Grazed Grass – The Future

Grass is universally acknowledged to be the cheapest source of energy for ruminant livestock. Its use as forage –whether grazed or ensiled, contributes directly to the profitability of the livestock enterprise.

The introduction of the single farm payment and the decoupling of support from direct production has meant that farmers can, within reason decide on their own level of intensity. Coupled with this the ever increasing prices of purchased feedstuffs, and the fact we have a warm temperate climate suitable for growing quality grass it makes sense that the production of grass be maximised to its fullest potential.

It is obvious to many livestock producers that the importance and value of the grass crop cannot be overemphasised. It remains a disappointing fact that grass remains an underexploited resource on many farms. Many producers have yet to see that by spending a relatively small amount of money on a new reseed they actually stand to gain a massive return. Quite simple they view a new ley as an unnecessary “cost” and do not appreciate that grass is an “investment” which can yield positive and tangible dividends for their business.

The reality is that in the future all livestock farmers are going to be forced into making their grass work harder in order to reduce their reliance on purchased feed. Grass is also a “green” crop and most consumers will prefer to know that their milk and meat has come from animals that have been fed primarily on a natural feed.

By fully exploiting the tremendous value that the grass crop has to offer the livestock industry will be better equipped to face whatever challenges are thrown against it in the years that lie ahead.