The key messages in this week’s newsletter are:
PastureBase data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model. Growth predictions are low for the remainder of this week, however the forecast is for a return to milder weather over the weekend.
Images from farmers around the country who are beginning grazing for spring 2021.
Did you miss our webinar titled “Getting Familiar with PastureBase Ireland” last week? Catch up here
Information on a new Clover Research Programme starting in April 2021.
Tips on Spring grazing on sheep farms from Philip Creighton, Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway.
Aidan Maguire runs a Dairy-Calf to Beef system in Co. Meath. Aidan puts a big focus now on spring grazing and getting out to grass early in the year. Watch a video to see how Aidan manages grazing in spring on his farm here
A GALASHIELS man has donated funds to Musselburgh’s Honest Toun’s Association in memory of his sister, who was killed in a car crash. Craig Lowrie, 43, took on a running challenge after the family tragedy in 2019, raising just over £8,000 for festival committees and the children’s ward at Borders General Hospital. His son Robbie, now 23, was appointed Braw Lad in Galashiels in April 2019. But just two weeks before the start of the summer festivals, Mr Lowrie’s sister Donna, 36, from Innerleithen, a married mum-of-three, died in a car crash on the A72 between Galashiels and Walkerburn. Mr Lowrie said: “Our family were so proud and excited for the summer ahead. Donna was so looking forward to following Robbie around the Border festivals.”
Reviewing the factors to consider in calf housing
As we approach what will be a busy calving period on dairy farms, we will ultimately see a rise in the number of calves coming on the scene.
It is important that either the dairy farmer or the beef farmer who purchases the calves reviews their housing systems prior to purchasing their calves.
Providing the correct housing environment is critical for enhancing performance during the rearing period in order to avoid health issues.
Ventilation and the stack effect
Farmers should aim to have natural ventilation from wind and the stack effect in housing, where possible, as this is the least expensive method of providing optimum housing conditions.