The cost of milk production is rising rapidly with almost every input increasing at unforeseen levels. Milk prices are rising too, but at too slow a rate in many producers eyes and as a consequence, margins are being squeezed tighter.

Those who put cows out to graze will be looking forward, even more than usual towards turnout, and will see grass as an ideal way to reduce the reliance on purchased feeds and a way of producing quality milk for a lower cost.

During the early summer months, when grass quality is at its best, maximising milk from forage will be a key and achievable goal. As grass quality naturally deteriorates animal intakes will decrease also, so care will be needed not to over estimate its nutritional value and its potential for milk production.

If the rumen is left unbalanced and short of nutrients at this time not only will you see a drop in yields but later this could effect fertility and body condition. All negatives when trying to increase margins.

Even with extraordinary fertiliser prices, grass is still the cheapest form of feed available. Managing grazing, measuring its growth, and testing for quality will allow a better understanding of its values.

Ensuring cows have enough available without wasting this valuable resource is a skill in itself. Grass quality peeks mid May, but is still only then capable of supporting maintenance plus 12-15 litres per cow per day. This number can reduce by another 10 litres over the next four months.

At this time it is important to remember that the end goal is to produce milk, not to graze cows cheaply.

Read more: GB milk yields slip as costs of production soar

With milk prices expected to continue to rise the proportion of grass and the balance with supplementary feed should reflect the economic value of the end product, so in this case giving the cows some extra feed will more than pay for itself.

Dairy farmers than have to question whether they lose more than £2100 or gain in excess of £1700.

By over estimating grass quality and and not feeding correctly, 2litres/cow/day could quite easily be lost. If milk price is at 35p per litre, then for 100 cows this would be reflected in a loss in income of £2170 per month – a huge opportunity to put money in the bank missed.

Using some supplementary feed such as parlour cake or some meal to balance what is offered from the grass, yields could be maintained and this huge financial loss avoided. For example, feeding a good quality compound costing £325/t at only 1kg/cow/day would avoid this drop. Allowing a feed rate of 0.4kg/litre a 100-cow herd would produce 7750litres more milk giving extra income after the feed is paid for of £1704/month – an extra amount welcome on any milk cheque.

Grass is a great resource to have. Managing it and understanding it can have great benefits. Maximise its potential and be prepared to support it without having over expectations of its capabilities and everyone can look forward to the summer.