Information on management of new grass
First 6-10 weeks
DO
Graze lightly when grass seedlings cannot be 'plucked out' by hand. Aim to remove top 2-3 cm using young stock.
Spray weeds.
Apply N (20-25 kg N/ha).
DON'T
Pug new pastures - graze in dry conditions.
Delay the first grazing. This slows establishment and can reduce yield by up to 1 t DM/ha.
Second grazing onwards
DO
Maintain consistent residuals - new pasture grows rapidly and needs frequent grazing.
Monitor weeds.
DON'T
Let pastures get too long.
Make heavy hay or silage crops in the first season.
First winter
DO
Apply N before soil drops below 80C or before become too wet.
DON'T
Pug new pasture - keep off young pastures in wet conditions.
First summer
DO
Be gentle on new pastures.
If dry, keep grazing light, leaving at least 2-3 cm residual.
DON'T
Overgraze.
Restock new pasture too early after dry spells - let it recover and build its reserves.
