High feed levels giving farmers false sense of security

MEDIA RELEASE
20 April 2012

High feed levels are giving some sheep/beef farmers a false sense of security heading into winter

Farmax is warning North Island sheep/beef farmers to guard against a false sense of security as they head into winter with high feed levels on farm.

“In most areas of the North Island, we’ve had optimum growing conditions over the past six months or so, which have resulted in pasture cover levels that are generally well above average.

“Some farmers could tend to be complacent when it comes to making decisions for winter feeding because they have a surplus to work with. Based on the historical pasture cover information we have in Farmax, we want to caution farmers against this tendency as there are plenty of decisions to be made heading into winter even if covers are higher than normal,” says Gavin McEwen, General Manager of Farmax.

Farmax is a software-based system used by farmers and rural professionals for planning and controlling how to most effectively convert pasture into profit. The database holds historic pasture cover data, pasture growth rates, stock performance prices and trends which gives users accurate information that allows for modelling, scenario analysis and planning.

Currently, average pasture cover levels on North Island sheep and beef farms is sitting at 2,300 – 2,700 kilograms of dry matter per hectare as at the end of March.

However, Waikato-based rural professional, Brendan Brier, says the situation is different from region to region and that means winter pasture management decisions must also differ from region to region.

“Basically, we’ve had a year in the North Island where pasture supply has exceeded demand. This is due to excellent pasture growth over spring/summer combining with lower stock numbers from previous dry years.

“What’s important to remember, though, is that not all pasture covers are the same. For example take a Northern Waikato farm that had a well controlled pasture cover - say less than 1900 kgDM/ha - at Christmas time and has since accumulated cover to the 2,300-2,700 levels. This farm’s pasture will be a relatively fresh sward with moderate metabolisable energy levels and low levels of dead matter.

“Alternatively, a farm in Hawkes Bay will be in a completely different scenario with pastures that were high at Christmas and have continued to stay at high levels until now. These pastures will have a high level of dead/stem material and lower metabolisable energy levels,” outlines Brendan.

The differences in pasture quality, or MJME, can make a significant difference to the animal’s ability to convert the dry matter into protein, even though the quantities of pasture being provided to the animal may be similar. Brendan says the challenge in both situations is managing the pasture cover appropriately to convert this additional feed effectively and efficiently into increased profit.

“The simplest option would be to do nothing and accept reasonable results given the impact of heavier ewes at mating. But, if you have accurate knowledge of your current pasture cover and can model scenarios for winter, there is opportunity to push the envelope and create higher profits,” he explains.

Using a planning tool, like Farmax, a farmer can understand the current status of their pasture and how they will need to manage it over the winter. The optimum target is to hit key pasture cover levels with excellent pasture quality.

“For instance, in the example above, Farmax estimates that the energy content is 8.5 MJME/kgDM on the Hawkes Bay farm compared to 9.1 MJME/kgDM on the Waikato farm. That’s a 7% difference.

“The fact that pastures are better quality in the Waikato situation with lower levels of dead material and stem means that net growth over the autumn will be higher,” says Brendan.

When it comes to making the right pasture management decisions prior to and during winter, Farmax’s Brendan says there are six key areas a farmer should look at:

1. Ensuring quality feed for ewes over tupping
2. Getting the timing right when weaning cows
3. Timing of nitrogen fertiliser use
4. Using winter supplements
5. Considering your winter grazing options
6. Lifting spring stock rates to prevent a repeat of this season

“Every farm is different and to get the highest profit from your pasture, you need to analyse each of these six factors to decide what needs to be done to positively affect your bottom line,” says Gavin McEwen.

-ENDS-

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