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 TDDF UpdateVolume 3, Issue 21Wednesday May 19 , 2010
Pasture ManagementPasture growing conditions remain good for late autumn production. Soil temperatures hover around 12°C, which is approximately 0.5 – 1°C higher than at the same time last year. Soil tension is 8kpa. The farm received 87mm of rainfall over the past month. Pasture growth rates have averaged 35kgDM/ha/day over the past month. This has resulted in a significant increase in APC to 2636 from 2331kgDM/ha. Having paddocks with higher than budgeted pre-covers has caused some pasture quality issues at the base of the sward due to plants being beyond 3-leaf. The farm is budgeting for an APC of 2600kgDM/ha by the start of calving (June 14). Nitrogen will commence being applied behind the herd at a rate of 37kgN/ha. The decision was made on the basis of the need to grow as much feed as possible going into the winter. Growing conditions will start to slow, so ‘making hay while the sun is still shining’ is crucial. Aerial spraying for winter corbies, red legged earth mite and cockchafers has commenced. Rotation length remains at 60 days and as winter starts to settle in and soil temperatures reduce rotation will be pushed out in accordance with leaf emergence rate. Half of the renovated areas were grazed over the past month. The areas that were not rolled have been slower to strike and produce, we are hopeful that these areas can be lightly grazed by the end of the week (weather permitting). Nitrogen will then be applied at a rate of 37kgN/ha.
The feedwedge is tracking above the desired target wedge line. We are budgeting to leave post grazing residuals of 1500kgDM/ha. As the herd enters the higher covers they are unlikely to be able to eat this much feed, the rotation length will slow to ensure the desired post grazing residual is left. Note a tiller that has been grazed too hard (<4cm) will lead to slower growth rates post grazing and a tiller that has not been grazed hard enough (>6cm) will lead to quality issues in the next rotation. Animal Performance1200 animals make up three dry herds. Another 200 animals were transferred onto the farm to lift pasture demand, however 150 animals will be removed off farm over the coming fortnight to ensure a start of calving figure of 1050 animals. The herd will be supplemented for trace minerals over the next two weeks. They will be supplemented with magnesium bullets, copper, selenium and vitamin B12. Herd nutrition information Herd body condition is averaging 5. DO NOT MISS THE TDDF WRAP UP FIELD DAY ONWEDNESDAY MAY 26 AT SMITHTON RECREATION GROUNDSTARTING AT 10AMCONTACT CHRIS HAYNES (TIAR) ON 0408 548 091FOR MORE DETAILSFarm Management Group – Kevin Mills (Farm Manager), Chris Haynes (TIAR), David Poort (VDL) and Darryl Quilliam (Roberts) |
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