Suitable silage fields can be grazed in early March, after which they should be fertilised and closed until first cut silage harvest. Such fields can be used to delay grazing any wet or 'late' fields until later in April. Fertiliser Nitrogen application in early spring is necessary to stimulate early growth. Timing is important and can range from early to mid-February in milder areas to late March to mid April in upland areas. As a general rule, sow fertiliser at least one month prior to the intended turn-out date.
Local experience is a valuable guide.
Aim to be sufficiently early to not lose growing days when the temperatures are suitable for grass growth. Grass grows when the soil temperature at 10cm depth is 5 to 6 C, so a sustained period with temperatures at this level is suitable, provided soil conditions are suitable for normal spreading machinery and heavy rain is not forecast for the next three days. There is little risk of the Nitrogen being lost through leaching unless there is heavy rain within two - three days after sowing. Guidelines for Grazing When to turn out cattle will depend on grass availability, weather conditions, ground conditions and field access. From early February, walk the fields to assess the average grass cover.