As the winter months set in, farmers across the country face numerous challenges particularly when it comes to grazing. Bad weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and strong winds have become a major hindrance to livestock grazing. The impact of these conditions on the availability of food and shelter for livestock has become a growing concern, leading to a significant impact on the farming industry. In this article, we delve into the effects of bad weather on grazing on farms across the country.
Continuous heavy rainfall is impeding on spring grazing for both dairy and beef farms in the country.
Some drystock farms have been able to allow cattle to graze on the drier areas of their land, although other parts of the country have yet to start spring grazing.
Although on-off grazing is possible for many dairy farms, this isn’t usually done on most suckler and beef farms.
Within the past few days, Met Éireann has issued a number of weather warnings, and unsettled conditions are to be expected in most parts for the coming days. However, early indicators suggest that temperatures may increase and conditions may stabilise next week.
Farmers need to be aware of the potential for grass tetany with wet and cold conditions being prevalent where suckler cows and spring calves are grazing. Supplementation of magnesium and ensuring dry areas with good shelter for cows and calves are important.
Cattle tend to be restless and walk around a lot in paddocks during cold and wet conditions. If possible, it may be best to keep cattle indoors for a few more days until conditions improve, as long as silage supplies aren’t an issue.
Weather conditions can change quickly, even just in a few days. Therefore, farmers who have yet to start grazing should ensure that their paddocks are ready for 2023 grazing. This may include checking that drinker systems are working properly, repairing fences, and getting the first few paddocks ready for grazing without delay.
Although a late spring can be frustrating for farmers with full sheds and dwindling silage supplies, it is the reality of grassland farming in Ireland, and conditions will hopefully improve soon.
As the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable and extreme, farmers are facing significant challenges with their grazing operations. From shortages of feed and water to issues with soil erosion and flooding, the impacts of bad weather are felt across the country. However, innovative solutions such as rotational grazing and precision farming are helping farmers to adapt and thrive in the face of these challenges. With continued investment in sustainable agriculture practices and support for farmers, we can ensure that our food systems remain resilient in the face of a changing climate.
