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On suckler beef farms where grazing conditions are holding up, spreading one final round of nitrogen across the grazing platform will give grass growth a boost during September.
Short-term weather forecasts look to be reasonably settled and where nitrogen is applied, this should build sward covers ahead of cattle and extend the grazing season into October.
But before going out with a blanket application of fertiliser, take a walk over the land and make a note of ground conditions and what grass is available.
On heavier farms, housing is likely to start in early October. As such, the target should be to keep grass in front of cattle for another 25 to 30 days.
Therefore, limit nitrogen applications to around 20 units/acre on swards with medium to low covers. Heavier covers should be grazed off before fertiliser is applied.
On farms with drier land and were grazing normally runs to late October, then a higher rate of fertiliser should be applied. Target swards with 30 units/acre of nitrogen.
The earlier fertiliser is applied, the higher the growth response. Remember that the closed period for fertiliser begins on 15 September, so have all dressings on the ground before this date.
Finally, for paddocks that were heavily poached during Storm Francis last week, applying some P and K will help grass to recover.
Depending on the severity of poaching and ground conditions later in September, these paddocks may need to be skipped for a rotation, or closed up for the winter.
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