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Growth rates recorded on farms with high-performing swards that have been well-fertilised vary from 30kg DM/ha to 50kg DM/ha. The big difference for variance in growth within regions stems partly from weather and partly from land/sward type and management, with differences in growth very apparent in some areas where paddocks have not received a rest period or fertiliser application has been delayed.
With the dip in temperatures forecast to continue, and the likelihood of rain, it is important that steps are taken to ensure grass supply remains ahead of demand. Fertiliser should be applied as soon as possible to swards that have not yet received an application, while swards that are grazed should also receive fertiliser post-grazing. Swards that are under pressure or slow to respond should receive a compound fertiliser, with phosphorus beneficial in helping to kick-start growth. Where grass is limiting, ewes will need supplementation to bridge the gap in nutritional intake. Twin suckling ewes with scarce grass supplies (less than 3.5cm) in good condition will require 0.7kg to 1kg concentrates, rising to 1.2kg for ewes in poor body condition. Rates can be reduced by 0.3kg to 0.5kg for single suckling ewes.
Huge variation in grass supplies
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