Time to plan ahead for next year's grass production

UK - August 29, 2006

The long cold winter and dry summer this year have hit grassland farmers hard in the west. Now is the time to plan ahead to maximise next year's grassland productivity, according to Shropshire-based Bryn Thomas, technical manager with Spunhill Farm Sales.

"Reports from our agronomists based at Shrewsbury, Mold and Ellesmere, indicate the lack of available grass and the early feeding of silage is already worrying livestock producers. With many grass leys looking worn out and patchy there is now a real need to reseed and ensure good growth for next spring.
 
"You can increase the life and productivity of a new grass ley by taking a few simple management measures which will pay dividends next spring. Newly established swards produce an average of 25% more dry matter in their first year alone," says Mr Thomas.

Attention to detail before and after sowing is the key.  If you have yet to sow, check the soil analysis, fertiliser requirement, and choice of seed mix to suit the ley whether short-term silage or medium or long-term grazing.  Once sown it is important to regularly inspect the reseed for signs of pests such as frit fly and leatherjackets, and also time herbicide application where competitive weeds, such as chickweed and docks, are a problem.

"Chickweed is one of the most competitive weeds with young grass and it germinates strongly in the autumn as do seedling docks, thistles and nettles. Make sure that grasses are at a suitable stage to spray. Generally, they must have three leaves and be heading towards the tillering stage, and also that the majority of weeds have germinated," he says.

Post sowing is an important period confirms Vaughn Stansfield, agronomist with the grassland herbicide manufacturer, Dow AgroSciences.

"During the establishment of a ley the young grass seedlings have to work hard to compete with weeds.  It's important to control weeds as soon as possible in the life of a new ley to get the best return from the expense of re-seeding. It's a case of protecting your investment."

Small weed seedlings are easier to control in the autumn with a broad spectrum herbicide like Pastor than established weeds in the spring.  If you can remove the young weeds early it allows better establishment of the new seeds due to lack of competition for light and nutrients from the weeds.

"Check that the weather conditions are suitable before spraying. Don't spray before or after frosts or if the forecast indicates rapid deterioration in the weather. Active weed growth is required before and after application. For tailored advice that's right for your farm talk to your local agronomist," he says.