Advice for beef farmers: Weather delay threatens second grazing rotation

After recent snow, rain, and cold, we badly need more settled weather so stock on beef farms can start leaving sheds.

A milder and drier spell is needed so that ground can dry enough for grazing and fertiliser application.

One of the major consequences of a late turnout is that there may not be enough time for regrowth before the second grazing round begins.

Many dairy farmers have their milkers out by day, while some are also looking at going out to grass by night.

A lot of weanlings are likely to be turned out to grass soon, if weather permits. For some, it is necessary to get stock out, because fodder is beginning to get scarce.

There is plenty of grass in paddocks because growth was good since closing last autumn. Growth was poor in the last month due to the rain and cold.

Grass quality

Grazing swards are very clean this spring, due to excellent grazing conditions in autumn.

It is important to commence grazing at the earliest opportunity because paddocks that have already been grazed this spring are growing more grass than ungrazed swards.

I have measured a lot of grass swards in the last week, and found excellent quality throughout, with dry matter at 14%-20%, sugars at 5%-8%, protein at 19%-22%, and DMD values close to 80%.

This represents excellent feed value relative to any grass silage being fed indoors.

How much grass are stock eating?

It is important at this time of year that livestock farmers have an appreciation of the quantity and quality of grass that is available to their cattle.

The first rotation of grazing this year is excellent because fields were grazed out well in the autumn.

The first grazing this year is high in dry matter, has high fibre, high energy in the form of sugars, and very good protein levels.

Remember that grass is a feed ingredient like any other, and needs careful balancing from time to time in order to optimise performance.

Sward management

As the grass available in the first rotation is a dry material, with up to 20% dry matter, stock will be slower going through swards than you might expect.

Each bite contains a huge amount of feeding.

Allocating too much grass will result in a lot of waste, particularly in the first days after turnout when animals tend to do a lot of walking.

In heavier soils or in wet conditions, animals will also drag clay around on their hoofs, dirtying swards.

Poor sward management at this time of year can result in very low grass utilisation and can affect subsequent grass quality and yields.

Animal performance

Regardless of grass quality, the performance of animals must be the priority. Stock went into the winter in great order, and their appetites in general have been excellent.

However, weight gain and growth have for many been under par, due mainly to the average quality of the forage being fed.

Weighing young stock to monitor performance

Over the past few years, many farms have begun weighing stock at regular intervals. Recent TAMS grants have seen many farms buy their own weighing facility.

Regular weighing allows for monitoring of performance and for necessary adjustments of feeding and management to be made.

Remember to weigh cattle at the same time of day each time, to get accurate results; otherwise, rumen fill or emptiness can distort weighings.

If animals are on target, then keep them on target.

Underperforming animals should be managed differently to get back on track once turned out. It is important that you optimise performance after turnout.

Heifers to be bred for the first time this spring in particular require a rising plain of nutrition before insemination.

Supplementation at grass may be necessary for these heifers to achieve growth targets, particularly if they are being calved at 24 months or under.

If targets are being achieved, then don’t forget mineral supplementation at grass, particularly for breeding heifers.