Dairy farmers are better grass farmers than beef farmers

At the beginning of February we took soil samples of the entire farm and sent them to IAS laboratories in Carlow. For grass to grow, it requires essential nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). To ensure maximum availability of these nutrients, soil pH must be in the correct range.

The optimal pH for grassland production is 6.3-6.5. To outline the significance of soil pH on nutrient availability, P availability is only 52% in a soil with pH of 6. With a tonne of P in the region of €1200, I would prefer to adjust the pH first.

The levels of P and K in the soil are assessed on an index of 1-4. In short, index 1 and 2 is sub optimal fertility, index 3 is optimal and index 4 is high fertility.

The results from our samples arrived earlier this week. They were examined in detail. They came back better than we thought.

Although soil P and pH levels are low, soil K levels are better than expected. P is essential for grass production. P is required by every plant cell; it also has a role in energy transmission, nutrient flow and, most importantly, photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy to chemical energy for the plant. In order to address the low P index of our farm, we have to correct the pH. In order to achieve 100% availability of P applied, our soil pH must be >6.2.

Combining this information and our soil results, we will be able to design a fertiliser plan. It is important to utilise slurry. Every 1,000 gallons of slurry spread has the potential to supply the soil with 6:5:38 kg of N:P:K depending on levels of concentrates fed. This is a readily available fertiliser on farm level following the wintering period.

It is evident across the country that dairy farmers are better ‘grass farmers’ than beef farmers. As a beef farmer, I fall into the category of an underachieving grass farmer. In my opinion, the reason for this is dairy farmers can see immediate benefits in their regular milk cheque.

Beef farmers may have one or two sales per year and the improvements in their ability to produce grass may not be as evident.

On our farm, the costs of production are going to increase as we adjust the nutrient levels of our soil. It is important to look at the benefits of this. We will be able to produce more grass per hectare, we will be able to carry more stock and all going to plan, improve our output. With the improvement of grass quality and quantity, better animal health and growth rates can be expected.

I now question: are we beef farmers or grass farmers? A team-mate recently stated: “Sure farming is just tying a few gates together.”

He was either looking for a response or doesn’t know many grass farmers.