Grass, grazing and silage in tough weather
By Brian Reidy
The wet weather continues to be a major factor in stock management.
Despite the fact that we are almost in May, for some grazing conditions are proving very difficult. Grass supplies are good around the country and growth rates have increased significantly in the last two weeks.
After the wet conditions of this spring where growth was very poor we are currently experiencing decent growth but with significant rainfall grazing conditions remain less than ideal.
Many are comparing this year with 2013, but in reality, it has been a much worse year. 2013 was dry and harsh so at least stock didn’t do too much damage, while this year, ground is very delicate and easily poached.
Don’t waste grass by grazing excessively heavy covers. Cattle will walk a lot of heavy covers into the ground if it is not managed properly.
Consider strip grazing or perhaps zero-grazing it.
Pre-mowing is also an option but should only be done when the grass is dry to maximise clean out of paddocks.
Zero-grazing has become a very popular option over the last few years all over the country. It insures 100% utilisation of available grass while reducing ground poaching and improving subsequent sward recovery.
Some beef producers are looking at Zero-grazing as a long-term solution to reducing concentrate usage for the feeding of finishers. Grass to be zero-grazed should be similar covers as ideal grazing cover to optimise feed value and regrowth potential.
Good feeding management is critical when Zero-grazing in order to prevent acidosis from lush grass. Long fibre must be available at all times for stock being Zero-grazed.
Resist the temptation to leave stock have access to larger areas of land if ground is wet, as they’ll have a preference for re-growth. This will depress growth hugely on this area of land, reducing overall grass supply. If cattle are doing damage in larger groups, consider creating smaller groups until weather improves.
It is a certainty that when temperatures do rise, and the ground dries up, growth will improve again rapidly.
Grazing paddocks may well provide surplus grass for silage quiet quickly.
There were even bales made last weekend in places.
Take every opportunity to conserve silage for next winter as the year is moving on fast and most pits are empty.
If stock had to go back indoors or have yet to go out, don’t delay returning them to grass if ground conditions allow.
Have a walk around your farm and assess grass availability and ground conditions. Once growth, land conditions and weather conditions have improved a good rule of thumb is to return stock to grass when you have ten days grazing ahead of you again.
This will obviously differ from farm to farm depending on land type, soil fertility, ability to have had fertiliser spread and recent re-seeding policy.
Any bulls that are destined for heavy meal or ad-lib feeding for slaughter during this coming summer/autumn should now be introduced to meal especially if grass is in short supply.
These bulls need to be around 450Kg live weight before they are put indoors for their finishing period.
Some have already brought these animals back in if they had been turned out. This decision is helping to increase available grass for silage or other stock.
