Grass supplies

Growth rates are ranging anywhere from 40kg DM/ha to 70kg DM/ha depending on farm location, soil moisture and the level of fertiliser applied.

While grass supplies may be presently good on many farms it is important to look ahead and put a plan in place to try to maximise the length of the grazing season.

Keeping ewes out for longer will reduce winter forage demand while also possibly cutting down on straw usage. This does not mean that all areas should be grazed late into the year, rather that paddocks are still closed up for grazing next spring (120-day rest period) and plans are put in place to extend the grazing season on a percentage of the farm.

There is also likely to be greater pressure on some farms with higher numbers of lambs still present so maximising grass growth will provide more options for finishing.

The closing date for spreading chemical fertiliser has been extended from 15 September to the end of the month. However, the earlier fertiliser is applied, the better the response will be – but take care not to exceed total farm limits.

Grass covers may be at risk of going heavier than normal but this is not a cause for concern with quality holding at this time of year.

It also leaves an opportunity to save surplus grass as baled silage and replenish winter forage supplies.

Decisions should depend on the farm’s grass demand now and in the coming weeks and the volume of grass present. If taking out paddocks at this time of year, it is important to do so quickly (2,000kg-plus DM/ha) so that paddocks can be brought back into the rotation without delay.

Applying lime

There is quite a bit of lime being applied at present with opportunities to apply restricted by weather in recent years.

Applying lime to address a soil pH deficiency will reap instant rewards. Recent research from Teagasc Johnstown Castle shows that correcting soil pH and increasing from pH 5.5 to the optimum of 6.3 (for grassland) will increase grass production by 1t dry matter per hectare. In such a case where a large quantity of lime is required, then ground limestone is the most suitable. This is due to cost and its mode of action with typically one third of lime available immediately, one third in the second year and one third in the final year.

Recent research from Teagasc Johnstown Castle shows that correcting soil pH and increasing from pH 5.5 to the optimum of 6.3 (for grassland) will increase grass production by 1t dry matter per hectare

The maximum allocation in a single application is 3t/ac or 7.5t/ha. Where the recommendation identified in a soil test is higher, split the application with the balance applied in year three.

Teagasc advises that for high molybdenum soils, maintain the pH at pH<6.2 to prevent the negative effects of copper uptake in ruminant animals and to spread the application over an annual programme to reduce the risk of acute copper deficiency.

Granulated lime may be suitable for lower applications or as a maintenance application but as it is composed of fine lime and all available within the year of application, it needs to be applied annually.

Diary dates

Teagasc is holding two BETTER farm hill sheep open days next week. The first takes place on Tuesday 11 September on the farm of David McLaughlin, Stroove, Co Donegal, with the second on Thursday 13 September on the farm of Denis O’ Riordan, Curramore, Keakill, Co Cork.

The KT-approved events take place from 6pm to 8pm and will cover hill grazing management, breeding preparations and hill store lamb management.