This is a subscriber-only article
Weather
The weather over most of the country for the last few weeks is more like that experienced in a tropical rainforest than what Irish farmers expected for August. The warm, humid and wet conditions are absolutely ideal for grass growth (and the growth of every kind of weed also). Average soil temperatures for the last seven days have been over 20°C at Shannon Airport. This is 4°C higher than the average for the month of August 2018, post-heat wave. High soil temperatures are replicated across the country, with average soil temperatures running 2°C to 4°C higher than normal. This will keep growth rates high for another few weeks. As hot as this is, it’s cold comfort to those struggling with the side effects of farming in the tropics – wet soils.
With more heavy rain forecast for most of the country over the next week, there is no doubt that some herds in the worst-affected parts of the southwest will have to be housed for a period – such is the quantity of rain that is falling. Feeding good silage and two or three kilos of meal for a few days is better than doing damage and not getting sufficient dry matter intakes. Decide what is best for your own farm. If you have dry fields that you can graze, then go there. Don’t feed silage and/or a lot of meal at the same time as grazing, because this will reduce cows’ appetite for grass and clean-outs will suffer.
Grass
Most farms have too much grass for the time of year. It’s more of a risk than a reward for those on heavier soils, as being able to utilise it all is unlikely. Remember, cows have five mouths on wet land during wet weather. For those on drier soils and with less rainfall, it’s a case of managing the surpluses. My view is that if average farm cover (AFC) is less than 10% above target, then it’s probably best not to take it for silage and graze through it, only cutting out surplus above 10% to bring it back to 10% above target.
However, this was based on the presumption that growth rates would return to normal soon. But with soil temperatures so high, there are no immediate signs of this. The advice has always been that if you have a surplus in autumn, it’s better to take it out sooner rather than later. Perhaps better advice would be that if AFC is 5% higher than target, then cut it for silage? Of course, farmers need to know what their actual AFC is and they won’t know this unless they measure grass. What the target AFC is depends on stocking rate and soil type. Those on heavier soils shouldn’t be building up covers too high.
Grassland competition
Closing date for entries to Teagasc for the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year is 31 August. This competition is open to all grassland farmers, including dairy, beef, sheep and contract rearing. There is €30,000 in prize funds available, with winners from each category, plus a disadvantaged land winner, a sustainable farming category winner and a young farmer winner. The overall winner will pocket €6,000 tax free.
SHARING OPTIONS: