The topic of turning cattle out to grass in the spring can often generate frustration amongst some farmers on heavier-type soils who may still be a long way off grazing, but farmers on drier ground are managing to get at least some level of grazed grass into their cattle’s diets.
Before deciding to open the gate of the pen and let cattle off to grass, time should be allowed for some level of planning to minimise issues when cattle do go out to grass.
Storms over the winter will have knocked trees and may have compromised field boundaries on the farm so the first step should be checking paddock fences and drinkers to ensure these are all effective.
With the relatively mild winter to date, grass covers will be in a positive position in many cases but farmers should assess their grass covers and ground conditions to ensure both are suitable.
Some farmers are happy to rehouse cattle if conditions turn for the worse and have grazing infrastructure that allow them to do this with relative ease.
Often farmers who accept they may have to rehouse cattle generally can commence grazing earlier in the spring than farmers who prefer to commence grazing later in the season.
Where suitable conditions arise, getting cattle out early will increase animal performance and improve profit – if farmers are able to take advantage of it.
Farmers are well aware of the value of spring grass as regards animal performance and every extra day spring grass is in the diet is a win from a performance and cost perspective.
If cattle do have to be rehoused, it should be seen as a success that some grazing has been achieved rather than a failure that cattle had to be rehoused.
Before letting cattle to the grazing paddock, it is often beneficial to put stock on a smaller, well-fenced paddock with a lighter grass cover near the yard allowing them time to run around and settle before they begin grazing.
Teagasc organic advisor in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, Enda O’Hart said that farmers should aim to graze the first third of their farm by early March, the second third by St. Patrick’s Day and the last third by mid-April. Wetter farms should aim to delay these targets by two weeks.
He advised that silage ground should be grazed prior to closing as this will lead to better quality silage. Where farmers plan to graze with the lightest cattle on farm, it will minimise risks of poaching.
Where farmers are applying slurry or fertiliser, ensure that conditions are suitable before spreading. Soil temperatures need to be above 6°C for grass growth and ground conditions should allow for machinery to travel without damaging the soil surface.
