Archive Article: 2000/09/29
NEXT spring is the current focus for our grasswatch producers as they prepare for this years final grazing round.
"Preparing pastures for spring means achieving cover as close to 2100kg/ha as possible," says Sussex producer Christian Fox.
Recent high rainfall means grass growth is good at 51kg/ha a day on Roly Tavernors farm in Shropshire, but cows are also eating well. "We have had about six inches of rain in the past month and are aiming for a cover of more than 2700kg.
"However, cows are eating more than I expected, so it is taking a while to achieve this level. They are currently yielding 15 litres a day and fats and proteins have risen to 4.6% and 3.6% respectively."
The final grazing round will start on Richard Johns Pembrokeshire farm on Oct 5. "Grass growth is spot-on and our average cover is 2750kg," he says. "Reasonably long grass should minimise damage to pasture. Cows will stay out until Nov 30 but will be given silage from mid-November."
Recent rainfall means Richard Davies plate meter is giving readings that are less than the amount of grass in paddocks at his Anglesey unit. "Wet weather means grass bends over, making it more difficult to obtain an accurate reading, but the measurement is useful as a guide," he says. *
DAILY GROWTH RATES
Anglesey 36kg DM/ha
Shropshire 51kg DM/ha
Northern Ireland 65kg DM/ha
Pembroke 64kg DM/ha
Sussex 50kg DM/ha