State of the lucerne and lucerne-grass mixtures at Ashley Dene in early spring

In this video (taken on the 26th August) Prof Derrick Moot, of the Lincoln University Dryland Pastures Research Team, discusses the early spring grazing management of a lucerne monoculture vs. lucerne mixes established with either brome or cocksfoot (orchardgrass) as a companion species (approx 2 mins).

Mid-winter grazing of the cocksfoot dominant annual clover pastures

Dick Lucas shows the pre-grazing state of the cocksfoot pasture on July 1 which lead to the decision to initiate a winter graze to ensure survival of the young annual clover seedlings at the base of the pasture. This video shows the plot the ram hoggets have just entered for a clean up graze. At … Read more

Winter grazing management for lucerne stands

In this video Prof Derrick Moot outlines best practice grazing management of lucerne stands in winter. Herbicide applications, plant growth and development are discussed. The implications of these winter management decisions on early spring feed supply for high priority livestock are outlined (approx. 4½ mins).

Set stocking lucerne in early spring – the stuff you need to know

Posted on behalf of Prof. Derrick Moot This grazing management is based on new research out of Lincoln University. It is recommended ONLY for farmers with a large proportion (>40%) of their properties in lucerne who require greater areas to lamb on in early spring and who already follow the optimum rotational grazing management system … Read more

Tagasaste – a valuable shrub for sheep and beef farms

Posted on behalf of Dick Lucas We used to refer to Tagasaste (Chamycytisus palmenta) as ‘tree lucerne’ but in fact this woody legume has few similarities to lucerne (Medicago sativa; alfalfa). The Spanish name ‘tagasaste’ helps avoid making false assumptions about its management needs. For instance, in contrast to lucerne, tagasaste does not need lime … Read more

Lupin grazing at Sawdon Station (January 2014)

The latest video blog from the mid-January harvest of the lupin grazing experiment at Sawdon Station. Dr Alistair Black and PhD student Travis Ryan-Salter from Lincoln University discuss grazing preference and dry matter yields, whilst comparing growth characteristics to last year’s results. Check out the video below (11 min).

Lambing on Lucerne – Year 2

We have just completed our second season of lambing on lucerne, and as Derrick said “things just keep getting better and better”… We realised after our our first experience last year that the length of time the ewes were set stocked for lambing was compromising the management of the lucerne, so this year we scanned … Read more

High Country Forage Improvement Projects

We thought you might like to know a little bit about some of our other research projects. As a result we have decided to give video blogging a go in our Merino NZ funded High Country Forage Improvement Projects. The Objective: “Survive, thrive and make money from…..” This project has seen the Dryland Pastures Team … Read more