The average growth rate across the country for the past week was 85kg DM/ha/day. This is the highest average growth we have got so far this year.

The average demand on farms is closer to 60kg DM/ha/day so most farms are going to end up with a surplus of grass very quickly.

Weather conditions for the coming week are to be similar to the last few days and not ideal for cutting silage. Once an opportunity appears, paddocks that are too strong for grazing must be taken out and put back into the rotation.

Grass is now entering the reproductive phase of growth. The plant’s aim is now to try to produce and support a seed head.

Stems

In doing this, grass will go stemmy very quickly which will reduce its feed value, negatively affecting milk production and average daily gain of animals.

This is a critical period for managing grass quality and is where a lot of farms slip up. Sticking below 1,500kg DM/ha pre-grazing yield is a must now. Fields that have been grazed out well up to now should be OK if grazed around 1,500kg DM/ha cover.

However, fields that were poorly grazed out or that are too strong for grazing will turn stemmy and produce a seedhead very quickly. Targeting these paddocks for surplus bales is the ideal way to correct this, ultimately helping to maintain grass quality and optimising animal performance.

Topping paddocks with a mower will get grass back on track but will slow regrowths and waste feed.