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Results from soil analysis taken over the 2017-2018 winter shows that 72% of Bill Brown’s farm near Millisle, Co Down is at optimal levels for pH, phosphorus and potassium.
Visitors to his farm on Thursday heard that the milking platform grew 14.8tDM/ha last year, up from 14tDM/ha the year before.
Bill started measuring grass in 2016 and says that it has allowed him to keep on top of grassland management throughout the year whilst allowing under-performing paddocks to be identified and reseeded.
Cover
Average farm cover is currently 2,400kgDM/ha (900kgDM/ha utilisable) and growth on his farm at the top of the Ards Peninsula last week was 40kgDM/ha.
Bill is conscience that, although ground conditions are difficult at present, he could soon have surplus grass once the weather improves. It will require him to move quick and cut some paddocks for baled silage.
Visitors to his farm were told that this should take place before first cut is made in mid-May so that re-growth can start, and the paddocks can join the next grazing rotation.
Final farm walk
The final farm walk being held on Dairylink Ireland project farms this spring takes place on Charles Clarke’s farm at Crocknahattina, Bailieborough, Co Cavan next Thursday (19 April).
The event begins at 11am, concludes at 1pm and is free to attend.
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