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GrassCheck latest results

GrassCheck, jointly funded by AgriSearch and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), provides actual and predicted grass growth information on a weekly basis throughout the grazing season.

Grass Growth and Quality results up to 23rd June and prediction to 7th July 2008

3 Week Growth
ending
Grass Sward
(281 kg N/ha/yr)
Dry Matter
(%)
ME Content
(MJ/Kg DM)
Crude Protein
(% DM)
Sugars
(% DM)
23 Jun
(Actual)
50
21
12.1
18
19
30 Jun
(Predicted)
39
        
7 Jul
(Predicted)
49
            


Grass growth rates across six locations in Northern Ireland

Location Fintona Loughgall Hillsborough Greenmount Portaferry Aghadowey
Growth
(kgDM/ha/day)
50
35
49
54
65
49

  • Actual growth is better than predicted but still remains well below average, however quality is generally good across all sites
  • The recent unsettled weather is improving soil moisture levels, but it is likely to be early July before growth returns to around average levels.
  • Continue to use buffers if necessary to ensure rotation length on the grazing platform remains above 20 days.
  • Take advantage of forecast rainfall to get grazing paddocks fertilised to ensure continued mid season growth