Grass budgeting on Curtins Farm

Curtins research farm at Teagasc Moorepark evaluates alternate management systems for spring calving pasture-based milk production. In recent years, system developments have evolved to extend the grazing season from late January to late November, adopting management practices that increase pasture growth per hectare from 13 to 15.5tons DM, increasing stocking rates and overall milk productivity per hectare while reducing fertilizer application and concentrate supplementation rates. Current annual system characteristics include an overall stocking rate of 2.8 to 3 1ivestock units per hectare with all winter feed requirements produced on site, a concentrate input of 200 kg per cow and a fertilizer application rate of 250kg N per hectare. In January 2008, the IGA in association with Teagasc initiated a project to increase awareness of best grassland management practice as implemented at the farm. 6 video clips have been created covering a range of pertinent management guidelines to allow dairy farmers increase their profitability through better grass utilization. The first of these clips was presented at the IGA conference in January 2008 and subsequent clips can be viewed at:

http://www.teagasc.ie/advisory/grass_budgeting.asp

For more information on Technical Videos contact the Irish Grassland Association