Effective techniques to build your farm resilience with grass and grazing
March 21, 2026
In this article Anna Truesdale, a Dairy Adviser with CAFRE looks at various tools and techniques used by our dairy producers to overcome challenging spring conditions and get the grazing season off to a good start.
2026 will present a unique set of challenges in the grazing months ahead. Nearly constant rainfall in January and February has created a litany of issues, however – there is still hope, and we must remember a successful grazing season is marked by those early grazing management decisions that are crucial in maximising productivity from grass this year.
The objective
Early spring grazing kicks off the season by removing older grass swards and maximising the opportunities for new growth. It reduces shading and allows light down into the tillers which promotes rapid growth of new green leaves and improves sward quality for the season ahead. Your grazing block has the potential for another 10-11 grazing rotations this season and right now is the time to set it up correctly and encourage stronger, more resilient regrowth.
The techniques
On/off grazing has been very effective this season, creating an opportunity to get grazed grass into the cow whilst limiting the time in-field and thus the potential for damage to occur. Management of the cow’s appetite is fundamental with the best farmers managing silage intake carefully in the shed using the milking time and holding cows in a batch before moving out to graze successfully getting 3 – 4kgs dry matter grazed grass in daily. With a combination of on/off used in early season and moving cows onto day and night grazing aim to have completed the first grazing rotation by 15-20 April.
Laneways
Access to fields can create the first hurdle. Laneways over winter have likely become rough with the constant pummelling of rain and overflow of water. Rough patches create pockets of small stones which can create havoc for hoof health. Taking time to rectify any issues with laneways will pay dividends as the season progresses. It is worth also noting areas where damage is extreme and earmarking these for overhaul when the opportunity arises. Tracks should be as straight and as wide as possible, with adequate drainage and be free of any rough material.
Paddock access
Utilising multiple access points has also been invaluable at this early stage in the year on many farms, as well as the use of back fences to limit cows from travelling back over the same areas. Spur roadways are also a valuable option, especially if one part of a field is drier than the other and would be more suitable to graze first. Some surface damage is acceptable (and probably expected) but there should be good recovery opportunities between first and second grazing provided the damage is slight.
Feeding the grass plant
Nutrient management aims to maximise grass growth while minimising nutrient losses and fertiliser costs. With fertiliser prices rising, efficient use of nutrients (organic and inorganic) is more pertinent than ever. Difficult weather conditions have delayed applications of slurry to grazing areas. At this stage, grass cover is likely too strong to receive any slurry until after the first grazing. Holding off will ensure that nutrients reach the soil surface and are not trapped on leaf material.
Value of slurry
If slurry has been applied, this will have helped to stimulate early grass growth. Using LESSE reduces Nitrogen losses through ammonia volatilisation and improves nutrient availability to the grass. Slurry should have ideally been applied to paddocks with low grass covers.
Meeting the needs
Use chemical fertiliser to supplement organic nutrients and maintain consistent grass growth. In spring, urea-based fertilisers are often the most cost-effective and perform well in cool and wet conditions. A study conducted by Agri-Food and Biosciences (AFBI) in 2024 showed that protected urea products offer further nitrogen-use efficiency, a reduction in ammonia losses and no significant difference in ‘yield gain response’ when compared to traditional CAN fertiliser.
Nitrogen targets
Shortfalls in nitrogen (N) which would usually have been supplied by organic fertilisers but have so-far been missed this year will have to be made up with chemical fertiliser. Target 50-55 units of N/acre by the April 1 on grazing ground, including any N applied through early season slurry, if chemical fertiliser alone is used then two split applications across the grazing block is best. The first to kick-start growth and the second to maintain growth when temperatures begin to rise. Splitting applications will also improve nitrogen use efficiency for the farm. Maintaining soil pH between 6.3 and 6.5 through soil testing and lime applications is also essential, as correct pH improves nutrient availability and fertiliser efficiency. The relevant efficiency of fertiliser at various soil pH levels is highlighted in table.
Develop the grazing plan for your herd and stick with it, some flexibility is required this year with grazing targets and nutrient application. The primary objective is still the same, setup the farm as early as possible to capitalise on grazed grass our cheapest feed source.
For further information visit the business support area or contact your local CAFRE Adviser.