There was a good attendance at a recent GrassCheck farm walk held at the McCracken family farm near Newtownards, County Down. The event, organised by AgriSearch, attracted a strong turnout of local farmers, advisors, and industry stakeholders, all keen to learn about the innovative grassland management practices that have significantly boosted milk production from grass on the farm.
Attendees at the recent GrassCheck farm walk at Brian McCracken’s farmBrian McCracken who farms with his wife Lynne and son Ewan, manage an 86-hectare spring-calving dairy platform using 230 New Zealand Friesian Kiwi-cross cows. Their focus on grass-based milk production has delivered impressive results, which were shared during the event.
Key Statistics:
- Milk Production: 3,478 litres per cow to date in 2025 at 4.71% butterfat and 3.81% protein on 624 kg of meal. Predicted total 2025 yield ~6,000 litres/cow from ~1.1t Conc/cows.
- 2024 Benchmark: 5,772 litres per cow at 4.72% butterfat and 3.69% protein (504kg milk solids) from grass and 1,200 kg of meal.
- Grass Targets:
- Pre-grazing covers: 2,800 kg DM/ha (grass height: 10–11 cm).
- Post-grazing covers: 1,600 kg DM/ha (grass height: 5 cm).
- Average Farm Cover:
- 2,000 kg DM/ha in May, June, and July.
- 2,500 kg DM/ha in February and September.
- Rotation Length:
- 18–24 days mid-season.
- 30–35 days in September and October.
- Grazing Season: Mid-February turnout with housing from October to mid-November.
The event also highlighted the importance of soil health, nutrient management, and the use of productive grass and clover varieties. The McCracken’s have been introducing clover to their swards by stitching in with an Einbock after a tight grazing.
A copy of the handout from the day can be found here
GrassCheck is a joint initiative of AgriSearch, AFBI and CAFRE and is co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Brian McCracken (right) with wife Lynne and son Ewan