Kale forage for ensiling: why dry matter in the mix matters

Why kale forage is often mixed before ensiling

Forage kale is a moist brassica crop, so ensiling it alone can present a different challenge from ensiling a drier grass or cereal forage. Brassica ensiling guidance therefore commonly recommends including a higher-dry-matter forage in the mix. The practical aim is to raise the dry-matter proportion of the material being ensiled, rather than treating kale as if its moisture content were interchangeable with that of other forages.

That distinction matters at the silo: the crop being preserved is the combined material, and its moisture balance affects how the ensiling process is managed. A suitable drier forage can contribute dry matter and help manage excess moisture. It does not, by itself, guarantee a successful fermentation; harvest condition, preparation, packing and the overall management plan still matter.

Dry matter is about the harvested crop, not its name

Dry matter describes the portion of forage remaining after water is excluded. Kale’s actual dry matter at harvest can vary with crop condition and the material included. Leafy growth and thicker stems do not necessarily contribute the same amount of moisture, so a broad label such as “kale” cannot tell a buyer or adviser exactly how the harvested load will behave in a mix.

This is why the intended harvest form matters. Freshly harvested, chopped kale carries the moisture present in the crop when cut. If the crop is wilted before ensiling, its moisture balance changes; if it is combined with another forage, the properties of that added material also count. These are different management choices, not interchangeable product descriptions. The mix should be planned around the condition of the actual forage being ensiled.

Choose the companion forage for the job

A higher-dry-matter forage is included to change the characteristics of the ensiled mixture. The relevant question is not simply whether a companion forage is available, but whether its form and condition suit the kale and the intended ensiling system. Chopped material, wilted forage and a drier forage added to the crop each involve different preparation and handling decisions.

Avoid relying on a generic mix ratio. The appropriate approach depends on the dry matter and condition of the harvested kale, the companion forage, and the system used on the farm. A forage adviser can help determine how to assess the materials and plan the mix. If analysis is being used, clarify whether results are reported on a fresh-matter or dry-matter basis; otherwise, figures may be difficult to compare correctly.

Plan harvest, mixing and storage together

The ensiling decision starts before the crop reaches the clamp or other storage system. Establish whether the kale will be ensiled fresh or wilted, what companion forage will be used, how the materials will be prepared, and whether the receiving and packing equipment can handle the intended form. Those details connect the forage’s moisture balance with day-to-day handling.

Keep the management plan specific to the material and the storage setup. Discuss crop condition, any available forage analysis, the companion forage and how the mix will be packed with an adviser before settling on a method. This article does not establish a target mix ratio or guarantee a preservation result; those decisions depend on the actual forage and farm conditions.

What bulk kale buyers should clarify

Forage buyers considering kale for ensiling should establish the intended product form and how it will be used before arranging a bulk order. Fresh forage intended for a particular ensiling plan is not the same buying requirement as another processed or harvested form. Quantity, delivery timing and receiving arrangements also need to fit the farm’s harvest and storage schedule.

When discussing the supply, ask what the material is, how it has been harvested or prepared, and what information is available about its condition. Then review those details with the forage adviser responsible for the ensiling plan. Once the required forage form is clear, visit the [Kale ingredient page](/ingredients/kale) to explore sourcing.

Common questions.