GrassCheck

The DARD and AgriSearch funded GrassCheck programme monitors the growth of grass swards on a range of sites throughout Northern Ireland.

In addition to this work a model has been developed that allows the prediction of grass growth for the next two weeks based on time of year, previous week’s growth and forecasted weather conditions.

This information is presented in weekly bulletins in the local farming press and on the AFBI and Ruralni websites. These predictions can be used to manage grassland swards through the season and help to prepare in advance for any surplus or deficits.

Figure 9. Graph showing actual and predicted grass growth as produced by GrassCheck