'Significant recovery' in grass growth rates
Data from the national grassland database has pointed to a "significant recovery" in grass growth rates.
The rain which fell across the country following the prolonged period of dry weather in July and August has had an impact on grass growth, data from PastureBase Ireland shows.
When the rain eventually came, grass growth bounced back.
Grass growth rates
As recorded by farmers, average grass growth rates of over 60kg dry matter per hectare per day were measured last week.
Predictions from the Teagasc MoSt Grass Growth Model suggest this these growth rates are likely to hold into the coming weeks.
Commenting on the extent of this grass growth recovery, head of the Teagasc Grassland Science Department, professor Michael O’Donovan said: “The return of moisture to warm soils where nitrogen mineralisation has occurred has resulted in a significant increase in grass growth rates.
“Since August 11, grass growth rates have doubled, and evidence of a high grass growth recovery is now visible in all parts of the country.”
Results of fodder budgets completed through PastureBase Ireland have indicated that, of the farms surveyed, 4.3 months of winter fodder is available.
Given the significant increase in grass growth rates, it is noted that building autumn covers and reducing the proportion of supplementary feeding in diets are priorities.
Fodder budgets
Farmers are being urged to complete fodder budgets and to assess options on how to fill fodder gaps.
Teagasc advisors will be available at the Teagasc stand at the National Ploughing Championships this week to meet and talk to farmers about their fodder situation for this coming winter.
A new factsheet on the 'Nutritional Characteristics of Feed Ingredients for Ruminants' has been prepared by Teagasc and is available to help farmers make informed decisions when comparing various feed options.
