Drilling a Multi Species Ley in East Lancashire – with this new drill out fit – looking forward to seeing the results.
Forage crisis averted – Grass is now growing at a pace – the blue line says it all !!!, also a grazing height guide (no plate meter needed for this one ) .
Pre Graze height 2800-3000 kg (Fist and thumb)
Post graze height (fist flat)
Grass growth is slow
As of today 9th April we have grown 16% less grass than same time last year – average growth rate of 33 kg/day
Below is a excellent re seed of Dundas Grass Mixture – From Watson Seeds (Nr Preston)
2021 Grass Season kicks off
So with soil temperatures hitting 8 degrees this week across the North West , its say we have lift off with years grass season.
If you have some fields under preforming , take a look and assess what your perennial rye grass content is by looking for the red bottomed grass (see the photo below) , the aim with a productive sward is to have a population of over 50% PRG
Spring Grazing
Spring block calving is about to begin, so its time to work out grass covers ready for grazing over the the next month
Aim for a pre graze cover of 2200-2300 kg/cover , at this cover grass quality is high which is ideal for new calved animals , much higher than this on over covers the quality will be lower and hence have a impact on the diet.
Graze the paddocks on off at first (3-4 hours/day ) , aim to get around all the paddocks as fast as you can – Why because grazing grass simulates grass growth after the winter period.
Keep a eye on forage stocks
With this years grass growth being back 5% on last years total grown, it will be important to keep a eye on silage stocks.
If you are going to struggle to make it to turn out – now is the time to act
