Grass availability needs to be monitored weekly and possibly even more frequently during this critical period. Proper planning and grass budgeting can ensure that an adequate supply of leafy grass is available to reduce production costs this back-end. Grass monitoring and budgeting skills are best developed by becoming part of a local grass discussion group. Silage swards Perennial ryegrasses in many silage swards disappear quite quickly to be replaced by bents and meadowgrasses. These 'weed' grasses produce lower yields, slower re-growth and a lower quality silage.
Ryegrasses thrive best under a frequent defoliation system, that is, grazing.
They deteriorate faster in silage swards with extended cutting intervals. Graze with sheep in autumn to increase tiller density. The fastest and most reliable method of improving poor silage swards is to plough and reseed. Early August is the best month for carrying out this operation so that the sward is well established and can be grazed by sheep this autumn. Contact your local Farm Development Adviser to discuss seed mixtures to suit your conditions.