1) Measure grass every five days when growth is strong. This is crucial as the situation on farm can change rapidly when growth rates are high.

2) Even if farmers don’t use PastureBase or other grass measurement tools the simple act of walking paddocks and counting how long before cows go into them will alert farmers of a surplus or deficit.

3) Ensure clean outs are at the target range of 3.5cm to 4cm post grazing heights. This is critical to ensure high quality swards in subsequent rotations. Some farmers are of the view that because milk price is high, we should not be pinching cows by making them graze hard but this is a short sighted approach as grass quality in June and July will suffer if clean outs are not good now.

4) Topping is a poor solution to poor graze outs. Topping the field wastes grass, reduces growth rates and lowers the growing point which further reduces growth rates.

5) The correct pre-grazing yield is essential for high yields. Grazing covers that are too high will reduce milk yield and subsequent grass growth due to a white or yellow base at the butt of the sward.

6) Continue to spread nitrogen fertiliser during periods of high growth but don’t forget to apply sulphur, potash and phosphorus if the farm has an allowance for phosphorus.

7) Remove a grass surplus quickly because leaving covers to bulk up risks a grass deficit when growth rates drop.