I know the feeling well – indulging on a takeaway pizza after the Gaelic football season has concluded, although this change in nutrition benefits the cows substantially, unlike the effect of the pizza on myself.

With the autumn-calving suckler herd breeding season having concluded, the opportunity was taken to scan the cows and replacement heifers with a satisfactory outcome achieved – all heifers in-calf and all but four cows not in-calf.

While the ‘‘chickens have been counted before they’re hatched’’ in respect of the suckers, the dairy herd is commencing the final month before the start of the breeding season. In this month of April, cows are carefully watched and allocated adequate grass to meet their nutritional demands. They are also on 4kg concentrates per head per day.

Fertiliser will go out on the silage ground this week

If nutritional demands are not met prior to and during the breeding season, then this additional stress will affect heat identification and conception rate.

Better quality silage

Fertiliser will go out on the silage ground this week. It is earlier than previous years in a bid to make earlier, better-quality silage. I don’t mind taking a hit on yield. Quality over quantity! Some of the silage fields become paddocks for the dairy cows following the first cut of silage. With earlier silage will come more paddocks being taken out continuously over the course of the year.

There are some aspects of the farm which do not perform as desired

Things might not run perfectly every day or every year on the home farm. There are some aspects of the farm which do not perform as desired. Grass, however, is not one of these. The farm can grow grass. It’s managed well. Cows graze tight, and are moved on. Paddocks are taken out when needed. Cows are followed with nitrogen, soiled water and the land leveller/upside down chain harrow to spread the dung pads. The latter is required due to the hilly nature of the paddocks as cows tend to lie in the one area and therefore dung in that area, once they rise to be brought in.

Waste

Now, I’m a person who hates seeing things go to waste. PastureBase Ireland is a compulsory component of the Knowledge Transfer (KT) programme, of which we partake. It would not sit well with me if I had access to this wonderful tool and not utilise it. For years, grass was budgeted here – but it was all in the mind, nothing on paper. Now every Sunday, paddocks are walked and the plan for the week discussed. I love it when a plan comes together.

Farmer writes: scanning cows and making silage

There is nothing more heartwarming than turning out stock and seeing them stretch their legs and jump about, before suddenly realising that they have a banquet of lush green grass at their feet.