Autumn grazing, fodder and cashflow: Are you ready for winter?
With the grazing season moving towards its final stages, Grass10 Advisor, John Conroy explains that the decisions being made on farms over the coming weeks will have a major influence on how well farms are set up for the winter and, more importantly, for spring 2027.
The latest episode of Grass10 TV, titled ‘Are you ready for winter? Autumn Grazing, Fodder & Cashflow’, and available to view below, brings together three key areas of autumn farm management: extending the grazing season, planning for spring grass and ensuring both fodder and cashflow are in a strong position heading into winter.
Making the most of autumn grass
Autumn is an important period for grassland management. Where ground conditions allow, there is an opportunity to extend the grazing season and reduce reliance on conserved forage. However, this takes a level of planning to be successful.
The episode looks at autumn grazing management and the importance of having a clear closing plan in place. Rather than simply trying to maximise the number of days at grass, farmers need to consider which paddocks should be grazed now and which should be closed to build grass supplies for the first rotation next spring.
Planning your winter fodder requirements
With the variability experienced on many farms this year, knowing exactly how much fodder is available is particularly important.
Completing a fodder budget allows farmers to compare their current silage stocks with the expected winter demand of the herd or livestock enterprise. It also gives farmers time to identify any potential shortfall and consider their options before winter is fully established.
A fodder budget should be based on what is actually in the yard rather than what farmers hope will be available. Knowing the position early gives much greater scope to make practical and financial decisions.
Don’t forget the cashflow budget
The final section of the episode moves from physical farm resources to the financial position of the farm.
Following a challenging year for many farmers, managing cashflow will be an important consideration over the coming months. Donal Whelton, Head of the Agri Team at AIB, joins Grass10 TV to discuss managing cashflow on farms and the importance of completing a cashflow budget.
A cashflow budget provides farmers with a forward view of money coming into and going out of the business. It can help identify periods where cash may come under pressure and allow farmers to plan ahead rather than reacting when problems arise.
Watch Episode 4 of Grass10 TV, ‘Are you ready for winter? Autumn Grazing, Fodder & Cashflow’, to hear practical advice on extending the grazing season, closing the farm for spring, completing a fodder budget and managing cashflow heading into winter.
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