Sucklers and beef herds longing for turn-out

At turn-out, the most important thing to monitor is grass intake and Rumen fill

It is a critical time in spring suckler herds as increasing grass intake quickly for both cow and calf will improve performance. 

It may only be mid-March and many beef herds would only traditionally have turned out around now, however, it is hard to blame farmers and cattle for looking out over the gate at this stage longing for grazing to get going. 

What is most frustrating is that the winter housing period is now being extended at both ends by the weather. Many have stock in since early to mid-October. It will take time yet before beef herds head outside in numbers as ground needs to dry out a good bit before permanent grazing can kick off.