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Grass measuring 2015

12467…22

Comments

  • #152
    Milked out
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,433 ✭✭✭Milked out


    whelan2 wrote: »
    same here, was nice to have them out for a few days , wonder when will they get out again

    Not sure haven't been out here for 5 days now, light covers on our drier ground so if it dries out should get thru that fast enuv it's the the heavy covers on the wet ground I'm worried about, ground will take time to dry out there


  • #153
    Timmaay
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,394 ✭✭✭✭Timmaay


    1st day back in here today. Will hopefully get back out tomorrow again.


  • #154
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    Timmaay wrote: »
    1st day back in here today. Will hopefully get back out tomorrow again.

    How much rain has fell?
    Haven't been talking to dad hope he has kept cows in if its very wet


  • #155
    Timmaay
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,394 ✭✭✭✭Timmaay


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    How much rain has fell?
    Haven't been talking to dad hope he has kept cows in if its very wet

    Fair bit this morning, walked down the field just before the evening milking, ground conditions were actually good, I should have let them out at lunchtime but wasn't worth the argument with my dad ha.


  • #156
    Deepsouthwest
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,282 ✭✭✭Deepsouthwest


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    How much rain has fell?
    Haven't been talking to dad hope he has kept cows in if its very wet

    An absolute deluge, with Wexford the worst hit. I don't even think I'd come home if I was u!!


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  • #157
    darragh_haven
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,433 ✭✭✭darragh_haven


    Deepsouthwest wrote: »
    An absolute deluge, with Wexford the worst hit. I don't even think I'd come home if I was u!!

    GG should bring back an ark. I think Wexford broke off and is floating away according to last report I heard.
    west cork is surviving but fecking saturated. Grass utilisation is zero as cattle won't see it for a while


  • #158
    Midfield9
    Registered Users Posts: 160 ✭✭Midfield9


    Im going to give a go at the grass measuring this year. Ive decided ill cut and measure for a start to get my eye in and maybe help keep it in. I was looking at the shears on grasstec and amazon there and im wondering is it worth going for the more expensive bosch on grasstec. Im usually of the opinion went buying tools is pay for a quality product and only have to buy once. Maybe there's cheaper ones available that would do the job?
    I remember watching an adviser have hardship trying to cut a quadrant once and thought if your going to have that much hardship you wouldnt bother. I dont know what machine he had.


  • #159
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    Midfield9 wrote: »
    Im going to give a go at the grass measuring this year. Ive decided ill cut and measure for a start to get my eye in and maybe help keep it in. I was looking at the shears on grasstec and amazon there and im wondering is it worth going for the more expensive bosch on grasstec. Im usually of the opinion went buying tools is pay for a quality product and only have to buy once. Maybe there's cheaper ones available that would do the job?
    I remember watching an adviser have hardship trying to cut a quadrant once and thought if your going to have that much hardship you wouldnt bother. I dont know what machine he had.

    If your serious about it buy a good brand don't have to buy it off grasstec.
    I bought one out of lidl not spectacular I'll change it soon but it does the job.
    I eyeball a good bit now and find I'm not too far out.
    Is your discussion group big into grass?


  • #160
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    Did a measure this morning.
    AFC down to 570 some paddocks have grown 5/6 day others have lost up to 200kgs with the frost


  • #161
    whelan2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,825 ✭✭✭✭whelan2


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    Did a measure this morning.
    AFC down to 570 some paddocks have grown 5/6 day others have lost up to 200kgs with the frost
    are they out full time?


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  • #162
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    whelan2 wrote: »
    are they out full time?

    Yep. 31% grazed
    I'm not all that worried tbh yet
    But absolute no growth out of any if that N I spread yet


  • #163
    mahoney_j
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,336 ✭✭✭✭mahoney_j


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    Yep. 31% grazed
    I'm not all that worried tbh yet
    But absolute no growth out of any if that N I spread yet

    Don't panic you'll grow more grass in a few good mild spring March days than the whole of February.u need to slow down rotation a bit though if your over 30% grazed already


  • #164
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    mahoney_j wrote: »
    Don't panic you'll grow more grass in a few good mild spring March days than the whole of February.u need to slow down rotation a bit though if your over 30% grazed already

    Was on target till I went away. Dad was under pressure so can't give out.
    DG tomorrow I'll see what they think


  • #165
    Timmaay
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,394 ✭✭✭✭Timmaay


    Cows only out by day here and close on 30% grazed, high demand from turnout on Jan 27th with the winter milkers. Probably calving alittle early also. Will leave them inside at night for another few weeks probably.


  • #166
    frazzledhome
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,278 ✭✭✭frazzledhome


    mahoney_j wrote: »
    Don't panic you'll grow more grass in a few good mild spring March days than the whole of February.u need to slow down rotation a bit though if your over 30% grazed already

    I actually think the 30% figure is a bit conservative. 40% might be closer. Will let ye know


  • #167
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    frazzledhome wrote: »
    I actually think the 30% figure is a bit conservative. 40% might be closer. Will let ye know

    This is the first yr ever here we can try start things off any way right sure last yr I had whole farm grazed by now


  • #168
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    Have enough dry cows calved now so I can swap around sheds.
    Was full sure milkers would want silage nope nearly all walked into shed had a look and walked back out
    Only 6 in there now picking a bit


  • #169
    whelan2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,825 ✭✭✭✭whelan2


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    This is the first yr ever here we can try start things off any way right sure last yr I had whole farm grazed by now
    very hard to compare 1 year with the next. I just deal with whats happening now


  • #170
    frazzledhome
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,278 ✭✭✭frazzledhome


    whelan2 wrote: »
    very hard to compare 1 year with the next. I just deal with whats happening now

    Agree with comparing but no substitute for good planning


  • #171
    RightTurnClyde
    Registered Users Posts: 2,141 ✭✭✭RightTurnClyde


    Had planned to finish first round by 01/04 but going to move that to 10/04. More high DM bales for the girls. Only out by day was out day and night. No fert out but following with slurry. 20% grazed


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  • #172
    Muckit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,174 ✭✭✭✭Muckit


    frazzledhome wrote: »
    Agree with comparing but no substitute for good planning

    So long as your prepared to continually adjust the plan to factor in what's happening on the ground


  • #173
    Midfield9
    Registered Users Posts: 160 ✭✭Midfield9


    What dry matter are ye lads working off?


  • #174
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    Midfield9 wrote: »
    What dry matter are ye lads working off?

    18 on anything not grazed stuff that us if be saying 14-16 depending on how long ago it rained.
    Great day here today


  • #175
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    18 on anything not grazed stuff that us if be saying 14-16 depending on how long ago it rained.
    Great day here today

    Wdf did I say that.
    Fcuking sleeting here now


  • #176
    frazzledhome
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,278 ✭✭✭frazzledhome


    Muckit wrote: »
    So long as your prepared to continually adjust the plan to factor in what's happening on the ground

    Spot on, that's what I mean


  • #177
    td5man
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,081 ✭✭✭td5man


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    Wdf did I say that.
    Fcuking sleeting here now

    Irish summer here today.


  • #178
    Deepsouthwest
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,282 ✭✭✭Deepsouthwest


    frazzledhome wrote: »
    I actually think the 30% figure is a bit conservative. 40% might be closer. Will let ye know

    I think a lot of these % grazed by dates are more of a guide thrown out by Teagasc for lads that aren't measuring at all. Remember most farmers still don't measure grass. If u are measuring then watching AFC and cover/LU are much more relevant than any dates or %'s.


  • #179
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    Deepsouthwest wrote: »
    I think a lot of these % grazed by dates are more of a guide thrown out by Teagasc for lads that aren't measuring at all. Remember most farmers still don't measure grass. If u are measuring then watching AFC and cover/LU are much more relevant than any dates or %'s.
    After joining a very good grass group this yr going to learn lots about grass
    And ill get told to fcuk off if i don't measure


  • #180
    frazzledhome
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,278 ✭✭✭frazzledhome


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    After joining a very good grass group this yr going to learn lots about grass
    And ill get told to fcuk off if i don't measure

    With the facilitator you have you'll learn an awful lot more. Very practical and not a know all


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  • #181
    the_blue_oval
    Registered Users Posts: 1,893 ✭✭✭the_blue_oval


    Well lads, going to give this grass measuring a go as soon as things calm down a bit.. have both plate meter and shears here on farm but which one would ye recommend using? I know the plate meter wouldn't be as accurate on poached ground but I think it seems like less work than the cut and weigh...

    And any tips for a beginner would be much appreciated!


  • #182
    visatorro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,389 ✭✭✭visatorro


    the_blue_oval wrote:
    And any tips for a beginner would be much appreciated!


    join discussion group, look up old grass measuring thread here. a lot of reading but a lot of well written explanations and instructions. will give you a good head start.


  • #183
    frazzledhome
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,278 ✭✭✭frazzledhome


    the_blue_oval wrote: »
    Well lads, going to give this grass measuring a go as soon as things calm down a bit.. have both plate meter and shears here on farm but which one would ye recommend using? I know the plate meter wouldn't be as accurate on poached ground but I think it seems like less work than the cut and weigh...

    And any tips for a beginner would be much appreciated!

    First off put plate meter back in the garage.

    Grazed out well 150
    Grass fit to graze and if left a few days too strong 1500
    Perfect to graze 1300-1400
    Silage 3500
    Up to welly toes 400 ankle 1000

    Start off using 4 measurements
    150
    500
    900
    1200

    Walk farm and write down which paddock best fits the figure

    Cut and weigh every 3rd paddock to train yourself.

    In 3 wks you'll be expert the plate meter will be rusty and you'll only have to cut and weigh a very odd paddock

    Two experts can walk the same paddock and be 300 of a difference. It doesn't matter as your only looking for an average.

    The grazed paddock is a great way to train. You measure 1200 you know the area and the number of cows so they should get so many grazings. Too many you underestimate too few you overestimate


  • #184
    just do it
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,422 ✭✭✭just do it


    Great synopsis by frazzled. Get going is key and you can fine tune with time and experience. Just walking the fields weekly is a learning experience.


  • #185
    the_blue_oval
    Registered Users Posts: 1,893 ✭✭✭the_blue_oval


    Cheers lads.

    Is the platemeter very inconsistent or why are you saying to stay away from it?


  • #186
    frazzledhome
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,278 ✭✭✭frazzledhome


    the_blue_oval wrote: »
    Cheers lads.

    Is the platemeter very inconsistent or why are you saying to stay away from it?

    No it's very accurate on residuals. I had one but rely on eyeballing


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  • #187
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    the_blue_oval wrote: »
    Cheers lads.

    Is the platemeter very inconsistent or why are you saying to stay away from it?
    Nothing wrong with plate meter. Just an unnecessary expense. You'll train your eye after a a while and ye won't need anything.
    Its like being able to tell the early signs of a cow coming bulling or what weight or condition a cow is in


  • #188
    the_blue_oval
    Registered Users Posts: 1,893 ✭✭✭the_blue_oval


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    Nothing wrong with plate meter. Just an unnecessary expense. You'll train your eye after a a while and ye won't need anything.

    Theres one gathering dust in the shed that the father got years ago, so it would be no expense to me to use one until I train the eye to it


  • #189
    just do it
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,422 ✭✭✭just do it


    Cattle will have to go back in. Paddocks have allowed me to get 3 weeks grazing in that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. Got a heavy cover on reseeded ground grazed so happy with that.

    Reseeds are green whereas old swards are yellow with zero growth


  • #190
    mahoney_j
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,336 ✭✭✭✭mahoney_j


    1 March 27% grazed,bit behind target of 30%.weather for last week has slowed things .cows housed from 12 o clock last Monday till Tuesday am but back out since albeit only for 3/4 hours after each milking.clean out has been pretty good considering and little ground damage.have to balance beteween getting enough dm and energy into cows.my rocket fuel wraps and wholecrop are working a treat and cows holding condition and milking very well,fat and p for feb was 4.78 and 3.79 so happy with that.once weather settles more grass and less wraps will be offered to catch up.lot of slurry to catch up on too


  • #191
    Deepsouthwest
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,282 ✭✭✭Deepsouthwest


    mahoney_j wrote: »
    1 March 27% grazed,bit behind target of 30%.weather for last week has slowed things .cows housed from 12 o clock last Monday till Tuesday am but back out since albeit only for 3/4 hours after each milking.clean out has been pretty good considering and little ground damage.have to balance beteween getting enough dm and energy into cows.my rocket fuel wraps and wholecrop are working a treat and cows holding condition and milking very well,fat and p for feb was 4.78 and 3.79 so happy with that.once weather settles more grass and less wraps will be offered to catch up.lot of slurry to catch up on too

    Incredible constituents again MJ and with high yielding cows, a lot of guys wouldn't get p and f like that with cows doing half their yield. Take a bow!


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  • #192
    mahoney_j
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,336 ✭✭✭✭mahoney_j


    Deepsouthwest wrote: »
    Incredible constituents again MJ and with high yielding cows, a lot of guys wouldn't get p and f like that with cows doing half their yield. Take a bow!

    Havnt looked at computer for yields but v happy with solids,will take a hit mid March though.a lot of cows and heifers calved early to mid feb so expecting the usual drop after 6 weeks.weather to pick up mid week so hopefully more grass and will proably cut out wraps and leave In wholecrop .will give cows an hour of it before evening milking ,about 3 kg dm and no more.have to say I'm impressed with how it's feeding with grass.tested over 30% starch and lots of grain ,guess that's what's keeping fat so high.


  • #193
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    Cows going into a resees we did in 2013 tonight.
    Was ploughed to reseed.
    Grew feck all in 2013 and early 14
    Got real well rotted dung in late 14 and has completely turned around since cover of 1000 on it worms casts everywhere.

    Reseed we did last autumn after bursting our of it too since it got N
    Cover of 350 now and was feck all
    Going to start into it near end if week
    Hope it takes off now after it


  • #194
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    mbIDkS.jpg
    Is this to tight


  • #195
    freedominacup
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,920 ✭✭✭freedominacup


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    mbIDkS.jpg
    Is this to tight

    If it's reseeds probably not. If older pasture you have to be compromising cow performance unless extra concentrates going in. Probably compromising performance on reseed too but big return with tillering by doing it.


  • #196
    Blackgrass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 735 ✭✭✭Blackgrass


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    mbIDkS.jpg
    Is this to tight

    With that rolling land your in wider castledockrel area, between Ballindaggin and main scorthy bunclody road?! ;)


  • #197
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    freedominacup wrote: »
    If it's reseeds probably not. If older pasture you have to be compromising cow performance unless extra concentrates going in. Probably compromising performance on reseed too but big return with tillering by doing it.

    Dad reckons I've gone too hard on it.
    Last September reseed
    fingers crossed it comes back well now


  • #198
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    Blackgrass wrote: »
    With that rolling land your in wider castledockrel area, between Ballindaggin and main scorthy bunclody road?! ;)

    The windmills give it away.
    castledockrel right behind that hill.
    not too far from balindaggin or bunclody


  • #199
    Blackgrass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 735 ✭✭✭Blackgrass


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    The windmills give it away.
    castledockrel right behind that hill.
    not too far from balindaggin or bunclody

    Nice land in that you can work with it if you get me, but as most don't get what you keep saying can be very hungry!!


  • #200
    Greengrass1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,493 ✭✭✭Greengrass1


    Blackgrass wrote: »
    Nice land in that you can work with it if you get me, but as most don't get what you keep saying can be very hungry!!

    Second time that field has been tilled since is was in barley. Still fcukin furrows in it


  • #201
    Blackgrass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 735 ✭✭✭Blackgrass


    Greengrass1 wrote: »
    Second time that field has been tilled since is was in barley. Still fcukin furrows in it

    next time work at 30 degree odd angles rather than straight with previous pass as levels humps and hollows ;). Can be a pia though in some fields ...


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