To date this year, grass grown on Irish dairy farms is up 657kg or 10.6% on the five-year average, according to Pasturebase Ireland. The average figure for grass grown to date in 2026 is 6,818kg.
This is exactly the same as the year-to-date figure for 2025 and slightly ahead of the 10-year average.
Looking at the current situation on farms, growth rates for this week are similar to both recent and long-term averages. However, soil moisture deficits are rising and certain parts of the country are already feeling the effects.
Growth rates in counties like Carlow and Kilkenny have dropped below 50kg DM/ha, with the most grass growth predictor model forecasting growth rates as low as 30kg/ha in some counties over the coming week.
According to Met Éireann, current soil moisture deficits are ranging from 14mm to 64mm, with these figures expected to rise towards 25mm and 75mm by the end of the week.
At a soil moisture deficit above 50mm grass growth becomes restricted on farms.
Speaking about the current situation, Caitlin Looney from Teagasc Pasturebase says: “With little to no rain forecast in the next 10 days, walking the farm every three to five days is the most important thing to do in order to make farm-specific decisions. Regrowths need to be monitored closely.”
“On farms where demand is exceeding growth, demand needs to be reduced. Drop demand by removing surplus stock, like empty cows, bringing silage ground back into the rotation and buffer feeding if necessary,” she said.
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