Dairy NZ

Kyle says that back in the day he was quite happy plodding along by himself, until local DairyNZ consulting officer Denis Collins convinced him to host a local Pasture Plus discussion group.  "I have not looked back since. Pasture Plus gives me the confidence in my pasture management as I can call on our consulting officer or other members of the group if I get stuck," says Kyle.

Kyle says the most valuable skill he has learnt from Pasture Plus is grazing at the right covers and at the correct residuals. "I have learnt more detailed information and ways of dealing with different situations," he says.

Pasture Plus provides farmers with methods to deal with different situations, pasture tools and up-to-date research to enhance pasture management knowledge.

Each week Kyle says he can bounce ideas off other members on subjects such as the cost of feed for the cows. "It's so handy to have a sounding board right there," he says.

Kyle says that he has made valuable contacts through the pasture plus groups.  "There are people at the group that I have had as neighbours in the past, but have never made an effort to talk to due to work-loads. But through the group we have had the chance to meet and form great friendships.  Through Pasture Plus I have become more involved in my community, as my attitude has changed."

Kyle, like many Pasture Plus members takes his staff members along to discussion groups. "My young guy tells me that he learns more at a discussion group than he does in three weeks of polytechnic.  To him the information he is learning is invaluable, for me it's great to see him motivated and learning quickly."

So why does Kyle continue to attend groups.  "After three years all the information you receive is valuable, it is always different to that last group you attend.  It's great to be able to discuss what the farmers down the road are doing - it's always helpful.

His advice to other farmers keen to learn more about pasture management is to attend a Pasture Plus group.