Grassland
Grass10: Managing through the current dry period
Grass10: Managing through the current dry period With high temperatures and very little rainfall expected for the next 10 days, this week’s Grass10 newsletter focuses on managing through the current dry spell. In parts of the east and south east, soil moisture deficits of >40mm are present. Growth rates, however, have remained […]
31 May 2023
Grass10: Time to act as growth passes demand
Grass10: Time to act as growth passes demand Growth rates on both dairy and beef farms have passed demand this week. Figures from PastureBase Ireland show that growth rates of 73kg DM/ha/day have been recorded on dairy farms, with demand standing at 59kg DM/ha/day. Meanwhile, on drystock farms, the PastureBase figure for […]
17 May 2023
Nutrient management of white clover swards
Nutrient management of white clover swards The benefits of white clover tend to occur from May onwards, as sward white clover content increases. The main benefits of white clover inclusion in grass swards are: Increased herbage quality compared to grass-only swards in the summer months; Increased dry matter (DM) intake in summer […]
16 May 2023
Have you applied for the multispecies sward measure?
Have you applied for the multispecies sward measure? Multispecies swards are swards that have a variety of plants including grasses, clovers, brassicas and herbs, explains Ivan Kelly, B&T Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare. When combined in a sward setting, the various species root at varying depths allowing them to access more nutrients and […]
14 May 2023
Watch: Selection, establishment and nutrient management of clover swards
Watch: Selection, establishment and nutrient management of clover swards To help promote and establish more clover on farms, the Teagasc Grass10 Campaign and Clover 150 Programme held a series of farm walks over the month of April. At these events, advice on establishing and managing clover swards was provided. The below article includes […]
13 May 2023
Have you set your grazing targets for the next 100 days?
0 Have you set your grazing targets for the next 100 days? Grassland farmers are reminded to stick to the mid-season grazing targets to optimise profit from grass; the main grazing goal for the next 100 days is to graze covers of 1,300-1,400kg DM/ha. The latest Grass10 newsletter provides tips on a number […]
3 May 2023
Establishment of multispecies swards
Establishment of multispecies swards Many farmers may be establishing multispecies swards for the first time in 2023. These swards – which contain a mixture of grasses, herbs and legumes – offer a range of benefits, including: improved soil health; enhanced biodiversity; and increased livestock productivity. When identifying fields for such swards, grazing […]
30 April 2023
No time like the present for white clover incorporation
No time like the present for white clover incorporation Apart from the benefits associated with lower levels of artificial nitrogen use, the inclusion of white clover into grassland swards has also been shown to improve animal performance. The latest edition of the Teagasc Grass10 newsletter provided details on clover oversowing on Teagasc’s Moorepark, Clonakilty […]
27 April 2023
Grass10: Watch grazing targets as growth rates increase
Grass10: Watch grazing targets as growth rates increase As growth rates increase, the Teagasc Grass10 team advise to keep an eye on the grazing targets which have been established to work for all farms to keep a balance between grass supply and grass quality. The targets outlined below work very well when […]
26 April 2023
Summer decisions affect winter performance on organic farms
Summer decisions affect winter performance on organic farms Although the differences between organic and conventional farming are numerous, one key aspect is central to both – the importance of silage quality. The silage quantity versus quality debate is an annual occurrence on drystock farms, with many still favouring a heavy, bulky cut […]
23 April 2023