Feeding maize silage in winter: Setting the herd up for success
As I write this article, we have just had our first frost in the Waikato, a change in weather signalling that winter is upon us.
A Dutch-built drill for establishing catch crops is said to offer a quicker and more effective method of establishing grass under maize.
The drill is gaining momentum in the UK and is likely to find favour with forward-thinking growers in New Zealand.
The Zocon Greenseeder was released following the introduction of regulations in the Netherlands that makes it mandatory to establish a green cover crop by October 1st and forbids leaving harvested maize ground bare over the winter period.
In the UK, water authorities are taking notice of the environmental impact of growing maize, for either forage or feeding anaerobic digestion plants, particularly in nitrate leaching. Several are now offering financial support to reduce problems, while some dairy companies are beginning to stipulate green cover as part of their farm assurance schemes.
The GreenSeeder features a linkage mounted, galvanised steel frame that offers 850mm of ground clearance, meaning grass can be sown later in the season, so extending the working window. A rigid main beam is fitted with hinged arms that in turn carry the soil engaging elements. At the headland, a hydraulic lift system for the trailing tine harrows lifts them into the air to prevent crop damage. This “high-lift” system allows the use of the machine in taller crops, with operating speeds of up to 12 km/h.
Working height is controlled by four support wheels, while the seed is distributed through feeder pipes onto spreader plates that offer a full spread up to the base of the maize plants. Harrow tines measuring 10mm, with five pressure settings, ensure good seed to soil contact.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
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