This week’s Beef Edge podcast is a joint episode with Ciaran Lynch from Ovicast and we are joined by Grass10 advisor Niamh Doyle to get an update on the current situation and discussing management tips for the coming weeks.

Niamh says there have been many factors that have limited grass growth over the last number of months such as lower temperatures, especially at night, harsh winds, high rainfall and  high levels of poaching due to the wet spring with poor conditions for grazing.

Niamh explains the long term Nitrogen fertiliser type trial at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle which provides an insight as to how different fertiliser types/formulations have performed under the same conditions and with N applied at the same time at the same rate. Overall total grass dry matter yield to date was similar across fertiliser nitrogen products.

Niamh emphasises that reducing demand by scanning early to remove empty cows and cull ewes would help decrease the demand on the farm.  Introducing creep to lambs and weanlings would also help lower demand.

Coming into August, it is important to focus on building grass covers. By having a plan and applying fertiliser in early August when response is good will help build autumn grass covers and may allow surplus grass to be removed if fodder is needed.

Second cut silage is also being cut at the moment. It is important to target slurry that has yet to be spread to be applied to these paddocks and as per the farm nutrient management plan, to ensure tanks are emptied and P and K is applied where needed. 

Completing a fodder budget, walking the farm now and applying fertiliser are the key tips for the coming weeks for farmers to keep in mind

For further information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/

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