Dairy
Due to the wet autumn last year followed by a wet spring this year, soil compaction may be holding many farms back in terms of grass growth.
Grass
Drought conditions continue to prevail in the south-east, placing pressure on farms' fodder resources for the winter.
Drought
ICOS has added to the growing number of calls for the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to be reconvened.
The cost of drought conditions is hitting farmers hard in the south-east with one dairy farm estimating a daily feeding cost of €960.
Slurry
Minister Martin Heydon has been asked to "urgently review" the dates of the closed periods for slurry and fertiliser spreading.
Farmers around the country, especially in the southeast, are battling drought, and many of them are well into their fodder supplies.
Tirlán has announced that it will extend its rebate for suppliers for a second time amid continuing drought conditions.
Non-government members of Fianna Fáil have called for the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee to be reconvened "urgently".
Tillage
The "crisis situation" facing farmers in the southeast of the country requires "robust measures" from the government, according to one TD.
With grass growth still stagnant and limited rain forecast for the week ahead, farmers need to be reviewing fodder budgets.
Tirlán has announced that it will extend the timeframe of its support package to help farmers deal with dry conditions and potential drought.
Grass growth has been stagnant in the south east for more than a week, as well as rapidly slowing across the west coast.
Grass growth has stagnated across the country, and with the forecast showing further dry weather, farmers will feel the pressure mounting.
Soil moisture is already hitting deficits of 70mm, meaning farmers will be beginning to feel the sting of yet another drought.
Mid-season reseeding is never ideal, but considering the weather we got this spring it may be worth turning a few paddocks around now.
Drier parts of the country, particularly in the south-east may experience grass deficits this week with minimal rainfall is forecasted.
Average grass growth has been stunted over the last week with the heat wave, but with rain on the forecast there is no fear of any droughts.
With fine weather forecast for the week and plenty of moisture still in the ground, grass will be growing rapidly.
Soil Fertility
Soil fertility has the potential to severely impact grass growth, and it is doing exactly that on many farms across the country.
Grass growth has dropped back to roughly 70kg of dry matter (DM)/ha, which is expected as we approach the longest day of the year.
Video
A series of test plots comparing grass growth from different fertiliser types was one of the many...
Beef
A series of test plots comparing grass growth from different fertiliser types was demonstrated at a Teagasc open day.
Grass growth continues to push on, with growth rates pushing over 90kg of dry matter (DM)/ha in parts of the country again this week.
