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The average growth rate across the country this week is at 41kg DM/ha/day. However, once again this average growth figure could more so be described as the mid-point in a large growth range as we witness massive growth variations across the country for the second week in a row.
The west and north of the country are experiencing growth of 49kg and 63kg DM/ha/day respectively. However, Leinster is only growing 29kg DM/ha/day and Munster is down at 25kg DM/ha/day.
The vast majority of farms throughout the country did receive rainfall last week. However, in some areas normal grass growth has failed to recommence.
The problem, put simply, is that some areas still didn’t receive enough rainfall and according to Met Éireann, soil moisture deficits are still an issue. Counties in the northwest have deficits of only 17mm to 30mm and these are simultaneously the areas recording the highest growth rates.
In the south, deficits are down to 45mm to 55mm, but in the east, critical deficits of 65mm to 75mm still remain. In summary, rain is still required in all parts of the country, but the east has the greatest need at present.
Where growth is good, the key is to grow as much grass as possible. Settling back into a comfort zone now would not be advisable.
Growing as much grass as possible now will generate three possibilities: good grass covers for an extended grazing season in the back end; the potential to conserve extra fodder in the form of wrapped bales; and closing off ground for early grazing next spring.
While nobody wants to think about it, planning for next spring does start in the autumn, and, while I always encourage optimism, farmers planning to graze into late November this year and turn out stock early next February to alleviate fodder problems is perhaps unrealistic.
On a positive note, for those who spread fertiliser, last week’s rain provided good conditions for granules to wash into the soil.
With more heat forecast at the weekend, growth rates should continue to climb and all parts will hopefully benefit from some of the possibilities mentioned.
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