A month of momentum

Grass growth is well underway due to longer days and warmer temperatures leading the focus to turn firmly to making the most of what the season has to offer. Grazing management on many farms is a key feature for this time of year. As sward growth rates peak, keeping on top of rotation length, grass covers, and stock allocation is essential to maintaining quality grass and preventing pastures from becoming stemmy or going to seed. Getting this balance right not only supports animal performance but also sets the platform for a productive summer ahead.

May is also a good time to review your nutrition more widely.

As forage and grazing conditions change, it’s worth reviewing mineral supplementation to ensure animals aren’t missing key micronutrients that fresh grass alone may not provide. Fertility, herd health, and youngstock development all benefit from a solid nutritional foundation at this stage, and any gaps in the diet can have knock-on effects through the rest of the season.

Soil temperatures are rising, moisture levels are generally favourable, and establishment conditions don’t get much better. Whether you’re looking to improve productivity on existing leys, repair winter-damaged swards, or introduce more modern, high-performing grass varieties, now is the time to act. Don’t put it off – a strong reseed this spring will pay dividends in grass quality and yield right through the season.

If you haven’t yet taken the opportunity to overseed thinner or poorer-performing areas of your pasture, May remains an ideal window. Overseeding is a cost-effective way to boost sward density and introduce improved varieties without the full commitment of a reseed, and with good growing conditions on your side, establishment can be quick and successful.

As silage season gets underway, our sister company RBC Agri also has silage sheets available – so if you’re cutting soon or want to get stocked up ahead of time, give us a call to make sure you’re covered on 01642 909080. 

If you’re signed up to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme and have a CAHL2 Winter Bird Food plot as part of your agreement, May is the ideal month to get that sown. Timing is important to ensure good establishment and to meet the requirements of your scheme, so if you need any guidance or want to source your seed through RBC Agri, get in touch with us sooner rather than later.

May Focus: Mowing

Getting silage right from the clamp is one of the most important things you can do for your herd’s performance, and SiloSolve® FC is a product we’re excited to be able to offer.

This proven inoculant is designed to promote rapid, controlled fermentation, helping to lock in the dry matter and nutrients your forage worked hard to produce – so nothing is wasted between the field and the feed face.

What sets SiloSolve® FC apart is its use of unique bacterial strains that quickly remove oxygen from the clamp, creating the conditions needed to eliminate yeasts and moulds before they take hold. The results speak for themselves: up to a 98% reduction in yeasts and mould, up to 5% more dry matter retained, and aerobic stability improved by as much as 218 hours. It also allows for early clamp opening – potentially as soon as 7 days after sealing – giving you added flexibility at busy times of year.

Application couldn’t be simpler. One 200g sachet treats 100 tonnes of forage at harvest or chopping, and it’s compatible with Ultra Low Volume applicators. Once the bacteria are dissolved in water, they should be used within 48 hours (ideally within 24) to ensure maximum activity.

If you’d like to know more contact your DN Sales Specialist or give us a call on 01200 420200

Notes from on-farm by Debby Brown, Veterinary Technical Manager at DN

“I love Spring with all its signs of new life – lambs, calves and flowers to name just a few. However, on farm Spring has its challenges and this year has been no different so far. After a very wet winter the weather has improved, and we have finally seen some sun and a dry spell. Unfortunately, with that we have seen cold nights and warm days – unsettling for cattle and sheep whether housed or out at grass.

The humidity and temperature levels through the day are hitting early heat stress levels and will be starting already to potentially impact on dry matter intakes, lying times, eating patterns which ultimately increases the risk of lameness, poor fertility and mastitis. If sheds have fans make sure they are on and working, open doors, provide shade. Check all water troughs are flowing fast enough to fill adequately and that they are all cleaned at least weekly.

Consider sampling some grass, either for pre-cut test to help improve silage quality, or for grazing to ensure the diet is balanced to the grass being eaten. Many farms have been delayed spreading slurry or applying fertiliser, so it is imperative to ensure that the grass is clear of these products before grazing or harvesting.

With tractor work increasing, don’t forget to keep on top of your livestock, begin to monitor performance, whether in sheep or cattle, and using results plan ahead to keep in front of the curve.”