Rotational grazing at 1250ft
Irwel Jones has turned two fields totalling 30acres into 9 individual paddocks via semi-permanent fencing and wire electric fence. The very open and harsh environment at this altitude will challenge the concept of rotational grazing, and hopefully diminish the thought that RG can only take place on lowland and upland farms.
It was a bold step to subdivide his most productive fields at the height of 1250ft above sea level, but Irwel knew that by having smaller paddock’s he can better manage his grass in turn hopefully lowering his cost of production of his lambs.
James Daniels from Precision Grazing gave support and guidance on split the fields and laying new water pipes and also continues to provide weekly management plans for Irwel.
Table below shows the rotation and comments; grass growth measurements will soon be added.
Date |
Paddock being grazed |
Notes |
20th March- 15th April |
Both Cnepyn and 17acres field used for lambing |
|
20th April |
Both Cnepyn and 17acre fields |
1.8tonnes of 20:10:10 fertiliser used |
4th May |
|
James Daniels from Precision Grazing sub-divided the 2 fields into 9 paddocks (see image) |
6th-8th May |
SE1 |
76 set of twins entered paddock. Low number to start building covers. |
8th-10th May |
SE2 |
76 set of twins |
10th-13rd May |
SE3 |
76 set of twins |
13th- 15th May |
SE4 |
Ewe numbers increased from 76 to 163 twins |
15th-17th May |
SE5 |
163 set of twins |
17th-21st May |
SE6 |
163 set of twins |
20th May |
CN2 |
Shut out for silage |
21st-25th May |
CN1 |
Due to covers becoming too high, paddock was mowed after the sheep had grazed |
25th- 30th May |
CN3 |
Due to covers becoming too high, paddock was mowed after the sheep had grazed |