Average grass growth rate on our Grass+ farms is 61kg/day. The expected increase in grass growth as a result of rain last weekend did not materialise. A sharp easterly wind was not conducive to growth. Farmers along the south and east coasts suffered most as on-shore winds turned grass tips brown and reduced re-growths.

However, yesterday (Sunday) was a much more pleasant day with temperatures reaching 20 degrees celsius in the west. The sharp easterly winds were replaced with balmy conditions and this definitely helped grass growth. With similar weather expected over today and tomorrow, we should see a good improvement in growth rates.

Some farmers are asking for rain but it’s probably the weather conditions associated with rain that they want more than the rain itself. Hopefully this week will deliver that kind of weather with showers forecast in some parts by the weekend.

Average farm cover

So what about grass? Taking our Grass+ farms as barometers of what is happening across the country, average farm cover is bang on target at around 160kg/cow on average and growth rate is more or less equal to demand. Most of these farmers are feeding 2kg of meal per cow.

We are not in a drought scenario. Growth rates are less than normal because last week, while sunny was harsh. The weather this week is to be more amenable to growth.

Grazing conditions

Grazing conditions are excellent and all growth can be utilised. If you are short of grass (less than 130kg/cow) then you must graze all grass to 3.5cm before considering introducing extra supplement. This will help to slow down the round length. I would stick to a 21 day round length.

If necessary graze some ground that was earmarked for silage. But do a farm cover first so you will know if you really need to graze it. The two figures that matter most are average farm cover per cow and growth rate.

The target AFC is between 150 and 180kg/cow. Growth rate should not be significantly less than demand, or else AFC will deplete quickly. Farmers that are at 200kg/cow with a low growth rate can afford to let AFC drop before putting in extra supplement.

These farms are in the minority. Most farms are in a good grass position and should enjoy it while we have it.