If you're looking for the best silage additives, you've probably heard about Safeguard 6. But what makes it different from other products, and why has it become a trusted choice for British farmers? Let's take a closer look, from its history and heritage to the modern biology behind it.
A Legacy Built on Real Farming Experience
Safeguard 6 is the latest generation of a product line that has been helping UK farms for decades. The story begins with Colin Orr, founder of Forage Technology Limited, and one of the very first people to research and develop silage additives nearly half a century ago.
"I've been working with silage additives since their beginning. I wanted to understand what really made silage stable, how to protect protein, and how to stop spoilage before it started," says Colin.
Colin's early work laid the foundation for silage additives and the original Safeguard, which later evolved into the well-known Safeguard 5, trusted on farms across the UK. Today, Safeguard 6 continues that legacy, bringing modern biology and decades of experience directly to British farmers.
Why Safeguard 6 Is Different
Many silage additives on the market still rely on older bacterial strains, tested 20-40 years ago on single-cut, mature grass. In contrast, Safeguard 6 is built specifically for modern UK grass systems: multi-cut silage, higher nitrogen and potassium, wetter conditions, and tighter farm margins.
"I wanted something that would work with real British grass, in real British conditions. It wasn't about copying others, it was about solving the problems farmers actually face," says Colin.
Safeguard 6 is also farmer-priced, reflecting Colin's belief that high-quality silage protection should be affordable and practical for every farm.
The Science Behind Safeguard 6
What really sets Safeguard 6 apart is its three-stage bacterial system, carefully designed to work in a biological cascade from clamp fill to feed-out.
1. Lactococcus lactis: Rapid Safety
This fast-acting bacteria lowers the pH quickly, suppressing harmful bacteria like Clostridia and Enterobacteriaceae. This stage protects protein, keeps ammonia levels low, and establishes a clean lactic acid base.
"Think of it as the safety system for your silage. It gets the clamp safe before anything can go wrong," explains Colin.
2. Pediococcus pentosaceus: Strong Fermentation
Next, this bacteria supports early and mid-fermentation, maintaining stability even under variable weather or high nitrogen crops. It produces more lactic acid, ensuring fermentation continues strongly and consistently.
3. Lentilactobacillus buchneri: Stability at Feed-Out
Finally, this strain produces acetic acid, which improves aerobic stability and reduces heating during feed-out. This means more silage is usable, less is wasted, and cows get better feed.
A targeted enzyme also helps unlock sugars from the fibre, improving digestibility and supporting milk yield and milk fat, while helping the clamp stay cool.
Why Lactic and Acetic Acid Matter
The combination of lactic and acetic acid is what makes Safeguard 6 such a powerful additive:
- Lactic acid drops the pH quickly, protecting silage from spoilage early on.
- Acetic acid strengthens stability during feed-out, keeping silage cooler and reducing losses.
Together, they create a silage that is cleaner, more stable, more digestible, and rumen-friendly, which means more milk from every tonne.
Safeguard 6: Built for UK Farmers
Safeguard 6 isn't just a product. It's the result of decades of practical farming experience, modern microbiology, and a focus on real UK conditions.
"I've spent my life working alongside farmers, seeing what works in the clamp and what doesn't. Safeguard 6 is the product I wish I had 45 years ago, a silage additive that really delivers for British farms," says Colin.
From the first cut to feed-out, Safeguard 6 helps protect silage, improve feed value, and support cow performance, all at a price that farmers can actually afford.
Discover the Difference
If you're looking for the best silage additive to protect your clamp, safeguard your feed, and get the most from your silage, Safeguard 6 is built for you.
Find your nearest distributor today or order online and see how modern, farmer-focused science can make every tonne of silage work harder.
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