The last day to spread slurry this year is Monday, September 30, which means there is less than a fortnight to get the remaining slurry in the tanks out.
With the chemical fertiliser ban already in play, farmers have to prioritise getting the most out of their slurry in the next number of days to extend the grazing season and build covers.
The good weather over the last couple of days has improved ground conditions, which has made it easy to get slurry out on many farms again.
With the slurry ban only around the corner, farmers should take advantage of these conditions now, rather than delaying until closer to the closing date.
Applying slurry now will empty out the tanks before the housing period, which is essential in ensuring that your tanks can take full capacity to see you through the winter months.
Slurry
Getting the most out of your grass at the latter end of the grazing season is crucial, and the only way to keep grass in front of cows and hold production, is to utilise your slurry.
Results from the Teagasc National Fodder Survey show that over 75% of farms that are actively recording data on PastureBase Ireland are significantly behind target for average farm cover (AFC) to support autumn grazing on farm.
The survey also found that only 54% of respondents had tanks emptied up to now, which means farmers must take this good weather in their stride to get the slurry nutrients to the paddocks that need it most.
Farmers need to use their soil test results to identify where the farm is lacking in potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) to get an instant response from spreading.
Paddocks that have been struggling throughout the year should be targeted, in order to get a response to build covers and extend the grazing season.
It is also very important to keep your buffer zones in mind to ensure there is no run-off to water, this will negatively impact your water quality.
It is important to get your slurry out now to maximise nutrient uptake and grass growth, as the grass growth predictions over the next few days is averaging 50kg DM/ha.
This way, you’re going to take full advantage of your N, Ps and Ks in the slurry to grow grass and get the most out of the grazing season while good growing conditions are still present.