Dealing with difficult weather conditions

Date published: 27 August 2024

It has resulted in heavy crops of grass which remain unharvested, and many cattle housed leading to extra fodder being used and a buildup of slurry. This article has been prepared by the Western CAFRE advisory teams not to remind farmers what they already know, but rather to focus thoughts on the options that you could consider at this stage and what can be done practically at this stage.

It is important to start by saying there is still hope. However difficult the current situation may be, it is possible for a spell of better weather to come during September and October. Silage quality may be compromised but there may be the opportunity to get swards harvested and slurry out. This is out of your hands at present, and it is important to focus on what actions you can take if you are in a fodder deficit.

Fodder supplies are tight throughout Northern Ireland this year but if you have an opportunity to purchase silage then make sure you know what you are buying. The cheapest source per bale or per tonne, may not always be the best option. Dry matter is the key measure – for example, a 600kg bale of silage at 20% dry matter is 120kg of dry feed whereas a lighter 550kg silage bale at 30% dry matter is 165kg of dry feed, providing a third more available feed. Hay and straw will be about 85% dry matter, but straw will have a lower feeding value.

Purchased feed will be an additional expense to the farm business and must represent good value for money. The values of different feeds can be determined relative to the price of rolled barley and soya bean meal. Any feeds which can be purchased at a lower price than their relative value represent good value. The practical aspects of feeding alternative products in relation to handling, labour, storage and feeding needs to be considered.

Download a relative feed value calculator

Young stock can be fed on straw and concentrates however, discuss this carefully with your nutritional adviser to make sure you use a balanced diet.

One of the simplest options is to sell stock if that is an option. This is not the year to be carrying poorer performing stock, this applies to both dairy and suckler farms. Prices have remained strong for livestock and now is the time to identify potential culls and move them on. Scan cows that should be settled in calf and sell barren cows. A suckler farmer should consider - could any of the animals planned to be overwintered be now sold as weanlings? Or in the dairy farmers situation ask yourself – do I need to keep that pen of dairy/beef calves over the winter, or could I cull those stale cows not in calf?

With spring calving suckler cows, earlier weaning will reduce the fodder required. Weaning early may also allow you to keep weaned calves at grass while cows are housed to prevent further damage to ground. A dry cow will require 30% less energy than she would do if sucking a calf to maintain condition. This will save considerable amounts of fodder. The calf may require extra feeding, but it is more efficient to feed the calf directly. Ensure weaning protocols are followed, and calves are at least 250kg weight at weaning.

Where possible try to batch cows accordingly with similar calving dates and body condition score. Those cattle in good body condition can be fed reduced amounts to manipulate and make use of the extra body condition.

Most of all, it is important to remember you are not the only one in this situation. Farming is an isolated occupation and farmers often carry their troubles by themselves. Make a point of calling in and talking with neighbours.

There are organisations who will lend a listening ear and offer support in stressful times. The first point of contact is Rural Support on 0800 138 1678.

To discuss options for your own farm during this challenging time contact your local CAFRE adviser through the local DAERA Direct Office or 0300 200 7843.