Grass growth has dropped off in the last seven days on Tullamore Farm.
It's been a very dry week and growth is now at 47kg DM/ha/day, down from 70kg DM/ha/day over the past seven days.
While the farm is still growing 5kg above demand, it's finely balanced.
With no rain forecast for a few days, we would expect growth to drop off further.
There are currently around 11 days grass ahead of stock.
Second cut
Second-cut silage was picked up on Thursday and farm manager Shaun Diver said he will move stock to graze headlands for a few days, which will lengthen out the rotation and give paddocks a chance to come back.
Farm cover has also dropped to 480kg DM/ha and stocking rate is currently running at 2.96LU/ha.
If dry conditions continue, creep feeding will start in calves with cows restricted.
Dry ewes can also afford to be restricted on bare paddocks for the next few weeks to reduce grass demand.
Bulls
Another load of under-16-month bulls were sold last week.
Average carcase weight was 393kg and they came into €1,582 each.
They averaged a U- on grading and 3- on fat score.
There are just 10 bulls left to sell, with the last of the bulls hopefully gone over the next two weeks.
We will have a full report on 2017-born bulls and 2018-born bulls at our open day on Wednesday 24 July.
Open day
Our grazing demo was set up this week at the grassland stand for the open day taking place on the farm on Wednesday 24 July.
Practical demonstrations will take place throughout the day, with a special focus on sheep handling facilities and dipping facilities.
Over 40 companies will also be exhibiting a range of exhibits in relation to the beef and sheep sectors.
Attendance is free and the event is approved for the knowledge transfer (KT) programme.
Read more
First scan proves positive on Tullamore
Bulls back by €125/head on 2018 prices at Tullamore Farm
Tullamore Farm: hungry mouths tightening grass supplies
Grass growth has dropped off in the last seven days on Tullamore Farm.
It's been a very dry week and growth is now at 47kg DM/ha/day, down from 70kg DM/ha/day over the past seven days.
While the farm is still growing 5kg above demand, it's finely balanced.
With no rain forecast for a few days, we would expect growth to drop off further.
There are currently around 11 days grass ahead of stock.
Second cut
Second-cut silage was picked up on Thursday and farm manager Shaun Diver said he will move stock to graze headlands for a few days, which will lengthen out the rotation and give paddocks a chance to come back.
Farm cover has also dropped to 480kg DM/ha and stocking rate is currently running at 2.96LU/ha.
If dry conditions continue, creep feeding will start in calves with cows restricted.
Dry ewes can also afford to be restricted on bare paddocks for the next few weeks to reduce grass demand.
Bulls
Another load of under-16-month bulls were sold last week.
Average carcase weight was 393kg and they came into €1,582 each.
They averaged a U- on grading and 3- on fat score.
There are just 10 bulls left to sell, with the last of the bulls hopefully gone over the next two weeks.
We will have a full report on 2017-born bulls and 2018-born bulls at our open day on Wednesday 24 July.
Open day
Our grazing demo was set up this week at the grassland stand for the open day taking place on the farm on Wednesday 24 July.
Practical demonstrations will take place throughout the day, with a special focus on sheep handling facilities and dipping facilities.
Over 40 companies will also be exhibiting a range of exhibits in relation to the beef and sheep sectors.
Attendance is free and the event is approved for the knowledge transfer (KT) programme.
Read more
First scan proves positive on Tullamore
Bulls back by €125/head on 2018 prices at Tullamore Farm
Tullamore Farm: hungry mouths tightening grass supplies
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