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The grazing situation on the programme farms is becoming a growing cause of concern.
Grass growth remains well below the seasonal average due to the lack of soil moisture, with some parts of the country severely affected.
On a positive note, grass intakes and utilisation is excellent. Swards are being grazed tight, leaving low residuals that will ensure high-quality grass in the next rotation
However, a few of the farmers are having to consider grazing silage ground if grass growth does not increase soon.
Lambing has just about finished for the McCaughans, but there is still a few hungry mouths, in the form of pets lambs, that need looking after.
With both brothers working off farm, (Karol in an engineering firm and Peter training for the NI Fire and Rescue Service), labour-saving devices and techniques have never been so important.
Pet lambs are being fed milk replacer as a group using a raised plastic feed trough. This system allows up to 10 pet lambs to feed at once.
To address soil pH, lime was applied to grazing ground after the first rotation was completed.
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