·         Measures grass by cutting and weighing.

·         Silage is contracted out with 1st main cut made into pit and 2nd cut is made into bales.

·         Paddocks that go too strong during the main season are baled and fed to the milking cows at the shoulders of the year.

·         Young stock are turned out early to help graze heavy covers.

·         Costs 7cKG/DM.

·         The farm I am basing my study on is focused on maximizing grass utilization.
·  Farm is located in South Mayo.
·  105 cow dairy herd.
· Spring calving herd.
·  Runs a grass based system.
·  All replacement heifers are reared on farm.
·  50 beef calves are kept on and reared to slaughter at 24 months of age.

·         Join Aurivo discussion group.

·         Ressed main silage field.

Year 2:

·         Upgrade grass measuring method to a plate-meter.

·         Join a grassland management software to identify poor performing paddocks.

·         Reseed some dock infested paddocks.

Year 3:

·         Soil test whole farm.

·         Implement a fertiliser plan.
 
 

Year 4:

·         Apply lime to the whole farm.

·         Reseed poor performing paddocks on the milking block.
 
 

Year 5:

·         Aim for as early turnout with the cows in spring with better grassland management.

·         Drain some wet paddocks to allow this.

·         Improve surface of roadways to reduce lameness.

·  Generate a 5 year grassland management improvement plan.
·  Maximize grassland utilization on the farm.
· Increase production by improving the EBI of the herd on an annual basis and by maximizing grass production.