Average soil temperatures for the past seven days are between 5 and 7 degrees and this is a big factor when it comes to grass growth. Normally, soil temperatures need to be above 6 degrees for good grass growth, but the percentage of perennial ryegrass in the sward and whether or not fertiliser was applied also plays a part.

The improved weather has allowed many farmers to turn out stock. However, land is still soft and easily damaged. Remember the basics: graze in 12 hour allocations, use a back-fence, graze in square blocks and use on/off grazing if necessary.

Many farmers have taken the opportunity of the fine weather to spread Nitrogen. Urea is the product of choice as it is cheaper and less prone to volatilisation in spring. On highly stocked farms, 70 units per acre of urea is recommended to be applied before April.

If spreading urea, be conscious of the wind as spreading in very windy conditions may disrupt the spread pattern, particularly with urea as it has smaller, lighter granules.

Because animals were housed for longer this spring, there is more slurry around than normal. I would be wary about spreading slurry on grazing paddocks now as the timeframe between spreading and then grazing is short. Ideally, you should have six weeks between spreading and grazing.

That said, the best time for the nitrogen in the slurry to be utilised is now, so if it could be spread on silage fields or fields that have been well grazed or won’t be grazed again in less than six weeks, then a good response should be observed.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the maiden heifers, with the calf sheds filling up and so much time dedicated to managing the cows it is very easy to let management slip for this bunch of stock. Weighing, sorting according to weight and vaccinating are jobs that need to be done around now.