Don't let a lack of rainfall prevent tupping success

As the dry spell continues across the Westcountry, with many farmers experiencing short forage supplies, Mole Valley Farmers share their top tips for maintaining ewe health and fertility during tupping time

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GIVEN the recent dry weather and heat, grass growth has all but stopped and fields are well burned up.

Ewes with lambs at foot should be the main focus to maintain intakes and support continued growth, along with ewes which are ready to go to the tup.

Not supporting these animals at this critical stage may result in poorer performance and fertility, poorer animals to sell in the autumn and an increase in supplementary feed required to regain lost body condition later in the year and to ascertain good scanning results.

Grass which is available will be dry and stemmy, with varying nutritional value and so it is essential to estimate daily dry matter intakes and gauge the shortfall. Supplementation can then be matched accordingly.