Managing Grass After Rain and Supporting Farm Cashflow with the Cultivate Loan from North West Credit Union

Managing grass after rain is a key focus on farms this week following the warmest spell of the year so far and the return of wetter conditions. According to Teagasc Grass10, grass management decisions made now can have a direct impact on grass growth, milk output and farm profitability for the rest of the season.

Teagasc’s target pre‑grazing yield remains 1,300 to 1,400kg of dry matter per hectare, but after a dry spell followed by rain, grass covers can now vary significantly from paddock to paddock. This makes careful planning and timely grazing decisions essential. Up‑to‑date grass management advice is available from Teagasc.

What to prioritise when managing grass this week

Teagasc recommends that farmers take a practical approach in the coming days by focusing on the following:

• Walk the farm before making grazing decisions and understand the current state of each paddock
• Prioritise controlling grass covers to protect quality and regrowth
• Rest rain‑softened paddocks, as poaching at this stage can cost weeks of grass growth
• Recheck water troughs, as dehydrated cows can quickly show a drop in milk yield

As highlighted by Teagasc Grass10, every extra 1kg of dry matter eaten per cow per day over the grazing season can be worth up to €120 per cow in additional profit. Managing grass well during changing weather conditions helps protect that return.

For additional insights on managing costs and seasonal pressures on farm, practical guidance is also available from IFAC.

Supporting farm decisions with Cultivate from North West Credit Union

Periods of unsettled weather often bring added costs on farm, whether that’s contractor work, silage, fertiliser, or day‑to‑day running expenses. When cashflow becomes a factor in farm decisions, having access to flexible finance can help ensure the right choices are made at the right time.

North West Credit Union supports farmers across the region with the Cultivate loan, a product designed specifically to meet the needs of farming households and seasonal cashflow demands. You can learn more about the Cultivate loan at https://www.nwcu.ie/borrow/cultivate-loan.

Farmers are welcome to speak directly with Niall, Olive or Donna, the lending team at North West Credit Union, for a straightforward conversation about their plans and financing options. North West Credit Union has offices in Boyle, Sligo, Drumkeerin, Keadue and Collooney, making local support easily accessible.

To find out more about North West Credit Union, our services, or your nearest branch, visit www.nwcu.ie or call into your local office to speak with the team.

Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply.