The dry spell has allowed stock into the fields in most parts of the country. It is a welcome relief for all but with rain forecast for the next few days farmers need to be vigilant. Keep a close eye on the forecast. Getting freshly calved cows out for a few hours each day is a great relief on all involved. Stock are happier and cleaner and it gives sheds a chance to dry out and takes the pressure off the yard for a few hours. Be careful of letting freshly calved cows out especially if they have only been milked once or twice. They are still in the high risk danger period for milk fever. In the event that the cow can't get up, if you get a bottle of calcium into the vein and another under the skin you will cure any issues very quickly. We had our first case of milk fever in Greenfield Kilkenny this week but the cow was treated as above and she popped up within a few minutes. There are also new products on the market such as the oral dose launched this week by Bimeda called Bovisal Pearls which farmers can administer to cows they think are big milkers, over fat or at high risk of milk fever. This week we report from Daniel O'Donnell in Cappoquin as he develops his high mountain farm from cash flow to cater for increased cow numbers. It is clear milk price is the key to expansion and without a milk price above 30c/litre then expansion will be limited on some farms.

Work smart

This time of the year is very busy in fields and farmyards. Work smart and don't try and burn the candle at both ends or you will end up making the wrong decision or in an accident. Get help for a number of weeks if required or contract out a part of the workload. In the dairy pages we talk about contract rearing calves and this can free up a lot of time for some farmers who are farming on their own. The other way around this is to hire in someone to feed and rear the calves and they come and go just to feed the calves. It means they are dedicated to the job, it is their responsibility but you can still keep an eye on what is happening.

Fertilizer

I am getting a lot of queries from farmers who realise that they are short in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and they are wondering will they spread some P and K now at this time of the year or will they wait for the spring. The soil experts suggest that little and often is better as it means the risk of loss is less. They also suggest that earlier in the year is a vital time for root development and the growing plant so if soil index results are in Index 1 and 2 then you will be better to spread a compound (NP & K in the one fertilizer) rather than just straight nitrogen (CAN 27% N or Urea 46% N).

Slurry is a great source of phosphorus and potassium and spreading at this time of the year means you also get some use from nitrogen in slurry as there is less nitrogen lost to the atmosphere. Dilute the slurry well by mixing in water as this makes it more available and spread it at 2,000-3,000 gallons per acre.