Pre-mowing study shows benefits don’t apply to all grazing systems

A farm-based study in Wales shows that pre-mowing the grazing platform doesn't necessarily deliver financial and feed quality advantages, depending on the dairy system.

At Moor Farm, near Holywell, the Davies family have a policy of pre-mowing paddocks up to four times a year when covers exceed 3,100kgDM/ha, when the sward is stemmy and at its reproductive stage.

Through their work as a member of the Farming Connect ‘Our Farms’ network, the Davies’ embarked on a study to test suggested benefits, including whether it really does improve pasture quality and cow intakes during the grazing season and reduce weed burden.

The findings, which have now been published, indicate that pre-mowing had no economic benefit, and did not increase grass production and quality.

To read the full story and learn what the study revealed, see Study shows how apparent pre-mowing benefits don’t apply to all grazing systems