Teagasc just updated PastureBase — save 20 minutes per grass walk with the new features

If you've been using PastureBase Ireland, you've already noticed things look different. Teagasc rolled out a significant update in early 2026, and it's worth understanding what changed — because some of the new features genuinely save time.

If you haven't been using PastureBase, this might be the version that's finally worth your while. Over 6,000 Irish farms now record grass data through the platform. Here's what's new and what it means in practice.

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What actually changed

The mobile interface got a proper redesign. The old mobile version was clunky — small buttons, slow loading, hard to use in the field with dirty hands. The new version has larger input fields, faster load times, and works better on older phones. That alone is worth the update.

Feed budgeting is now built in. Previously, you'd measure grass covers and then do your own sums (or ask your advisor) to figure out your feed budget for the next rotation. The updated PastureBase now generates a draft feed budget based on your covers, stocking rate, and growth predictions. It's not perfect, but it gives you a starting point without a spreadsheet.

Growth rate predictions use more local data. The growth model now pulls from a wider network of weather stations and satellite imagery. If you're in the west where growth patterns differ significantly from Moorepark, the predictions should be more relevant to your farm.

Export options are better. You can now export your grass data in formats that work with most farm management software. CSV, PDF summaries, and a new option to share directly with your advisor via the platform.

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What this means for your grass management

The feed budget feature is the big one. Here's a practical example.

Say you've just done your weekly grass walk on a 30-hectare farm. You've entered covers for each paddock. The old PastureBase would show you an average farm cover and a growth rate. Useful, but it left you doing mental arithmetic about how many days of grass you have ahead.

The new version calculates that for you. It shows: "At current stocking rate and predicted growth, you have approximately 18 days of grass ahead. Consider closing paddocks by [date] for next rotation."

It's not a replacement for your own judgement. You know your farm better than any app. But it saves you the back-of-envelope calculation every week.

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How to pair this with AI tools

PastureBase gives you data. AI tools help you interpret it and plan around it.

Try exporting your PastureBase summary (the new PDF export works well for this) and pasting it into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini with a prompt like:

"Here's my PastureBase grass data for the last 4 weeks. I have 55 suckler cows on 30 hectares. Growth rate has been below average. Give me a plain-English feed budget for the next 3 weeks and flag if I need to plan supplementary feeding."

The AI can spot trends in your data that you might miss when you're busy. It won't replace walking the farm, but it adds a second opinion based on your own numbers.

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Getting set up if you're new to PastureBase

1. Register at pasturebase.teagasc.ie. It's free. You'll need your herd number.
2. Set up your paddocks on the map. This takes 20–30 minutes the first time, but you only do it once. Trace your paddock boundaries on the satellite image.
3. Start recording covers. You need a plate meter (about €300–400) or you can do visual estimates. Plate meter is more accurate but visual estimates still have value.
4. Record weekly. Consistency matters more than precision. Even rough weekly covers build a useful picture over a season.

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What it costs

PastureBase itself is free. Always has been — Teagasc funds it as a research and advisory tool.

A plate meter costs €300–400 new. The Jenquip EC20 and the Grasshopper are the two most common in Ireland. Your local Teagasc office sometimes has plate meters available for demonstration or short-term loan.

Your time is the real cost: about 30–45 minutes per week for a proper grass walk. But the data you build over a season directly translates to better grazing decisions and less bought-in feed. Teagasc research consistently shows that farms recording grass covers grow and utilise 1–2 tonnes more dry matter per hectare per year.

At current feed prices, that's €200–400 per hectare in saved meal costs. On 30 hectares, that's €6,000–12,000 per year.

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Where to get help

• Teagasc PastureBase support at pasturebase.teagasc.ie has video tutorials for the new interface.
• Your local Teagasc advisor can walk you through the feed budget feature on your own data.
• Discussion groups — if you're in a Teagasc discussion group, ask for a PastureBase session. Seeing other farmers' data is one of the fastest ways to learn.