Weed control: The recent rise in temperatures has seen a spurt in weed growth in swards. Docks are starting to raise their heads in silage ground along with creeping buttercup. Buttercups are also quite common in old pasture and ragwort is becoming noticeable in farms where there are no sheep present. Rushes are starting too. While most weeds are susceptible to herbicides while growing, early spring is the only time to take corrective action against ragwort, as herbicides are not as effective once the plant goes past the rosette stage – the same goes for docks. The ideal time to spray rushes is when they are in a green, vegetative, growing stage. MCPA-based products are commonly used for the control of thistles, buttercup, and rushes. Products with active ingredients such as MCPA, and 2, 4-D are most commonly used to control ragwort in grassland. There are a wide range of products to control docks. Ensure that the product guidelines are adhered to, products are mixed in the right volume of water and the application rate is correct. Where light infestations are present, spot spraying can be a cost-effective way to deal with the issue. Wear protective clothing while handling herbicides and spraying.

Pesticides courses: Farmers that use sprayers to apply pesticides and herbicides need to complete training and register with the Department of Agriculture prior to 26 November. It may be worth enquiring about courses.

Clostridial vaccines: With the weather improving, most farmers will turn out the last of their cattle in the next week or so. Where there has been a history of clostridial diseases on farms, such as blackleg, vaccination programmes will be already underway. Ideally, a booster vaccine should be given prior to turnout to allow for maximum protection. Younger cattle and calves that have not been vaccinated before will require two vaccinations about four to six weeks apart. Like with most vaccines, maximum protection will not take place until one to two weeks after the second or booster shot.

Managing bulls at grass: With improved weather conditions, bulls have gone back to grass on many farms. The mixing of groups should be avoided at all costs. From now until finishing, bulls should remain in their own groups to reduce fighting. It is advised that group size is limited to about 15 to 25. To attain high levels of cheap, daily gain, bulls should be going into pre-grazing covers of about 10cm (1,500kgDm/ha) and should graze down to 4-5cm. In some cases, it may be possible to graze swards to 6-7cm and clean out fields with a group of dry autumn-calved cows. This will ensure that only grass with high energy content is consumed by bulls. Ideally, they should be moved every two days to avoid them becoming restless and there should be a field or paddock between groups at all times. When moving bulls, take all the necessary safety precautions.