Aonghusa Fahy July/August 2023
- Aonghusa weighs the 2023 calves
- Forward creep grazing to increase daily weight gains
Performance
- Vaccination against respiratory diseases
- Early Castration of the bull calves
- Faecal Sample Results
Animal Health
Grassland
The average grass growth for the mid summer period was 52kgs/DM/ha per day. With the average demand at 43kgs/DM/ha , growth outpaced demand so Aonghusa took out surplus grass and bales. The paddocks with strong covers were cut immediately yielding 3 to 4 bales/acre. Aonghusa had sufficient fodder made and wanted the paddocks back in the rotation so there was no need to let those paddocks “bulk” up. Aonghusa kept the days ahead to 16 which was on target and ensure covers of grass never got too strong.
Aonghusa has took paddocks with clover that he manages differently
- He applied no chemical N
- Grazes the paddocks at a lighter cover ie 1000-1200kgs/DM/ha. This ensures that light gets down to the base all summer
- The future plans is to target more paddocks with clover . The aim is to incorporate 20% clover in the swards over 70% of the farm.
Picture 1: Clover sward
Picture 2: Grass cover July 21st