Grass Growth
Average daily GB grass growth has increased this week to 37.6 kg DM/ha/day, due to more favourable growing conditions. This is a figure below the 6-year average and 2021 averages of 47kg and 40.8kg DM/ha/day respectively. Many regions saw a relatively small increase, with the East Midlands and Southeast experiencing the greatest increases at +23kg and +21kg DM/ha/day. In contrast, northern regions have seen a slight decrease in growth rates.
Milk Yield from Grazing
Average MYFG has once again decreased this week, averaging M+1.1litres/day, a figure that remains slightly lower than the 6-year average of M+1.2litres/day for the same period. The decline in average potential MYFG can be attributed in part to the fall in potential grass DMI from 8.1kg/day to 7.7kg/day, but also because of a drop in grass sugar levels (7.5 versus 6.9% DM). It is important to highlight the small sample size received from all regions, with no samples received from the East or Northeast and Yorkshire.
Autumn Grass Staggers
The increase in grass growth rates seen in some regions this week may indicate the beginning of the autumn flush. It is important to ensure adequate magnesium is being supplied within the diet to help minimize the seasonal risk of grass staggers, especially in autumn calvers. As well as high potassium and low magnesium levels within lush pastures, the risk of grass staggers during autumn is also heightened by the naturally lower sugar contents of grazing. Remember to check your diets magnesium levels, as we head into season change.
