Feed shortage faced
Many farmers are facing a winter feed shortage as a result of poor grass growth caused by continuing dry weather. Only significant rain in the near future and a mild winter can retrieve the situation, says New Plymouth MAFTech agricultural consultant Brian Hockings. "The big fear now is that when rain does arrive it will be accompanied by cold conditions so that little regrowth will occur. This is a real possibility as recent cold nights have already dropped soil temperatures to lOoC. Experience has shown that pasture growth is very slow once 9oC is reached." Low rainfall in most of the Taranaki since mid-March has created what is becoming known locally as a "green drought". "Scattered showers and heavy dews have prevented complete pasture drying, but low soil
moisture levels- have brought plant growth to a virtual standstill. "The result is that pasture cover is at minimal levels when farmers are usually building up reserves for the winter," said Mr Hockings. This situation is similar in many other areas of the southern North Island. Palmerston North MAFTech agricultural consultant Ross Bishop says that the continuing dry conditions have forced many farmers to closely examine their winter feed requirements. "Extra stock being carried on many sheep and beef farms that would normaly have been sold is adding to the feeding pressure in an already overtaxed situation. "Farmers should now be looking at ways to reduce stock feed consumption. Some methods may result in lost income now but this must be balanced against
the possibility of greater loss later due to inadequate feed. "Many dairy farmers have already dried their cows off, reducing feed demand by about half". Mr Hockings says it is highly likely that milkfat production sacrificed now will be gained next season. "Coupled with this is the expectation that milkfat will be worth considerale more next season that at present. "There is no doubt however that underfeeding dairy, sheep or beef livestock in the late winter will severely cut next year's production". The most important and pressing task for livestock producers now is to plan the winter stock management program so that scarce feed resources can be used to best advantage, and maximum pasture growth encouraged. Progress can
then be monitered through regular stock weighing and management changes made when required. The most critical point will be lambing and calving dates says MAFTech agricultural consultant at Flock House, Stewart Finlayson.
"Feed management at these time will determine next years income. Managment options at this stage will depend on the amount of feed on hand, suppliments available, winter crops in production, and lvestock numbers. "It is vital that farmers work through a feed budget now, looking at the management alternatives, and the best course of action for their situation. "Alternatives include doing nothing and suffering the consequences next year, drying off cows, selling stock and buying in suppliments," said Mr Finlayson. "Each alternative has both a physical outcome and a financial outcome and the two must be carefully balanced. "The important thing is that there are plenty of options and picking the best is crucial to success". Mr Finlayson said that MAFTech consultants have wide experience in the feed budgeting area and can assist farmers formulate the best program for their situation. "Farmers must act now to ensure that their losses due to the drought are kept to a minimum".
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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 245, 8 June 1988, Page 7
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563Feed shortage faced Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 245, 8 June 1988, Page 7
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