Silage was being purchased from mid April to feed these animals. Cows were also getting 4kg of meal to stretch the silage while they were indoors. This has been a very expensive spring, one which I would not like to see repeated. Ground conditions have started to improve over the past number of days and now able to carry heavier cattle.

I weaned eight cows with calves that weighed over 240kg on Saturday. This will reduce grazing demand as the farm is heavily stocked at present. Cows are being dried off indoors on hay while their calves remain at grass.

The main aim on this farm over the next two months is to replenish fodder supplies for the coming winter. Along with two cuts of silage, I am continuing to apply fertilizer after grazing and I want to make as many bales as possible from surplus grass.

I have 15 acres closed for first cut silage. Usually this would be 22 acres, but poor grass growth has seen the remainder grazed. Different fields will be selected for second cut as this will improve yield. Silage land has either got four bags of 18-6-12 per acre, or two bags of 10-10-20 and two bags of CAN per acre, depending on soil analysis. All grazing land has got either 10-10-20 or 18-6-12 fertilizer this spring, again depending on soil sample results.

A group of yearling heifers has been sold this spring as I felt that the stocking rate was too high at 2.4LU /ha. These heifers were very saleable stock and averaged €2.50/kg.

I reseeded a field back in mid April and this was given two bags of 18-6-12 last week to improve growth. It had received two bags of 10-10-20 at seeding to encourage germination and will be sprayed for weeds in the next 10 days.