Managing triplet-bearing ewes
The targeted management of triplet-bearing ewes in the four to six weeks before lambing can significantly increase the kilograms of lamb weaned and therefore dollars produced per ewe.
Farmers considering using lucerne as a flushing feed going into ewe mating should be cautious, especially if the weather has been wet and warm.
Lincoln University's Professor Derrick Moot says warm, wet weather is conducive to the development of fungal infections in lucerne crops. The plant responds to these infections by producing coumestrol, an oestrogenic compound which suppresses ovulation - particularly in young sheep.
While ewes can be flushed on lucerne, Moot says ewes should be removed 1 - 14 days before they go to the ram. They can be returned to the crop immediately after they have been mated.
Moot says the weather conditions, which increase the risk of elevated coumestrol levels in lucerne, usually means there is plenty of grass available and this should be the first option as a feed over mating.
From a flock perspective, the mixed-age ewes are less susceptivle to increased coumestrol levels than ewe lambs.
Where there is limited pasture available, he suggests keeping the ewe hoggets on lucerne while the mixed-age ewes are mated and then swapping them around - provided the ewe hoggets are off the lucerne 10 - 14 days before they go to the ram.
Moot says there is no quick test available to analyse coumestrol levels, but ewe lambs can be used as the canary in the mine. If, after grazing lucerne, ewe lambs develop pronounced udders and/or teat elongation then coumestrol levels will be elevated.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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