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:
The weeds in this sward, including docks, nettles and thistles, have gained a headstart on the cover of grass due to tighter grass supplies and lower growth rates.
Grass growth rates have improved over the last week, but remain significantly below normal for the time of year.
Swards, in many cases, have been grazed bare and once growth kicks in, there is likely to be potential in the sward to compensate for the lower levels of growth up to now.
The same can be said of weeds and with grass starting at a disadvantage in swards that have been possibly grazed tighter than desired or which may remain under pressure. There is therefore a greater risk of weeds gaining a stronger foothold in the sward. This statement is true of rushes, docks, thistles and nettles.