Huge variability exists across the country in terms of grass growth. While some farms are hitting growth rates of up to 140kg DM/ha, others are struggling to reach 40kg DM/ha – due to the ongoing lack of rain in some areas.
For some, soil moisture deficits are beginning to recover; but others have experienced very little change since last week – with areas running at a deficit of 54mm.
The struggle continued this week with rainfall amounts remaining below average in some parts of the country.
However, rainfall is expected to hit most of the country this week with “average rainfall amounts expected”.
The northwest and southeast will see the highest amounts, with about three times the average expected. Other parts of the country will have “between 130% and 160% of the average, equating to between 20mm and 40mm”.
PastureBase Ireland figures are showing average grass growth rates of 73kg DM/ha for Ulster, 74kg DM/ha in Leinster, 67kg DM/ha in Connacht and 71kg DM/ha in Munster.
The most difficult part now – for those achieving high grass growth rates – is managing this extra grass on the farm and making the right decisions while maintaining grass quality.
The grass seed heads are beginning to emerge on farms which indicates a decline in grass quality and a decline in milk if swards are not managed correctly.
- Maintain post-grazing residuals at 4cm to 4.5cm;
- Keep pre-grazing yields between 1,400kg DM/ha and 1,600kg DM/ha;
- Continue to spread fertiliser;
- Walk the farm twice weekly or more;
- Speed up the rotation;
- Maintain cover per cow between 140kg DM/cow and 180kg DM/cow;
- Take out surpluses quickly.
It is important to remember that if surplus paddocks have been closed for silage that they are cut and brought back into the rotation quickly while growth rates are high – particularly at a high stocking rate.
Waiting around for them to bulk up is leaving yourself vulnerable and if there was a dip in grass growth this could result in the farm running into a grass deficit.