Farming News: Reseeding Costs 2023
Teagasc has collated a figure of circa €540/ac to reseed land using a conventional method, which is considerably higher, on the back of increased input costs, than the traditional ballpark approximate cost of €300/ac frequently quoted in recent years.
The state agency provided a breakdown of its costings as part of a grassland management presentation at the DairyBeef 500 programme open day of Jarlath and Austin Ruane, in Corbally, outside Claremorris in County Mayo on Thursday, July 13th, 2023.
2023 reseeding costings as follows:
- Spraying x2 – €30;
- Glyphosate – €35;
- Ploughing – €50;
- Lime – €75;
- Fertiliser spreading – €15;
- Fertiliser (3 x 10/10/20) – €100;
- Till and sow – €100;
- Grass seed – €80;
- Rolling – €20;
- Post-emergence spray – €35.
At the event, attendees were informed of the benefits of reseeding including improving grass quality, an improved response to N, a faster re-growth, and an increased stocking rate.
In a previous article on www.thatsfarming.com, a Teagasc advisor, urged farmers to consider reseeding fields that have not performed as best that they could have, but outlined how it is a “considerable investment, so it is worth making sure that it is done right”.
These benefits can lead to more days at grass, more milk and better growth rates in cattle, which will help to put more money in your pocket, the advisor writes.
So, what fields should you consider reseeding?
When deciding on reseeding, carry out a field inspection ideally in March or April; walk through the field/paddock and access the sward in at least ten different areas.
Check for a percentage of open ground, ryegrass, and other grasses/weeds.
Furthermore, access both the grazing and silage cutting areas, as action to be taken can be very different.
Once you have identified why and when you are reseeding a particular paddock/field, establish soil fertility, select your reseeding method, and prepare the ground.
Ensure good post-sowing management such as knowing when to graze, spread nitrogen, cut silage, and control weeds and pests.
You can read more on this news article via this direct link and this post contains information on managing your new reseed.
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