Growth is on par with last week, with the national average growth rate for the last seven days coming in at 59kg DM/ha/day. The regional variations over the past month are still present, but the gap is starting to close. Growth in the north and west seems to have plateaued, with average growth of 68kg DM/ha/day being recorded. The east lies somewhere in the middle at 54kg DM/ha/day, while the south is still struggling to spring to life, with average growth rates still resting just below the 50kg DM/ha/day.
Once again, the poor growth rate figures in the south are being pulled down by counties which have still not received adequate rainfall. For the last week, rainfall figures in the south midlands including the counties of Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and part of Waterford and Cork have only received 16mm of rainfall. Minor in comparison to 48mm recorded in western counties.
For all, however, there is a new threat facing grass growth, and that is September. Already, nighttime temperatures in many parts were as low as 4°C earlier in the week. While the average soil temperature across the country is still 16°C, colder nights will negatively affect grass growth, particularly if temperatures fall low enough for ground frost. Another unavoidable threat to grass growth is the decline in daylight hours. Grass growth climbs as the days get longer in the spring and summer. However, the reverse affect also happens in the autumn.
It is important to be mindful of this as 1 September looms. Rotation length should gradually be extending and target pre-grazing yields should be pushed out to the maximum. While covers have built up significantly over the past three weeks, and everyone is anxious to preserve as much fodder as possible, remain cautious when taking out heavy covers; you may find yourself robbing Peter to pay Paul. Ensure there are sufficient days ahead and that you can still achieve your highest farm cover by the middle of September. Hopes of a good grazing back end will evaporate if you begin chasing your tail now. Response to fertiliser is still good. It is important to avail of this to reach that mid-September target.
Read more
Grass+: Strip wires for dry and heavy farms
Growth is on par with last week, with the national average growth rate for the last seven days coming in at 59kg DM/ha/day. The regional variations over the past month are still present, but the gap is starting to close. Growth in the north and west seems to have plateaued, with average growth of 68kg DM/ha/day being recorded. The east lies somewhere in the middle at 54kg DM/ha/day, while the south is still struggling to spring to life, with average growth rates still resting just below the 50kg DM/ha/day.
Once again, the poor growth rate figures in the south are being pulled down by counties which have still not received adequate rainfall. For the last week, rainfall figures in the south midlands including the counties of Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and part of Waterford and Cork have only received 16mm of rainfall. Minor in comparison to 48mm recorded in western counties.
For all, however, there is a new threat facing grass growth, and that is September. Already, nighttime temperatures in many parts were as low as 4°C earlier in the week. While the average soil temperature across the country is still 16°C, colder nights will negatively affect grass growth, particularly if temperatures fall low enough for ground frost. Another unavoidable threat to grass growth is the decline in daylight hours. Grass growth climbs as the days get longer in the spring and summer. However, the reverse affect also happens in the autumn.
It is important to be mindful of this as 1 September looms. Rotation length should gradually be extending and target pre-grazing yields should be pushed out to the maximum. While covers have built up significantly over the past three weeks, and everyone is anxious to preserve as much fodder as possible, remain cautious when taking out heavy covers; you may find yourself robbing Peter to pay Paul. Ensure there are sufficient days ahead and that you can still achieve your highest farm cover by the middle of September. Hopes of a good grazing back end will evaporate if you begin chasing your tail now. Response to fertiliser is still good. It is important to avail of this to reach that mid-September target.
Read more
Grass+: Strip wires for dry and heavy farms
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