According to AgriNet’s Barry Lynch grass growth rates are currently averaging 50kg of dry matter per hectare per day.
He said that assuming a required cover of 1,500kg for grazing dairy cows, this means that farmers could be achieving a paddock rotation period of around 30 days, something that’s pretty unheard of for mid-Autumn. The average growth rate figure for this time of the year is around 30kg of dry matter per hectare per day.
“AgriNet clients are totalling the actual tonnages of grass that have grown across their grazing platform this year. And here again the figures are extremely impressive. Tonnages of between 12 and 13 tonnes per hectare have already been recorded and there is still two months of the 20i4 grazing season left.”
AgriNet provides farmers with a web based grassland management service, which is managed through the use of a smart phone. But the fundamental driver is the requirement on the part of the farmer to assess the grassland covers on all his paddocks every week. This information can be uploaded on to the AgriNet site, with the user getting immediate access to the analysis and information that will allow make key decisions, matching grass covers and cow requirements more effectively, the company says.
“Our grassland software will allow farmers maximise grass usage and increase profits,” Barry Lynch said. “Grass availability can be measured by eye ball, plate meter, or quadrant. Some farmers will be hesitant in attempting to assess grass covers using the naked eye. However, a very quick trial period will confirm that these skills can be acquired in short order.”
He also said the software system will allow grassland farmers to make real time and long term decisions regarding the most effective management of their swards.