Phosphate (P) is a key nutrient for grass. Its role in energy supply, root growth and tillering make its availability crucial for grass growth in the spring.

How are your plans looking for the grass season ahead? The focus in January should be on planning for spring grazing and 1st cut silage.

A two year study by AFBI in Northern Ireland by Dr Aimee Craig and Dr Conrad Ferris was set up to examine the impact on silage quality and subsequent cow performance of using sheep to graze winter swards.

As the saying goes: A failure to plan is planning to fail! This is true at any time but especially so at the moment, with input prices so high, utility bills increasing and an uncertain economic climate, planning for things that you can control is absolutely essential, and it doesn’t need to be complicated.

It might surprise you to know that two thirds of all grassland soil samples received by the lab have a soil pH which is too low, but it's never too late to correct this with lime

With above average grass growth rates across the country, the focus should be on making the most of this grass as we enter September.