The majority of the country experienced ideal grass growing conditions throughout the year. Although the spring was a late one right across the country, for those in the midlands and south, once grass growth took off in late April, ideal grazing conditions persisted for the majority of the year.

In western counties, a poor spring saw ground conditions improve in late April and May leading to better grass cleanouts. However, many farmers in coastal regions and on heavy land likened 2016 to the difficulties faced in 2012, with some farmers comparing to the difficulties of the mid 80’s. Persistent rainfall and difficult grazing conditions persisted from July through to mid-September, and during that period, those on heavy ground were forced to re-house cows and heavy stock at times to avoid poaching. In contrast, the south east, east and midlands saw widely ideal grazing conditions throughout the summer and early autumn, however, some issues with drought did catch those on dry farms in August resulting on the need to supplement or slow the grass rotation.

After a wet start September, the end of the month and the month of October saw farmers in the west faced with a dry spell. Ground conditions to improve significantly allowing slurry to be spread and heavy grass covers to be grazed out.

Those in the south saw a little more rain than the west and again ideal grazing conditions persisted up to housing in early to mid November.

Grass production on farms has been up on last year in most areas, however, those in the west and midlands on heavy ground had a slightly more difficult year, and grass growth suffered as a result.

Des and Frank Beirne

Co Longford

It has been a very similar year to 2015 in terms of management. Spring was very challenging in so far as it was very start-stop here in Longford. We turned bulls out on 20 January, but had to re-house again in mid-February. They went back out again in mid-March, but they didn’t get out again until 20 April.

Weather and ground conditions were very difficult in the spring, but weight gains on the bulls over the summer were about 15kg/head above the previous year. However, this could have been down to more targeted mineral supplementation to counteract issues with the high molybdenum soils on the farm. In terms of total grass growth, it was a little disappointing. Total grass growth was 15.865t/ha, back by almost 1.5t on the previous year.

Housing has been gradual since mid October, when the first group of cows was housed. The last group of weanlings was housed on 8 November, as the last paddock was grazed and ground conditions at that stage were worsening.

Last year we had an average farm cover of about 750kgDM/ha at closing, but on 8 November this year the average farm cover was 487kgDM/ha, which is a bit lower than I would like.

Ger Dineen

Co Cork

This year was good for grass growth and grazing in this part of country. Throughout the spring and summer, we had good grazing conditions and excellent grass growth. I made about 20 acres of first-cut silage, and the rest was taken out with what I call surplus paddocks in round bales. In total, I made about 300 bales of silage along with the pit. Growth in the spring was slow, with the first main spurt of growth coming in late April.

From then on, grass growth powered ahead, apart from two weeks when grass growth was reduced a little by soil moisture deficits, but it was not prolonged and caused no major issues.

I measure grass and input the data on Pasture Base. I measured right through the year, apart from the last rotation.

Based on the silage and grass yields recorded through the year, the farm grew over 14.5t DM/ha. But you must bear in mind that the growing conditions were much better here than they were in other areas of the west.

Soil pH is about right, although lime was applied this year to increase the pH. The P and K indexes are both about 3 on the farm, so it is well set up to maximise grass growth.

Billy Glasheen

Co Tipperary

It was an exceptional year here in Tipperary. The farm grew over 15t DM/ha of grass over the year, and all the silage that has been made is between 70 and 75DMD. Along with the silage, I took 200 bales of surplus grass out during the year, which would be about 60 bales more than last year. The cattle did a very good thrive off grass this year also. With margins in the store-to-beef system under pressure, I moved to finish all Angus and Hereford steers off grass with no supplementation at all.

I made sure to get them gone early, and all were slaughtered off grass before September. After this I would feel that supplementation would have been required to get cattle covered. The steers had an average weight gain of about 0.85kg/day off grass alone over the summer months, which I was happy with. In terms of fertiliser use, I moved to using urea instead of CAN, and I saved about €6,500 on my fertiliser bill through the use of less nitrogen combined with N.

The autumn was ideal also. I was able to clean out paddocks very well as ground conditions were so good. I started closing paddocks in early October and the last of the cattle were housed around 10 November.

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