Harvesting and Managing Swards After a Wet Winter

After a wet winter in 2017/2018, farmers and advisors met to discuss spring sward management, focusing on harrowing, rolling, and sowing techniques tailored to site-specific conditions. Excess grass was removed despite frost risks, and reseeding with higher rates was recommended. Grass samples were tested for fungal contamination, and silage additives were advised for the first harvest. Soil testing guided targeted fertilisation, and high-quality grass mixtures were emphasized for successful reseeding. The group prioritised forage quality and sward resilience through evidence-based practices.