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In terms of grass growth, we are now beginning to see massive variations in growth rates nationwide. These differences are primarily down to the availability of moisture, with strong variances from farm to-farm being recorded, let alone between regions.
This is the summer for wet land. Farms with a heavier soil type are still seeing good growth rates of 50kg DM/ha/day and above – well in excess of demand. In truth, if some of these farms didn’t get rain for the rest of the summer it wouldn’t be an issue.
On the other end of the spectrum, however, are the lighter, more free-draining soils. Drought has now hit a critical level on these farms, with some posting near single-figure growth rates of 12kg and 17kg of DM/ha/day.
Cracking
On a positive note, the recent spells of good weather have provided cracking conditions in which to make hay. Over the last couple of summers, while there was hay made, the windows of opportunity were extremely narrow and many people chose the safer option and baled silage instead.
Hay is reportedly making between €25 and €30 per bale – those who have it cut and baled can rest easy now. However, a thought should be spared for those in GLAS waiting until 1 July before they can get the mowers out.
On the topic of cracking conditions, many will notice ground cracking over the last number of days due to the prolonged dryness. While it’s hard to take a positive from the drought at the moment, many farmers have said that ground cracking will provide massive long-term benefits.
Wet ground will crack the most of all and the structure of these soils will now receive a much-needed aeration.
Co Meath
System suckler to beef
Soil type heavy clay
Farm cover (kg DM/ha) 876
Demand (kg DM/ha/day) 31
Growth (kg DM/ha/day) 30
In the last four days, surplus bales have been placed in with the cows to maintain the grazing rotation. I measure rainfall here on the farm and we would have been lucky to have got 10mm of rainfall over the last five weeks. Our calving period does not usually begin until April, meaning breeding season has only begun on Saturday 16 June. So far, 39 cows have been served to AI. Heifers were synchronised last week. I use a simple 11-day synchronisation programme. On day one the CIDR is put in, on day eight the animal is given 2cc of prostaglandin, on day nine the CIDR is removed and the heifer is artificially inseminated on day 11.
Last year, this programme worked very well for me – over 70% of the heifers held to the first service. Surplus bales were taken off most of the paddocks in the first week in May along with 8ac of silage ground. I took my main cut of silage on 30 May – 33 acres in total.
Co Sligo
System suckler to beef
Soil type heavy
Farm cover (kg DM/ha) 838
Demand (kg DM/ha/day) 28
Growth (kg DM/ha/day) 87
Growth hasn’t slowed down here in Castlbaldwin in comparison to other parts of the country but then again land type is heavier. I’d imagine growth will be down next week if we don’t get rain as some paddocks are beginning to burn up. Cows and calves are very content and I’m forcing them to eat out paddocks.
To date, I have gathered 40% of my winter feed requirements so filling the yard with as many bales as possible is the main priority.
I reclaimed a patch of rough ground over a month ago and the new reseed is now subsequently under pressure. It’s only a small parcel of ground but it would be a shame for it to fail and I’m contemplating watering it with the tanker to give it every chance possible. Breeding has now come to an end. One or two cows are still showing signs of heat but they are cows which I always struggle to get back in-calf. No passengers will be carried from now on here and they will be culled once the calves are reared.
Tullamore Farm
System suckler to bull beef
Soil type Variable
Farm cover (kg DM/ha) 536
Demand (kg DM/ha/day) 48
Growth (kg DM/ha/day) 57
Grass has been very tight on the farm for the last couple of weeks. There are only a couple of paddocks ahead of cows at the moment. Cows and calves are still grazing in two groups with the two stock bulls. Silage will have to be fed in the paddocks later in the week to try and build a bit more cover on the farm.
There has been very little bull activity over the last week. The bulls will be swapped for the last two weeks. We are now in the eighth week of breeding. Scanning will be taking place in the next week.
Twenty acres of second-cut silage was cut on Tuesday evening and was taken into the pit Wednesday evening. Calves have been weighed and they averaged 180kg with dates of birth ranging from the last week of January until the first week of May.
The land reseeded on 4 May was grazed last week with the dairy cross heifers and sheep.
Co Limerick
System suckler to weanling
Soil type highly variable
Farm cover (kg DM/ha) 586
Demand (kg DM/ha/day) 46
Growth (kg DM/ha/day) 17
Grass growth has slowed right down with me now. I have grown only 17kg DM/ha/day in the past week and my farm cover is a bit low at 586kg/ha. I am OK for grass at the moment but may have to graze some of my second cuts soon if growth doesn’t pick up. Stock are happy with a small amount of grass and good access to water. I installed a new water system on my outfarm with a new high-capacity well and pump. I have also installed extra 180gal water troughs and split paddocks permanently which have brought great benefit in terms of labour efficiency.
I hope to spread fertiliser again in the next week if I see rain is forecast. I plan to spread 30 units per acre of nitrogen in form of CAN. I harvested my first-cut silage at the beginning of June. I was happy with the yield despite it being closed up late. If I suspect I may be tight on fodder for the winter I may purchase some later in the summer.
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