Target grass cover

Average grass cover across the paddocks is a useful means of assessing whether a good balance is being achieved between herd demand and grass supply on the farm.

For example in May 100 cows stocked at 6 cows/ha on the grazing area. Target average cover = 2400 KG DM/ha with entry and exit covers of 3300 KG DM and 1500 KG DM on each 0.8ha paddock.

If average cover for your farm exceeds the target cover i.e. surplus grass, then some paddocks can be released for silage or other stock introduced onto the grazing area. If average cover is below target i.e. deficit situation, then other areas need to be brought into the rotation to lift average grass cover.

For further information contact
Email : nigel.moore@dardni.gov.uk
Tel : 028 9442 6648

Email : martin.mulholland@dardni.gov.uk
Tel : 028 9442 6750

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Target grass cover

Average grass cover across the paddocks is a useful means of assessing whether a good balance is being achieved between herd demand and grass supply on the farm.