There were contrasting weather conditions around the country this week. In the west and northwest, rainfall amounts were well above normal in many parts.

Between 40mm and 80mm fell over a 24hr period in some places.

However, much of Leinster and east Munster have had below normal rainfall amounts over the last week.

Met Éireann is predicting slightly drier weather for most of the country this week, with the northwest still getting slightly higher than average rainfall in places.

Soil temperatures are still one to two degrees ahead of normal, which is probably helping the growth rates to hold so well, with an average of 63kg/day for the country this week. Soil temperatures are expected to drop back in the week ahead to around average.

Ground conditions in the west and northwest are getting more challenging with the high levels of rainfall.

Grazing management will have to be adjusted to help keep grass in the cows’ diet. The use of on/off grazing techniques may need to come into play.

Make sure animals don’t go over the same area twice.

Choosing not to go into the highest covers when ground conditions are poor may help get cows on and off the land with minimum damage.

Flexibility is very important in keeping grass in the diet when weather conditions turn less favourable.

Building grass

We all should now be on a 30 day rotation and planning to stretch that out to 35 days by mid-September.

Divide your grazing area by the area you’re grazing per day to see where you’re at.

Keep referring back to your grass budget to make sure you’re on target to build to an AFC of 1,100. A lot of highly stocked farms are behind target.

Taking action now while growth rates are high is the best way to get back on track.

  • Average growth 63kg/day this week.
  • In poor grazing conditions, grazing management should be adjusted and more flexible.
  • Rotation length should be 30 days now.
  • High-stocked farms need to be hitting 1,100kg average farm cover by mid-September.