Grass growth usually has a second peak in August and can help build covers for extending grazing into autumn.

With fodder reserves under pressure on many farms, the longer cattle can remain at grass this autumn, the better.

Obviously, ground conditions will also determine how long cattle can graze into the latter stages of the year. But assuming land is able to carry animals through autumn, use some of the outlined tips to build grass covers over the coming weeks.

1. Fertiliser

Grass growth has increased with a rise in temperatures. A well time dressing of 25 to 30 units/acre of nitrogen at the start of the month will help build covers during August.

A final dressing should be considered towards the end of the month to boost regrowth going into September.

Using a fertiliser with added sulphur can also increase nitrogen efficiency late in season, particularly on lighter soils.

Clover can also fix nitrogen for grass growth, although in reality, it will struggle to deliver the required growth response on heavily stocked farms.

2. Make use of silage ground

Once second cut is harvested, silage fields offer a double benefit. Firstly, cattle can clean off grass around field boundaries, giving the grazing platform a short rest and help covers to build.

But the biggest benefit is when that extra ground comes into the grazing platform, easing the pressure for grass in autumn.

3. Leaving a higher residual

Grass has long passed the stage of heading out, so there is less issues with sward quality if animals do not graze tight to the ground in the current rotation.

Day length is on the turn and as August progresses, it means a shorter window for daily grass growth.

Therefore, leaving a slightly higher grazing residual of 5cm to 6cm helps speed up regrowth, as there is still some green leaf present for photosynthesis.

4. Meal feeding weanlings and stores

Creep feeding calves and offering meal to stores destined for sale in early autumn will ease the demand for grass, helping to stretch covers.

When combined with some of the steps already outlined, it can help build a grass wedge for other cattle to graze in autumn. However, be selective about which animals to offer meals.

There will be an economic return in meal feeding good quality weanlings and stores.

Taking a ration costing €380/t, feeding 3kg to 5kg/day will cost €1.14 to €1.90 and will be covered at current mart prices.

5. Reducing grazing demand

Reducing stocking demand before autumn will also stretch grass covers and extend grazing late into the season.

That may mean marketing store cattle through the live ring earlier than planned.

Scanning spring cows in early September and offloading culls while they are in good flesh is also beneficial.

Marts always see a flush of cattle midway through autumn. Selling a week or two before that surge can help to maximise sale prices.

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