In today’s modern farming world, the key to real efficiency isn’t always about doing more — it’s about doing things better. And when it comes to pasture-based systems, one word separates the average from the elite: Utilization.
If you’re looking to grow more milk, beef, and bottom-line profit — without throwing more feed or supplements at your stock — then it’s time to take a closer look at the way you manage your grass. With smarter techniques and a few game-changing insights from industry leaders like those at Franklin’s Farm, County Meath, this blog is your ultimate grassland masterclass.
🚜 What Is Grass Utilization — and Why Should You Care?
It’s simple: Grass utilization is about how much of the grass you grow actually gets eaten — and converted into production. You could be growing tons of top-quality grass, but if your cows can’t or won’t eat it (or you’re grazing too high or too low), that growth is wasted.
The goal? Turn more of your lush, green growth into premium-quality nutrition — for higher yields, healthier herds, and lower feed bills.
🌱 The Core of Smart Grazing: Pre & Post Grazing Targets
Great grass management isn’t complicated. It’s consistent, calculated, and tailored to the plant’s natural rhythm. That’s where the 3-Leaf Principle comes in.
✅ Pre-Grazing Target:
📏 12–1600 kg DM/ha — the sweet spot.
This gives you leafy, palatable, high-energy grass right before it begins to stem. The cows love it, and it powers your yields.
✅ Post-Grazing Residual:
📏 4–4.5 cm — get low.
This ensures the grass regrows from a strong base without shading new shoots or turning to stem.
🧠 “If you start high, you’re chasing quality all year. But if you start low, you control quality — and production stays smooth.” — John, Franklin’s Farm
🌾 Why Tetraploid Varieties Are the Game-Changer
Early trials are proving what some farmers already knew: Tetraploid grass varieties show higher utilization rates than diploid ones. They’re leafier, more palatable, and easier for the animal to graze — which means more of that grass is turned into meat or milk.
Want to boost your performance with tetraploids? Scroll down for our special seed mix bundles — discounted today only!
📊 Why Grass Measurement = Profit
Every great manager tracks their numbers — and it’s no different here. By measuring your sward heights and watching your covers, you’ll:
- Know exactly when to graze
- Avoid stemmy, low-quality forage
- Reduce waste
- Keep cows on consistent, high-value feed
- Boost regrowth speed between rotations
🕐 Pro Tip: At peak growing season, expect regrowth every 18–21 days — if you hit your residual targets and don’t graze too early.
💥 Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Going in too early? You rob the plant of its energy reserve and hurt long-term regrowth.
🚫 Leaving too high a residual? You compromise the next round’s quality and waste potential.
🚫 Overgrown pastures? You’re forcing cows to eat stemmy, low-energy roughage — and reducing intake.
🎯 Stay between 12–1600 kg DM/ha pre-grazing and 4–4.5 cm post-grazing, and you’ll see a transformation in utilization, cow behavior, and milk/beef output.
