Grass Management: Why Measure Grass Growth?

Grass management involves measuring grass growth in kg DM/ha to optimize dairy farm productivity. Regular sampling using a 'V' or 'W' pattern ensures accuracy, with at least 30 measurements per pasture. A running average on a dashboard supports data-driven decisions. Grass is the most cost-effective forage, with daily intake of 40 kg per cow. Growth depends on soil temperature (≥8°C), varies seasonally, and peaks between April and October. Data supports planning, reduces labour, and complements visual assessment. Total grassland covers 840.373 km², supporting 89 million cows. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme.