Using the Germinal Seeds Sward Stick
Research from Teagasc Moorepark has highlighted the importance of grass measurement on dairy farms as a very useful aid to produce milk cheaply from grazed grass. Use your Germinal Seeds Sward Stick weekly (or twice weekly during peak growth periods) to monitor height of swards and herbage dry matter available.- Walk each field in a "W" pattern
- Take 40 leaf top readings per field (ignore stems, flowers and weeds)
- Avoid unrepresentative areas (e.g. gateways)
- Calculate field averages and record
- Collect date for seasonal and year on year assessment
With a better understanding of grassland production you can:
- Use grass more efficiently by achieving optimum grazing heights
- Plan ahead more effectively (grass budgeting)
- Make best use of fertiliser and supplements
- Achieve optimum stocking densities
- Know how much your stock are eating
- Identify forage gaps and under- performing pastures
- Identify peaks and troughs in growth patterns
- Plan your reseeding strategy more effectively
Contact Us for your free Germinal Seeds Sward Stick on 0504 41100 or e mail: info@germinalseeds.com
