Cathal McAleer

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Cathal McAleer - Author - Agriland.ie

Cathal McAleer is a grassland consultant working with individual farmers and facilitating discussion groups throughout Ireland. 087 160 2491 / 0044 7749 531679

Grass advice: How to balance intake, utilisation and soil damage

Dairy

Grass advice: How to balance intake, utilisation and soil damage

It is incredible how much people’s moods improve when there are a few hours of sunshine and dry concrete. We’ve had...
‘Fertiliser application in January is not a one size fits all decision’

Grass

‘Fertiliser application in January is not a one size fits all decision’

There has been plenty of discussion around fertiliser application in January and it is not a once size fits all...
Grass advice: Nearing the end of the green stuff

Grass

Grass advice: Nearing the end of the green stuff

North of the border most herds are now fully housed or on their last few days at grass. With frosty...
Finding the perfect balance between grazing and condition score

Grass

Finding the perfect balance between grazing and condition score

As we enter into the second week of closing, the effect of grazing heavier covers becomes apparent; cows are working...
Plenty of planning to do for the remainder of the grazing season

Grass

Plenty of planning to do for the remainder of the grazing season

As autumn draws in, there is plenty of planning to do for the remainder of the grazing season and indeed...
The day slurry goes from being a nuisance to a huge resource

Grass

The day slurry goes from being a nuisance to a huge resource

From February 1 (on farms in Northern Ireland) or January 16 on farms in the Republic of Ireland, slurry goes...
Grass advice: Closing up grass for spring 2016 has begun on some farms

Grass

Grass advice: Closing up grass for spring 2016 has begun on some farms

Early October is upon us and closing up grass for spring 2016 has begun on some farms. The ‘start of...
Grass advice: Building grass for the autumn well under way

Grass

Grass advice: Building grass for the autumn well under way

Building grass for autumn is now well underway; however ground conditions are deteriorating after prolonged heavy rainfall in many areas....
Grass advice: Decisions with the final round of fertiliser

Grass

Grass advice: Decisions with the final round of fertiliser

Deciding which fertiliser to use at this time of the year will depend on soil fertility and previous fertiliser used...
Grass advice: Building begins for autumn

Grass

Grass advice: Building begins for autumn

Grassland management in August has a huge impact on financial performance during the autumn period. It is vital to carry...
Difficult conditions affect grass growth and silage making

Grass

Difficult conditions affect grass growth and silage making

Constant rain showers have led to great difficulty in getting first cut silage harvested, while grass growth in many areas...
Silage quality key if producing more milk this autumn

Grass

Silage quality key if producing more milk this autumn

Spring milk producers wanting to maximise milk from grazed grass, must also maximise silage quality, as there is often an need...
Grass advice: Dealing with low growth and stem

Grass

Grass advice: Dealing with low growth and stem

Despite cold weather growth rates have improved slightly this week, depending on farm fertility and location. It is crucial that...
Cold and wet weather takes its toll on breeding and grass growth

Grass

Cold and wet weather takes its toll on breeding and grass growth

With soil temperature at 9 degrees and over 30mm of rain this week, it is far from an idyllic start...
Key tips to maximise growth rates from calves fed powder milk

Dairy

Key tips to maximise growth rates from calves fed powder milk

I’ve often heard that calves don’t perform too well on milk powder compared to full milk, and I just don’t...
Mild weather helps grass growth rates (no surplus’ yet though)

Grass

Mild weather helps grass growth rates (no surplus’ yet though)

The mild weather has kept grass growth rates above demand, but there are no surplus’ on most farms as yet....
Good grass utilisation is essential now cows are going back on grass

Dairy

Good grass utilisation is essential now cows are going back on grass

What a difference a few days of dry weather makes. Ground conditions are now very good, allowing for good grass...
February proves difficult month to meet grazing targets

Dairy

February proves difficult month to meet grazing targets

February has been a challenging month for farmers to meet their grazing targets. Many may have targeted to have 30%...
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