1. They Start Preparing When Everyone Else Is Relaxing
Smart farmers don’t wait for the dry season warning signs.
They act during the rainy season, when:
• Grass is plenty
• Feed is cheaper
• Labour is easier to organize
Why this matters:
Studies across East Africa show that feed scarcity during dry seasons is the leading cause of milk decline, affecting over 30% of dairy farmers.
Preparation is not optional, it is essential.
2. They Convert Excess Grass into Hay
When grass grows fast, smart farmers see future feed, not just today’s grazing.
They:
• Cut grass early (before flowering)
• Dry it properly
• Store it in a dry, raised place
Hay becomes:
• A low-cost reserve
• Easy to transport and sell
• A backup when other feeds run low
It may look simple, but it is one of the most reliable strategies.
3. They Invest in Maize Silage
This is where serious milk production is protected.
Smart farmers:
• Grow or source maize during the season
• Prepare silage in bulk
• Store it properly for use during drought
Why silage?
Because it:
• Maintains higher milk production
• Increases feed intake
• Provides consistent nutrition
In well-managed systems, silage feeding can increase milk output significantly, sometimes by 30-50% compared to poor dry-season feeding.
4. They Calculate, Not Guess
Many farmers prepare feed… but don’t prepare enough.
Smart farmers ask:
• How many cows do I have?
• How many days will the dry season last?
Then they estimate:
• One cow needs about 20-30 kg of silage per day, OR
• 8-12 kg of hay per day
They multiply this over 90-120 dry days.
This simple calculation prevents mid-season shortages.
5. They Secure Supply Before Prices Rise
Not every farmer produces their own feed, especially in urban areas.
Smart farmers:
• Identify reliable suppliers early
• Buy or book feed in advance
• Store it before demand peaks
Because once the dry season starts:
• Prices go up
• Quality goes down
• Supply becomes uncertain
Early action saves both money and stress.
One Habit That Ties It All Together
If there is one thing smart farmers do differently, it is this:
They treat feed like a business input, not an emergency expense.
They plan it the same way they plan:
• School fees
• Farm labour
• Veterinary care
And because of that, their milk production remains predictable.
The Bottom Line
Preparing for the dry season is not complicated, but it requires intention.
Smart dairy farmers:
• Plan early
• Store hay
• Make or buy silage
• Calculate feed needs
• Secure supply in advance
And the result?
• Stable milk production
• Healthier cows
• Consistent income
📞 Take Action
Don’t wait for feed shortages to disrupt your farm.
Radiant Farm Uganda Limited provides quality hay and maize silage to help dairy farmers prepare early and maintain milk production throughout the dry season.
Contact Radiant Farm today and stay ahead of the dry season. 🐄🌾
Order forage from our website (click here) or from the nearby authorised dealer (click here to find out more)
😉 Call / WhatsApp to confirm your Hay or Maize silage ORDER NOW!
📲📞 +256 790 810 337
📲📞 +256 702 350 821
📲 📞+256 702 760 564
📩 Email: kampala@radiantfarmug.com
📍 Farm Location: Plot 5 Kitotolo Road, Nsangabwami Kikandwa, Mityana - Uganda.
By Oliver Namirimu,
The Manager - Production and Operations at Radiant Farm, specializing in sustainable farming practices and animal nutrition.
Please subscribe to our newsletter ( https://radiantfarmug.com/ ) for more updates from Radiant Farm Uganda.
