Silage season kicks off early across Estonia as warm May spurs rapid grass growth

This year's silage-making season has started earlier than usual in several parts of Estonia, driven by a warm spell in May that accelerated grass growth. Farmers are racing to harvest at the optimal moment to preserve maximum nutritional value in the silage.

Silage-making is in full swing across Estonia this season, with farmers reporting an earlier-than-usual start to the harvest. A cool and occasionally frosty spring initially slowed grass growth, but a warm wave in May pushed plants into rapid development, leaving little time to wait before cutting.

The timing of silage harvest is critical for livestock farmers. If grass is left too long before cutting, its nutritional content — particularly protein and digestible fibre — begins to decline, reducing the quality of the feed that will sustain cattle and sheep through the winter months.

Despite the tricky start to the growing season, with cold snaps causing some damage to pastures earlier in the spring, the subsequent warm period has compensated for lost time. Farmers across the country are now working at full capacity to bring in the first cut before conditions change again.

Silage quality depends not only on when the grass is cut but also on the ensiling process itself — proper compression and airtight sealing of the clamp or bale are essential to prevent spoilage. Estonian farmers are well aware of these requirements, and early indications suggest this season's crop could be of good quality if harvested at the right stage.

The early start to the silage season is a reminder of how variable Estonian spring weather can be, and how quickly farmers must adapt their plans to make the most of favourable conditions when they arrive.