Grassland Management

Cows are grazed on flexible 24 hour paddocks with fresh grass made available at each grazing. Grassland is managed to give cows high dry matter intakes while maintaining high quality grass throughout the grazing period. Grass covers are measured on a weekly basis using a rising plate meter. The data is used to decide on stocking density as growth rates fluctuate during the season. The aim is to graze cows on pre-grazing grass covers of between 3500 to 3800 KG DM/ha (above ground level). Target post-grazing grass covers are 1600 to 1800 KG DM/ha. These targets are a compromise between maximising grass intake, maintaining sward quality and achieving reasonable grass utilisation rates. Grass is topped as necessary during the season and paddocks removed for big bale silage during periods of rapid grass growth.