The weekly production figures that have been received from Dairylink Ireland farms so far indicate that grass growth has accelerated over the past seven days.

For example, James King is Ballymena grew 89kgDM/ha/day over the past week. It compares to a growth rate of 50kgDM/ha/day the week before.

“We got rain at different stages over the past fortnight and it was now warmed up which has helped push on growth. Conditions have been ideal for grazing so far this year,” James said.

Measurements

Programme participants measure grass covers at least weekly and they base management decisions on the grass wedge that is produced by software programmes,.

However, for dairy farmers who do not measure covers, regular walking and visual assessment of grazing blocks is still essential, especially at the present time when grass availability is changing rapidly.

As a simple first step, Dairylink adviser Aidan Cushnahan suggests non-measuring farmers should look at the covers that cows will be grazing in 7-10 days’ time.

“If the grass looks suitable for grazing now, then it will be too strong by the time cows get round to grazing it. This surplus should be taken out for bales now,” according to Aidan.