Grass+: growth slows but should stabilise again

We are seeing the first effects of autumn on grass growth this week. After hovering between 60kg and 65kg DM/ha/day for the last two months, the nationwide average growth rate is now back to 52kg DM/ha/day, while many parts of the west and northwest have dropped under the 50kg mark.

It is to be expected really with some very wet conditions, daylight hours decreasing and temperatures dropping. On a positive note, mean soil temperatures are still one or two degrees above average for the time of year and a band of high pressure forecast this weekend will bring higher temperatures, more sunshine and less rain to most parts of the country.

This should help to hold growth over the next week. It will also give a window of opportunity for final fertiliser spreading before the deadline this Sunday 15 September. Teagasc research has shown the average response to September-spread N to be 19kg DM/ha grass per kg N applied. I would be targeting ground earmarked for early grazing next spring with about 25 units/ac N.

Farm cover

Now is a pivotal time in terms of autumn grazing because your current grass supply is going to dictate how long you can graze into the autumn.

Farms in the east and south will be close to this but farms in the west and north have really struggled to build and maintain covers in the wet. If covers are significantly below target, action should be taken to reduce demand. All beef cattle at grass should be eating concentrates at this stage.

Suckler calves could also be started on concentrates but at the very least, electric wires should be raised to let calves graze ahead of the cows.

Unfortunately, cows can’t be held back on bare ground too long at this time of year – poaching and grass tetany is just too much of a risk. This may force weaning is some cases.

Calves can be weaned at six months of age or when they reach 250kg. Even weaning a small portion of the herd will help to lighten the load.