Clover proves vital amid extended dry conditions
Teagasc advisor Sean Callan recently visited a Monaghan farm to assess how clover inclusion supports dairy production during prolonged dryness. The farm’s adaptive grazing and fertiliser strategies highlight practical resilience for Irish farmers facing challenging weather patterns.
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Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
Sean Callan, advisor on the Teagasc / Lakeland Dairies Joint Programme, recently visited farmer Julie Mullarkey in Monaghan to observe how integrating clover into pastures has aided her farm during an extended dry spell.
Julie Mullarkey reported satisfaction with her herd's performance, which averaged 2.05 kg of milk solids per cow. Although breeding was originally planned for a longer season, it concluded after nine weeks in 2026, with a promising non-return rate. The herd is scheduled for scanning in two weeks, and Julie anticipates a compact calving period in 2027.
During the dry weather, having a large proportion of the farm under high-clover and multi-species swards proved beneficial. Fertiliser applications ceased two weeks early due to low soil moisture, yet these pastures sustained adequate grass growth to support the herd. To manage grass availability, Julie extended her grazing rotation to 25 days and increased the milking platform by grazing paddocks usually left as surplus. She completed three silage cuts and plans to utilise remaining silage ground for grazing or zero grazing. Additionally, some silage areas are being sprayed off for reseeding with a high-clover mix.
Julie noted that clover reduced the reliance on chemical nitrogen, applying just 80–90 units of nitrogen per acre annually along with watery slurry. Plans include applying up to an additional 30 units of nitrogen on most grazing areas before the closing date, with one slurry application on clover paddocks and up to two on non-clover paddocks to maintain soil phosphorus and potassium levels.
Despite July’s challenging weather, the demonstration farmers maintained good milk production, with a group average of 1.97 kg milk solids, down 7% from the previous month. Butterfat and protein content improved, underscoring the necessity of closely monitoring feed and adjusting diets to maintain milk quality during adverse conditions.
Weekly farm walks helped monitor grass growth rates, which dropped significantly in July. Anticipating shortages, farmers extended grazing rotations and introduced high-quality silage and zero-grazed grass to reduce demand on pastures. Fertiliser use was paused once growth fell below 35 kg dry matter per hectare per day, with plans to resume when growth consistently exceeds 50 kg. Maintaining high-quality silage will remain crucial to support the herd and rebuild grass covers as the season progresses.
Julie Mullarkey reported satisfaction with her herd's performance, which averaged 2.05 kg of milk solids per cow. Although breeding was originally planned for a longer season, it concluded after nine weeks in 2026, with a promising non-return rate. The herd is scheduled for scanning in two weeks, and Julie anticipates a compact calving period in 2027.
During the dry weather, having a large proportion of the farm under high-clover and multi-species swards proved beneficial. Fertiliser applications ceased two weeks early due to low soil moisture, yet these pastures sustained adequate grass growth to support the herd. To manage grass availability, Julie extended her grazing rotation to 25 days and increased the milking platform by grazing paddocks usually left as surplus. She completed three silage cuts and plans to utilise remaining silage ground for grazing or zero grazing. Additionally, some silage areas are being sprayed off for reseeding with a high-clover mix.
Julie noted that clover reduced the reliance on chemical nitrogen, applying just 80–90 units of nitrogen per acre annually along with watery slurry. Plans include applying up to an additional 30 units of nitrogen on most grazing areas before the closing date, with one slurry application on clover paddocks and up to two on non-clover paddocks to maintain soil phosphorus and potassium levels.
Despite July’s challenging weather, the demonstration farmers maintained good milk production, with a group average of 1.97 kg milk solids, down 7% from the previous month. Butterfat and protein content improved, underscoring the necessity of closely monitoring feed and adjusting diets to maintain milk quality during adverse conditions.
Weekly farm walks helped monitor grass growth rates, which dropped significantly in July. Anticipating shortages, farmers extended grazing rotations and introduced high-quality silage and zero-grazed grass to reduce demand on pastures. Fertiliser use was paused once growth fell below 35 kg dry matter per hectare per day, with plans to resume when growth consistently exceeds 50 kg. Maintaining high-quality silage will remain crucial to support the herd and rebuild grass covers as the season progresses.
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