For the last few weeks this column has been discussing how to manage surplus grass, after weeks of record-high grass rates.

As is often the case, Mother Nature laughs at our plans. Some parts of the country got in excess of 100mm of rain in the last week while official figures suggest that total rainfall amounts for the last week are over three times the normal across much of Munster.

All of this rain has reduced utilisation in heavy soils, meaning that cows are walking grass into the ground. This means they need more area to feed themselves for the day.

Surpluses

The big grass surpluses which we saw two weeks ago no longer seem to be as big because cows are motoring through grass.

Utilisation can be improved by grazing drier paddocks, but these are running out on many farms. Using 12-hour breaks, back fencing and using on/off grazing are the options before the nuclear button is pressed, which is to house cows fully for a period.

This might be the best option in some cases, particularly where land is already very wet and where more heavy rain is forecast.

High winds are also forecast, so, in a repeat of last week it is likely that power will be lost to many farms so get the generators out in preparation.

It is likely that power will be lost to many farms so get the generators out in preparation.

Some farmers are asking about fertiliser. With so much rain forecast, fertiliser should not be spread this week. Better weather is forecast for the weekend so that would present a better opportunity.

There are only three weeks left in the open period for chemical nitrogen. If fertiliser hasn’t been spread for more than a week, I would be inclined to blanket spread with 20 units or so of nitrogen next weekend, and go again with the same just before the closed period.

Of course, this will vary depending on stocking rate and average farm cover.

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