Start off the New Year with good habits and always put safety first

BY ANTHONY O’CONNOR

JANUARY heralds a new year and the first shoots of new growth throughout the countryside. It is a good time of the year to sit down and plan to get into good habits for 2015.

Grassland: Grass growth can be boosted by the application of slurry to bare fields from January 16 if weather and ground conditions are suitable. Aim to graze silage fields in six weeks time with prioritised groups of stock before closing them for first cut silage. If you have heavy grass cover on other fields, graze them first, before applying nitrogen.

Sheep: Sheep/Goat Census 2014. The Census date was Sunday, December 14 last. Not only is it a legal obligation to return this form to DAFM before January 30,  2015, payments for the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Area Scheme, Sheep Technology Adoption Programme, AEOS and the Grassland Sheep Scheme are dependent on a completed form being returned before this date.

Information from the Census forms is used to calculate stocking rate for schemes etc. Return all completed forms by post or online to Government Buildings, Portlaoise. The only acceptable proof of postage is registered or express post receipts, A postal certificate is no longer acceptable as proof of postage.

Beef: Finishing cattle. A fast finish is the most efficient for forward beef cattle. Feed a high energy, low protein ration ad lib plus silage for 2 months. Ensure cattle have access to clean water at all times.

Liver fluke: There’s no point feeding parasites. Treat all housed cattle against all stages of fluke.  Consult your vet on the most effective product to use on your herd.

Body Condition Score (BCS): Spring calving suckler cows need to be at BCS 2.5 at calving.  Suckler cows should be divided and fed according to their BCS status. Restrict feed to fat cows, while thin cows may need concentrates in order to meet their BCS at calving.

Mineral Supplementation. Silage is generally well balanced in major minerals but is deficient in trace elements such as Copper, Selenium and Iodine. However, offer dry cow mineral licks (in buckets) or a mix containing Phosphorous, Magnesium and Sodium as well as trace minerals should be fed at a rate of 100g/hd/day for 4 to 6 weeks before calving. Calving. Prepare now. Wash and disinfect calving boxes. Acquire an adequate supply of straw – have calving equipment available.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.