An electronic rising plate meter , which provides an effective method of measuring grass cover in grazing pasture. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan
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There are much needed improvements required if Ireland is to remain a world-class, grass-based system, according to Macra na Feirme. The young farmer organisation is proposing that the government establish a grass utilisation fund of €2m in the upcoming budget.
In its pre-budget submission, Macra is proposing that:
A fund of €2m be made available to young trained farmers to purchase grass-measuring equipment.
pH levels in soil
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The organisation argues that the current pH status on Irish farms reflects the scope for improvement. Only 10% of Irish farms have optimum soil pH levels for grass growth and many Irish farms are only producing 50% of their grass growth capability.
“Encouraging young farmers to increase grass-measuring and management by providing them with a bursary of €500 per young trained farmer could potentially provide 4,000 young farmers with the financial backing to purchase such equipment,” Macra stated.
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There are much needed improvements required if Ireland is to remain a world-class, grass-based system, according to Macra na Feirme. The young farmer organisation is proposing that the government establish a grass utilisation fund of €2m in the upcoming budget.
In its pre-budget submission, Macra is proposing that:
A fund of €2m be made available to young trained farmers to purchase grass-measuring equipment.
pH levels in soil
The organisation argues that the current pH status on Irish farms reflects the scope for improvement. Only 10% of Irish farms have optimum soil pH levels for grass growth and many Irish farms are only producing 50% of their grass growth capability.
“Encouraging young farmers to increase grass-measuring and management by providing them with a bursary of €500 per young trained farmer could potentially provide 4,000 young farmers with the financial backing to purchase such equipment,” Macra stated.
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