While winter feed crops are crucial in Simon O’Meara’s farm system, the West Otago sheep and beef farmer is making changes to cut their damage to the environment.

Farm sales are dropping, according to data released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).

Pasture growth and utilisation is becoming increasingly important as farm businesses face ongoing environmental and milk price challenges.

Pasture based farming is most profitable when the pastures are managed to provide the highest quality feed at all periods during the season, maximising the amount of pasture grown and eaten.

A new dairy grazing site near Taupo will be focused on heifers, says the owner, Wairakei Pastoral Ltd.

Recent results from AgResearch trials in South Otago as part of the Pastoral 21 project have shown that grazed winter forage crops contribute significantly to the risk of nutrient losses to water.

Grazed winter forage crops raise the risk of nutrient losses to water, but with careful management, sediment and phosphorus losses can be reduced during grazing.

Cropping farmers are being urged to consider the true cost of winter grazing to their businesses.

Adding ative live yeast Vistacell can improve rumen function in grazing cows, says supplier AB Vista.

Farmers are being urged to exercise caution when transitioning cows from pasture to brassicas and fodder beet.