Contents
Caring for cows on stand-off pads
Although the New Zealand dairy industry is pasture-based, hybrid systems where cows spend part of the day off the paddock are becoming more common. Around 24% of dairy farmers now use covered or uncovered off-paddock areas, particularly in winter.
Unravelling the complexities of endophytes
Knowing the pros and cons of endophyte will help select the best combination of endophyte and ryegrass cultivar to sow in pastures. The industry-developed Endophyte Ratings Tables, the Forage Value Index and AgPest provide key information for decision-making.
Winning against weeds and pests in first year pasture
To maximise return on pasture renewal, weeds and pests must be controlled, as both can seriously reduce pasture establishment, production and persistence. It’s worthwhile taking time to plan a pasture renewal process so the risk of weed invasion and pest damage are minimised.
Fodder beet – friend or foe?
The rise of fodder beet popularity has seen the crop’s sown area in New Zealand increase from about 100 ha in 2006 to 15,000 ha in 2014, and 75,000 ha in 2016 (PGGW, pers. comm.).
