Northland dairy farms recover

"The regions farmers are a pretty resilient bunch and they're getting stuck into the post-flood clean-up and recovery," says DairyNZ regional leader Tafi Manjala.

Manjala advises farmers to accept help when it is offered and to be looking for the best deals. "Take advantage of the many deals that are currently on offer from merchants and banks to help with the recovery and to shop around for the best price on feed that is practical for your farm.

"And if you need help contact your local DairyNZ consulting officer, the Rural Support Trust and Enhanced Task Force Green (0800 787 254)."

The large volume of rainfall has resulted in flooded paddocks and depleted feed reserves.

"We're advising farmers to work out how much feed they have compared to how much they will need and take early action if required. This includes contracting some feed to ensure continuous supply," says Manjala.

For paddocks that need resowing, farmers are encouraged to discuss reseeding time and seed choice with their seed specialists.

To boost surviving pasture growth, farmers are advised to apply sulphate of ammonia at 150 kg/ha followed by urea at 80 kg/ha as the cows graze paddocks in the in the next rotation. Fertiliser will not grow pasture sitting in the shed.

Another option to grow more pasture, which complements nitrogen fertiliser, is to spray on giberrellic acid (GA) within five days of grazing to stimulate growth. Pastures are best grazed between three to four weeks after GA application.

Maintaining in-calf rates will be a challenge. As usual, proactive reproduction management will ensure the storm's impact is limited to this season.

For more information on flood recovery visit dairynz.co.nz.