Critical period for grass quality: Good grassland management in the next few weeks is critical to maintaining good levels of liveweight gain in cattle, and keeping a constant supply of milk in cows. The aim should be to keep pre-grazing covers under 8-10cm to limit the amount of stem building up in swards. The more stem that is present, the less digestible the grass will be. Dairy farmers will see a reduction in milk protein in midsummer if grass quality falls – the same principle will apply to suckler farmers, it is just more difficult to see the results of poorer-quality grass. It is essential that you keep as much leaf as possible in the sward. Although grass growth rates are high, there can be a tendency to skip fertiliser applications. In order to give grass growth an extra push and to avoid grass becoming stressed, which could see quality deteriorate, it is advisable to continue with a low level of fertiliser nitrogen after grazing. Those that are lowly stocked should target an application of 15-20 units N/acre after grazing. The rotation length is also crucial in the next few weeks. To avoid stem building up in swards, a quick rotation is required. The target should be to have a rotation length of between 14 and 18 days. It is essential that the grazing platform is walked twice per week now to assess growth, grass covers and what paddocks to take out as surpluses. The grass wedge is an essential tool for this.

Pneumonia in calves: A number of farmers have contacted me about finding calves with early signs of pneumonia in the past week. Although daytime temperatures can be quite warm, there is still a persistent, cold breeze, and the evenings can be chilly. Where there are young calves at grass, try to keep cow and calf groups in fields with plenty of shelter, or provide shelter for calves. Keep a close eye out for any calves with early signs of pneumonia or chills. Those with snotty noses, dropped ears and those who seem lethargic should be watched closely. If treatment is required, look at isolating the calf and its mother from the herd and moving them to a more sheltered area. Early treatment, as always, is essential.

Early worming may be necessary: With poor growth rates through the spring, where autumn-born and early spring-born calves were turned out early and were grazing low covers, there could be higher worm burdens earlier this year than usual. Where turnout was delayed on heavier ground, the risk is not as high. In terms of gut worms, look for signs of loose faeces and ill thrift, especially where there is a history of these parasites at farm level. If you are unsure, get faecal samples analysed to help identify the extensiveness of the problem. From June onwards, lungworms also becomes an increasing problem, especially for calves of dairy origin. At early signs of the disease, treatment should take place using one of the wormers on the market. It is advisable to alter the active ingredient throughout the year to reduce resistance risk.