HubWatch - 10 April 2026

Nitrogen fertiliser application: No further nitrogen fertiliser will be applied this season. This is due to strong average pasture covers across both herds, good silage reserves, and the cost of application (fuel and nitrogen).

Autumn feed budgets, using predicted growth rates from previous years, suggest we will exceed the dry-off target of 1900 kgDM at current growth rates and covers. This will continue to be monitored weekly.

Baleage conservation: Four permanent grass paddocks and our three Italian (winter baleage) paddocks were mown this week to help manage pre-graze covers and achieve target post-grazing residuals, which are critical for pasture quality. The focus is on setting up high-quality pasture for spring, driven by decisions made now.

Body Condition Score (BCS) and dry-off decisions: A BCS spreadsheet was completed this week to set dry-off targets:

• BCS 5 for second calvers

• BCS 4.5 for mixed-age cows

This accounts for current BCS and expected winter gains.

• +0.5 BCS/month for cows on grass and baleage

• +0.3 BCS/month for cows on baleage and swedes

Targets are 5.5 BCS for three-year-olds and 5 for mixed-age cows at PSC.

Based on this, one mob in the Standard herd has been moved to once-a-day (OAD) milking to lift BCS through April and reduce the need for early dry-off.

Production: The Future herd continues to outperform the Standard herd.

• Future herd: 1.84 kgMS/cow/day (no in-shed feed, grass only)

• Standard herd: 1.74 kgMS/cow/day (with 1.8kg in-shed feed)

The Future herd is maintaining strong production late into the season.

Effluent: Focus remains on lowering effluent pond levels ahead of wetter months. Current level is 48%, above the 30% target.