How to make the most of grassland
How to make the most of grassland
MANY areas of grassland in foot-and-mouth infected areas cannot be grazed this summer, but there alternative uses which are worth considering, such as producing turf and timber.
A report by IGER and ADAS outlines the various options for managing grassland without stock on infected farms.
Planting trees at wide spacings allows pasture and timber production on the same area of land. It is ideal to plant them while there is no stock in the field. But this is a long-term option which requires careful management to achieve quality timber and end markets must be identified, says the report.
Turf production could be considered in fields previously grazed with infected stock if there are no immediate plans to restock. But soil requirements are specific and MAFF warns that turf can carry virus for a few months.
Another option is free-range chickens or geese/ducks for the Christmas market, when marketing routes can be identified, adds the report.
There are also opportunities in letting land for horse grazing or producing haylage for horse feed. However, both horses and poultry are still subject to animal movement restrictions, it warns.
Copies are available from MAFF (08450-504141 www.maff.gov.uk). *