Dairy
How do farmers on heavier soils maximise grass intake and grass utilisation without damaging soil structure?
Grass
There has been plenty of discussion around fertiliser application in January and it is not a once size fits all decision.
North of the border most herds are now fully housed or on their last few days at grass.
As we enter into the second week of closing, the effect of grazing heavier covers becomes apparent; cows are working harder and milk production is beginning to fluctuating.
As autumn draws in, there is plenty of planning to do for the remainder of the grazing season and indeed the wintering period.
From January 16 on farms in the Republic of Ireland or on February 1 (Northern Irealnd) or slurry goes from being a nuisance to a resource.
Early October is upon us and closing up grass for spring 2016 has begun on some farms.
Building grass for autumn is now well underway; however ground conditions are deteriorating after prolonged heavy rainfall in many areas.
Deciding which fertiliser to use at this time of the year will depend on soil fertility and previous fertiliser used this year.
Grass management in August has a huge impact on financial performance during the autumn period.
Constant rain showers have led to great difficulty in getting first cut silage harvested, while grass growth in many areas is needing attention
Spring milk producers wanting to maximise milk from grazed grass, must also maximise silage quality
Despite cold weather grass growth rates have improved slightly this week, depending on farm fertility and location.
With soil temperature at 9 degrees and over 30mm of rain this week, it is far from an idyllic start to breeding; as grass growth rates are either barely meeting, or well below demand.
The one difference in milk powder versus full milk is consistency; cows are more capable of producing a consistent product than we are, Cathal McAleer says.
The mild weather has kept grass growth rates above demand, but there are no surplus' on most farms as yet.
What a difference a few days of dry weather makes. Ground conditions are now very good, allowing for good grass utilisation.
With changeable weather conditions around the country here is the latest grassland and grazing advice
