THE exceptionally wet conditions experienced throughout February and March have created a challenging scenario for many horse breeders and land managers. Reduced grazing opportunities have led to a build-up of ungrazed grass, resulting in heavy covers and a significant carryover of winter growth.

A key principle of grassland management is that when the fourth leaf of a grass plant emerges, the first leaf begins to die off. Under current conditions, this has resulted in swards containing a high proportion of dead material. With strong grass growth expected to take off in the coming weeks, it is essential that action is taken now to minimise this dead grass.