Grass has become extremely hard to manage as swards head out across the country. This increases the prospect of rejected grass being left behind as cows are moved to the next paddock.

In such instances, it is important that rejected grass is cleaned off before the next rotation. This ensures high quality regrowth when paddocks are next grazed.

While there is a temptation to leave cows in a paddock for a couple of extra days to graze out tight to the ground, be selective about which animals you choose to do this with.

Priority

Spring-calving cows will be in the middle of the breeding season and should not be used to clean out paddocks tight to the ground. In the ideal scenario, dry cows would be available to clean out such grass.

Ground conditions are currently good, allowing dry cows to graze out paddocks without causing any form of surface damage.

Alternatively, dry ewes can be used to clean off any rejected, or headed out grass once lambs are weaned.

Topping

If this is not an option, then topping grass will be required. When topping grass, set the mower or topper to cut the sward as low as possible, leaving a clean sward base for regrowth.

Swards can be topped after stock are moved. Alternatively, top swards the day before animals are due to be moved as cattle will clean up the grass mown off.

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