Beef producers are being encouraged to consider early turnout this spring to help offset rising bedding and forage costs. However, success will depend on balancing nutrition to maintain performance and avoid health risks.

A spell of favourable weather is providing an opportunity for some farms to turn cattle out three to four weeks earlier than usual this season. With straw, forage and haulage costs high, early turnout could offer a practical way to ease cost pressures on many beef units.

 "Conditions this spring are giving some farms the opportunity to turn cattle out earlier than usual," explains Alister Davies, Beef and Sheep Commercial Manager at ForFarmers. "However, caution is needed. Grass covers are still building, so cattle won't be able to meet their nutritional requirements from grazing alone.

 "If turning out early, supplementary feeding will be essential to maintain both performance and health, and it will often be a cost-effective decision. For example, feeding suckler cows with around 2kg per head per day of specialist beef rolls – at approximately 60p per cow per day - can help bridge the nutritional gap at turnout, while still delivering an overall saving compared to the cost of housing, bedding and conserved forage."

 Farmers also need to be mindful of the increased risk of hypomagnesaemia, commonly known as grass staggers, at turnout. Lush grass, combined with periods of warm days and cold nights, can reduce magnesium availability and increase the likelihood of deficiency.

 "Grass staggers can develop very quickly and can have serious consequences if not managed," continues Mr Davies. "Ensuring a consistent magnesium supply is critical, particularly for suckler cows."

 While magnesium buckets and licks are commonly used, intakes can vary between animals and are difficult to monitor. Feeding a specialist product such as ForFarmers Super Beef Mag Rolls provides a more controlled approach, delivering both magnesium and additional energy to support suckler cows where grass supply is limited.

 "Super Beef Mag Rolls help tackle two challenges at once," says Mr Davies. "They provide a reliable source of magnesium to help reduce the risk of staggers, while also supporting intakes when grass availability is still short. The 14mm roll format allows them to be fed on the ground using a snacker feeder, helping ensure good access and more consistent intakes across the group."

 Farmers looking to turn out growing and finishing cattle are recommended to use Super Beef Rolls, fed at a rate of 3kg per head per day. This specialist grazing diet provides a range of starch, sugar and digestible fibre, alongside 13% protein. 

Mr Davies concludes: "Early turnout can work well this spring, but it's about getting the balance right. Supporting cattle nutritionally and managing staggers risk will be key to making it a success."

To find out more about the ForFarmers beef roll range, speak to your ForFarmers account manager or visit www.forfarmers.co.uk.