Preparing the Dairy Platform for a Successful Spring
As farmers prepare the dairy platform for a successful spring, careful planning is essential. The current phase of closing the platform optimizes the transition into the next season, helping ensure the herd’s health and productivity.
Importance of Closing the Dairy Platform
Closing out the dairy platform as the autumn season ends allows farmers to set the groundwork for a fruitful spring. In 2025, grass growth was favorable, with cows able to graze until late October. However, challenges such as fluctuating milk prices and unpredictable weather call for proactive measures.
Final Rotations and Grazing Management
Recent dry autumn conditions have allowed many cows to remain on pasture during the day, despite some being kept in at night. With decreasing daylight and moisture, dry matter levels are dropping, leading to reduced milk production. Farmers must recognize that spring grass is significantly more beneficial than autumn grass.
- Complete the final grazing rotation.
- Achieve grazing targets for optimal pasture management.
- Consider bringing cows indoors once grazing goals are met.
Effective Grazing Strategies
Farmers should avoid keeping cows out unnecessarily. As demand increases, if pasture becomes limited, it is crucial to refrain from initiating new rotations. Instead, strategies such as buffer feeding or implementing strip fencing can help prolong the grazing season while preventing pasture poaching.
According to Teagasc guidelines, grazing should cease when the average farm cover (AFC) reaches 650 kg/ha. Aiming for a residual height of 4cm will promote grass growth and improve pasture quality by spring. Target to have 60-70% of the farm grazed out by November 1 to meet the goal of a fully closed platform by mid-November.
Dry Cow Management Techniques
Proper dry cow management is crucial for a successful transition into the spring calving season. Farmers should begin body condition scoring (BCS) to assess which cows may require extended dry periods, particularly those underweight or in their first lactation.
- First lactation and under-conditioned cows may need up to 12 weeks of dry time.
- Cull cows can be the last group to be dried off, but keeping an eye on market prices is essential.
Under-conditioned cows should be fed silage with a dry matter digestibility (DMD) value exceeding 70% to support their recovery.
Preparing for Spring Calving
Farmers should test silage now to ensure proper diets for different groups throughout winter. It’s also vital to prepare calf sheds for the upcoming calving season and complete necessary infrastructure repairs while activity levels are lower.
For those hiring additional labor for spring, now is the time to start recruitment. Equally important is the need for farmers to rest during the short post-dry-off and pre-calving period. Taking a break can contribute to a better, more productive spring season ahead.
