Signs of hope after grass shortage

THE effects of the winter were seen yesterday by visitors to Scotland's first grassland development farm at Hilltarvit Mains, Cupar.

Host farmers, father and son Ian and John Whiteford, have around six weeks of silage in hand, which should be enough, but many farmers are not so fortunate.

The big worry is that there is no grass anywhere. With continuing overnight frosts, it looks as if it will be some time yet before any appears, and this is having a knock-on effect on livestock .

Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) sheep specialist John Vipond told visitors that throughout the country there were reports of farmers bringing in sheep and finding them stressed because of the hard weather. "They are having to feed more to remedy the problem and all this is leading to higher costs, but they should remember that at least the lamb price is much better."

He warned that it would be especially important this year that ewes were given good quality food with high protein levels.

"Ewes may need more feeding after lambing this year," he said.

The consolation might come in the value of the early lamb trade, said Vipond: "Even small and orphan lambs will be worth keeping despite the 34 per lamb cost for milk-replacement powder."

Rhidian Jones, also of SAC, reckoned that it would be a "while away yet" before cattle were ready to go out to grass.

He said cows might have to go out early this year, but at least it will keep them on top of the grass once it does appear. "Silage stocks will be depleted this year and if there is grazing pressure and a late spring, first cuts could be light," he warned, "At least in the east of Scotland, there is the opportunity to make arable silage or cut cereals for whole crop if necessary."

"Spring calving cows and heifers will need good grazing if they are to get back into calf and that may involve taking silage ground out and grazing it instead."