The 2025 drought, followed by higher-than-normal winter rainfall, meant sward quality took a hit across much of the British Isles. Now, following a dry, cold spring with persistent northerly winds, growth rates have remained below expectations. Farmers are assessing the damage and deciding what action to take.

Philip Cosgrave, Yara's country grassland specialist, has been tracking conditions closely. His assessment of spring 2026 so far is candid. "It's been a slow start, with challenging weather for soil conditions and grass growth," he says. "Grass just isn't taking off as well as farmers would like. But there's still time in June to support growth where conditions allow."

It pays to be proactive

With sward damage visible on farms across the country, reseeding is on the agenda. The question is timing – now or autumn? Philip's view is that spring reseeding tends to suit grazing-focused farms, whilst autumn reseeding often works better where silage production is the priority.

The case for spring reseeding can be strong in the right circumstances. Research and farm experience suggest that where farmers can afford to take a damaged paddock out of production for six to eight weeks to establish a new sward, the long-term benefits may outweigh the short-term loss of grazing.

"The new sward typically delivers better quality and greater output into the autumn shoulders of the season," explains Philip. "Every farm is different, but where swards have been significantly affected, reseeding is worth considering as part of a recovery strategy."

Variety choice matters. Philip points to the recommended grass and clover lists available in both the UK and Republic of Ireland as an essential starting point. Whether opting for a simple perennial ryegrass reseed, a white clover mix, or a more complex multi-species sward, selection should be driven by farm system and long-term management objectives. Farmers should discuss options with their agronomist, advisor or seed supplier to ensure varieties are suited to local conditions and management goals.

Getting the nutrition right from the outset

Establishment nutrition is an area Philip believes deserves careful attention. A recent soil test is the foundation, helping farmers assess lime status, phosphate index and potash levels before drilling. Of the nutrients required, phosphate plays an important role during establishment, supporting root development and tillering in the critical early weeks. Nitrogen can help support early growth, while potash contributes to long-term sward persistence.

"You've made a significant investment in that reseed," Philip says. "You really want it to work. A little bit of planning around nutrition can make a significant difference."

Managing weeds and the role of foliar nutrition

Weed control is a necessary step in grassland establishment, but it can temporarily check young grass seedlings. Where a clover component is present, the challenge is greater, as only clover-safe products can be used. Even these may cause a degree of temporary setback.

Some growers choose to include foliar nutrition programmes alongside herbicide applications to help support crop recovery and continued establishment. One option is YaraVita CROPLIFT Pro, a fully soluble foliar fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and trace elements.

Philip says growers using this approach have reported positive results. "Where farmers have applied CROPLIFT Pro with the herbicide, they're often seeing a good response," he says. "The aim is to maintain momentum during establishment by supplying nutrients directly through the leaf at a time when plants may be under stress."

Yara has also observed positive responses where CROPLIFT Pro has been used in red clover swards. "The product contains molybdenum, which plays a role in the nitrogen fixation process," Philip adds.

Foliar nutrition and biostimulants in maize

For maize growers, Philip recommends considering a combination of YaraVita CropBoost and YaraAmplix Optitrac, a biostimulant, applied between the fourth and sixth leaf stage. This timing often coincides with herbicide applications and can be carried out using standard crop spraying equipment.

"It's very simple," Philip says. "Maize is an expensive crop to establish. The more dry matter we get per hectare, the lower the cost per tonne produced."

In company trials, applications of CropBoost at 5 litres per hectare alongside YaraAmplix Optitrac at 1.5 litres per hectare resulted in higher dry matter yields compared with untreated controls. According to Yara, the products work in complementary ways: CropBoost supplies nutrients directly to the plant, while YaraAmplix Optitrac is designed to support nutrient use efficiency and resilience to abiotic stress.

Three priorities for grassland farmers

Philip Cosgrave's advice for the remainder of the grassland season focuses on three priorities.

First, where spring reseeds are being established, ensure nutritional requirements are addressed early, particularly phosphate availability, to support root development and tillering.

Second, where herbicides are still to be applied, consider whether a foliar nutrition programme could help support establishment and minimise any temporary growth check.

Third, for maize growers, review available trial data and assess whether foliar nutrition and biostimulant programmes fit within the farm's production objectives and budget.

Finally, Philip believes last year's weather-related damage provides an opportunity to reassess sward performance. "Reseeding can be a valuable investment where grassland productivity has declined," he says. "Good establishment, appropriate nutrition and effective early management all contribute to long-term performance."