Extended grazing

Producing milk off grass is a critical component of the project. When conditions dictate, the management aim is to graze cows from early March to late November with grass supplemented with silage early and late in the grazing season. Initially cows are turned out by groupings within the winter housing. Groups are mixed as more cows can be grazed depending on grass growth/availability and ground conditions. The group of cows turned out first will depend on the initial turnout date. Turning out a group of cows in the middle of their breeding period is avoided were possible.

In the autumn, freshly calved cows may be housed by night by the end of September, depending on the weather. Full housing will be by the end of October. Late lactation cows will continue to graze until late November/early December, grass availability and ground conditions permitting.