Grass Measurement for Cost-Effective Milk Production

Fergus Austin from Borrisokane, County Tipperary, is part of a farmer group focused on measuring grass to maintain optimal supply and avoid deficits. With stocking rates over 3 LU/ha, they target 180–200 kg DM per LU at the start of the second rotation. Key practices include matching supply and demand, identifying surpluses and deficits quickly, reducing meal feeding in spring, and maximising milk production from grass. Regular measurement ensures grazing at the three-leaf stage, maintaining quality, and supports achieving 1,400 kg DM/ha grass covers down to 4 cm residual height for future rotations.