Search our website enhanced by Google.
GB grass growth on slow upward trend
Thursday, 8 April 2021
With many animals across the country being – or soon to be – turned out, let’s take a look at how grass growth has been performing in 2021 so far.
According to data from our Forage for Knowledge programme, average grass growth rates in GB are continuing on a slow upward trend, averaging 34.8kg DM/ha in the week ending 8 April. This is 20% above the same point last year, but 4% lower compared to the long-term average (2010-2020). You can read a review of the 2020 grazing season here.
Growth continues to be highly variable across regions. In the week ending 8 April, the highest growth of 60.6kg DM/ha was seen in Ceredigion, while single-figure growth was seen in Ayrshire, of 9.5kg DM/ha. The highest regional average daily growth rate was seen in West Midlands, at 51.0kg DM/ha.
According to the Met Office, March was warmer and drier than average, with a mean temperature of 6.4°C (+0.9°C) and rainfall at 89% of average (1981-2010) overall.
However, the recent wintery weather after Easter has led to snow showers in northern and western parts of the country in the last week. This will likely negatively affect grass growth rates. The last time the UK had a cold snowy snap in April was in 2019, which coincided with a check in grass growth rates.
Sign up for regular updates
You can subscribe to receive Beef and Lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.
While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.
All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.