Steps to developing a contract grazing relationship
Before entering into a contract grazing relationship it is important that the expectations of both parties are understood and documented and that there is an opportunity for regular communication on issues and performance.
The diagram below illustrates a process to follow when embarking a contract grazing relationship. Each of the steps are supported with appropriate resources.
Partner with the right people
Use the attached questionnaire to discuss with a prospective grazier or stock owner to check alignment of expectations and discuss any issues that might arise from the grazing proposal.
- Heifer grazing questionnaire stock owner to grazier
- Heifer grazing questionnaire grazier to stock owner
Complete a grazing contract
As well as playing a protective role, going through the contract process helps to identify and agree on the issues that are important to each party. Federated Farmers have a heifer grazing contract available for purchase on their website. DairyNZ supports the use of this contract.
Agree on responsibilities
Work together to complete the Heifer grazing responsibilities checklist so that responsibilities of all parties (including other service providers) are agreed on at the commencement of the grazing. This does not replace the use of a grazing contract and may not be needed if a contract is used that clearly documents responsibilities.
Make a plan for adverse events
Use the Heifer grazing adverse event plan to agree on the highest risk events to your circumstances and create a plan to minimise the impact the event may have on achieving liveweight targets. Agree on planned realistic actions from both parties involved.
Communicate regularly
Record all liveweights at each weighing Heifer liveweight recording sheet. Use the Heifer grazing monthly reporting template to keep up to date with livestock performance. This pdf can be filled in and emailed by the grazier, or populated by the stock owner during a phone conversation or farm visit as a monthly record of events.
Keep things on track
If expectations are not being meet by either party the Heifer grazing remedial action plan provides a process to ensure steps are taken to get stock back on track.
Resolving problems
Despite best intentions there may be times when some aspect of the stock owner/grazier relationship is not progressing as anticipated. This is often due either to a lack of clarity around expectations or poor communication.
It can be hard to know where to start when having these conversations, but it is important to address problems before they escalate to a point where heifers are adversely affected or the relationship breaks down completely.
Spending some time identifying the problem, gathering facts and planning your approach will help to ensure that the matter is resolved in a positive way.
Click here to go through the 4 step process - Resolving Problems.
Suggested approaches
Click on the headings below for ideas and tips on dealing with specific heifer grazing situations.