Grassland researcher, Dr Philip Creighton, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss various aspects of grassland management this spring.

Philip starts by discussing current grass availability on farm with the higher than average winter growth. He moves on to the topic of fertiliser purchases this spring and Philip emphasises the need to complete a budget for the fertiliser spend on the farm this year.

Philip explains the impact that timing, conditions and grass covers have on response rates for fertiliser this spring and he also discusses tailoring fertiliser application rates depending on stocking rate and demand on farm.

With producers considering alternative feed supplies, Philip highlights the pitfalls of relying on purchased concentrate to make up the shortfall in feed supply where fertiliser isn’t applied.

Philip also discusses using available slurry and FYM and why compound P & K will need to be applied on recent reseeds, where clover has been established, and low indexed silage ground where needed.

He encourages farmers to consider conducting a soil test this year and to apply lime where needed.

Finally, Philip highlights how getting grazing groups established early will be key to managing supply this spring with reduced fertiliser input – a topic OviCast will revisit as spring progresses.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast