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Title: Thrive weekly roundup: grazing update and weaning progress on programme farms
This week, the Thrive dairy-beef roundup has an update from the demo farm in Cashel, Co Tipperary, and a weaning update from the programme farms.
SHARING OPTIONS:
Yearling Angus and Limousin heifers at grass. The heifers are carrying significantly more condition this year compared to the same point last year.
Last week saw theThrive dairy calf to beef demo farm get enough moisture to kick on grass growth above demand level. The farm is currently growing 47kg DM/ha with a daily demand of 43kg DM/ha.
The 140 yearling cattle are benefiting from there not being a build-up of grass on farm as they are consistently entering covers of between 1,300kg DM/ha and 1,400kg DM/ha.
They are grazing in four groups, two groups of bullocks and two groups of heifers. Paddocks are lasting three days on average and clean-outs are currently excellent.
SHARING OPTIONS:
Calves on the Thrive demo farm have access to paddocks around the yard by day as they make the transition to grass.
A lot of dairy-beef calves are heading out to grass at the moment as they either come off milk or prepare to be weaned in the coming weeks.
Cold northerly winds and heavy showers over the past few days may have delayed turnout in some cases. However, with milder conditions forecast from the weekend onwards, turnout can commence again.
Target paddocks close to the yard that have decent shelter. Ideally calves should be turned out by day and housed at night for a few days until they become accustomed with their new outdoor surroundings.