With up to 40% of annual milk yield produced in May, June, and July, mid-season is a critical window for dairy farms. It’s a time when high grass quality, consistent intakes, and balanced nutrition work together to drive milk volume, milk solids, and herd condition.
But maintaining quality isn’t always easy. Unpredictable growth rates, mixed weather conditions, and stemmy paddocks can throw grazing off course — and quickly impact production. That’s why now is the time to focus on proven grazing targets, nutrient strategies, and smart feed support.
Here’s how to keep mid-season performance on track.
Stick to the 1,400 Kg DM/ha Grazing Target for Best Results
Grass doesn’t grow evenly across a 21-day rotation — more often than not, the final 7 days of a round can produce as much grass as the first 14. That makes it easy to lose control of covers if the rotation slows or if weather causes a delay.
The solution? Stick closely to a pre-grazing target of 1,400 Kg DM/ha (around 10 cm). This is the sweet spot for:
- Maximising dry matter intake
- Supporting milk yield and solids
- Encouraging leafy, high-DMD regrowth for the next round
Over-strong covers lead to stemmy, lower-quality grass, forcing cows to graze less and perform below potential.
Don’t Let Dry Weather Derail Quality
Dry spells are becoming more common mid-season and although we had significant rainfall through May and into June there is nothing to say we might experience a dry spell at some point this summer. In these conditions, grass growth may slow, swards can stress, and milk yields may suffer dramatically.
There are a few key points to remember if we come into a dry spell.
- As much as possible keep grazing paddocks at the right height, even during dry periods
- Walk the farm before and after rainfall to know which paddocks to hit first
- Reset the rotation as soon as growth kicks back in
A quick return to optimal covers after rain is key to restoring consistent grass quality and cow performance.
Nutrient Resilience Matters More Than Ever
In stressful conditions, soil fertility and nutrient status can make or break recovery. Grass with good nutrient support rebounds faster and maintains quality longer.
Focus particularly on:
- Potassium (K): Vital for water movement in the plant and turgor pressure, helping grass cope with dry conditions
- Sulphur (S): Supports protein synthesis and boosts growth — often overlooked, especially in light or low-S soils
If growth is stalling or regrowth is patchy, check your nutrient plan. Addressing deficiencies early gives grass the resilience it needs to power through stress and deliver high-energy feed for the herd.
Don’t Let Surplus Growth Turn to Waste
Once rain arrives, grass growth can surge — and it’s easy to fall behind.
If paddocks exceed the 1,400 Kg DM/ha target, they’ll start heading for seed, lowering digestibility and energy. That leads to:
- Reduced cow intake
- Lower milk yield
- Weaker fertility and condition
Use tools like grass wedges and weekly farm walks to stay ahead. Remove surplus quickly and graze at the right stage to maintain high-quality swards.
Strategic Feeding to Protect Herd Performance
If grass quality dips, don’t wait for performance to drop. Strategic feeding can help maintain milk output and cow health.
Options include:
- Moist feeds or high-energy co-products to boost energy intake
- Feeding Silage if covers are too low or dry conditions persist
- Minerals and Rumen Buffers to support fertility, immunity, and rumen function
Specialist Nutrition’s tailored approach ensures the right support, at the right time — keeping costs under control while protecting yield.
The Bottom Line: Stay Disciplined, Stay Flexible
Mid-season is too important to let slip. While the weather and growth rates may vary, the fundamentals don’t change: target the right covers, prioritise quality, and support your cows nutritionally through any challenge.
Specialist Nutrition Can Help You Stay Ahead
At Specialist Nutrition, we help farmers get more from every hectare — even when conditions are tough. From expert advice on grass performance and regrowth to tailored feed solutions and performance minerals, we support you through every rotation.
Talk to our team today for mid-season support that protects your milk performance, milk price, and long-term profitability.
