John Maher and John O’Loughlin from the Grass10 campaign join Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the key learnings from farm visits for Grass10 competition applicants.
 
John Maher explains that these farms are good at basic grassland management as well as demonstrating excellence in nutrient management and biodiversity.
 
John O’Loughlin highlights the sources of nitrogen from mineralisation, organic fertilisers, chemical fertilisers and alternative pastures such as white clover.

The trend in use of chemical fertilisers is declining due to improved nutrient management and regulation.

John also explains that farmers need to continue to make better use of slurry and incorporate legumes into pasture swards to maintain grass productivity.

For more information on the Grass10 competition visit:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grassland-farmer-of-the-year-/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com