This is a subscriber-only article
Concerns are growing that the heat and slow in grass growth could lead to similar drought conditions to those experienced last summer.
Met Éireann has warned that dry soil conditions in Munster and Leinster will mean that grass growth will become particularly “restricted” in these areas.
Farmers and advisers are on high alert, with many of them taking to social media to highlight the situation.
WEATHER ALERT. Two dairy farms I know already on the dreaded 6-6-6
— George Ramsbottom (@teagascgrams) July 5, 2019
6 kg DM meal
6 kg DM silage
6 kg DM grass
AFC 130/cow growth<demand
June was slightly wetter on average but there was a huge variation in nationwide rainfall.
Some areas experienced as little as one wet day in June, though Mullingar in Co Westmeath and Newport in Co Tipperary experienced 22 days of rain during the month.
Big dip in GR to 35. SMD of 55 limiting GR and no sign of rain. Concentrates increased to 4 Kgs and silage being fed post milking to reduce grass demand. Four days grazing being borrowed from beef enterprise. Challenging again pic.twitter.com/oDcUzAUBd5
— Salesian Ag College (@SalesianAg) July 5, 2019
The first week of July was drier than average, with another dry week ahead according to the national forecaster.
SHARING OPTIONS: