August on farm doesn’t let up. You’ve got lambs to wean and every day of stalled growth after that is a day added to the finishing period.
The heat’s testing your cows: intakes drop, yields slip, and it’s easy to only notice once the damage is done. Your dry cows and autumn block calvers are quietly setting up next lactation right now, whether you’re watching them closely or not. And somewhere in amongst all that, there’s ground crying out to be reseeded before the autumn window shuts.
Why does lamb weaning timing matter for finishing?
Every day of stalled growth after weaning is a day added to the finishing period. Lambs need the right nutrition lined up before and after weaning to keep growth rates moving, rather than dipping while they adjust. A smooth transition now shortens the road to a finished lamb and protects your margin. Click here to read our blog on weaning lambs. 
How does heat affect dairy cow performance?
When we hear the term heat stress, it is often associated with extreme sunshine and high summer temperatures. However, the reality is that dairy cows are highly sensitive to the combined effects of air temperature, humidity, and fluctuating weather conditions. These factors can increase a cow’s core body temperature beyond its natural ability to dissipate heat, resulting in heat stress. Read more about it below:
What should dry cows and autumn block calvers be getting right now?
For some dairy farmers, autumn block calving is the system of choice, concentrating calvings into a tight window from late summer through to early winter, so cows hit peak yield just as they move onto full winter rations. Done well, it’s an efficient, well-organised way to run a herd. Done without the right preparation, it can pile pressure onto cows and staff alike at the busiest time of year. Click here to read our blog about setting your herd up for success.
When is the right time to reseed grassland?
Why now? Moisture is the single biggest factor in getting a new ley away well. Seed needs consistent soil contact and moisture to germinate evenly and after a dry stretch, rain like we’re seeing this week creates exactly the window you want. Wait too long and you risk missing it; the ground dries out again and germination becomes patchy. Read all about the window for reseeding here:
None of it waits for a quiet week. But get the nutrition and timing right on weaning, heat, the dry period, finishing, creep, and reseeds, and you’re not firefighting come autumn, you’re ahead of it.
If you’ve got a challenge on farm you’d like to talk through, our specialists are always happy to have a conversation. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or drop us a message.
📞 01200 420200 | 🌐 www.dugdalenutrition.com | ✉️ info@dugdalenutrition.com RBC Agri direct line: 01642 909080
Dry Cow Mineral Range 6-week offers run until 31/08/26. Ask in our warehouse or speak to your local DN specialist.
