On Sat 21st June commencing at 3pm – 5pm – Dermot Gardiner owner of the Ballycreggy Pedigree Livestock will be hosting a farm walk to view the Ballycreggy Irish Moileds, at his farm in Ballymena, Dermot will also be giving a talk on how paddock grazing fits in with his farming system.
Paddock grazing is a rotational grazing system where farmland is divided into smaller sections or “paddocks.” Cattle are moved from one paddock to another on a planned schedule, typically every 2-3 days, allowing grass in the previously grazed paddocks to recover. Cattle typically graze the regrowth first due to the higher palatability on newly growing grass and by moving on to a different paddock this allows the regrowth to recover. This method increases grass production, helps maintain sward health, improve forage quality, and support consistent performance in the cattle. Paddock grazing can be especially effective at maximising grass growth while reducing the need for supplementary feed.
Paddock grazing is commonly used in dairy farms but is becoming increasingly popular in beef and sheep farms due to the increased productivity that can be achieved.
We use electric fencing to divide fields into paddocks of approximately 1 acre and measure grass using a rising plate meter and use a web-based grass management system. The cows and calves are moved every 2-3 days depending on the paddock dry matter cover with paddocks typically rested for 18-21 days before re-grazing. During times of peak grass growth in late spring some paddocks are skipped and cut for round bale silage to remove excess growth and ensure the grass quality across the whole system is maintained. Paddocks are typically spread with farmyard manure in the autumn or early spring and receive regular sowings of fertiliser with protected urea throughout the grazing season. All fields are soil sampled in a 4-5 year cycle and results help design a tailored nutrient management plan.
The aim is to turn cattle out to grass in mid to late March and house as late in the season as possible, typically in late October due to reduced grass growth and ground conditions. The rotation length is increased in late summer and autumn due to reduced grass growth rates with sileage fields brought into the paddock system after second cut is harvested.
Over the winter months if conditions are mild and grass growth continues sheep are grazed on the paddocks to remove excess grass growth and maintain sward quality and lighter young stock are typically turned out onto any paddocks with high covers in late February to graze them down to target for the new season.
This system also supports higher stocking density than traditional fixed grazing systems has environmental sustainability benefits. By preventing overgrazing and encouraging uniform manure distribution, paddock grazing helps promote biodiversity and soil fertility.
Please book your free place via WhatsApp +44 (0) 7842185008. The address will then be sent to you to confirm your place.
A great opportunity to have a chat about various grazing systems, see and hear what works for other breeders and informally discuss some other topics such as myostatin.
The forecast is looking very favourable and with any luck Dermot might even light the BBQ 
Therefore please book ahead to ensure your space.