireland:(. With the reform of the CAP more and more EU farm supports will be going into this area as opposed to headage and other "market" distorting schemes. This is in the best interests of of maintaining as many farmers and family farms on the land as opposed to going down the ultimately hopeless road of trying to compete with the Brazils of this world which would soon lead to the obliteration of farmer numbers and the rural countryside with giant "ranch" type farming.:(

And yet we are told to get bigger to spread overheads over more production. So which way do the public want it? Large farms with efficient production and minimal supports or small part-time family farms with more supports? Because i am damn confused about mixed messages issueing from the 'environmental' lobbies and the general public. Incidentally, despite farming efficiently, I have a fantastic array of wildlife on my land and dont recieve or wish to recieve a red cent from anybody for protecting,in my own little corner of the world, my familys future and environment;)

Birdnuts

5live wrote: »

And yet we are told to get bigger to spread overheads over more production. So which way do the public want it? )

Well most of the EU wide surveys I've seen show taxpayers are most willing to support farmers in return for maintaining healthy rural environments and landscapes. As regards mixed messages - I totally agree with U!!, the likes of the IFA, IFJ and the Dept of Agriculture all seem to be promoting the road to ruin when it comes to keeping family farms and farmers on the land in this country:(