With spring turnout fast approaching, farmers are preparing to give livestock the best start, yet the hidden risk of trace element deficiencies in soils is often overlooked.

Farmers are being advised to monitor soil health closely, as recent wet weather presents additional challenges, increasing the risk of nutrient loss and leaching, while poor soil drainage, compaction and nutrient lock-up reduce the soil’s ability to supply vital minerals to plants and grass.

For livestock, this means poorer grazing conditions which could lack essential minerals and trace elements, impacting their growth, immunity and fertility.

A collaborative farm-led study commissioned by Fevara with Kingshay is exploring the soil mineral profiles of seven UK monitor farms, focusing on key trace elements like copper, selenium, iodine, and cobalt.

Sarah Bolt, technical knowledge exchange manager at Kingshay, explains:

“The mineral availability in soil sets the foundation for forage quality, and soils can often be deficient in trace elements.

“At present, grass mineral analysis is unlikely to reflect turnout conditions due to winter dormancy. However, conducting a soil test now is ideal, as it will provide farmers with an early indication of soil microbial activity, fertility and nutrient availability.

“A comprehensive broad-spectrum soil health analysis offers insights into key soil health parameters, while an animal health soil test provides additional measurement of trace elements including cobalt, iodine and selenium, which are essential for cattle health.”

Without adequate levels of these elements, animals can experience issues ranging from poor growth rates to fertility problems and compromised immunity, says Sarah.

“What’s crucial is that these deficiencies may not always be visible, but they can have long-term effects on herd performance and farm profitability.

“Our message to farmers is to measure, monitor and manage - especially as we approach turnout,” she adds.

To address potential nutrition gaps highlighted by soil testing, bolusing with research-backed products like Tracesure Advanced, can be an effective solution.

By providing a controlled release of essential trace elements over a period of up to six months, bolusing can ensure cattle receive the consistent supplementation they need to cover key periods like turnout, even when soil deficiencies are present.

This approach avoids the complexities of daily supplementation and ensures livestock are supported throughout the grazing season. By understanding what’s in the soil and taking proactive steps to correct nutritional deficiencies, farmers can ensure their supplementation is targeted and cattle receive the right trace elements at the right time.

Fevara encourages farmers to start preparing now by conducting soil tests on their farms and consider bolusing as part of their herd health strategy to turnout with confidence.