Improving grass quality prior to building covers

Despite a slight improvement in grass growth, the average growth remains below the norm for this time of the year. This ongoing shortfall means the gap between growth and demand on dairy farms continues to be narrow, limiting opportunities for farmers to identify surpluses and improve grass quality.

With only 2 grazing rotations left before building autumn grass, it is crucial to prioritise correcting grass quality within the next few weeks. This will maximize grass in the diet during the autumn (provided the weather cooperates), leading to greater grass utilization and savings on winter fodder.

Correcting grass quality:

• Average farm covers: Currently, according to PastureBase Ireland average farm covers are on average within target of 600-700 kgDM/ha. Those that are heading towards 700 and above can afford to take out paddocks as surplus bales

• Grazing Management: Encourage animals to graze out paddocks to 4-4.5cm to target high grass utilisation. Stemy paddocks can be corrected in the subsequent grazing round if needed.

• Surplus Bales: Once average farm covers are within or above target average farm cover (AFC) of 600-700 kg DM/ha, identify paddocks to be taken out as high quality surplus bales that can be feed out later if needed

• Topping Paddocks: If no surpluses are appearing on farm, consider topping paddocks after grazing. However, avoid blanket topping the farm as this will slow down growth and waste valuable feed. Only 1-2 very stemmy paddocks should be topped.

• Monitoring grass: Continue to monitor grass on farm as AFC cannot afford to drop at this stage of the year as we look to build covers in the next few weeks for autumn grazing.

• Review nutrient management plan: Contact your advisors to review your nutrient management plan and plan the remaining allowances for the remainder of year to aid grass growth. Nitrogen fertilizer applied in July and August has a greater effect on grass supply in November and in the following spring than delaying application.

First Published 22 July 2024