How to Measure Grass with a Plate Meter

As a dairy farmer, you know that the amount and quality of your grass is critical to the success of your operation. One of the best ways to ensure that your cows are getting the nutrition they need is by measuring the amount of grass in your paddocks using an electronic plate meter. And when it comes to electronic plate meters, the Jenquip model is one of the best on the market.

Why Use an Electronic Plate Meter?

The traditional method of estimating pasture cover involves walking through paddocks and visually assessing the amount of grass available. This method is time-consuming, subject to human error, and can be affected by different people’s perceptions of what constitutes “enough” grass. Electronic plate meters, on the other hand, provide an objective and accurate measure of pasture cover, giving you the information you need to make informed decisions about grazing management.

How to Measure Grass with a Plate Meter?

The Jenquip electronic plate meter is easy to use and highly accurate. It works by measuring the amount of grass compressed by a metal plate, which is attached to a handheld digital display. This takes the density of the sward into account. To use the plate meter, simply walk through the paddock, pressing the plates down onto the grass as you go. The digital display will show the available pasture cover in kilograms of dry matter per hectare (DM/ha).

Benefits of Using the Jenquip Electronic Plate Meter

There are many benefits to using the Jenquip electronic plate meter on your dairy farm, including:

1. Increased accuracy: Electronic plate meters provide a much more accurate measure of pasture cover than visual estimates.
2. Time-saving: The Jenquip meter allows you to measure the amount of grass in your paddocks quickly and easily, without the need for time-consuming manual calculations.
3. Better grazing management: By knowing exactly how much grass is available, you can make informed decisions about when to graze each paddock, how long to leave the cows on the paddock, and when to move them to a new paddock.
4. Improved animal health and productivity: Ensuring that your cows have access to high-quality pasture is critical to their health and productivity. The Jenquip electronic plate meter allows you to accurately measure pasture cover, ensuring that your cows are getting the nutrition they need.

In conclusion, if you’re a dairy farmer looking to improve your pasture management, investing in a Jenquip electronic plate meter is an excellent choice. With its accuracy, ease of use, and time-saving benefits, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!