Slurry should be applied first, with about a week left between slurry and fertiliser application to avoid nitrogen losses. As grass growth and yields are generally lower than first-cut the advice is to go with 70 units/acre (2.5 bags of 27.5 CAN/acre) on old pasture and no more than 80 units/acre on perennial ryegrass swards. Take account of nitrogen in any slurry that has been spread. However, nitrogen recovery will be lower in summer. One thousand gallons of slurry should contain about three units of nitrogen (N), five units of phosphorus (P) and 30 units of potassium (K).

Take extreme caution when agitating tanks and try to keep this job for a windy day. Silage and slurry work means the yard is extra busy. Keep children away from the yard during this time, and if they are with you don’t let them out of sight. Weather windows can be tight, but it pays to take your time during these operations.

Grass+ beef: check sugars and nitrates in silage field

Beef management: managing grass

Beef management: breeding in May

Beef management: silage

With a lot of silage being cut this week, those who are thinking of closing up for a second cut should plan their fertiliser requirements now.