Grazing for 2019 has drawn to a close on the majority of farms lately and, for those not yet fully housed, this week’s combination of wet and cold is sure to go a long way towards finishing it off. While 2019 has been a very difficult year on beef farms for a variety of reasons, one of the high points has been the grazing season.
If we look at the yearly growth curve, growth rates in the spring started off on a par with the 10-year average. Favourable ground conditions in spring meant farmers could really cash in on early growth. While it possibly didn’t reach the 10-year average high in May, growth peaked in early June and held strong for the duration of the summer. As a result, feed stocks in yards right across the country are very healthy – well they should be anyway.
The most intriguing aspect of this year’s growing season was the way growth rates held well above the 10-year average during August, September and October. Admittedly, the wet conditions over the last two months spoiled the fun in grazing this autumn grass bounty, but at the same time it was better to be looking at grass than looking for it. With land saturated in most parts now, and the growth rate down into the single-digit figures, it’s safe to say it’s time to close the gate on the 2019 grazing season.
Closing cover
Before you close the gate, take a closing cover.