DairyNZ Resilient Pastures Trial Expands Across North Island
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
The initiative will give free body condition score assessments to help farmers achieve their cow condition targets by calving.
"Farmers, researchers and advisers all agree that getting cows in the right condition at calving is critical for milk production and reproductive performance; two key drivers of farm profitability," says DairyNZ developer productivity, Sally Peel.
"Yet every year we see large numbers of cows calving at below target condition and consequently achieving below potential production and profitability.
"We have trained advisers in body condition scoring and feed planning to support farmers one-on-one and to develop plans to address below target cows."
The BCS initiative offers three fully funded BCS consultations. Advisers will work with farmers to identify cows that are unlikely to reach a BCS of 5.0 by calving without some intervention, and find workable solutions to get these cows back on track.
"The BCS initiative means farmers can experience the process of BCS assessment and understand the benefits of getting cows to BCS targets," says Peel.
"The programme has been moving around the country and is currently in its third year. We have already seen a lot of opportunities captured through the programme."
DairyNZ is looking for Northland farmers interested in taking part in the BCS initiative.
Visit dairynz.co.nz/bcsinitiative or phone the DairyNZ Farmer Information Service on 0800 4 DAIRYNZ (0800 4 324 7969).
