While the majority of slurry is, and should be, spread in the spring of the year to maximise the level of nitrogen captured by the growing plant, there will still be a need on most farms to empty some slatted tanks ahead of housing for winter.
It is important to head into the winter with maximum slurry capacity available. If weather conditions are poor in spring it may delay getting out with slurry meaning storage could quickly become an issue.
Farms finishing cattle indoors may have a supply of slurry on farm that needs to be spread.
After nearly 10 days of good drying conditions, ground is in great shape again and this provides the perfect opportunity to spread slurry. This is especially true in the north and northwest, where ground conditions had been quite poor after a wet August.
With showery weather forecast in the coming days, it is a good time to spread slurry. Target this slurry to areas that have been cut for silage, or ground that has been reseeded in the past year or paddocks that you plan to graze early next spring.
Grass supply is currently quite good on many farms so target lower covers of grass or recently grazed paddocks rather than applying it to ground that you plan to graze in the next few weeks.
Remember health and safety when operating machinery. Ensure the PTO guard is present and correct and remember to replace the lids of any slatted tanks as soon as you are finished.
Read more
Beef management: five management jobs for autumn calves
Beef Management: in-spec bonuses, in-calf weanlings and winter finishing webinar
Live winter finishing webinar on farmersjournal.ie
While the majority of slurry is, and should be, spread in the spring of the year to maximise the level of nitrogen captured by the growing plant, there will still be a need on most farms to empty some slatted tanks ahead of housing for winter.
It is important to head into the winter with maximum slurry capacity available. If weather conditions are poor in spring it may delay getting out with slurry meaning storage could quickly become an issue.
Farms finishing cattle indoors may have a supply of slurry on farm that needs to be spread.
After nearly 10 days of good drying conditions, ground is in great shape again and this provides the perfect opportunity to spread slurry. This is especially true in the north and northwest, where ground conditions had been quite poor after a wet August.
With showery weather forecast in the coming days, it is a good time to spread slurry. Target this slurry to areas that have been cut for silage, or ground that has been reseeded in the past year or paddocks that you plan to graze early next spring.
Grass supply is currently quite good on many farms so target lower covers of grass or recently grazed paddocks rather than applying it to ground that you plan to graze in the next few weeks.
Remember health and safety when operating machinery. Ensure the PTO guard is present and correct and remember to replace the lids of any slatted tanks as soon as you are finished.
Read more
Beef management: five management jobs for autumn calves
Beef Management: in-spec bonuses, in-calf weanlings and winter finishing webinar
Live winter finishing webinar on farmersjournal.ie
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