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PastureBase Ireland - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority

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It allows farmers to evaluate medium to long term performance from the farm - distribution of growth and paddock summary reports. The reports can also be used to benchmark farms across enterprises and regions. The background data such as paddock soil fertility, grass cultivar, aspect, altitude, reseeding history, soil type, drainage characteristics and fertiliser applications are also recorded.

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Only 24% of sheep farms in Ireland are ‘viable’ -Teagasc.

Across all sectors, sheep farms had the lowest average income per hectare, at €311/ha - National farm survey

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All land accessible for grazing
Very experienced worker
Educated (Kildalton college
Extra labour unit available during lambing
Scans the ewes
Compact lambing
All land accessible by machinery
Student also on farm during lambing
Wide range of breeds (hybrid vigour)
Good potential to grow more grass
Potential for higher utilisation of grass
Wetter ground has been drained in recent times
Poor ground now set aside for forestry
Stud and fields rented out - additional source of income

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Farm worker in his late 50s
Lots of bad weather - highest point in Kildare, windy (chill)
Variation in soil quality on farm
Not in a regular DG
Lameness
Ewes have low star index ratings, similar with rams
Lack of good handling facilities
Fencing could be improved
Computer software skills
Grazing group number
Not grass measuring
Not soil testing
Water system in shed
No dog
A lot of waste ground

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To join a discussion group
To attend open days
To grass measure
Join Pasturebase
Join BETTER farm scheme
STAP
Sign up to a grass measuring course
Improve infrastructure
New tractor on the way
Grasstec to map
Invest in measurement tools
Reclaim waste ground
Keep rented ground to expand

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Future of farm - lots of sheep to dairy converts in area
Extreme weather events
Price of inputs - meal, diesel, fertiliser etc
Poor prices for lambs and cull ewes
GHG regulations
Succession
Buildings in poor condition
Brexit
Wool prices

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The objective of this grassland management plan is to correct soil pH's, measure and budget grass via a decision support tool, and to utilise more grass on the farm. There will then be potential to increase stocking rates to match improved grass growth.

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Soil test
Apply lime
Improve fencing
Paddock level nutrient plan
Map the farm
Invest in water infrastructure in sheds

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Continue measuring every week
Continue reseeding paddocks producing poor DM growth
Begin to increase stocking rates

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Spring lambing
Compact lambing season
Grass based production system
Intensive cross-breeding system
1 full time labour unit
Seasonal worker for nights at lambing

550 ewes
150 ewe lambs
11 rams

16 weanling heifers for fattening yearly

99 acres grazing block
120 acres in total

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With 2 years data, the following should be reviewed:
- Stocking rates
- Number of animals
- Grazed herbage grown
- Silage herbage grown
- Utilisation
- Strategic supplementation at grass

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Continue to measure and budget
Invest in infrastructure
Alternative forages
Performance at grass - weighing
Maximise stocking rates with grass growths

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Learn and start measuring grass every week
Join a DST - PastureBase
Target paddocks for reseeding based off quality and growth