Today is day 15 of breeding. All AI, no stock bull. We are observing the herd five times a day and topping-up tail paint as frequently as possible. Cows painted with green are awaiting first service, while those with red have already been inseminated . To date, 32 cows have been served (71% of 45). The vasectomised bull looks the worst for wear.

A red discharge has been found on six cows post insemination. These cows have been noted and will be watched carefully for signs of repeat heat.

Growth is similar to last week at 75kg DM/ha, resulting in a grass surplus. One paddock has been skipped for baled silage. However, we are reluctant to take out anymore, as cold, wet and windy weather, over the past few days, has reduced growth in paddocks with low covers.

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The blue skies of April have been replaced by grey clouds in May. High pre-grazing covers (>1600kg DM/ha) and wet weather conditions have combined to reduce utilization. Cows are unsettled, marching up and down, smearing grass. Vigorous bulling heats do not help the situation. Consequently, they are not inclined to graze out to 4cm post grazing residuals. To combat this, the strip wires are back up. We are allocating 15kg of grass DM per cow per day, as well as feeding 1kg of a 14% high mineral nut at morning and evening milkings.

Our average farm cover is 611kg DM/ha with a cover per cow of 150kg. We are currently stocked at 4.07 LU/ha on the milking platform and are following cows with one bag of Selenigrass (25% nitrogen plus 0.002% selenium) per acre. Three hectares were reseeded on April 25 and a green haze is just visible.

The unfavourable weather has definitely impacted on milk production. Volume is back from a high of 22litres/cow/day to 20. Protein is 3.43%, fat is 3.87%, resulting in milk solids per cow of 1.6kg. SCC is 68, while the TBC is 3.

Half of the heifer calves have been weaned. They were moved to our out-farm and are eating grass plus 1.5kg of 18% Glanbia calf rearer nut. The youngest calves will continue on six litres of milk once-a-day until they reach our target weaning weight of 95kg. All calves received their first IBR vaccination and second blackleg booster a fortnight ago.

This coming week (Wednesday to Saturday) is forecast to be dry, perhaps providing an opportunity to cut silage (10ha). Yesterday we sent away grass samples, through Grennans of Rath, to Hillsborough Agricultural Centre for ensilabilty analysis. This test should tell us the nitrogen status, sugar content and buffering capacity of the grass and ultimately if it is fit to cut. Using this information, we will decide if a silage additive is required to assist preservation.

The tractors have been serviced, the yard is cleared and ready for bales. Rain, rain go away - come again another day!