Basic HTML Version
F
orty sheep and beef farmers gathered at Mount Pleasant Farm in
Dorset for a grassland management day. Mike Miller farms Mount
Pleasant with a Hereford x Friesian suckler herd together with a
pedigree Polled Dorset sheep flock. Mike was keen to get some advice
on managing the grassland effectively on the farm, and invited two
grassland enthusiasts Charlie Morgan and Dr Liz Genever from EBLEX
to organise a farm walk.
Veterinary Surgeon
Lucy Gill
XLVets Practice
Friars Moor, Dorset
Charlie and Liz started by having a thorough
look at the farm's productivity. Mike took
over the family farm three years ago, and
converted the farm to organic. Currently, there
are 40 suckler cows which are put to an
Aberdeen Angus bull, to calve in June and
July. The calving period is tight with 78%
of cows calving within six weeks, and all
cows within a nine week period. The calves
are weaned at the end of the winter, and
are finished off on grass at an average of
22 months. The herd is a closed herd,
and the first home bred heifers will calve
in spring. The Polled Dorset flock lamb in
November, and lambs are finished off on
concentrates and hay.
Charlie and Liz conducted a farm walk and
started off by digging a hole in the first field
to explain how to assess soil:
l
Roots should extend to 30cm in healthy,
well structured soil.
l
The number and appearance of
earthworms in the soil section gives a
good indication of soil health. There
should be 10-15 earthworms in a
spadeful.
l
Smell the soil, and look at the colour, if
waterlogging occurs, the soil will become
rusty and mottled, with a foul smell.
l
Look for signs of compaction in the soil.
Charlie explained that compaction can be
caused by machinery and a high stocking
density. Rectifying compaction with an aerator
or sward lifter can significantly improve grass
growth, as roots can then extend deeper into
the soil. It is important to use the correct
machinery at the right time of year to deal
with compaction effectively. These visual
clues to the soil should be used in conjunction
with soil sampling for pH, phosphorus
and potassium.
Grassland
Management
GRASS MANAGEMENT
3
LIVESTOCK MATTERS
WORKING
TOGETHER
FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE...
Lucy Gill
Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic