Grass
Early October is upon us and closing up grass for spring 2016 has begun on some farms.
An Offaly mixed farm is planning on increasing its gross margin by €250/ha on the strength of improved grassland management.
Agrinet is organising a number of user meetings in conjunction with experienced grassland advisors.
The main advantage of reseeding grassland on a farm is that, it will increase both the quantity and quality of grass grown.
Many farmers regard the thistle as the bane of there lives when it comes to managing their grassland.
Despite cold weather grass growth rates have improved slightly this week, depending on farm fertility and location.
The mean cost of the drainage systems installed as part of the Teagasc Heavy Soils programme came in at hefty €5,740/ha.
With soil temperature at 9 degrees and over 30mm of rain this week, it is far from an idyllic start to breeding; as grass growth rates are either barely meeting, or well below demand.
Many farmers throughout the country have been out rolling land in recent weeks, however the practice is viewed by others as the wrong opting in terms of grassland management.
Grass growth has been slow on farms so continue to spread fertiliser to build up grass on your farm, Anthony O'Connor of Teagasc says.
Agri-Business
AgriNet is hosting a grass meeting on Tuesday May 5 at 8pm in Corrin Mart Fermoy.
The mild weather has kept grass growth rates above demand, but there are no surplus' on most farms as yet.
Beef
Soil temperatures are currently ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 in the south, according to Met Eireann.
Dairy
Dairy farmers taking part in Teagasc Glanbia Joint Development Programme saw the profitability of their enterprise rise by almost €39,000 in four years
With changeable weather conditions around the country here is the latest grassland and grazing advice