Dr. Karina Pierce and Dr. Finbar Mulligan welcomed the students and provided a summary overview of the research facility. Next the students walked through the grazing platform assessing pre and post grazing covers. The cold and harsh late Spring of the time was having an impact countrywide and it was no exception at UCD Lyons. Dr. Bridget Lynch outlined grazing performance and targets, fertiliser application plans, nutrient management, silage closing & harvesting dates, reseeding strategy. Round bales of silage had been harvested earlier that morning as a pre-emptive management strategy to combat expected surplus covers. The students then had a visit of the winter accomodation and milking facilities. Lunch was provided courtesy of IHFA. For many of the students this was their first visit and they were appreciative of the opportunity. Indeed many of the college lecturers accompanying the students were also grateful for the opportunity to experience a high yielding, high stocking-rate herd.