Farmers are encouraged to put in place a plan to tackle the impact of deteriorating grass growth levels, according to Glanbia Ireland.

Following a recent survey conducted among suppliers, on average, the current shortfall represents 10 days of winter feed across the Glanbia Ireland area.

However, it is as high as 23 days of silage equivalent in the worst affected counties, the processor warned.

In an update following more relatively dry weather in recent days, Glanbia Ireland’s technical team is advising farmers on steps that can be taken to protect milk yield and help safeguard grass growth.

Farmers are being urged to extend rotation length to 24-25 days, maintain a minimum farm cover of 500kg DM/ha, walk the farm more regularly to monitor growth and make good timely weather-based decisions.

Farmers seeking further information should speak to their local group representative, the processor said.