Grass feast or famine

Grass supplies continue to vary majorly between farms. Flocks on dry lands with reseeded and productive swards that have been well fertilised have in cases seen a surplus developing in the last week to 10 days. This is likely to continue given the positive forecast. This surplus grass represents a good opportunity to replenish fodder reserves while also being a source of high-quality feed that can be strategically used to reduce concentrate requirements in late pregnancy.

There is also likely to be the added complication this year of the main cut of silage being delayed on many farms which could also tighten the volume of grass coming on stream post-weaning. It is important to take action quickly and not to delay cutting in order to keep the grazing rotation on track.

Farms that have seen surpluses develop have in most cases applied a high level of nitrogen this spring. As such, it is important to be mindful of high nitrate levels in grass. In normal growing conditions, a sward will typically use two units of nitrogen daily. With spring growth greatly curtailed, this level of nitrogen may not have been utilised in April and it is worth taking precautions to ensure grass is fit to cut. Nitrate levels can be tested with a refractometer which should be available in most Teagasc offices or some co-operatives/nutrition specialists.

Other tips that can be taken to help ensure optimum preservation include cutting in the afternoon when sugars in the sward are higher and wilting the crop for a short period. Silage additives can also be used to address concerns.

Where grass supplies are still under pressure, then the only option is to continue to apply fertiliser regularly to try and get the season back on track. Applying compound over straight nitrogen will deliver a greater response in swards that were damaged in spring or in nutrient-deficient soils.

Sheep welfare scheme

With higher numbers of empty ewes on some farms, there have been more queries of late on selling sheep and adhering to the Sheep Welfare Scheme reference number. The reference number must be maintained throughout the year to receive full payment. A farmer also has the option to reduce the number of ewes and in this case the payment for the 2019 scheme year will be based on the lower ewe numbers. If reducing numbers and not replacing immediately, farmers are advised to notify the Department’s Sheep Welfare Scheme section. Reducing numbers in one year of the scheme will not prevent numbers being raised in subsequent years. It is also important to note that 2017-born ewe lambs (dry or with lambs at foot) can be used to meet the reference number requirement in 2018.

Blowfly strike

This week’s Focus covers sheep handling ,with articles on Sheep Welfare Scheme tasks, the clean livestock policy and sheep scab. Blowfly strike is also another relevant topic with some farmers combining tasks such as worm dosing, clostridial disease vaccination or shearing with blowfly strike prevention in lambs. It is worth taking time to consider what product will provide the best protection rather than making the selection on price alone.

A detailed table is provided on www.farmersjournal.ie/sheep which summarises the main products on the market and their differing characteristics. It is also important to keep withdrawal dates in mind.