ENSILAGE STACKING.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4951, 4 February 1937, Page 3

ENSILAGE STACKING.

WARARAPA FARMER'S METHOD. Recently an account was given of the German method of ensilage covering, the object being air-exclusion. A Wairarapa farmer, Mr. N. Barton, of "White Rock," Featherston, gives some advice founded on his practical experience. Mr. Barton looks upon ensilage, "well made, as a staple food for stock. He states: "The secret of good quality is to cook the ensilage with self-administered heat. Start your stack, having in view enough green stuff to make a 20-foot high stack. Gradually keep placing the fresh green material on, layer by layer. Do this slowly, allowing time for each lot to cook, before adding another layer, so increasing the pressure; which automatically stops cooking. Continue till whole stack is erected and cooked. Then put on your pressure, to prevent any more oxygen or air getting in and your job is done. "A top of hay was sufficient in my case. If you allow in more air, there is a danger of slow combustion. 'The sides of the stack have to be well tramped, and a few boards along the side make it safe for tramping and forming. "I did this for years, and never had a failure. The secret is to let each fresh supply gradually cook."