Cattle are starting to filter out onto grass. The dry week has seen soil conditions improve significantly in the drier parts of the country. When turning stock out, target the heaviest covers first and where conditions allow force stock to graze swards out tight (less than 4cm) before moving them on. While this may impact on performance at the start of the grazing season, the subsequent improvement in sward quality will boost growth rates dramatically during March and April. If grazing heavy land, ground conditions will determine how tight you can graze. Don't force stock to graze down to 4cm if they are poaching. Even on heavy farms there are a number of steps that can be taken to bring forward turnout date. You should target lighter stock first as they will do less damage. Secondly, keep group size small as smaller groups will settle quicker and do less poaching.

Nitrogen

I have received a number of calls this week from farmers enquiring as to the merits of spreading Nitrogen (N). In good growing conditions 1kg of N will deliver 10-15kg of grass DM. To get best results you should wait until soil temperatures have increased to 5úC before applying N. Regional soil temperatures are printed on our weather page but buying a soil thermometer will give you data specific to your farm. You should also target early N on fields with the greatest production potential such as newly reseeded swards with a high percentage of perennial ryegrass with 5-8cm of grass. Paddocks with little or no grass cover should receive slurry.

Spring rotational planner

Dry farms should have their spring rotational planner in place. The aim should be to have 40% of the farm grazed out by March 17 with the first rotation completed by early April. On heavier farms, dates should be pushed back by two to three weeks. The aim of the planner is to ensure you have sufficient grass grazed early enough to allow time for re-growth for second rotation and to ensure grass does not run out before the start of the second rotation.

Bull

Is your stock bull up to the job? Is he fit and mobile and good on his feet? Is the quality of the calves that he is producing good enough and is he suited to your cow type? If the answers to these questions is no then put a plan in place now to replace him. A young stock bull should be purchased at least six to eight weeks before the start of the breeding season.

Discussion groups: Is the new beef discussion group programme for you? Don't be tempted by the €1,000 support payment. The real gain will be from implementing the technical advice communicated through the group meetings and complying with the additional tasks. There is no point in participating if you don't intend to take the technical advice on board. Further details on pages 12 and 13.