Innovation in green feed, particularly in the form of silage, is a key solution for supporting sustainable agriculture, especially within the livestock sector. Silage enables farmers to provide high-quality feed year-round, including during the dry season when green feed becomes scarce. The fermentation process not only enhances the nutritional value of the feed but also reduces agricultural waste and minimizes dependence on commercial feed.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, a team from the Setia Kawan Dairy Farmers Cooperative (KPSP), Nongkojajar, conducted a comparative study visit to the SAMESTA Cooperative in Plosokerep Village, Cangkringan District, Sleman Regency. The purpose of the visit was to explore innovations in green feed fermentation technology, particularly the use of silage wrap or baler machines, which are seen as promising tools to meet the feed needs of dairy cattle and support equipment procurement at KPSP Setia Kawan.

The delegation consisted of seven participants, including members of the management and the feed division of KPSP Setia Kawan. During the visit, they received a detailed explanation of the silage-making process—from collecting green materials such as corn stalks and sorghum, through the fermentation stage, to packaging using a silage wrap machine. The discussion also covered the benefits and challenges of using such machinery, offering valuable insights for future procurement decisions.

A key highlight of the visit was witnessing the silage packaging process using the wrap/baler machine firsthand. The machine demonstrated the ability to wrap efficiently and effectively, significantly enhancing the productivity and efficiency of silage production. Mas Aziz, a representative from the SAMESTA Cooperative, shared that the use of the machine has notably reduced production costs.

The visit concluded with an interactive discussion session, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions about machine maintenance, investment cost estimates, and the practical challenges of implementing this technology in the field. SAMESTA Cooperative staff also shared their experiences—both successes and obstacles—related to the use of the silage wrap machine.

This visit is expected to provide KPSP Setia Kawan with deeper insights and considerations in advancing their feed technology, ultimately supporting the sustainability of their dairy farming operations. The comparative study aligns with the spirit of the Indonesia Berdaya program by Rumah Energi, which promotes innovation and appropriate technology to empower local farmers and ranchers. By adopting efficient and environmentally friendly silage technology, it is hoped that livestock feed security will improve and contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system. Initiatives like this represent concrete steps toward creating a more equitable, inclusive, and competitive agricultural ecosystem both locally and nationally.

Written by: Baswendra Triadi 

Edited by: Fauzan Ramadhan