Most parts of the country were currently affected by dry weather. Photo / File
Most parts of the country were currently affected by dry weather. Photo / File
Due to particularly dry weather nationwide dairy farmers are now reaching crunch points for making calls on feed planning, milking frequency and drying off.
DairyNZ farm performance general manager Vanessa Winning said most parts of the country were currently affected by dry weather with each region having its own hotspots impacting on farmers.
"A few areas in both the North and South Islands had some rain recently but most areas need a really good soaking coupled with follow-up rain to get soil moisture levels up to support grass growth.
"For most regions in New Zealand 70-130mm of rainfall is needed to fill the current soil moisture deficit," Winning said.
In the upper North Island all areas were affected to varying degrees with the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau very dry.
"We know some farmers have reduced their milking frequency as a way of managing through what are still very dry conditions. Other farmers have sought to reduce feed demand by selling empty cows and other known cull cows, and drying off young light condition cows."
Winning said pasture growth rates were a key measure of how dairy farms were managing the dry.
DairyNZ farm performance general manager Vanessa Winning. Photo / File
Farms involved in DairyNZ's Tiller Talk project have recorded pasture growth rates that are far lower than this time last year. On average in February the Waikato farms grew 33kg DM/ha/day less grass, while the Marton and Masterton farms were 37kg DM/ha/day lower.
"Although it does vary, especially across the South Island, we know that in dry summers March 20 is the date by which we need substantial rain before farmers consider drying off most of their cows to secure pasture and ensure cow condition targets are met for the next season.
"The key thing when managing through the dry is to have some cows in milk when it does rain. Although there will be exceptions to this where the dry conditions have been a lot more extreme and farmers have had to dry off their cows early," Winning said.
"Farms which have received rain or have irrigation will be focused on making the most of it. Up to half the grass available is lost after rain because dry material begins to rot and decay quickly, so cows will require the major part of their intake from supplement.
Winning said a slow rotation was also needed.
"This will allow pasture cover to build and pasture growth to be maximised. In March, nitrogen applications should be delayed for three weeks after significant rain, more than 50mm, to allow surplus nitrogen in the ground to be utilised first. If no significant rain is received until April, nitrogen should be applied as soon as possible after the rain.
"If strategic irrigation has been used and parts of the farm have been under-watered, the above would also apply to dry areas."
DairyNZ advice and guidance on feed planning and summer management is available on www.dairynz.co.nz/summer, at DairyNZ discussion groups or via a local consulting officer.
