Signpost: Strong grass growth keeps cows out full-time in October

Cows are currently milking 16.2 litres per day at 4.8% fat and 4.14% protein, which is 1.49kg milk solids per cow. Cows are receiving 16kg of grass and 4kg of meal in the parlour

Dermot Walsh: 'I was tempted to bring the cows in for silage because I was afraid they were going to do too much poaching.'

I completed a farm walk about ten days ago. I have an average farm cover of 1,105kg DM/ha and 384kg DM/LU. I have a growth of 64kg DM/ha/day and a demand of 46kg DM/ha/day. I was delighted with the farm walk as it has allowed me to keep cows at grass full-time without having to supplement with silage.

I am in a very strong position with grass at the moment. I am putting this down to getting the last of my silage bales made back in August. It has allowed me to build covers from the beginning of September. I am currently stocked at 2.88 LU/ha.