September grassland management of sheep farms

As we head into the latter half of the grazing season, farms need to put a plan in place for the later rotations, Sheep Specialist at Teagasc, Ciaran Lynch tells us more.

Aim for a pre-grazing cover of 1,500-2,000kg DM/ha, or 8-10cm, grazing these swards down to around 6cm with lambs, and following in the rotation with the main ewe group to graze out to between 4 and 4.5cm. Graze thinner ewes alongside finishing or replacement ewe lambs.

In terms of grass supply, aim to have 20 days ahead at the start of September, building to 30 by the end of the month. Where applicable, ensure swards receive some nitrogen (N) to improve grass growth into the autumn, particularly where higher stocking rates are being carried for the coming weeks.

All N and phosphorus (P) fertiliser applications need to be made prior to September 15. Better responses will be achieved from applications earlier in the month where conditions allow. Ensure you stay within the limits of the farm nutrient management plan. If in any doubt contact your advisor.

In terms of demand, lambs are not as forward as previous years. This will increase the demand in the latter half of the season and needs to be considered when budgeting grass for the coming weeks. Farms where the overall grass supply is below target should examine options for reducing demand early in September. This may be achieved by removing remaining culls, selling a proportion of lambs as stores or other livestock, and introducing supplementation in order to prioritise grazing for the remaining finishing lambs and ewe flock.

This article first appeared in the Teagasc Sheep Advisory newsletter for September. For key advice on lamb drafting, ram and ewe management and updates from Teagasc Athenry and the Teagasc Better Sheep Farm Programme, access the full newsletter (PDF) here.