The Pasture Quality Poster - a learning tool for farmers

Abstract

The Dexcel "Feed4Profit" extension programme was established in 2001 to help dairy farmers increase their profitability through improved feeding systems. Managing for high pasture quality can result in increased milksolids production and profit. Dairy farmers learning needs around management of pasture quality were assessed at eight discussion groups throughout New Zealand. The farmers defined pasture quality more in visual than nutritional terms. They believed that it was dependent on soil fertility, quality and pasture cover and pasture composition. They grouped management into three main headings: day-today, periodic (spring and autumn - winter) and longterm. Day-to-day management included stocking rate, adequate pre- and post- grazing covers, round length, and use of inputs. Management during the spring included monitoring, harvesting supplements and topping. Autumn - winter management included regressing, weed control and minimizing pugging damage. Long-term management techniques included adequate soil fertility, drainage, selection of the appropriate breed of cow, and managing for persistence. Farmers identified that they needed to improve in their analysis and use of pasture quality information, management of different pasture species, management of surplus, low quality and low quantity pasture, and estimation of pasture quantity. The outcomes that the farmers wanted from their use of an extension package were increased pasture and land utilization, increased productivity and profitability. This research was used to develop an extension package around maintaining high pasture quality. A reference team of farmers and rural professionals guided the process. Their feedback resulted in a poster, rather than a booklet, being produced by the Feed4Profit team. Keywords: dairy farmers, dairy management, extension, learning needs, milksolids, pasture quality, profit