Growth is currently just above the 60kg DM/ha/day-mark. That is roughly 15-20kg DM/ha/day less than the 10-year average for the second week of July, but at the same time it’s over double what it was this time last year. I don’t want to be stirring up reminders of the hardships of 2018, but in some parts of the country, current growth rates are already doing this.

Met Éireann charts are showing widespread soil moisture deficits of 30-40mm, with pockets of south Leinster and north Munster as high as 60mm. This is causing growth rates as low as 25kg DM/ha/day on badly affected farms.

So how is the national average growth rate so high? Interestingly, farms in similar regions are growing as high as 80kg and 90kg DM/ha/day.

But there’s a common trend. Farms with a high average farm cover (AFC) are maintaining high growth rates. Those that have been chasing their tails lately and struggling to maintain their AFC are seeing rapidly declining growth rates. The saying “grass grows grass” springs to mind. Good grass covers are holding the dew at night, are preventing the ground from cracking and are capturing more light for growth. They are also better utilising N fertiliser.

Take steps

Farms still in a good position should keep grass covers as strong as possible to limit the risk. If you haven’t spread N in the last 30 days, do it now. Don’t wait for growth rates to slow. Also, I’d be extremely apprehensive about topping. Only top ground if it’s absolutely necessary as you risk leaving the ground too bare. For farms with a low AFC (target = 14 days x demand (kg DM/ha/day)) and declining growth rates, it’s likely there is a problem coming down the line. The main thing is to reduce demand. Dairy farmers will increase meal allocation in the parlour and buffer-feed silage. On beef farms it’s not as simple. Firstly, look around and identify any beef animals you plan to sell before the end of the year. These can start getting meal. Secondly, suckler cows need to be slowed down. Buy some tall fencing stakes, raise the electric wires and let the calves creep-graze ahead.