Newford Farm, the 100-cow suckler-to-beef demonstration herd in Athenry, Co Galway, continues to enjoy excellent grazing conditions. Swards are being grazed off perfectly. Temporary splitting of paddocks with posts and a reel is also helping utilisation.
Grass growth rates are starting to dip, which is not surprising, with reducing daylight hours and a sharp dip in night-time temperatures.
As detailed in the table, growth rates on the Newford block have fallen below demand, with cows and calves eating into autumn grass reserves. Demand has been reduced this week, however, with weaning commencing in the first batch of 35 cows and calves.
Calves will be weighed and cows weighed and body condition scored at weaning.
Cows and calves were housed on Thursday in adjoining pens with temporary gates erected to prevent calves suckling cows. The calves were allowed suckle cows on Saturday before moving to a straw-bedded shed out of sight of cows. They will remain there for a few days before being turned back to grass.
There is a good grass reserve in the Tuohys and Gort naHabhainn land blocks and calves will be transferred to these blocks. Cows will also return to grass, weather permitting.
The second batch will be weaned early next week, with a batch of 20 first calvers and 10 cows in poorer body condition earmarked for weaning next. This will take the pressure off cows and these cows will be prioritised for returning back to grass. Slats are being scraped down daily, with lime applied. This approach has worked well in previous years in reducing the risk of mastitis.
Creep feeding is being provided by simply raising the electric wire with two pvc horse posts.
The batch of 61 steers continue to receive concentrate supplementation at a rate of 5kg per head per day. There may be a small number drafted for slaughter off grass if weather conditions permit grazing for another few weeks.
The main batch of 41 steers grazing on the Tuohys land block are being supplemented on the farm roadway which is facilitating safer feeding of a large group of animals and minimising any field damage from animals congregating around troughs.
Newford Farm, the 100-cow suckler-to-beef demonstration herd in Athenry, Co Galway, continues to enjoy excellent grazing conditions. Swards are being grazed off perfectly. Temporary splitting of paddocks with posts and a reel is also helping utilisation.
Grass growth rates are starting to dip, which is not surprising, with reducing daylight hours and a sharp dip in night-time temperatures.
As detailed in the table, growth rates on the Newford block have fallen below demand, with cows and calves eating into autumn grass reserves. Demand has been reduced this week, however, with weaning commencing in the first batch of 35 cows and calves.
Calves will be weighed and cows weighed and body condition scored at weaning.
Cows and calves were housed on Thursday in adjoining pens with temporary gates erected to prevent calves suckling cows. The calves were allowed suckle cows on Saturday before moving to a straw-bedded shed out of sight of cows. They will remain there for a few days before being turned back to grass.
There is a good grass reserve in the Tuohys and Gort naHabhainn land blocks and calves will be transferred to these blocks. Cows will also return to grass, weather permitting.
The second batch will be weaned early next week, with a batch of 20 first calvers and 10 cows in poorer body condition earmarked for weaning next. This will take the pressure off cows and these cows will be prioritised for returning back to grass. Slats are being scraped down daily, with lime applied. This approach has worked well in previous years in reducing the risk of mastitis.
Creep feeding is being provided by simply raising the electric wire with two pvc horse posts.
The batch of 61 steers continue to receive concentrate supplementation at a rate of 5kg per head per day. There may be a small number drafted for slaughter off grass if weather conditions permit grazing for another few weeks.
The main batch of 41 steers grazing on the Tuohys land block are being supplemented on the farm roadway which is facilitating safer feeding of a large group of animals and minimising any field damage from animals congregating around troughs.
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