Grassland in Ireland and the UK

Grassland is the dominant land use option in Ireland and the UK, and is characterised by a long growing season. Dynamic, interactive systems of grassland management have been developed which combine high grass dry matter intakes with good sward quality. In the better grassland areas milk yields in excess of 7000 kg/cow are attainable with low levels of concentrate supplementation. In the times to come, measures to protect the environment will constrain stocking rates, and fertiliser and manure use on intensive grassland enterprises. A high proportion of beef and sheep farms participate in voluntary, EU-funded agri- environmental schemes that promote less intensive production systems and high standards of environmental protection. Access for the public to, and conservation by farmers of, the countryside have become increasingly important in the last 20 years. In the future, grasslands will have to meet a variety of demands and be truly multifunctional.