Most Irish farms don't need intensive system

WE READ and hear a lot about grazing systems which involve very heavy stocking rates, extremely tight grazing and extremely low supplementation.

In some circles, this system seems to be an objective in itself, irrespective of the financial consequences.

According to some reports, the system can give satisfactory results under certain circumstances, but generally not as satisfactory as the more tried and tested system of grazing to about two inches (4cm to 5cm) with an 18 to 21-day rotation and adequate supplementation to reach peak yields of six to seven gallons, or equivalent in high solids milk.