The current average growth rate is exactly 40kg DM/ha/day, which is above average for the middle of October. It’s unsurprising really given the relatively mild temperatures we have experienced over the last fortnight.

Soil temperatures are currently running 1°C to 2°C ahead of normal. I’m sure plenty of farmers will be quick to point out that soil moisture levels are running ahead of normal too.

Accumulated rainfall for the last week ranged from 25mm to 50mm, equating to double and triple the normal. Grazing conditions are poor as a result and housing has commenced in the worst-affected areas. This whole scenario means that many farmers are facing a dilemma: having a high grass cover on the farm but a great difficulty getting it grazed.

Balancing act

Do we need to graze heavy covers before the winter? The answer is yes, preferably. Carrying heavy grass covers into the winter poses two problems. There will be grass dry matter losses – we will lose feed. Arguably the more damaging aspect will be after grazing next spring. As is normally the case, grazing this heavy cover next February or March will likely result in a white, dead butt left behind. Recovery and regrowths will be slow and could mean below-target covers come mid-April. If soil fertility is any way below optimum, recovery and regrowth will be delayed even more. If you are forced to carry heavy covers over the winter, be ready to hit them with N after grazing next spring.

But of course grazing heavy covers right now is far from straightforward too given current ground conditions. Poaching ground this autumn is not a good idea as it means this ground will likely be too wet to graze until April. As a result, farmers face a balancing act to get as much of the farm grazed as possible without poaching ground. Flexibility is the key word here. It may involve more labour but if you want grass next spring it has to be done. To manage grazing, a reel and pigtails are your best friend. Allocate 24-hour blocks, and move cattle late in the day if possible.