Prolonged warm spell not good news for all farms
Heavier natured ground, in particular, is growing huge volumes of grass. As per usual, however, not everybody is happy. Some are experiencing a mini-drought already, resulting in grass swards stressing and heading out early. It is amazing how quickly things turn around when we get a good spell of weather. Some are already getting tight for grass
For those experiencing a drought on their farm, it is essential that grass is managed very carefully. Try to slow down the rotation, if growth has slowed down. This will involve feeding additional ration to those already being fed, and introducing some to other stock. It may also require the feeding of round bale silage, if it is available, to slow down the rotation. Whatever happens, it is only June yet, so don’t leave animals run out of grass before you start thinking about what you will do to feed them. We should all have learned how best to manage dry weather on our farms after last year’s experiences. If you got it wrong last year, learn from your mistakes.
Creep feeding of suckler calves will help to reduce grass demand. Many weaned dairy-bred calves on grass are getting little or no meal, and again, upping or re-introducing meal will save grass. Starting to feed meal to forward stores on grass will slow down the rotation, while getting animals used to meal, before being pushed for finish. Some will also need to consider bringing in cattle intended for slaughter later in the year. Commencing the finishing period a little earlier will take the pressure of the grazing platform. Meal being fed on grass does not need to be too high in protein, because there is plenty of protein in grass at present.
For those with a grass surplus, it is essential that it is taken out immediately. Consider getting the man cutting it to lift the mower a little higher than normal in the paddocks, so that it is not too bare, allowing for quicker re-growth. Green fields grow faster than yellow ones, especially when it is dry.
During the dry spell. keep a close eye on water supply around the farm. Ensure that cattle have sufficient water available, because animals can become very stressed when dehydrated. Thirsty cattle will eat less food, resulting in poorer growth, weight gain and milk production.
As a result of the poorer weather throughout the spring and early summer, many are finding that they are just getting around to jobs that would usually be well out of the way by now. Autumn calvers will all be weaned over the coming weeks, if it not already been done, and they are not far off calving. If you usually give them a mineral bolus, now is the time to get it done. Get calving boxes cleaned out, in case you need to bring a cow with a difficult calving indoors for assistance. Start looking at any repairs that need to be done to winter accommodation. Clean out grain storage facilities thoroughly before the harvest. It is critical that any meal storage facilities are spotless before the new grain is stored. This means power washing sheds, and using an insecticide to kill any mites etc that might carry over from last season.
