Richard Lane, dairy advisor and nutritionist at The Dairy Group, warns that the prolonged dry spell could affect forage availability later in the year.

“Silage cutting is underway and while quality looks promising, yields are back slightly on some farms due to the dry conditions. Grass growth has been steady rather than strong, and many farms are still buffer feeding to maintain milk output, helped by a good milk price. However, forage carry over is variable – for some it’s a feast, for others a famine,” says Mr Lane.

He adds that if rain does not arrive soon, there may also be challenges for spring reseeds and maize, with reduced moisture availability likely to impact growth and yields.

“While there’s no need for panic, it’s sensible for farmers to conduct a forage budget now and have contingency plans in place. On one of our client’s farms in Somerset, they recorded just 36mm of rain in March and April, compared to 300mm in April 2024. If we don’t see rain soon, moisture deficits could become a real concern.”

Contingency options include speaking to arable neighbours about wholecrop if silage is short or looking at forage alternatives, such as moist co-products – which are often in good supply during the summer months and provide a cost-effective way to extend forage stocks.

“Feeds like C★Traffordgold®, brewers’ grains, and moist blends can all help extend forage and are incredibly palatable,” she explains. “If forage is on the drier side or farmers are trying to use up older stocks, these feeds can help drive intakes. They’re also nutritionally rich, sustainable, and provide a consistent feed option that supports production. C★Traffordgold®, in particular, is high in energy and digestible fibre, and has been proven to work well in both dairy and beef systems.” She suggests inclusion rates of 5–8kg/head/day.

Brewers’ grains and C★Traffordgold® also offer good fibre levels, with NDF contents of around 50–60% and 25% respectively, and protein levels of approximately 20–24%. “When included in a TMR, they offer a balanced source of fibre, protein and energy,” adds Ms Keep. However, due to their short particle size, she advises feeding alongside a long fibre source to support rumen function.

“Our team of trained nutritionists and advisers are available to help farmers assess their current situation and discuss the feeding options that best suit their system – whether that’s now or looking ahead to winter,” she says.

Farmers are encouraged to act early, review forage budgets, and explore feed options to help avoid supply issues later in the year.