Signpost: Keeping an eye on our figures to improve flock fertility

Signpost farmers Des Powell says he has found making sure his ewes stay at target weight has significantly improved his flock's fertility.

Des Powell at his farm in Templederry, Nenagh, Co Tipperary feeding some suffolk and beclare sheep. Picture Dan Linehan

Grass growth has been flying here in the last few weeks, with my last grass cover showing a growth rate of 56kg DM/day/day, which is ahead of the current demand on the farm.

My plan is to drop out a couple of paddocks for silage and cut these as soon as possible to keep grass quality in check while also ensuring that paddocks are not out for too long, as I want to try and build some covers for the autumn.