Forage Watch

NWF Weekly Grass Watch – 6th May 2022

6th May 2022

This week’s grass growth has remained consistent at an average across GB of 60.1kg DM/ha/day. This is still higher than the same period last year which saw average growth rates of 52.4kg DM/ha/day. Regions that experienced the highest level of grass growth include Scotland and the Northeast at 68 DM/ha/day, respectively. This week the average UK NDF content has increased to 44% DM, which remains above the target of 38-40% DM. Average sugar levels have decreased ever so slightly to 11.2% DM and crude protein levels and nitrate levels have also decreased slightly, averaging 19.5% DM and 217.2mg/kg (fresh weight), respectively.

NWF Weekly Grass Watch – 29th April 2022

2nd May 2022

Grass growth has remained consistent this week with only a 3kg DM/ha/day increase to an average across GB of 59kg DM/ha/day. This is considerably higher than the same period last year which saw average growth rates of 36.6kg DM/ha/day. Regions that experienced the highest level of grass growth include Yorkshire and the East Midlands at 67 and 66kg DM/ha/day, respectively. Meanwhile, due to a long period of warm/dry conditions the East saw grass growth averages fall from 60 to 42kg DM/ha/day.

NWF Weekly Grass Watch – 22nd April 2022

22nd April 2022

Grass growth this week has seen a considerable increase to average 56kg DM/ha/day. For the same period last year 30.5kg DM/ha/day was seen while the 6-year average is 43kg DM/ha/day. The Southwest and East see the highest grass growth rates figures at 60kg DM/ha/day. As grass growth increases so too does the risk of grass staggers. It is vitally important magnesium supplementation levels are sufficient and monitored closely throughout periods of rapid grass growth to prevent issues.