Silage 101 or Top Fodder with Frank Mickan: Building a Strong Feedbase from the Ground Up

Silage 101 or Top Fodder with Frank Mickan: Building a Strong Feedbase from the Ground Up

A resilient dairy system is built on a strong, well-managed feedbase, one that delivers consistent quality, flexibility, and confidence in decision-making.

Delivered by Frank Mickan, one of Australias most experienced dairy extension specialists, this Top Fodder program focuses on producing high-quality silage that supports pasture management, milk production, and whole-farm performance.

While the program includes discussion on summer crop silage, it also covers ryegrass pasture silage, making it relevant for all dairy farmers, regardless of whether summer crops are currently part of their system.

Rather than reacting to seasonal pressure, this program supports farmers to plan, produce, and utilise silage with intent, ensuring it fits their broader feedbase and farming objectives.

Program Overview

High-quality silage doesnt happen by chance. It is the result of clear objectives, good agronomy, sound silage principles, and attention to detail at harvest and storage.

This program steps through the critical decisions that influence silage quality, covering both ryegrass-based systems and summer crop silage, and linking those decisions back to feed utilisation and pasture performance on-farm.

The focus is on getting the fundamentals right and understanding how silage choices affect the whole system.

Program Delivery

One and a half days up-front classroom style delivery, plus half a day hands-on inspection and assessment of silage on farm.