Last week, the majority of cows and calves that remained housed were let out to grass. This was not before time as the straw surplus was running tight and while calves where still healthy, it was vital to get them outdoors.

A total of 67 cows and calves have now been released to grass, calves have all been dehorned and were vaccinated for blackleg prior to being let out.

Ninety-one cows have now calved, while the remaining nine cows to calve are starting to spring well.

Breeding

Scratch cards have been placed on all cows out on grass and heats have been recorded; 85% of the cows have already shown heats. All calved cows got their booster BVD and lepto shots along with a mineral bolus.

Breeding is due to commence from 1 May, when nine weeks' AI will be carried out followed by the introduction of the stock bulls.

Ewes

Some 160 ewes have been let out to grass at 1.9 lambs per ewe. Thirty lambs have been sold for artificial rearing.

Ewes were taken off meal last Monday and are grazing in paddock systems behind three strands of a temporary electric fence. Farm manager Shaun Diver says this system has worked well and good clean-outs have been achieved.

Ewes and lambs being strip-grazed on Tullamore Farm.

Drystock

Forty-five dairy heifers have returned to grass following a period of three weeks on a sacrificed paddock where they were fed on silage and 3kg of meal. The heifers have now been taken off meal and are being strip-grazed on covers of 1,100kg to 1,400kg/DM/ha.

Bulls remain on ad-lib meal, while the maiden heifers are still on 1kg of meal.

Grass growth

Grass growth remains steady with a grass cover of 613kg DM/ha on the farm this week.

Cows are currently grazing 48-hour paddocks but if the wet weather continues this will be reduced to 24-hour paddocks. Cows are also being supplemented with 1kg of meal.

In the coming week, cows and ewes will be paired up. This will be to allow for more ground to be closed for silage.

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