Rural Business Consultancy Ltd

14/11/2023

Want to know more about:
improving your soils
Producing food with less chemical inputs
Saving money
Increasing productivity
Being more sustainable
Farming with nature

👇

27/06/2023

This moisture is helping growth. Make sure your managing grass to keep quailty feed in front of stock.

GRASSCHECK BULLETIN WEEK BEGINNING 26-06-23
Most areas have received enough rain to revive grass growth and for those who have missed the showers, there is a good amount of rain in the forecast. Grass growth rates are forecast to meet and exceed the LT av. in the next 7 and 14 days respectively, with increased soil moisture and high soil temps. The challenge will be when to remove the extra supplement and when to skip paddocks and remove surplus grass. Measure the grazing platform at least weekly to make the best & most timely decisions in this transition. Removing paddocks will help to address some of the poorer quality paddocks with a high stem content as a result of the previous conditions. Continue to apply fertiliser again in line with a nutrient management plan. To find out more, visit: https://www.agrisearch.org/grasscheck

07/06/2023

Grass growth is predicted to drop over the next couple of weeks mainly due to lack of moisture.

Take action now to help maintain grass covers which will speed up recovery when moisture arrives.

Action may include:
🌱Introduce more grass
☘Introduce supplement feed
🐃Reduce stocking rate
🚜not topping or pre-mowing as this will check grass

GRASSCHECK BULLETIN WEEK BEGINNING 05-06-23
Grass growth has remained close to the LT av. however it is predicted to dramatically decrease over the next 14 days due to decreasing soil moisture. Ideally measure grass twice per week or at least 3 times in 2 weeks in these conditions to know what grass you have, as there will be a lot of variation. To manage through the current dry period, increase supplement feed and/or buffer feed to maintain rotation length at a minimum of 21 days and keep the AFC above 2,100 kg DM/ha. Remove additional stock from the grazing platform and bring in extra areas if possible. Avoid pre-mowing to correct grass quality as this will further depress growth. Animals should be content and grazing well as grass dry matter % is high, however CP % is low. To find out more, visit: https://www.agrisearch.org/grasscheck

31/05/2023

Grass growth rates are predicted to fall sharply in the coming weeks due to the lack of moisture.
Ideally grass cover across the farm should be maintained either by introducing more grazing, reducing stock numbers or introducing supplement.

A quick decision now will pay dividends down the line.

GRASSCHECK BULLETIN WEEK BEGINNING 29-05-23
Growth rates across the province have been slightly below the LT. average and are predicted to fall again whilst the warm, dry conditions continue. Soil Moisture deficits and low overnight temps are contributing to the decrease in growth rates - measure growth regularly and consider your opportunities to lengthen the rotation if a shortfall in forage is predicted. Some parts of the province will see growth fall below demand in the next few weeks, take early action in decreasing stocking rate or increasing supplementation, do not let AFC drop below 2,100kgDM/ha. Results show a decrease in the average CP of samples taken, monitor closely and review the CP of in-parlour feeding to maintain CP requirements. To find out more visit: https://www.agrisearch.org/grasscheck

16/05/2023

Grass growth is back on track.
Measure, and cut early to bring aftermath back into rotation as soon as possible.

GRASSCHECK BULLETIN WEEK BEGINNING 15-05-23
On farm grass growth continues to follow grass growth predictions, with growth rate forecast to reach its highest so far this season in 7 days’ time. Measure grass at least once per week, as swards can change rapidly under present conditions. Make use of grass budgeting tools, to help identify a grass surplus. Removing grazing area for silage will help correct a grass surplus and can also clean up areas with previously poor grazing residuals. A grass surplus must be removed quickly, to avoid a deficit in 21 days’ time. Grass quality across GC farms has remained good. Stem content in grass is increasing and many grass varieties will be approaching their heading dates shortly. Target grazing residuals now that conditions are more favourable. Full details at: https://www.agrisearch.org/grasscheck

28/04/2023

Grass growth in NI is expected to be slow this next week before it rockets 🚀 the flowing week. Hopefully it will be a similar storey here on the Island 🇮🇲

GRASSCHECK BULLETIN WEEK BEGINNING 24-04-23
Grass growth on farm and on plots has been below the LT. av. this week. Growth is forecast to remain slow this week before rising sharply the week after, which will be challenging to manage. Grass quality including ME is good, with no significant drop in dry matter %. Measure grass weekly to try and maintain the wedge over the next 2 weeks. Making good quality silage requires preparation and planning, including having silos cleaned and ready to go when the weather window appears.
Note - Soil temperature has been replaced by soil moisture figures on the map.
For more information, visit the GrassCheck website: https://www.agrisearch.org/grasscheck

24/03/2023

Great couple of days spent at the NFU conference hearing from government and industry movers and shakers.

The next few years are going to see lots of changes and challenges around farming with a balance between local sustainable food production and nature protection/enhancement.

Thanks to the MNFU team for inviting me along, had a good couple of days in some great company.

22/03/2023

Good opportunity for someone.....

We have a new vacancy for a self employed milk recorder on The Isle of Man.

The work involves attending afternoon and morning milkings to take milk samples and record yields; the data is then entered into a simple computer program.

https://thecis.co.uk/careers

15/03/2023

Featured on Manx radio's countryside this week.

Let's let the handbrake off and get farming!

Postponement of YF concert, checking for sheep in the snow and thoughts from the Rural Business Consultancy