Derrick contacted me following the previous blog – asking that we quantify our statements regarding our changes in fertiliser applications, especially since we are now spending less! We have historically run a cut and carry operation with the lucerne (if the season allowed it), and so we applied fertiliser taking this into account. Given we … Read more
North face is still going strong, and had been grazed off with Lambs in mid January, followed by a quick 24 hour clean-up graze with cows. The rains that occurred in January meant that this paddock was able to be grazed, otherwise it was going to be shut up for another month. The following clean-up … Read more
Posted on behalf of Lisa at Bog Roy Station Since our last blog, autumn has finally arrived, along with a very welcome inch of rain last week. Prior to the rain, feed levels were getting very tight. All the lucerne and lucerne mix paddocks have had at least a six week spell, and since all … Read more
Posted on behalf of Dr Derrick Moot (Professor of Plant Science, Lincoln University) The summer of 2012/2013 is one of the driest on record for North Island farmers and many in the South Island. Recent rain in some places makes decisions on what to graze, and when, crucial. The ideal grazing response will depend on the … Read more
For more information on the use of sub clover on hill country listen to Radio New Zealand National’s Country life programme tonight (Friday 1st March) between 9 & 10pm, and then repeated on Saturday 2nd March between 7 & 8am. The feature story this week is focused on Tempello, with commentary from David and Jo … Read more
Establishment of North Face with the Bonavaree mix had been slow, and the season at Bonavaree had been one of the most problematic years to establish Lucerne and Lucerne mixes. This paddock is now coming into it’s own, and is looking good following a bit of careful management. The main issues this year were: Cold … Read more
DRY, DRY, DRY! Marlborough has entered its drought season well and truly, but this is the norm for Marlborough, and we have had some lenient moist summers for the last couple of years. It is in a year like this that the use of drought tolerant grasses, legumes and herbs really pays dividend. Warwick has … Read more
Warwick estimated that the carrying capacity of this paddock has been increased by 200%. By renovating the areas that were able to be drilled by tractor (approximately 12ha, 55% of the total paddock area), the quantity of pasture on offer within this block has been greatly improved. The increase in pasture quality is also a … Read more
It’s been a slow spring at the Pyramid. Chris has said everything seems to be slow this year (both animals and pastures), and is a common comment for most farmers up here. The place was still looking green at my last visit (14th November), with most grass species only in the very early stages of … Read more
North Face was direct drilled on the 17th October in perfect sowing conditions. You can see in the photos below the slight dust coming off the back of the drill indicates that the soil tilth is perfect for maintaining seed to soil contact through the use of the chain harrows behind the drill. Maintaining good … Read more