Dairy Technical
When it comes to an Irish grass based dairy system, October is one of the most important months of the year.
N.Ireland
A dairy technologist from CAFRE has encouraged farmers to prioritise successful autumn grazing management.
Grazing conditions on many farms have become tricky in the last number of days after all the recent rainfall.
Grazing infrastructure plays a key role on dairy farms as it allows farmers to maximise the benefits of grazed grass in their cows' diets.
Property
Hailed as a "top class dairy farm" this property at Breska, Clarina, Co. Limerick, comprises 148ac of rolling grazing land.
Dairy
At this stage of the season, keeping good-quality grass in front of cows can be an issue - as grass enters the reproductive phase.
Grass
The inclement weather experienced has left its mark on paddocks. Where farmers turned cattle into paddocks swards have now been poached.
Paddock systems do not have to be expensive; the cheapest system will work the finest. This was a key message from a recent Irish Grassland Association farm walk.
A paddock system is key to grass growth. In Ireland, the national average grass growth on drystock farms stands at 4.5t/ha.
Beef
A paddock system will allow beef farmers to grow 17-20% more grass on their farms, according to Teagasc's Christy Watson.
Paddocks on most Irish dairy farms were designed 20 years ago and as a result they compromise on the cows performance from grass.
