Lower North Island farmers “cautiously optimistic” heading into winter – DairyNZ
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
DairyNZ Northland regional leader Tafi Manjala says the region has experienced its wettest winter in decades, all off the back of a drought.
"It's important farmers make these storm experiences a one year event and not a three year catch-up," says Manjala.
Farmers should be focusing on minimising pugging damage, getting their cows and heifers in-calf and utilising all the help available from other farmers and rural professionals.
"It's important that farmers assess their pastures daily and avoid pugging damage that can reduce pasture production by up to 50% for six weeks or longer," says Manjala.
"Using on-off grazing by standing cattle off-paddock is the most effective grazing strategy."
Tafi says getting cows and heifers in-calf should now be a priority. "Many cows and heifers have lost excessive body condition during and after the adverse weather and this is placing dairy herd in-calf rates at risk," he says.
"Farmers should be assessing their herds and take proactive action with cows with a body condition score less than 4 to minimise the impact on their herds' in-calf rate."
"Farmers should also be exploring supplement options now."
Pre-mating heat detection is more important this year than ever to identify non-cycling cows and take action early.
Farmers are advised to take advantage of the advice available from their rural advisers, other farmers and attend a DairyNZ discussion group (dairynz.co.nz/events).
