{"id":18060,"date":"2025-03-19T09:52:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T09:52:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-uk\/?p=18060"},"modified":"2026-05-25T08:54:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T08:54:49","slug":"putting-livestock-out-to-grass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-uk\/blog\/putting-livestock-out-to-grass\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting livestock out to grass after winter: A Farmer\u2019s guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Farmer Guide<\/div>\n\n

Spring turnout: how to prepare livestock and grassland for a successful grazing season<\/h1>\n\n

\n Turning cattle and sheep back out to grass is a key stage in the farming year. With the right preparation,\n turnout can support animal health, improve grass utilisation, and reduce feed costs while setting up a stronger grazing season.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Grassland management<\/span>\n Livestock turnout<\/span>\n Farm compliance<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n 1<\/span>\n Grass availability should guide turnout timing<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n Health checks help prevent problems after turnout<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Good grouping improves grazing and performance<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Accurate records support better decisions and compliance<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Why planning for turnout matters<\/h2>\n\n

\n There is nothing better than seeing livestock back out on fresh grass after a long period indoors,\n but turnout is not simply a matter of opening the gate. A smooth transition depends on grass availability,\n animal health, field conditions, and good day-to-day management.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Done well, turnout can improve animal health, reduce feed costs, and help make the most of early-season grass growth.\n Done poorly, it can lead to poaching, performance setbacks, and avoidable health issues.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n \u201cA successful turnout starts with good planning \u2014 for both stock and pasture.\u201d\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Assess grass growth before turnout<\/h2>\n\n

\n The first question on most farms is when livestock should go out. In practice, turnout timing should be based on grass cover\n and ground conditions rather than the calendar alone.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n If ground is too wet, poaching can set back growth for weeks. If there is not enough grass available,\n animals may still need significant supplementation.\n <\/p>\n\n

Key factors to check<\/h3>\n