Producing Silage in Farming Simulator 25: Maximize Your Farm’s Profit and Productivity

Key Takeaways:

1. Silage is a high-yield, multi-purpose resource in FS25 that is vital for feeding livestock and generating profit.
2. Grass is the most efficient crop for silage production, thanks to its shorter growth cycle and higher annual yield compared to corn chaff.
3. Using silage additives and choosing the right method (bales or bunker silos) can significantly boost your efficiency and profitability.

If you’re diving into Farming Simulator 25 (FS25) and aiming to boost your farm’s output and income, mastering silage production is a must. Whether you’re feeding livestock or selling silage for profit, understanding the ins and outs of silage-making can transform your farming operations. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of producing silage using grass, corn chaff, or other crops, alongside pro tips to maximize yield and revenue.

What Is Silage and Why Is It Important in FS25?

In FS25, silage is a fermented feed made from crops like grass or chaff, and it’s crucial for efficient farming. Here’s why it matters:

1. Animal Feed: Silage is a vital component of Total Mixed Ration (TMR), the best feed for cows. Properly feeding your livestock ensures they stay healthy and produce more milk, which boosts your income.
2. Profit Generation: Silage can be sold at biogas plants or animal dealers for a profit often 4x the value of the raw crops used to make it.

Whether you’re managing a livestock farm or looking for a reliable source of additional income, silage is an essential part of a successful FS25 strategy.

What Crops Can Be Used to Make Silage in FS25?

Silage production revolves around converting specific crops into a fermented feed. The primary crops you can use include:

• Grass
• Corn (harvested as chaff)
• Oats, barley, wheat, sorghum, and sunflowers (also harvested as chaff)

Why Grass is the Best Option:

Grass is a top choice for silage because it can be harvested every two months, whereas corn and other crops require four months to mature. This shorter growth cycle means more frequent harvests and higher annual silage yields.

How to Produce Silage in FS25: Step-by-Step Methods

There are two main ways to produce silage in Farming Simulator 25: grass baling (without a bunker silo) and chaff in a bunker silo. Let’s break each method down.

Method 1: Producing Silage From Grass (Without a Bunker Silo)

If you prefer a simpler approach that doesn’t require heavy machinery or bunker silos, this method is for you. Here’s what you’ll need:

Required Equipment:

• Tractor with front loader: To attach tools like balers and wrappers.
• Mower: For cutting grass.
• Windrower: To organize grass into neat rows.
• Baler: For turning grass into bales.
• Bale wrapper: To ferment the grass bales.
• Bale spike: For transporting bales.

Steps:

1. Mow the Grass: Use the mower to cut grass in your fields.
2. Windrow the Grass: Organize the cut grass into rows using a windrower for easy baling.
3. Bale the Grass: Turn the windrowed grass into bales using a baler.
4. Wrap the Bales: Wrap the grass bales with a bale wrapper to start the fermentation process.
5. Wait for Fermentation: Allow the bales to ferment over time. Once fermented, they become silage and are ready for use or sale.

Method 2: Producing Silage From Chaff (Using a Bunker Silo)

For larger-scale operations, producing silage from chaff in a bunker silo is ideal. Here’s what you’ll need:

Required Equipment:

• Forage harvester: For cutting crops into chaff.
• Silage additive: Optional but increases yield.
• Bunker silo: To store and ferment the chaff.
• Leveler or compactor: To compress the chaff in the bunker.
• Shovel or silage cutter: For removing fermented silage.

Steps:

1. Harvest the Chaff: Use a forage harvester with a silage header to cut crops like corn or wheat into chaff. Add silage additive to boost your yield by up to 5%.
2. Unload Into the Bunker Silo: Dump the chaff into a bunker silo, spreading it evenly to avoid spillage.
3. Compact the Material: Compress the chaff using a tractor with a leveler or a dedicated compactor until it reaches 100% compacted.
4. Cover the Silo: Seal the silo with a cover to begin fermentation.
5. Wait for Fermentation: After a set period, the chaff will ferment into silage.
6. Remove and Use or Sell: Use a shovel or silage cutter to remove the silage and transport it for sale or to mix TMR for your livestock.

Key Tips for Efficient Silage Production

1. Use Silage Additive: Adding silage additive during harvesting can increase your yield by up to 5%, making the process more efficient and profitable.
2. Harvest Grass Every Two Months: Grass can be harvested more frequently than other crops, making it the best option for high silage production over a year.
3. Leverage Bunker Silos for Bulk Production: If you have large fields and access to a forage harvester, bunker silos are perfect for mass-producing silage.
4. Time Your Harvests Correctly: For crops other than grass, harvest them before they reach full maturity to maximize yield.

Grass vs. Corn Chaff: Which Should You Choose?

To determine the best crop for silage, let’s compare the yields over a 12-month period:

• Grass (Cut Every 2 Months): Produces up to 930,000 liters/year with silage additive.
• Corn Chaff (Harvested Every 4 Months): Produces up to 763,000 liters/year with silage additive.

Verdict: Grass is the Winner

Grass outperforms corn chaff in total annual yield due to its shorter growth cycle and more frequent harvests. It’s also simpler to manage, making it the go-to choice for most farmers.

FAQs About Silage in Farming Simulator 25

Q1. How long does fermentation take for silage in FS25?
A: Fermentation time varies, but it typically takes a few in-game days for bales or chaff in a bunker silo to fully ferment into silage.

Q2. Can I sell silage for a profit?
A: Absolutely! Silage can be sold at biogas plants or animal dealers for 3-4x the value of raw crops.

Q3. Do I need silage additive?
A: While optional, silage additive increases your yield by up to 5%, making it highly recommended for large-scale operations.

Q4. Can I use any forage harvester for silage production?
A: Yes, but ensure the harvester has a silage header and supports the crop you’re harvesting (grass, corn, etc.).

Q5. What’s the best equipment for small-scale silage production?
A: For small operations, use a mower, windrower, baler, and bale wrapper to make silage bales from grass.