With very strong grass growth around the country, grass supply is ahead of grass demand on many farms. Grassland management is difficult at this time of year, and too much can sometimes be as bad as too little. An old farmer once said to me that if you lose the grass battle in May you have lost it for the year. Walk your farm and, even if you are not measuring, take note of the heavy covers and skip them if you think you can do without them. Don’t be tempted to delay cutting these paddocks for any longer than two weeks. While delaying harvest will help the sward bulk up, it will also delay them coming back for grazing and could lead to a grass shortage if they don’t come back in until July. Heavily stocked farms should take them out right away, as the aftermath will still be green. In many cases, these paddocks will be ready to graze again in three to four weeks. Don’t forget to spread some P and K on these paddocks the next time fertiliser is being spread.

Grass+ beef: check sugars and nitrates in silage field

Beef management: silage

Beef management: breeding in May

Beef management: managing grass

This week beef editor Adam Woods takes a look at grass management in May, breeding targets and getting ready for second-cut fertiliser.