In this Focus, we look at maximising the return from your investment in reseeding. At €300/acre, reseeding is a significant cost, but it is also one of the best investments farmers can make, increasing grass production by 3t/ha and milk output by 8%.

Achieving these desired outcomes is hinged on achieving a good establishment and reducing competition from weeds.

Eight tips for a successful reseed are highlighted here. The key is soil fertility and spraying weeds at the appropriate stage post-emergence. A common mistake is to not graze hard enough and often enough in the first few months after establishment.

Best varieties

Investment returns are maximised when the best varieties are used. Aidan Brennan goes into detail on the various evaluation methods being used and says the on-farm evaluation is the true test of a variety.

Ciarán Lenehan and Adam Woods look at alternative feed sources for livestock farmers. With low grain prices, tillage farmers are looking for alternative markets for their crops. Farm-to-farm sales have the ability to cut out the middle man and retain more margin for farmers.

As with everything, the key is to compare different feed options under quality and dry matter parameters.

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The full 2017 reseeding focus