While the change in weather made grazing a little tricker this week, Aidan Heavey reports that conditions are still great for the time of year.

Last week’s growth rates were record at 51kg DM/ha on the Newford block and 47kg DM/ha on Tuohy’s outfarm, while on the Gort na Habhainn land block, growth rocketed to 85kg DM/ha, underpinned by a strong average farm cover, which has increased to 2,005kg DM/ha.

Eight acres from this 34ac block with the heaviest cover will be baled in two to three weeks, while 50 yearling heifers returning to this block will also increase demand and bring grazing back on track. If growth bounces after a likely dip this week, there may be more area taken out for baling.

Tuohy's

Two acres have been taken out on Tuohy’s block which had a cover of 969kg DM/ha, while eight acres will be skipped on the Newford block, which has an average farm cover of 874kg DM/ha.

Grass utilisation dipped during the week but is still relatively good for the time of year and any covers not grazed out sufficiently will be addressed in the next rotation.

There are only five cows left to calf, with 105 calves and 103 live calves including four sets of twins. Another 10 cows and calves were turned out this week bringing numbers out to 100 cows. One calf contracted pneumonia during the week but was identified early and treated.