Applying fertiliser: The favourable grass growth in recent weeks has reduced pressure to apply fertiliser. While there may be no pressure on grass supplies now, this could quickly turn if growth dips.

The response to fertiliser applied now will be much greater and help start the process of building autumn grass supplies. There should be less of a concern in starting to build heavier covers from now on as quality will hold much better as the season progresses.

For farmers with a surplus of grass, one approach that could be taken is applying fertiliser on a percentage of ground now to safeguard growth in the coming weeks with the remainder applied at a later date. Now is also a good time to address any nutrient deficiency. Compound fertilisers with a lower nitrogen content can be applied that will keep growth ticking over, while, of equal importance, any deficit in soil phosphorus and potassium levels can be addressed.

New generation wormers: Not surprisingly given the time of year, there are more queries around quarantine treatments. In particular there are queries regarding the availability of new generation wormers which are recommended to guard against the risk of anthelmintic resistance.

Zolvix is a prescription-only medicine, meaning it has to be purchased via your vet. It is not a product most vets have sitting readily available and as such it is important to order it in advance of when it will be required.

Startect is not available at present in Ireland.

Straw requirements: Now is a good time to take stock of what, if any, straw reserves have been carried over and how much straw is required for this winter. A lowland ewe requires about 7kg straw per week with hill ewes requiring 4kg to 5kg straw per week. For a quick calculation, a 4x4 bale weighing 140kg will bed about 18-20 lowland ewes or 30-35 hill ewes for a week. Consider the weight of straw in bales and quality when completing deals. Standard 4x4 round bales weigh about 150kg/160kg but this can vary from 130kg in poorly packed bales to 180kg. Square 8x4x4 bales weigh about 540kg to 580kg but again this can vary from 480kg to 600kg when packed better while 8x4x3 bales weigh about 360kg to 380kg.

Tillage catch crops: 2018 was a super year for catch crops. Everything that could go right did from crop establishment, high levels of growth and excellent utilisation. The experience shows the positive role catch crops can play. However, the absence of a support payment and guaranteed demand will encourage many farmers away from planting catch crops this autumn. Weather will have a big influence on decisions but where there is demand for grazing it is important to act and approach tillage farmers.

There can be a positive mutual benefit for both parties but deals need to be completed that share the risk. The earlier tillage farmers can sow catch crops with confidence they will be required, the better the opportunity is of achieving a worthwhile volume of dry matter.