PASTURE MANAGEMENT

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1940, Page 2

PASTURE MANAGEMENT

WISE GRAZING CONTROL CLOSING HAY PADDOCKS In planning the management of farms entirely or mainly of grassland nature, just as much forethought should be given to the use and treatment of the various fields as on arable farms. In the first place the gi-azing of the fields should be regulated in such a manner as to allow the most efficient use of available pastures. This implies the least punishment of both stock and pastures by grazing the fields at the most suitable stage of growth. Continuous close grazing of pastures and the ' resultant partial starvation of stock in certain seasons and understocking in other seasons should be avoided. In order to permit the most efficient ■ utilisation of pastures, the shutting up of | some 40 per cent. of the total farm area for hay, silage, or seed production is necessary during the period of flush growth. Many farmers however, make the mistake of waiting too long hefore shutting up their paddocks with the result that if they cut the crop late enough to give a good yield, the herbage is then too mature and stalky. For both hay and silage a leafy, nutritious growth of pastui'e is desirable at the cutting stage, and to give a reasonable bulk of herbage the paddocks must be shut up early. A good aftermath also results from the early closing of pastures. In the North Island "early" means from September to the end of October. Close While Fecding Out. It is frequently good farming practice to shut up paddocks even when feeding out is still continuing. Preparatory to closing, the paddocks should be closely and uniformly grazed, then harrowed, and then topdressed if this has not been done recently. The saving of all possible hay and silage is one of the means of increased production as outlined in its general plan by the National Council of Primary Production. Accordingly apart from its practical farming value, it should meet with the approval and support of all farmers. There is considerable scope for expansion in the conservation of surplus pasture-growth which always has received less attention than is warranted. In addition to,the areas which are topdressed preparatory to closing for hay, silage, or seed production, areas which have been missed in the autumn topdressing programme could, with advantage, receive a dressing of a quick-acting fertiliser. Spring topdressing of established pastures should be finished by the end of September. Feeding out should not cease immediately pasture growth begins to come away. Frequently in the spring although the bulk of feed may appear adequate, such pasture growth is inclined to be watery. In order to balance the ration, ! at the same time reducing scouring of | stock the continuance of tlie feeding out . of hay or silage may be necessary till the end of Septepiber in the North Island, and later in the South Island. Such feeding out of hay or silage minimises the danger when the pastures are of a type which tend to induce "blowj ing" of stock.