Cutting before grazing can produce quality grass

Pre-cutting paddocks – before grazing – can be a valuable tool for producing quality grass mid-season, according to DARD.

A recent grazing management course identified that cutting grass 12 hours before cows are turned out can increase grass use, stimulate quality re-growth, improve weed control and reduce refusal areas.

The host farmers, Frank and Colin Boggs from Cloverhill, Loughbrickland, are producing 27.5 litres a day on 2kg of concentrates, meaning grazed grass is contributing to maintenance plus 23 litres in their 125-cow herd.

The farmers attending the training were able to see first hand how they could make use of this technique on farm and the pros and cons of such a system.