For the first time in six weeks, the average growth rate across the country has increased. Last week, the average growth rate was below 20kg DM/ha/day but this week’s figures have climbed back up to 45kg DM/ha/day.
However, this average growth figure is being propped up significantly by our measuring farms in the west and northwest of the country. The average growth in Connacht has climbed back to over 50kg DM/ha/day, while Mayo and Donegal have witnessed very pleasing growth of 59 and 62kg DM/ha/day, respectively. The majority of land in these areas received persistent rain over the last week and many farmers have commented on how quickly land turned around as a result of this rain. While the drought problems haven’t been completely solved in these parts, the outlook appears much more positive.
The same positivity, unfortunately, is not being felt among eastern and southern measuring farms just yet. The average growth rate in Leinster is at 27kg DM/ha/day, while the Munster growth rate is still down at 21kg DM/ha/day. Obviously the problem here is still a lack of rainfall. Parts of north Leinster received a generous amount of rain on Thursday night and this too made an instant impact on land.
Without wanting to speak too soon, it looks like almost all of the country will receive rain by Sunday at the latest, according to Met Éireann. For those waiting on rain, I would urge you to stay positive. A small shower of rain has the ability to turn land green in almost 24 hours, and it has done so all across the west and north of the country over the last week.
Stay patient
However, as I mentioned last week, it is still going take at least 10 days for sufficient growth. Land turning green is the first step. A blanket-spread of nitrogen across all of the grazing ground is highly recommended.
If it’s not in the yard now, get it in as soon as possible and, at the first sign of rain, get it spread. After that, it is a matter of holding out as long as possible until covers are sufficient to resume normal grazing once again.
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Grass+: hope for rain as drought continues
For the first time in six weeks, the average growth rate across the country has increased. Last week, the average growth rate was below 20kg DM/ha/day but this week’s figures have climbed back up to 45kg DM/ha/day.
However, this average growth figure is being propped up significantly by our measuring farms in the west and northwest of the country. The average growth in Connacht has climbed back to over 50kg DM/ha/day, while Mayo and Donegal have witnessed very pleasing growth of 59 and 62kg DM/ha/day, respectively. The majority of land in these areas received persistent rain over the last week and many farmers have commented on how quickly land turned around as a result of this rain. While the drought problems haven’t been completely solved in these parts, the outlook appears much more positive.
The same positivity, unfortunately, is not being felt among eastern and southern measuring farms just yet. The average growth rate in Leinster is at 27kg DM/ha/day, while the Munster growth rate is still down at 21kg DM/ha/day. Obviously the problem here is still a lack of rainfall. Parts of north Leinster received a generous amount of rain on Thursday night and this too made an instant impact on land.
Without wanting to speak too soon, it looks like almost all of the country will receive rain by Sunday at the latest, according to Met Éireann. For those waiting on rain, I would urge you to stay positive. A small shower of rain has the ability to turn land green in almost 24 hours, and it has done so all across the west and north of the country over the last week.
Stay patient
However, as I mentioned last week, it is still going take at least 10 days for sufficient growth. Land turning green is the first step. A blanket-spread of nitrogen across all of the grazing ground is highly recommended.
If it’s not in the yard now, get it in as soon as possible and, at the first sign of rain, get it spread. After that, it is a matter of holding out as long as possible until covers are sufficient to resume normal grazing once again.
Read more
Grass+: hope for rain as drought continues
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