Feck, ye lads are getting it tough. Heavy ground here too but we ain't getting the colour of the rain ye are, I could just about drive our Transit across any of our fields today, going mowing 2 surplus paddocks here now, not the most ideal conditions but I don't think it's going to get any better in a hurry.This picture sums it up for lads on heavy land and the cows were off this since 1pm today and put standing in the yard View attachment 38454
Feck, ye lads are getting it tough. Heavy ground here too but we ain't getting the colour of the rain ye are, I could just about drive our Transit across any of our fields today, going mowing 2 surplus paddocks here now, not the most ideal conditions but I don't think it's going to get any better in a hurry. Im still licking wounds from 2012 here though!This picture sums it up for lads on heavy land and the cows were off this since 1pm today and put standing in the yard View attachment 38454
Believe me we all are brucey. What will be will be. Hopefully we get a good back end again this year like last year.Feck, ye lads are getting it tough. Heavy ground here too but we ain't getting the colour of the rain ye are, I could just about drive our Transit across any of our fields today, going mowing 2 surplus paddocks here now, not the most ideal conditions but I don't think it's going to get any better in a hurry. Im still licking wounds from 2012 here though!
This picture sums it up for lads on heavy land and the cows were off this since 1pm today and put standing in the yard View attachment 38454
And I thought I was the only one who asked myself these questions??I farm on a heavy farm here, and I really have to empathise with the lads over on the Western side of the country this year having seen pictures over the summer of the hardship they're enduring.
We have had a fantastic year (April excluded) here with minimal rainfall all summer.
Any gobshyte can farm dry land, but there are so many decisions to make on a day to day basis when the weather is working against you.
Meal;amount/type
Grass; which field, can it be grazed, is there grass on it, how long can I leave them on it
Fertiliser ;can I get any out, will it be washed away, whats the forecast for the next few days
Silage to feed;do I have to feed it, will I open a pit or will I waste too much, will it ruin their appetite before letting cows out, what affect will it have on milk
Silage to cut; do I wait for weather to pick up and let grass get strong and thus lower the quality or cut in less than ideal conditions and thus lower the quality or can the machines work in the fields at all.
Housing;do I leave cows in when it's warm and they'll be dirty for milking or leave them out on a wet field.
Slurry; same as fertiliser.
With all these things are on your mind along with a bad milk price and then you go on to twitter to see a picture of someone a couple of counties away wondering if they should bale their surplus paddock today or leave it down another day to wilt it further.
Think you summed it up for a lot of us there! Similarly farming on a heavy farm here not too far away as you know! Great year for us too and similar condolences to those getting it toughI farm on a heavy farm here, and I really have to empathise with the lads over on the Western side of the country this year having seen pictures over the summer of the hardship they're enduring.
We have had a fantastic year (April excluded) here with minimal rainfall all summer.
Any gobshyte can farm dry land, but there are so many decisions to make on a day to day basis when the weather is working against you.
Meal;amount/type
Grass; which field, can it be grazed, is there grass on it, how long can I leave them on it
Fertiliser ;can I get any out, will it be washed away, whats the forecast for the next few days
Silage to feed;do I have to feed it, will I open a pit or will I waste too much, will it ruin their appetite before letting cows out, what affect will it have on milk
Silage to cut; do I wait for weather to pick up and let grass get strong and thus lower the quality or cut in less than ideal conditions and thus lower the quality or can the machines work in the fields at all.
Housing;do I leave cows in when it's warm and they'll be dirty for milking or leave them out on a wet field.
Slurry; same as fertiliser.
With all these things are on your mind along with a bad milk price and then you go on to twitter to see a picture of someone a couple of counties away wondering if they should bale their surplus paddock today or leave it down another day to wilt it further.
I think it's pointless at any time of the year.....Haven't hooked to our topper this year yet.I was on the road a lot down the country these past few days and I was surprised to the amount of toppers still working in fields at this time of the year. Maybe im wrong but I think its pointless topping grassland at this stage of the year.
I think it's an essential part of management,any paddock not cut for bales here will get at least one rub of the mower.I think it's pointless at any time of the year.....Haven't hooked to our topper this year yet.