Free advice on pasture improvement

Feed stocks may be low due to the extreme weather conditions last year, but are there any management options that could help maximise spring pasture production?

Pasture expert Andre van Barneveld of Graise Consultancy said that although there is no 'silver bullet', there are things you can do to make the most of your pasture.

“My approach revolves around rotational grazing,” he said. “Grazing stimulates grass growth, but if you have all the stock on all the grass all of the time it doesn’t work – the grass needs time to recover.”

He said nitrogen fertiliser can be used in a minimal way to reduce costs as well as environmental impact: “There’s no point putting it on before grazing as nitrogen can’t stimulate grass growth if there’s no growth there – you’d be wasting your money.”

And there is attention to be paid long term to soil health. “Rotational grazing is better for soils in the long term because it improves root structure, which gives you better grass. It’s all linked in.

“It’s about truly understanding the value of grass. If you value it, and you manage it through the season it can have a real impact on profitability.”

Knowledge transfer specialist at QMS, Emily Grant, said: “Spring grass is hugely valuable to any livestock system, whether for lambing ewes, calving cows or growing youngstock. Making the most of it will help to not only keep feed and housing costs in check, but also set up high quality pastures for the rest of the grazing season.”

The free events are on the following dates:

Tuesday, February 26, Jurys Inn, Inverness, 10am–1pm;

Tuesday, February 26, Thainstone Agricultural Centre, Inverurie, 7–10pm;

Wednesday, February 27, Gloagburn Farm Shop, Tibbermore, Perth, 12.30–3.30pm;

Thursday, February 28, Best Western Dryfesdale Country House Hotel, Lockerbie, 10am–1pm;

Thursday, February 28, The Townhouse Hotel, Melrose, 7–10pm;

Booking is required by calling Lyn on 07899791748