Grass growth: It would be fair to say that grass growth was frustratingly slow for the first half of April. On top of that, with most silage ground being closed early in the month farms are very near peak demand. This week, however, early indications are showing that wishes for better growth have been answered. The average growth rate is currently at 50kg DM/ha/day, but land which received early fertiliser and land that has been grazed is exceeding 70kg and 80kg DM/ha/day in many places. For a farm stocking two 700kg suckler cows and two 100kg calves per hectare (2.4LU/ha), daily grass demand is 32kg DM/ha. Growth is well in excess of this now. But I’m of the belief not to take the foot off the pedal in terms of growing grass. Now is the time to grow as much grass as possible and build up covers while growth rates are high. All too often, grass is only pushed when growth is slow. If surpluses need to be taken out, all the better. Target pre-grazing yields should be no higher than 2,000kg DM/ha (12cm). Anything higher should be skipped and cut. Days ahead should be no higher than 14. Again, anything higher will probably result in surpluses down the line. With surplus paddocks, they should be taken out at the time they would have been grazed in the rotation. Letting paddocks bulk up will give a higher yield but will seriously compromise re-growths and subsequent turn-around for the next rotation.

Basic Payment Scheme Application: Spring is often a time of the year where things in the farm office get left on the long finger. Something that cannot afford to be left aside is your BPS application, so be sure to give it the time it deserves. The BPS application deadline closes on 15 May. This date is fast approaching so be sure to sit down and ensure all details on the form and land maps are correct. If changes are required, it would be wise to make an appointment with your agricultural adviser/consultant as soon as possible to make amendments. Looking at the calendar, there is only 11 working days left before 15 May, after this weekend.

BDGP requirements: With another breeding season upon us, it is important to remember the targets for BDGP. You are required to have the equivalent to 50% of your reference number in eligible females on 31 October 2020. For BDGP II participants, its 20% in 2020 and 50% in 2022. Eligible females must be over 16 months old at the target date and 4 or 5 star on the replacement index. Note, calves born next spring will not qualify for the 2020 targets but maiden heifers brought into the herd this breeding season will. If using AI this year, remember a minimum of 80% of the AI sired progeny on your farm must be from 4 or 5 star replacement/terminal AI bulls. Finally, the stock bull requirement is only around the corner. At least one stock bull in the herd must be an eligible stock bull (four- or five-star replacement/terminal) on 30 June 2019. This needs to be kept in mind if purchasing a bull this spring.