Good clamp management is essential for minimising silage losses and maintaining feed quality. Attention to detail at every stage of the process plays a major role in reducing spoilage and ensuring optimum fermentation.
One of the first steps is to ensure the clamp is clean before filling begins. Any leftover silage from previous seasons can harbour mould spores, which can quickly spread into the new crop. Similarly, all machinery involved in the process should be kept clean, with tyres free from soil or slurry that could contaminate the feed. 
Keeping air out of the silage is another critical factor in preventing the growth of yeasts and moulds. Using a polythene lining along the clamp walls can help improve the seal and reduce oxygen ingress. Consolidation is equally important: for maize at around 30% dry matter, the general target is to achieve a rolling weight equal to about 25% of the material arriving each hour. For example, if 100 tonnes of maize are being delivered per hour, around 25 tonnes of rolling machinery weight should be applied continuously to achieve sufficient compaction. Filling the clamp in thin, horizontal layers (no deeper than 10-15 cm) ensures even consolidation and is more effective than building the clamp in a wedge shape.
Once the silage is compacted, it should be sealed as quickly as possible to prevent oxygen penetration. An oxygen barrier film placed directly on the maize surface provides the first layer of protection. This is then covered with side sheets folded over the top, followed by a fully weighted polythene sheet and a woven protective layer. Netting helps to prevent bird damage, and regular checks should be made to ensure rodents are not compromising the integrity of the cover.
