Despite the autumn flush of grass, winter feeding rations for dairy and beef heifers should be considered now, before stocks get low and animals lose condition.

Knowing what forage stocks you have on farm and the growth rates you wish to achieve is a priority, according to Kingshay technical specialist Martin Yeates.

"Analysing silage will establish what you have in terms of quality and quantity," says Mr Yeates. "Weighing or measuring heifers at six months will ascertain what animals require in terms of feed."

And with many having to resort to silage-free rations, substitutes should be considered carefully. "High quality straw is the usual alternative, alongside treated straw fed with liquid molasses or pot ale syrup, depending what is available locally," he adds.

First-cut silage should be nutritionally analysed due to varied harvesting times, explains Mr Yeates. "Silage may be high in fibre and bulk, but subsequently low in metabolisable energy.

"So as not to compromise heifer growth rates, rations should, ideally, be designed to maintain and improve condition and not cut to save forage stocks," he warns.

"When growth rates are compromised, animals could enter the herd under-conditioned and perform badly during first lactation, in turn leading to poor fertility and increased cull rates."

Careful planning not only in difficult growing years, but throughout can save money and hassle in the long run. Considering his stocks in mid-summer, Kent-based Peter Joules of PHR Farms, bought 22ha (55 acres) of threshed ryegrass, baled straight from the combine.

Ensiling this with citrus pulp supplied from a local feed dealer, Mr Joules expects this to be a good grass silage alternative for his heifers.

"We also invested in additional high quality straw, particularly sourced from farms drilling rape and wanting straw off the field to prevent slug damage," adds Mr Joules.

"Maize harvest is under way, but some varieties have performed far better than others. We still expect to harvest slightly less due to the difficult summer conditions."

With temperatures still allowing for some grass growth, heifers should be left out as long as possible, advises Pete Kelly of Green and Kelly farm business consulting.

"Youngstock could be left out as late as Christmas, but be wary of poaching on permanent pasture," says Mr Kelly. "And when animals have to be brought in, don't be afraid to make late silage, quality will be sufficient for heifers."

Using an 18% dairy concentrate rather than beef rearer to supplement straw is also advisable.