Ruminant grassland production systems in Ireland

In Ireland grazing systems provide the basis of sustainable livestock production, as grazed grass is cheapest feed source nutrients for ruminants. The main future objective these to achieve high utilisation, ensure system sustainability and maintain extremely animal health welfare. There no reason why all three cannot be combined. Ireland’s national farm policy targets growth in exports €19 billion per annum by 2025. This figure represents an 85% increase from current 3 yr average. are major improvements required areas grassland management its conversion into milk meat fulfil such a target. While every situation unique due varying soil types, climatic conditions, stocking rates capabilities, herbage production utilisation below optimum on most farms. Irish farms, especially dairy expanding will continue do so over next number years. Increasing more compact calving lambing has resulted increased spring demand. Extra needs grown utilised this period minimise use supplementary feed. paper outlines importance where farms can improve management, output, lower costs further sustainability.