Farmers and crofters told to expect a late spring

Farmers and crofters have been warned to prepare for a late spring.

SAC Consulting says data from grass variety trials suggest the T-Sum 200, which indicates when soils have warmed up enough for grass growth to begin, will be between two and three weeks later than normal.

The organisation’s beef adviser, Basil Lowman, says this could lead to a variety of problems including straw shortages, and an increased risk of disease among new-born animals.

“A late spring couldn’t be at a worse time,” said Mr Lowman.

“Not only are many farms already short of forage due to last summer’s wet weather, which forced many stock to be housed much earlier than normal, but potentially as problematic is a severe shortage of straw to bed stock.

“Many farmers with suckler herds, block calving dairy herds and housed flocks time calving and lambing so that stock can be immediately turned out on to clean, high-quality spring grass.

“Being forced to keep animals indoors could pose a major additional disease challenge for new-born animals this spring. With a real risk of a late spring, it is best to plan now and minimise problems later.”

He advised producers to discuss the use of preventative treatments with their vets, and to look at selling stock as quickly as possible.

In addition, bedding should be prioritised towards youngstock, especially new-born animals, and farmers should delay shutting fields for silage and instead ensure all grass is grazed.