Breeding: It’s almost three weeks since the maiden heifers on many farms were synchronised, so repeat activity will be higher than normal. If a stock bull is out keep a close eye on him – make sure he is not being overworked and is picking up all the animals in heat. If a number of heifers are bulling at the same time, some bulls (especially young ones) just focus on one heifer and ignore the rest. The key is bull power – having only one bull is a big risk.

When deciding on how many bulls to use, calculate how many animals are expected to come back in heat. The rule of thumb is one young bull per 20 animals, which would mean serving one animal per day. More mature bulls can be assigned to 40 animals, so they should be capable of serving two animals per day. I know some farmers who are going to use AI for three or four days around three weeks after the PG was given to the heifers. Some will keep the bulls in and use them to pick up the heifers in heat and then also AI them.

Silage: With a lift in the weather expected over the weekend and for the early part of next week, silage will be top of the agenda for many farmers. I think we’ve taken our eye off the ball a bit over the last few years with regard to silage quality. Yes, it is only a dry cow feed on most farms, but dry cows need good silage too, especially if dry periods are going to be shorter post quota.

If you are considering cutting silage soon, I think a nitrogen test is highly recommended. Available at Teagasc offices and with most feed merchants, it will tell if nitrogen in the grass will inhibit fermentation. Because growth rates have been slower than normal, nitrogen levels could be an issue in some crops. A good wilt will alleviate the risk, but you would need at least 36 hours on the ground in good drying conditions for this.

Fertiliser: While grass growth is back on normal levels, we are still heading into the peak growing season. Every farmer should take advantage of this. Those on high stocking rates, with a big silage requirement, need to capitalise on the growth potential of the farm by spreading 30 to 40 units per acre of nitrogen per month for the next month or two, when growth and uptake is good.

Those on lower stocking rates, less than 2.5 cows per hectare, with a lower demand, can and should be spreading less. Surplus bales are expensive to make, especially if they are not required. On these farms, 20 units per acre of nitrogen per month should suffice. Any more will only grow grass that’s not required and will be wasted. I know it is harder to maintain grass quality at low nitrogen levels as grass gets stressed and goes to seed faster, but then grazing pressure can be eased at lower stocking rates through more selective grazing by the cows – this is the challenge of lower stocking rates.