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8 tweets summing up the dry state of livestock farms

Hayley Chapman 24 July 2018
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© FLPA/REX/Shutterstock© FLPA/REX/Shutterstock

While some areas have had showers in the past few days, it is still looking crispy across most of the UK as drought-like conditions put pressure on livestock farms.

Many forecasts are still predicting warm, dry weather, which is only adding to concerns about the impact this heatwave will have on winter fodder stocks.

Many are having to supplement grazing and some farmers have started to shift store lambs and cattle to reduce feeding burdens.

In recent weeks, we have seen the weather affect store cattle trade and knock dairy values.

We have put together some advice for farmers on feed budgeting and fertiliser advice and managing flocks in the heatwave ahead of tupping.

These tweets show a snapshot of the UK situation:

1. Grass growth is on the floor in many parts of the country

2. Compared with last year, the fields are looking completely different

3. It’s not the usual UK summer picture at all

4. And it is affecting all sectors of the livestock industry

5. Many have had to start making feeding and selling decisions to reduce the feed pressure

6. Extra feed costs will be starting to rack up on many farms

7. And farmers are getting concerned about how the weather will hit winter feeding

8. Especially as silage stores are due to be down

https://twitter.com/ash_haynefarm/status/1019576985469771777

Key advice for farmers struggling to battle the drought

  • With supplies tight, lambs need to be off the ewes, and got away – either fat or as stores.
  • As you prepare for tupping, body condition score (BCS) the ewes and dividie the flock so they can be managed accordingly. Group the ewe flock into thin, fit and fat – although there probably aren’t many fat ewes around at the moment.
  • Consider supplementing stock with a concentrate, energy block or forage to reduce grazing pressure and stock more densely to shut up fields for silage/haymaking if possible.
  • Identify culls in any system to reduce grazing pressure.
  • If grazing cows be realistic about allocations and buffer feed to combat limited dry matter intakes.
  • Consider grazing at night to avoid heat stress.
  • Don’t top paddocks to help shade regrowth.
  • Consider drying cows off early to reduce demand.
  • Prioritise early lactation and open cows to maintain milk yield.
  • Consider mixing rations twice daily to keep it fresh.
  • Consider if you need to take two higher-quality cuts or take one and go for bulk.
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