Grass growth slowed dramatically, particularly in the South and East
Not long ago, we were all wondering when the rain was going to stop.
Now we are all wondering when it will rain again.
The current dry spell has started to cause difficulties for many beef and dairy farmers around the country.
Grass growth has slowed down dramatically on many farms, particularly in the South and East of the country.
Any growth seems to be pure stem, as swards begin to head out due to stress from the heat and moisture shortage.
As a result, many farms are now very short of grass, and animal performance is suffering as a result.
Many dairy farmers are reporting two issues, a drop in yield due to poor intakes, and low butter fats due to poor fibre supply/digestion.
It is easier for dairy farmers to identify poor performance, as they have regular milk collection and quality results.
Obviously, if they are experiencing these issues, with dropping performance, then beef animals are also under pressure for fibre and energy supply.
For many, the root cause is an under-supply of fertiliser earlier in the season, for two reasons. Firstly, the weather earlier this year did not allow for early nitrogen application and secondly, many reduced nitrogen applications due to cost concerns, which was a very unwise move.
Two thirds of the grass that will grow each year will have grown by the end of June, so two thirds of the nitrogen should also be out by then.
Many different solutions are being implemented to bridge the grass shortage.
- Increasing meal or re-introducing meal feeding.
- Grazing some second cut silage ground. Obviously, this is only possible where an early first cut was taken.
- Zero grazing.
- Feeding silage or other available forages.
Obviously, not every option listed above is a reality on many farms. You must select the option which is the most efficient from an animal performance point of view while also being cost effective.
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 feeding of round bale silage, if available, to slow down the rotation. Whatever happens, it is only June, so don’t leave animals run out of grass before you start thinking about what you will do to feed them.
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 for them 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 may 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.
Most beef producers have now saved their first cut. The recent dry spell provided ideal conditions for silage.
However that same dry spell is now resulting in slow growth in second cut silage crops. Fields cut early for first cut (in early May) are now only a few weeks from harvest again, but have not yet bulked up. Recent first cut fields have very little grass in them and many are still yellow, which may result in less bulk and late second cuts, if we don’t get rain soon. Fertiliser spread after recent first cuts is still sitting on the surface, while slurry if applied has obviously not washed in and is caked on the stubble. This may lead to a shortfall of silage on some heavier stocked farms.
Many dairy farmers in particular are reporting a level of heat stress in cows.
Irish cattle, like their owners, are not used to the heat we experienced lately.
Most cattle will have no problem with the heat; however, where they cannot get access to sufficient water, stress is occurring.
Keep an eye on water flow to troughs, and make sure that ball-cocks are functioning correctly.
Cattle not drinking enough water will be unable to eat enough food resulting in poor performance.
If animals are affected by insects, you may need to treat for external parasites. Regular treatment will be necessary. Pay particular attention to recently dried off suckler cows. Consider applying a fly/lice treatment to their udders as well as on their back.
- Independent dairy and beef nutrition consultant Brian Reidy, Premier Farm Nutrition, can be contacted at brian@pfn.ie
