Melbourne, Canberra, Blue Moun

Silage is generally a fodder crop that is cut and stored without drying. The mass heats up and starts a fermentation process. The resulting feed is improved from the point of view of food value to the stock.

Unlike hay that is too moist, over about 12% moisture, silage with a moisture content of up to 60% does not run the risk of spontaneous combustion.

During the fermentation process temperature must be checked and air kept out of the mass. Effective cutting and storage packing is essential.

The historic silos would have involved manual filling and packing of the cut crop. The doors in the Silo would have allowed the farmer to chech heat and moisture to ensure the fodder was kept properly.Read more