Lack of rain threatens good start for grass

Grass growth is picking up pace in many pastures across England, according to initial data from GrassWatch, an EBLEX initiative to monitor grass growth, run in association with Farmers Weekly.

But many beef and sheep producers are finding dry weather could now be limiting sward productivity.

Most of the eight colleges taking part in this year’s GrassWatch have now submitted their first few results from monitoring grass growth.

The aim is to give beef and sheep producers an indication of grass growth and quality in their area, to help improve sward productivity.

Growth rate is higher than this time last year – more in line with the average – and there is plenty of cover in most fields for grazing stock. Results suggest D-value is also slightly higher than this time last year.

“Our grass is growing well at the moment,” reports henarar on GrassWatch’s new forum on FWi.

“We have turned out some heifers and cows with no calves. Hopefully we’ll get some more out after PDing (pregnancy diagnosis) on Monday as we have grass that needs eating. If we get the right weather we may be silaging in three or four weeks.”

Grass has been growing well for Kol in Shropshire, who has been overseeding recently. “Also going to put some more larger white clovers in, as have found these great in our haylage.”

But the dry weather is holding things back for Jacobus in Worcestershire. “The last real rain we had was on 1 March. Since then we have had just 3mm total. Grass is getting greener but no real growth.”

And it’s the same for welshandwilling: “I’d say this was the earliest spring for years, but it’s simply too dry for growth.”

Currently the discussion revolves around whether to harrow. “I don’t think harrowing does much good at all, other than spreading out mole hills,” says one contributor in Suffolk.

“Harrow if there is ‘thatch’ or moss in the grass. Don’t leave it too late or you just knock the grass about,” advises BrownCow in South Wales.

How’s grass growth in your fields? Is there still plenty to put in front of stock or is the dry weather now having an impact? Join the discussion.