DairyNZ's Tactics for Spring events kicked off on the Hauraki Plains last week, aimed at helping farmers manage their pasture during the most productive time of the year on-farm.
The nationwide events are taking place in September and October, the beginning of the 'money months' when more pasture will be grown and more milk produced than any other time of the year.
With uncertainty around where milk prices will go DairyNZ research and development general manager Dr David McCall is urging farmers to focus on what they can control.
"Our research shows pasture, without any input other than basic fertiliser, drives more than 85 per cent profit for most farms at a $7.00/kgMS milk price, but 98 per cent at a $4.00. So it makes sense to get our focus clearly set on managing this important feed source well - we've got to make the most of it, particularly this spring," says Mr McCall.
"Profitable farmers, no matter what system they run, have a 'pasture first' mentality. They measure and work to optimise the cheapest feed source - home grown pasture in spring."
