23 September 2004: High energy silage can form a big part of the feed program of many feedlots, however growing a corn silage crop in areas of lower rainfall and without high levels of irrigation can be difficult.

One viable option to maize for silage is planting a specialist silage sorghum.
These sorghums generally reach maturity faster than corn, thereby reducing the number of waterings required if irrigation is available.

Last summer Myola Feedlot, at Croppa Creek planted 480 hectares of the specialist silage sorghum, Chopper, which they cut for silage for the 15,000 head of cattle in the feedlot. Of this, 280ha were under irrigation, while the rest was dryland.

Andrew Malloy (pictured left) feedlot manager at the property said all the silage produced is for consumption at the feedlot.

"As a silage crop we find it very good, especially from a growth and vigour point of view," he said.

"We also like the fact you get two chops from it.'

At Myola they begin planting from mid September. This is the second season they have planted the specialist silage sorghum.

"Chopper is a very forgiving crop," Andrew said. "And with limited irrigation water available it is a major reason for sticking with Chopper. Also the energy of Chopper is exceptionally good, ranging from 10.5-12 ME which is good from a daily maintenance point of view for the cattle."

Next season, Andrew said two thirds of the feedlot's silage requirements will be planted to Chopper, and the balance to dryland corn.