Rain will significantly reduce grass utilisation on all land types

Two Simmental cross bullocks born February ’20 average weight 557 kilos sold for €1,140 each at a sale in Macroom Mart. Photo O'Gorman Photography.

The excellent spell of weather over the last number of weeks means that there is still a lot of grass on many farms. Growth is still significant in paddocks recently grazed as temperatures have remained high. 

Conditions however are deteriorating with a lot of rain this week. This volume of rain will significantly reduce grass utilisation on all land types. Paddocks will not be grazed out very well as a result and damage should be avoided. We must also appreciate that regardless of weather conditions as we head into November, grass is low in dry matter, low in energy and relatively high in protein. This means that it is of low feed value and this must be taken into account when deciding what animals should remain out to graze it.