Dairy cows grazing in the rain near Calliaghstown, Co Meath. \ Ramona Farrelly The average growth rate on farms recording grass measurements on PastureBase Ireland (PBI) for the past week was 48kg DM/ha. A growth rate of 72kgDM/ha was recorded for the same period last year. Low overnight temperatures and low rainfall levels can be blamed for the poor growth. Some farms around the country recorded a rainfall of 5ml to 6ml between 19 and 20 April and got a good jump in growth, with temperatures hitting the mid-teens over the weekend. The rain forecast for this weekend will be welcomed by many, especially those who have had no rain since late March, which has seen growth rates remain low.