Second cut silage is in full swing in the West of Ireland in August.

The grass is cut and left to wilt for a day or so.
Click to enlarge

The grass is then gathered and placed in a clamp plus additives such as molasses and covered in plastic.

The grass ferments as silage and provides food for cattle over the coming winter months.

Many farmers have now changed to round bales as they minimise the risk of water pollution.

We are seeing less and less of the traditional haycock.

Photos taken mid-August 2000 near Castlebar

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