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This is a massive boost, adding many extra tonnes of feed to farms at a time when feed is scarce. Thinking back to this time last year, a lot of the extra grass that was on farms wasn’t fully utilised. Some of the higher covers deteriorated badly in February, as heavy rain and a lack of nitrogen caused considerable die-back and loss. While we can’t predict the rain in February, we can control when we spread nitrogen and when we graze.
Grazing in spring is a thorny issue for some farmers who are on heavier land in disadvantaged areas. It is definitely more of a challenge. But from driving around the country and talking to farmers, the bigger challenge is usually mindset. The cows will adapt and the farm will recover from any damage that is done, but the farmer must be willing to let the cows out and make the most of grass when conditions allow.
Most farmers in the southern half of the country will be looking to let freshly calved cows out next week. Do a grass cover to know where you stand, and do up a spring rotation planner and stick to it. Remember the targets: graze 33% in February, 66% by 17 March and the rest by early April. Don’t let cover drop below 500kg/ha.
Exceptional winter grass growth in Wexford
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