Pastures and Forages

Vigilant analysis, strategic decisions and sacrifices are behind the success of Waikato dairy farmers Dan and Gina Duncan. Words Sheryl Haitana.

Another pasture species could provide valuable reductions in nitrogen loss with calls for more research into the potential of tetraploid hybrid ryegrass. Words Anne Lee.

Canterbury growers are developing a market for maize grain in the South Island. Words Heather Chalmers.

At Longbeach Estate in coastal Mid Canterbury, reminders of its proud pioneering farming history sit alongside the latest in agricultural practices and technology. Words Heather Chalmers.

A study monitoring heifer growth rates on winter crops has shown the importance of testing all winter feeds for nutritive value and formulating winter diets to ensure nutrient requirements are being met, rather than just allocating feed on a drymatter basis. Words Andrea Dixon & Dawn Dalley.

A Waikato dairy farmer is choosing to buy in maize silage from a neighbour which keeps his costs down and lets him focus on growing more grass on the milking platform. Words Heather Chalmers

A maize grower is trialling planting clover in between crops to break the cycle of insects overwintering on grass, eliminating the need for an insecticide treatment on maize seed. Words Heather Chalmers.

Irrigation season has started and it’s time for a refresher. Checking the system is working as it was designed to and managing water application by monitoring soil moisture will be well worth it.
Words Anne lee.

Making every drop of water count is important when the resource is limited. Technology is helping one couple do just that. Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.

Pasture management is crucial for optimising dairy production and DairyNZ’s Spring Rotation Planner can help farmers manage pasture after calving.