The higher temperatures and little or no rain have helped grazing conditions and performance on the Greenfield Farm in the last week.

To date in March, 125,000 litres at 3.56% protein and 5.2% fat have been collected, according to Glanbia Connect, or 11,240kg milk solids in total.

Compared to same month last year, March 2019 supply will be well up on milk solids, making up for the later start to calving and lower supply in February.

Milk cheque

The February milk cheque landed during the week and the 1,910kg of milk solids sold made on average €4.32 per kg of milk solids, so the net payout was €12,646.

Remember, the Glanbia base price last February (2018) was €4.45/kg MS compared to €4.22/kg MS this year.

Last year, the 3,358 of milk solids in February made €15,200.

There are still eight or nine paddocks left with a good cover of first-round grass.

Growth on Tuesday was recorded at 11kg per day but is likely to have increased in the last few days.

Farm cover was measured at 923kg (last week 1142kg). David suggests there is enough grass on the farm to continue with the 3kg of meal and grazed grass up until 10 April. Demand now is rising fast as the higher intakes kick in and more cows calved, etc.

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Greenfield Farm update: looking beyond the heavy rain