Accuracy key to planning business on farms

Accurate Growth owner Regan McCorquindale uses a C-DAX XP1 to electronically measure and map pasture cover.

A Te Awamutu man has launched a business to help Waikato farmers make accurate, reliable and informed decisions about pasture growth and management.

Regan McCorquindale visits farms and uses a C-DAX XP1 to electronically measure and map pasture cover. He provides a detailed print-out of the farm's individual paddocks and overall average pasture cover, growth rates and a feedwedge.

The information helps farmers plan grazing rotations, identify potential feed surplus and deficits and allows them to fully utilise their pasture resource. It ensures farmers can accurately allocate breaks moving into the future.

The 21-year-old has been measuring pasture since he was 13 years old, but at that time he used a rising plate meter. He grew up helping out his father on their family farm in Wharepuhunga, which gave him insight to the lifestyle of a farmer.

"I understand how busy farmers can get with other activities on the farm and this particular task is often overshadowed."

Mr McCorquindale attended Te Awamutu College and then completed a Bachelor of AgriCommerce at Massey University.

Since launching the business in November he's measured 1,000ha of pasture.

He says some farmers use their eyes to visually measure pasture growth.

"Some are good at that, but my service guarantees consistent accuracy."

He says pasture-measuring is a job that is sometimes put on the back-burner.

"But grass is the cheapest source of feed for stock and it's important to utilise that."

"Accurate Growth is a service to enable farmers to keep on top of their business and match pasture demand versus supply. You can only manage what you measure."

He says he's looking forward to meeting Waikato farmers and providing a beneficial service.

"An external business ensures these results are still gathered for the farmer to make accurate, reliable and informed decisions. My aim is to help make farms sustainable and profitable."

Contact Mr McCorquindale on 07 872 2772 or 029 778 1989. Visit www.accurategrowth.co.nz or www.facebook.com/accurategrowth