Feed not weeds - doing the basics well

Abstract

Margaret and I own and operate a farm of 260 effective ha in the Maruia Valley. We have a 230-cow dairy unit on 125 ha and use the remaining area to support the dairy operation and run 450 ewes and approximately 60 beef bulls. During the late 1970s and early 1980s we developed a large area of manuka and fern country into pasture. As we were working reasonably large areas of difficult country, some areas were quite rough when sown down and the home block was abandoned in terms of cultivation for a number of years. Since 1985 we have undertaken quite a lot of regrassing of the newer areas and when the decision was made in March 1995 to return to dairying, the home block (now dairy) received some urgent attention and approximately 40 ha of the dairy unit has now been redeveloped. On the dry stock unit we are now growing brassicas to winter the dairy stock. The need to cultivate and regrass or grow a winter crop is determined by three factors: • Pasture production/species of existing pasture. • Contour, infestation of rushes, cutty grass, drain spoil, etc. • Compaction and therefore pugging problems. Over the last 10 years we have sown a variety of species, with the main emphasis on short- to medium-term ryegrasses mixed with clovers and timothy. We have had very good results with these varieties, especially when considering the excellent autumn/early spring production of these species and the importance of fully feeding early in the season to capture milk, beef and lamb growth opportunities. The lack of stem weevil, good fertility and moisture levels ensures many good seasons out of short-rotation species. Low endophyte levels in pasture are also a benefit. When a paddock is earmarked for regrassing, a soil test is done if fertility is questionable. Most of our farm has adequate base phosphorus and pH levels. The dairy unit levels range between 30 and 40 P, and 5.8 pH. The dry stock areas range from 25+ P, and 5.6-5.8 pH. All other major elements are in the optimum range. Annual fertiliser (N/P/K/S) application is: Dairy 114/50/80/87 Dry stock 30/25/25/35