Milk fats: Milk fat percent is beginning to drop on some farms. In some cases, it is the same as or lower than protein percent, when normally we would expect it to be between 0.5% and 1.5% greater than protein, depending on herd genetics. In indoor systems, the probable cause would be insufficient fibre in the diet leading to rumen acidosis, but, according to Teagasc, this is not the case when cows are out grazing. The symptom is associated with grazing young, lush and leafy grass in early May, which is low in fibre, but adding in extra fibre to the diet does not lead to a rise in milk fats. This is because the issue is not caused by low rumen pH, but by the fatty acids generated when the rumen digests young leafy grass and it is in the udder itself that milk fats drop. Solving the issue is less clear. It seems that time rectifies the problem, either grass quality changes or the rumen microbes adapt to the grass. Ensuring grazing residuals are kept low is key – increase the fibre in the diet now and ensure good leaf-to-stem ratio at the next grazing.

Urea versus CAN: This weather is ideal for urea. At 37c/unit of nitrogen, it is 13c/unit cheaper than CAN when urea costs €345/t and CAN costs €275/t. While there is plenty of moisture in the ground now, many farmers are fearful of using urea in case it gets dry, but the research says that urea is every bit as effective as CAN in growing grass right through the summer. The research was carried out in 2014 across a number of sites in Ireland. The issues with urea at the moment is that it is mostly a straight nitrogen product with no phosphorus, potash or sulphur in it, so if these want to spread, then they need to go out separately. Some companies have urea-based compounds. Sulphur is important. About 20 units/acre should be spread before the end of June, but be wary of spreading too much at once in case other nutrients are locked up. Some farmers are asking about enhanced nitrogen, which is basically urea with an inhibitor to reduce risk of volatilisation, leaching and nitrification. Cost-wise, there isn’t a whole lot in the difference when compared with CAN. Be aware when pricing products of the percentage of nitrogen. When other products such as sulphur and selenium are included, the amount of nitrogen in the bag decreases.

Grants: I was on a farm during the week where the farmer was getting anxious waiting for TAMS approval before undertaking essential construction work. There comes a time when you must make a call as to whether the grant is worth waiting for. The farmer was building outdoor cubicles and a concrete slurry tank, so the grant was only available on the slurry storage. With a lot of building jobs on hold with low milk prices and delays in grant approval, deals are being done with builders where work can start immediately. You might end up saving as much by doing a deal now rather than waiting for approval. Building in summer is an added saving, with less stone required.