Fodder

The feed situation hasn’t improved. According to the Grass+ dairy: situation worsens as growth stagnates" target="_blank">Grass+ map , average grass growth rates are only 6kg/day, when they are normally 23kg/day. With talk of another cold spell coming at Easter, the situation is getting serious. There is a risk of being too pessimistic. Most farmers have either grass in the fields or silage in the pit. Those that have neither are in trouble and they need to get forage fast, as growth rates aren’t going to change in a hurry and will be lagging for a few more weeks.

Silage reserves can be stretched with purchased feeds such as soya hulls or beet pulp. Soya hulls are probably easier to manage as they can be fed in higher quantities.

Palm kernel expeller is similar in that it is easy enough to manage and shouldn’t cause stomach upsets, even if fed in high quantities. Where grass is scarce, the rotation should be extended.

Work out how much area is yet to be grazed and ration this out until 10 or 15 April. If supplement is going to have to be fed, then feed it now. Waiting until April to put in a lot of supplement is a bad idea. At that point, cows will be only four weeks away from breeding and any big negative changes to the diet will have consequences.

A lot of contractors have zero-grazing machines. Consider using these to bring grass in from out-farms in a week or 10 days’ time. Things will change for the better, it’s only a matter of when – but be prepared to react when it does change.

Body condition

I’m hearing reports of thin cows across the country. I’m also hearing reports of more lameness than normal. Both are probably feeding into each other, if you excuse the pun. Because cows are on a poorer diet than normal (less grass) they are milking off their backs for longer and are under pressure. With breeding five or six weeks’ away for most farmers, it’s not a good situation. Young cows are most at risk. Run the herd through the crush and run your hand along the short ribs, long ribs and tail head area.

Assess the level of fat around these areas on a score of one to five, thin to fat. Cows should be between 2.75 and three at the moment. Any cow less than 2.75 should be put on once-a-day milking to take the pressure off her. Yes, you will forego some milk, but you will get it back later and the cow has a better chance of going in calf and calving early next season.

Stress

It’s a stressful time on farms and everyone is under pressure. But it’s important to put things into context and not get too bothered about the weather or feed situation. They will both right themselves in time.

You must make an effort to get off the farm at least once a week. Whether that is to the discussion group meeting or a farm walk.

There are a number of good farm walks and events coming up across the country over the next few weeks. Don’t get cocooned in a world of your own problems – find solutions from fellow farmers.