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The last test results from Greenfield farm in Kilkenny (7 March) show the protein dropping back to 3.38%. They had been running at 3.63% 10 days ago, dropped to 3.50% on 6 March and now the latest result on 7 March was 3.38%.
It’s a clear signal that there isn’t as much grazed grass in the diet. The weather is playing its part in that.
The protein, dip however, is also yield-related as volume increases and percentages drop back. For all of February supply, the protein will average 4%. So far for March supply, the protein percentage is averaging 3.58%. Somatic cell count is running around the 200 mark.
Fertiliser
David was lucky to get the second round of fertiliser out last week so that kick of nitrogen is working away now to keep the grass coming for late March and early April grazing.
The farm cover this week was measured at 1,322kg, a growth rate of 8kg/day, and almost 40% of the farm area will have been grazed by the end of this weekend. Daily grass demand is running around 30kg per day.
Similar to all other dairy farmers, the plan is to keep getting some grazed grass in the diet of milkers with on/off grazing, back fencing, etc.
See full report in print in this week's Irish Farmers Journal.
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