{"id":18036,"date":"2025-03-19T12:17:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T12:17:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-ie\/?p=18036"},"modified":"2026-08-20T09:47:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T09:47:56","slug":"getting-livestock-out-to-grass-after-winter-a-farmers-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-ie\/blog\/getting-livestock-out-to-grass-after-winter-a-farmers-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Livestock Out to Grass After Winter: A Farmer\u2019s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There\u2019s nothing better than seeing cows and sheep back out on fresh grass after a long winter. It\u2019s a big moment in the farming year, but it\u2019s not as simple as just opening the gate and letting them at it. A bit of planning and keeping an eye on a few key things will make the transition smoother for both stock and pasture. Continue reading for the perfect guide to ensure you are prepared and how the Herdwatch App can help you this Spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Timing is Everything<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first question every farmer asks is: When can I let them out?<\/em> The answer depends on the weather, soil conditions, and grass growth. If it\u2019s too wet, you\u2019ll poach the ground, and if there\u2019s not enough grass, you\u2019ll end up supplementing with silage or concentrates. A good rule of thumb is to start with a few hours a day, letting stock graze lighter covers first to get their stomachs used to fresh grass again. In Ireland, Farmers have had a long winter and have only gotten a glimpse of spring in the last week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to Watch Out For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few things to keep in mind when turning stock out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n