How to make the most out of first-round grazing

If you are lucky enough to be out grazing, it is important to manage the swards carefully, writes ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy.

If you are lucky enough to be out grazing, it is important to manage the swards carefully, writes ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy.

After an ok January and early February, the weather has changed to wet and cold. Many dairy farmers have had cows out for a few hours by day. However, very few beef producers have as of yet turned-out stock. 

For many, grazing is now a good bit away due to ground conditions. Ground is actually in ok condition on many farms, but there is a lot of standing water about, and any traffic at present will do a lot of damage to the surface.