A lower yield for first cut silage and grasses heading faster than usual is proving a challenge to beef and sheep producers across England. Dry, warm weather has brought an earlier tail-off of grazing quality in many fields than beef and sheep producers would have liked, after a disappointing season to date. Concern is now growing for the long-term effect this may have on herd and flock performance. Those on set-stocked systems with less control on grazing are having the biggest problems, says Grassmaster's Charlie Morgan. "Rotational grazing requires some careful management and this is paying off in terms of use and reduced heading. "A lack of grass now could impact on herd fertility in the future as, sudder cows are milking off body reserves in many instances. But there are real localised differences in grass growth this year, so every producer should keep a close check on how their sward is performing."
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