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Grass growth across NI averaged 10.7t dry matter per hectare (DM/ha) from March to 30 September, data from the AgriSearch/AFBI GrassCheck programme shows.
The 2020 figure is down 12%, or 1.38t DM/ha, on the 10-year average of 12.08t and significantly behind the 12.35t grown in 2019.
The main hit in 2020 came during the dry spring, with 4.92t DM/ha grown over the four months from March to June, down 1.9t DM/ha on the 10-year average.
During July, August and September, there was a recovery, with 5.86t DM/ha grown, compared to the 10-year average of 5.35t DM/ha.
The highest monthly yield during 2020 was recorded in July, at 2.25t/ha.
County yields
On a per county basis, Fermanagh farms involved in the GrassCheck programme again had the highest yields, following on from a similar pattern in 2019.
From March to the end of September, grass yields have averaged 11.9t DM/ha on Fermanagh farms, followed by 11.8t DM/ha in Tyrone. Co Derry has the lowest yields at 10.7t DM/ha.
Dairy farms in GrassCheck recorded growth of 11.9t DM/ha during 2020, compared to 10.21t DM/ha on beef and sheep farms.
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