While grass growth is good now, effectively the fertiliser being spread up to mid-September is for grass grown in late September and October.

I think blanket spreading the whole farm at this time of year is a good idea, as it ensures the whole farm is covered.

Farmers in derogation should be careful not to exceed permitted levels. Work out how much has been spread to date and check this against how much you’re allowed to spread.

Being able to blanket spread the farm with 25 or 30 units/acre of nitrogen would be ideal.

Low-stocked farms

However, low-stocked farms that are on or above target for grass now can, and should, get away with spreading a lot less fertiliser.

I’m hearing a good few farmers are spreading potash now too. It’s the right time of the year to spread it, and with free cash around it’s a good investment in your farm.

Farms low in potash should be spreading one bag/acre of 0:0:50. There’s no time limit on when potash can be spread. Slurry can be spread up to 15 October and some farmers will spread slurry on grazing ground, with a trailing shoe right up to the closed period.

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