ABSTRACT
The challenge ahead for grassland farmers is imposing, but system sustainability and reducing methane emissions by improving management and forage quality is an aspect of pasture farming that needs to be addressed intensely by all elements of the industry. Grassland productivity will be affected by botanical composition, soil characteristics, climate conditions, altitude, latitude and management. As well as improving animal performance, early spring grazing can have beneficial effects including increasing grass utilisation, sward quality and simplifying grazing management. Combined with good grassland management, allocating the correct daily HA and pre-grazing HM, CH4 from grazing dairy cows can be reduced. Grazing management, such as rotation length and postgrazing sward height, affects the growth, persistence and nutritive value of swards containing chicory and plantain. Some of the improvements are gradual, improvement in animal productivity, adapting grassland management, using appropriate grass varieties and clovers.
