Top pastures get the gong

 Morrinsville farmer James Booker, and Robert Garshaw from Waiuku, are winners of the pasture renewal persistence competition run by the DairyNZ-led Pasture Renewal Leadership Group.

Garshaw won best first year pasture, while Booker won the best pasture of more than 3 years old; both farmers will host field days this week.

This year entrants included a mix of dairy platforms, dairy support and grazier blocks from across the region and were of a high standard. 

Dr David Hume, senior scientist at AgResearch says the success of the winning pastures was established by good grazing management, careful pre-sowing preparation and a correct choice of endophyte.

Hume says the judging panel were impressed with the high levels of white clover and low weed content in both of the winning paddocks, despite the impact of dry conditions in 2014.

Garshaw regrassed with Bealey NEA2, Kotare and Tuscan Clover. The paddock was humped and hollowed the previous spring. The pasture had very high and even clover with a well-established proven tetraploid. 

Booker regrassed his winning paddock with One50 AR37 in March 2010. This perennial ryegrass and clover paddock has been a consistent performer – even as a heavily used paddock for pre-calving cows.

“Both farmers also faced challenges in wet winters but there was no evidence of pasture damage, highlighting their careful management,” says Hume.

Each winner receives $1500 of pasture renewal products, including Farmlands vouchers and seed from Agriseeds and Agricom. 

Speakers will be from DairyNZ, AgResearch and the industry. 

Event Details

Thursday, January 29 

Best first year pasture

Robert Garshaw

89 Neil Rd, Otaua SN70912

10am -1pm

BBQ lunch will be provided

Friday, January 30

Best pasture more than 3 years old

James Booker

399 Endowment Rd, Te Aroha/Morrinsville, SN 76208

10am -1pm

BBQ lunch will be provided