Off-farm dairy grazing gains momentum

More dairy heifers could be headed this way as demand increases for grazing land. Photo / File

Plans are being made for a herd of 900 Waikato dairy cattle to be moved to Hawke's Bay - evidence of growing interest in extra dairy heifer grazing in the region.

The growth was highlighted in recently-released Statistics NZ figures saying Hawke's Bay's economy grew 6.4 per cent in the year to the end of March last year, pointing to growth in the horticultural sector and off-farm dairy grazing.

Warren Davey, of Waikato-based Dairy Grazing Ltd, said he would arrive in Hawke's Bay today, "looking at" bringing 900 head to the region.

"This is a first for us," said Mr Davey, who has had more than 20 years in the business, and operates mainly in the area from Taihape to Wellsford.

"But there's more demand, so we've had to look further afield. We are looking at bringing 900, and they would stay for 12 months."

Grazing companies are looking for more land, as pressure goes on farmers impacted in some areas by cropping development, and environmental requirements, especially with river boundaries.

The grazing offers options for sheep farmers with suitable land and seeking alternative revenue streams. Transfer of stock between areas and biosecurity factors have been among issues to consider.

Farmers have been reported to be prepared to pay good money for top heifer grazing, and land has been sought in the southern Hawke's Bay area for herds from areas to the west, such as Rangitikei and Taranaki in addition to the interest now being shown elsewhere in the region by farmers from further north.