741 THE farmers' handbook. 



STACK SILAGE. 



Of the three distinct methods of conserving green fodder in the form <>f 

 silage, that of stacking in the open is generally regarded as the most wasteful 

 and the least to be recommended. There are modifying influences existing 

 in certain districts, however, that render the use of any other system almost 

 impracticable. The msking of ensilage is still regarded in many localities in 

 the light of an experiment, and farmers in such districts ate naturally dis- 

 inclined to invest, without some experience, the amount of money involved 

 by the high cost of materials and equipment in the making of a tub silo. 

 Moreover, while the pit silo is an ideal type for the drier areas of the State, 

 it is never likely to become popular on the coast, mainly because of the 

 heavy rainfall experienced, but partly owing to the fact that excavating 

 machinery is only in the most rare instances included in the equipment of 

 the farm. 



None of these objections are, however, applicable to the stack silo. As 

 appreciation of the advantages of conserving green fodder becomes more 

 general, it may be anticipated that silage will come into very general use ; 

 meanwhile, any cheap and reliable method that will appeal to farmers 

 generally, gaining for f-ilage the esteem that it deserves and paving the way 

 to the installation of the fully equipped tub silo, is to be welcomed. 



Several effective methods can be adopted to make stack silage. These can 

 only be determined by local conditions. In all cases provision should be 

 made to render the stack weather-proof from the top to exclude rain. If a 

 shed be used, with a good floor and well drained, a space of 16 ft. x 14 ft. 

 Avill provide for 100 tons with a stack 22 to 24 feet high. The first con- 

 sideration, after having determined to select the stack as a means of 

 conserving the crop, is to secure a site in close proximity to the milking or 

 feeding sheds. An elevated spot is best, with natural drainage and a firm 

 dry surface layer of soil to start on, and, if possible, sheltered from prevailing 

 winds. 



In some instances it may be expedient to build stacks in the paddocks 

 where the crop is grown. Care should be exercised in selecting a well- 

 drained site. Soil may be used to weight the stack, but in using this 

 special precautions should be taken to secure a level, evenly-balanced 

 surface. 



Four stout posts at either corner of the stack would assist in keeping it 

 plumb. The material should not be allowed to jamb at the posts to interfere 

 with its settling. Stacks of green material very often tilt over to one side 

 on account of uneven drying. The wind may dry one side more than the 

 other and prevent its settling uniformly. A stack may fall over if not 

 watched. A tarpaulin may be hung against the side to protect it from the 

 wind. Water also could be applied to the drying side. 



It is of the utmost importance to build each layer evenly and upwards, 

 maintaining a regular and unbroken contour, to ensure an equal distribution 

 of weight, so that the stack will shrink evenly and maintain its shape. The 

 main principle to observe in all cases is to keep out the air, and to obstruct 

 its ingress during the curing stage. 



Apart from the object of excluding and getting rid of entangled air, a 

 danger to obviate is the opening up of the stack through uneven settlement 

 and shrinkage during the fermentation processes later on. 



