Farmers navigate dry summer challenges with resilience
Michael Forde shares insights into managing fodder and livestock amid a notably dry season. His experience on a mixed-soil farm highlights careful planning and monitoring to maintain ewe health and prepare for the coming breeding period.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
Michael Forde, involved in the Signpost and BETTER Sheep Programmes, has been contending with the difficulties posed by a dry summer on his farm. Grass growth has lagged behind last year’s levels, with low rainfall impacting feed availability. Despite this, Forde has managed to harvest a second cut of silage and produce surplus bales, though the lighter soils on his fragmented land have been under significant stress compared to deeper, black soils.
Lamb sales continue cautiously, with around 70 lambs expected to be sold shortly. Some store lambs were sold to reduce grass demand, while finishing lambs receive the best grass and supplementary meal to ensure adequate fat cover. Recent sales achieved €8.60 per kilogram, with carcass weights around 22 kilograms. Fertiliser application is ongoing, carefully managed to stay within nutrient limits, especially with regard to phosphorus.
Maintaining ewe body condition is a priority ahead of breeding season, with regular scoring helping to optimise conception rates. Rams are also monitored for fitness. The reseeded fields show promising growth, contrasting with poorer paddocks, and cattle appear to be thriving in the favourable weather before they are moved into sheds for finishing. Farmers like Forde hope for increased rainfall soon to rebuild grass covers and secure sufficient winter feed stocks.
Lamb sales continue cautiously, with around 70 lambs expected to be sold shortly. Some store lambs were sold to reduce grass demand, while finishing lambs receive the best grass and supplementary meal to ensure adequate fat cover. Recent sales achieved €8.60 per kilogram, with carcass weights around 22 kilograms. Fertiliser application is ongoing, carefully managed to stay within nutrient limits, especially with regard to phosphorus.
Maintaining ewe body condition is a priority ahead of breeding season, with regular scoring helping to optimise conception rates. Rams are also monitored for fitness. The reseeded fields show promising growth, contrasting with poorer paddocks, and cattle appear to be thriving in the favourable weather before they are moved into sheds for finishing. Farmers like Forde hope for increased rainfall soon to rebuild grass covers and secure sufficient winter feed stocks.
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