Tuesday, 26 October 2021 13:55

Winter grazing plan runs hot

Written by  Jessica Marshall
DairyNZ says conversations with farmers have identified changes to reduce soil run-off, as well as smart ideas to graze strategically so drier parts of a paddock are available in wet weather. DairyNZ says conversations with farmers have identified changes to reduce soil run-off, as well as smart ideas to graze strategically so drier parts of a paddock are available in wet weather.

Winter grazing farm plans have proved more popular than ever in 2021.

An estimated 80% of dairy farmers had winter grazing plans as the season got underway in June and over 1200 farmers have completed the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Winter Grazing Module.

DairyNZ farm performance general manager Sharon Morrell says DairyNZ’s annual winter grazing consultation with 150 Southland and South Otago farmers highlighted the prep and good management practices in place this past season.

“Around 80% of dairy farmers had a plan last winter,” Morrell says. “But there was also a clear desire of farmers to go the extra mile.

“Plans help farmers think through and implement practices and contingencies that deliver good outcomes through winter,” she told Dairy News.

She says farmers can use an industry plan, through DairyNZ or B+LNZ, or a plan from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

“Planning for winter and wet weather is important to deliver good outcomes, especially when adverse weather arrives.

“We are all looking to continue lifting winter grazing performance, and using a wintering checklist and practical plan helps farmers, graziers and their teams do that,” Morrell says.

She says the sector is committed to collaboratively delivering winter grazing that protects animals and the environment. “This motivation is really evident this season and farmers are taking action and adopting new practices.

“Farmers are focused on delivering and encouraging others, and we are largely seeing good practices. Farmers are also expecting a team effort and to see assistance delivered for any farmers who need it.”

Conversations with farmers have identified changes to reduce soil run-off, as well as smart ideas to graze strategically so drier parts of a paddock are available in wet weather.

Also identified was a need for farm decision makers to close the loop with the team managing paddocks to help with day to day management.

“The feedback we’re getting from farmers is they appreciate the practical farmer-led approach and we’ll continue to work across the sector, with regional councils and farmers on achieving positive outcomes across animal welfare, the environment and sustainable farming business.”

Morrell says she encourages farmers to review the past winter.

“Now is a good time to reflect on what went well and can be improved for next season. Look back over the last two winters – what were the wins and what needs improvement?”

Plan paddock selection and cultivation with those lessons in mind – think about how the system, including your team, coped this season, she says.

Having a written plan is a good start.

“It takes farmers through the key planning and actions prior to winter,” she says.

“When the plan is in place, the next step is ensuring it’s discussed with the team – farm teams need to know what the plan is and continue reviewing it each and every weather event throughout winter. It’s a live resource to keep working with throughout the winter.”

More like this

Owl Farm marks 10 years as NZ’s first demonstration dairy farm

In 2015, the signing of a joint venture between St Peter's School, Cambridge, and Lincoln University saw the start of an exciting new chapter for Owl Farm as the first demonstration dairy farm in the North Island. Ten years on, the joint venture is still going strong.

Featured

Farewell Jim

In a few hundred words it's impossible to adequately describe the outstanding contribution that James Brendan Bolger made to New Zealand since he first entered politics in 1972.

Nichol is new PGW chair

A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair.

Fieldays to rebuild Mystery Creek services building

The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.

National

Machinery & Products

New McHale terra drive axle option

Well-known for its Fusion baler wrapper combination, Irish manufacturer McHale has launched an interesting option at the recent Irish Ploughing…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Fonterra vote

OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.

Follow the police beat

OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter