Grass supply difficulties: Continued poor grass growth rates, similar to the same time last year, have led to tight grass supplies on many farms. Farmers in drier areas who turned out cattle early are being met with the tightest supplies and in some cases have not been able to close silage ground yet. It is vital to keep following with nitrogen after grazing, applying 25-30 units/acre. On heavy farms, silage ground is not all closed due to poor weather and difficulties getting it grazed off. Where grass supplies are tight, it may be worthwhile talking to low-stocked farmers early with a view to buying good-quality silage. Factoring in the cost of baling at €11/bale and fertiliser at the equivalent of €6-7/bale depending on yield and fertiliser type, the cost of making each bale of silage will be about €17-€18 excluding land costs. The option of buying in good-quality silage at €22-€25/bale is a good alternative depending on quality. For those who have had closing of silage delayed, a delay of a week or two is not a major issue. Where you are aiming to make good-quality silage, and where you are grazing silage ground out prior to closing, there will not be a major impact on quality providing that you are focused on cutting it in six weeks. Grass will utilise about two units N/day or 14 units/week in normal growing conditions. In the current cold weather, nitrogen uptake may be slower, so if closing for a six-week period, adjust nitrogen application accordingly. If grass growth improves in late May/June, there will be an option of making additional silage from surplus paddocks during the peak grass-growing months.

Pneumonia and Tetany risk is real: Early intervention for calves with signs of a chill can help to reduce the onset of pneumonia dramatically. Young calves and early weaned autumn-born calves are at highest risk. Cattle should be herded twice daily to catch the disease early. In addition, ensure cattle have access to good shelter.

With many farmers now on the second rotation, grazing low covers of lush grass means the grass tetany risk is very real, particularly with the current cold and wetter weather. Ensure that all cows are supplemented with magnesium. Lick buckets are the most common. Some farmers use boluses and others add magnesium to drinkers. No one method is 100% guaranteed.

Dusting pasture can be effective but has a higher labour input and is very uncommon among suckler farmers. Regardless of the method of supplementing magnesium, the key to avoiding losses will be regular herding. Where grass supply is tight, supplementing with dry silage, hay or feeding with high-magnesium nuts may also help to reduce the risk. Cows should be herded at least twice a day. Spend time looking at each cow individually and look for any early signs of tetany – cows being slow, lethargic or unsteady on the feet. As the disease progresses the cow will be unable to stand or stretched and flailing.