The latest grass measurement recorded on Newford Farm on 8 July shows a significant dip in grass growth rates.
Growth on the Newford block was recorded at 55kg DM/ha while growth on Gort Na Habhainn and Tuohy’s land block was lower at 39kg DM/ha and 41kg DM/ha, respectively. Growth on Gort Na Habhainn and Tuohy’s has fallen below daily demand of 59kg DM/ha and 55kg DM/ha.
The farm still remains in a relatively good position, with 13 to 17 days grazing ahead of all stock. This week’s rainfall should also help to boost growth, while 36 units of protective urea (38N +S) is being applied after each grazing to underpin growth. Farm manager Iarlaith Collins reports that excellent levels of grass utilisation is also helping to conserve grass supplies. Strip wires are also being used in heavier covers to further improve utilisation.
Additional land
Demand will also be reduced in the coming weeks as an additional 18ha of land is due to join the project. The land has been reseeded and fenced and should be fit to graze later in the month. The area has been earmarked for grazing with steers and heifers, with superior-quality grass hopefully helping to achieve a target of finishing all heifers off grass and a portion of steers.
Getting animals moved to this area as soon as possible and maintaining high growth rates on the other three blocks will be critical as the farm has yet to close a significant area of ground for a main cut of silage. The target is to close most of the Newford block for a cut of silage in late August. This should be sufficient to meet winter forage requirements along with over 400 bales of silage already made and a reserve of silage carried over from 2018.
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The latest grass measurement recorded on Newford Farm on 8 July shows a significant dip in grass growth rates.
Growth on the Newford block was recorded at 55kg DM/ha while growth on Gort Na Habhainn and Tuohy’s land block was lower at 39kg DM/ha and 41kg DM/ha, respectively. Growth on Gort Na Habhainn and Tuohy’s has fallen below daily demand of 59kg DM/ha and 55kg DM/ha.
The farm still remains in a relatively good position, with 13 to 17 days grazing ahead of all stock. This week’s rainfall should also help to boost growth, while 36 units of protective urea (38N +S) is being applied after each grazing to underpin growth. Farm manager Iarlaith Collins reports that excellent levels of grass utilisation is also helping to conserve grass supplies. Strip wires are also being used in heavier covers to further improve utilisation.
Additional land
Demand will also be reduced in the coming weeks as an additional 18ha of land is due to join the project. The land has been reseeded and fenced and should be fit to graze later in the month. The area has been earmarked for grazing with steers and heifers, with superior-quality grass hopefully helping to achieve a target of finishing all heifers off grass and a portion of steers.
Getting animals moved to this area as soon as possible and maintaining high growth rates on the other three blocks will be critical as the farm has yet to close a significant area of ground for a main cut of silage. The target is to close most of the Newford block for a cut of silage in late August. This should be sufficient to meet winter forage requirements along with over 400 bales of silage already made and a reserve of silage carried over from 2018.
Read more
Newford update: weighing confirms steer performance coming back on track
Newford update: new manager takes charge
Beef Management Notes: breeding, grass and open days
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