Farmers extend grazing season with heifer weight focus
Farmers in County Cavan are extending the grazing season into November while prioritising heifer target weights. Milk solids performance remains strong despite seasonal declines, with protein and fat percentages improving significantly.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
Killian Brennan’s farm in County Cavan has become a focal point for Teagasc’s grazing strategies this autumn, as he prepares to keep his herd out at grass well into November. With milk solids production holding steady at 1.89 kg MS/cow—a slight improvement since early September—Brennan’s focus has shifted to maintaining herd health and extending the grazing rotation. Recent scans revealed an 8% empty rate following a 10-week breeding season, prompting careful management decisions to safeguard grass supplies for in-calf cows.
Heifers have been relocated to an outblock to reduce pressure on the milking platform, allowing Brennan to extend grazing days. Weekly farm walks and autumn grass budgets, tracked via PastureBase, will guide further adjustments, including the potential removal of underperforming cows if growth rates decline. Recent soil treatments, including lime applications and slurry spreading, have been carried out to bolster silage ground ahead of the closed period, while parlour washings are being recycled to paddocks to enhance nutrient cycling.
Advisor Sean Callan emphasised the critical importance of heifer target weights, noting that heifers not achieving these benchmarks often face poorer fertility and long-term productivity. Research indicates a daily gain of over 0.7 kg is essential, with Brennan’s 2026-born heifers already 86% on or above target after three weighings this summer. Concentrate levels have been adjusted accordingly, and pre-housing weighings will determine targeted feeding groups to ensure optimal condition for the 2027 breeding season. In-calf heifers will also be split into batches to guarantee adequate feed space and dry matter intake before housing.
Heifers have been relocated to an outblock to reduce pressure on the milking platform, allowing Brennan to extend grazing days. Weekly farm walks and autumn grass budgets, tracked via PastureBase, will guide further adjustments, including the potential removal of underperforming cows if growth rates decline. Recent soil treatments, including lime applications and slurry spreading, have been carried out to bolster silage ground ahead of the closed period, while parlour washings are being recycled to paddocks to enhance nutrient cycling.
Advisor Sean Callan emphasised the critical importance of heifer target weights, noting that heifers not achieving these benchmarks often face poorer fertility and long-term productivity. Research indicates a daily gain of over 0.7 kg is essential, with Brennan’s 2026-born heifers already 86% on or above target after three weighings this summer. Concentrate levels have been adjusted accordingly, and pre-housing weighings will determine targeted feeding groups to ensure optimal condition for the 2027 breeding season. In-calf heifers will also be split into batches to guarantee adequate feed space and dry matter intake before housing.
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