scholarly journals Impacts of grazing management on hill country pastures: principles and practices

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 203-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mcg King ◽  
G.M. Rennie ◽  
B. Devantier ◽  
C.J. Hoogendoorn
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategy ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Pasture Quality ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Ecological Principles ◽  
Farm Scale

Management of the balance of animal demand and feed supply is the result of a complex set of decisions. These decisions interact and are also variably affected by external drivers, including environmental. In particular, both pasture quantity and quality can be optimised by using appropriate grazing management, including stocking rate, livestock class, etc. In essence: apply sufficient grazing pressure at the appropriate time to maintain pasture covers at a level where the development of grass inflorescences is limited and pasture quality is maximised. The optimal grazing management strategy, however, may be different for each paddock and will change through the season. At a whole-farm scale, grazing management will be a set of trade-offs. Understanding the underlying ecological principles that drive the outcome of these grazing management decisions on pasture performance will have the greatest potential to drive the profitability and sustainability of hill country farms. Keywords: Grazing management, pasture performance, pasture quality, hill country

scholarly journals Key pasture and milksolids production indicators from two Waikato farmlets differing in inputs, stocking rate, pasture allowance and nitrate leaching

2016 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. 45-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.G. Roach ◽  
C.B. Glassey ◽  
K.A. Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Nitrate Leaching ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Pasture Quality ◽  
Winter Grazing ◽  
Stocking Rates

Two DairyNZ farmlets, differing in nitrogen fertiliser inputs, cow genetic merit and autumn/winter grazing management, with stocking rates of 2.6 ('Future') and 3.2 ('Current') cows/ha, were compared for pasture residual and quality over 4 years. Target intakes for lactating cows were 18 and 16 kg DM/cow/day, respectively, with target grazing residuals of 3.5-4 cm (1500 kg DM/ha in late winter/spring, 7-8 clicks on the rising plate meter) for both herds. Measurement of grazing residuals, pasture quality and botanical composition identified small differences between farmlets. Grazing residuals on the Future farmlet averaged 0.2 cm (0.4 clicks on rising plate meter, RPM) (P

scholarly journals SOIL FERTILITY AND HILL COUNTRY PRODUCTION

1982 ◽  
pp. 153-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.G. Lambert ◽  
P.C. Luscombe ◽  
D.A. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
N Availability ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Olsen P ◽  
Legume Growth

Soil, pasture and animal responses to 2 levels of superphosphate were measured within a farmlet trial, at Ballantrae hill country research area, near Woodville, during 1975-80. Soil and pasture measurements were also made for 3 years before the trial started. Pastures, which were dominated by low-fertility-tolerant grasses (LFTC;), moss and flatweeds, were oversown with 4 legumes before the trial started. Soil Olsen P level was 5 under untopdressed pasture in 1973, and 9 in 1975 after application of 500 kg/ ha superphosphate. Superphosphate rates were 120 (on low fertiliser areas q LF) and 640 (on high fertiliser areas = HF) kg/ ha/ yr average during 1975/80. Annual pasture production (adjusted for variable summer rainfall) was 7.1 t DM/ ha from untopdressed pasture and 8.1 t following 500 kg superphosphate/ ha in 1973-74. LF production rose to 8.5, and HF to 12.0, in 1980. Legume contribution rose from 5% in untopdressed pasture to 18% and 23% in LF and HF respectively in 1975/76. By 1979/80 legume contribution had steadily declined to 10% on both treatments, probably due to a measured increase in soil N availability and increased competitiveness of associated grasses. Ryegrass content rose at both fertiliser levels, while LFTG content fell; these trends were greatest under HF. Winter stocking rate was increased from 6 to 10.9 and 14.9 su/ha on LF and HF-respectively. Per animal performance did not decrease. A range of techniques which could increase efficiency of superphosphate use in hill country is discussed. These techniques include: selective application to responsive pastures; spring application; grazing management to encourage legume growth.

Grazed pasture parameters. II. Pasture dry-matter use in a stocking rate and grazing management experiment with dairy cows

1966 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Grazed Pasture

1. Dry-matter intake, pasture utilization and grazing pressure were studied over 3 years on a small-scale replica of a dairy cow grazing management x stocking rate trial.2. The four treatments were:(i) Controlled rotational grazing, light stocking rate (0.95 cow/acre).(ii) Controlled rotational grazing, heavy stocking rate (1.19 cow/acre).(iii) Uncontrolled, set stocked grazing, light stocking rate (0.95 cow/acre).(iv) Uncontrolled, set stocked grazing, heavy stocking rate (1.19 cows/acre).3. Mean D.M. intakes were: (i) 29, (ii) 21, (iii) 28 and (iv) 21 lb./cow per day. D.M. intake was reduced on average by 7 ± 2.1 lb./cow per day at the higher level of stocking.

scholarly journals The effect of deferred grazing in spring and early summer pastures on pasture growth rate and feed quality

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 189-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.P. Devantier ◽  
D.R. Stevens ◽  
G.M. Rennie ◽  
K.N. Tozer
Keyword(s):  
Farming Systems ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Late Spring ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Pasture Quality ◽  
Metabolisable Energy

Abstract Maintaining pasture quality in late spring and early summer is a challenge in many hill country farming systems where pasture growth often exceeds animal demand. One possible management tool is to defer grazing on a portion of the farm to enable the desired grazing management and animal performance on the remainder. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of timing and duration of deferred grazing in mid-spring to early-summer on subsequent pasture accumulation rates, composition and quality, from mid-spring through to the following winter. A factorial design (3 durations x 3 closing times) in eight replicates compared withholding grazing (nil, 1 or 3 grazings), in three closing periods, mid spring, late spring, and early summer. Grazing pasture when covers reached 2500 - 3000 kg DM/ha to a residual of 1500 kg DM/ha was the standard grazing regimen used. Grazing after the exclusion period aimed to achieve the same residual as in the control treatment based on a feed budget. Short early closures resulted in little, or no change in pasture quality and quantity for the remainder of the season. Longer closure periods reduced pasture quality due to increases in the proportions of dead and reproductive stem. This effect was reduced with later closings. The control (nil deferred grazings) and mid-spring closings had a net loss of dead matter (-1000 and -420 kg DM/ ha, respectively), while the late -spring and earlysummer closings accumulated 60 and 180 kg DM/ha, respectively. These differences in dead matter were the major driver of the differences of net herbage accumulations (P=0.018), with net accumulations from 7990 kg DM/ha for the control (Nil) closings to 9660 kg DM/ha for the December (late) closings. Deferred grazing can be used to alter feed availability and utilisation while maintaining net pasture production over spring, summer and autumn. Keywords: grazing management, pasture quality, deferred grazing, net pasture accumulation, dead matter, reproductive tillers, metabolisable energy

scholarly journals Farm-scale nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur balances and use efficiencies on Australian dairy farms

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (10) ◽  
pp. 929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cameron J. P. Gourley ◽  
Warwick J. Dougherty ◽  
David M. Weaver ◽  
Sharon R. Aarons ◽  
Ivor M. Awty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Nutrient Balance ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Farm Scale ◽  
Use Efficiency

Efficient and effective nutrient management decisions are critical to profitable and sustainable milk production on modern Australian dairy farms. Whole-farm nutrient balances are commonly used as nutrient management tools and also for regulatory assessment on dairy farms internationally, but are rarely used in Australia. In this study, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) imports and exports were measured during a standardised production year on 41 contrasting Australian dairy farms, representing a broad range of geographic locations, milk production, herd and farm size, reliance on irrigation, and soil types. The quantity of nutrients imported varied markedly – with feed and fertiliser generally the most substantial imports – and were principally determined by stocking rate and type of imported feed. Milk exports were the largest source of nutrient exports. Nitrogen balance ranged from 47 to 601 kg N/ha.year. Nitrogen-use efficiency ranged from 14 to 50%, with a median value of 26%. Phosphorus balance ranged from –7 to 133 kg P/ha.year, with a median value of 28 kg P/ha. Phosphorus-use efficiencies ranged from 6 to 158%, with a median value of 35%. Potassium balances ranged from 13 to 452 kg K/ha, with a median value of 74 kg K/ha; K-use efficiency ranged from 9 to 48%, with a median value of 20%. Sulfur balances ranged from –1 to 184 kg S/ha, with a median value of 27 kg S/ha; S-use efficiency ranged from 6 to 110%, with a median value of 21%. Nitrogen, P, K and S balances were all positively correlated (P < 0.001) with stocking rate and milk production per ha. Poor relationship between P, K and S fertiliser inputs and milk production from home-grown pasture reflected the already high soil fertility levels measured on many of these farms. The results from this study demonstrate that increasing milk production per ha will be associated with greater nutrient surpluses at the farm scale, with the potential for greater environmental impacts. We suggest that simplified and standardised nutrient balance methodologies should be used on dairy farms in Australia to help identify opportunities for improvements in nutrient management decisions and to develop appropriate industry benchmarks and targets.

Using new insights in grazing management to buffer the impacts of climatic variability on pasture resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Stevens ◽  
Cory Matthew ◽  
Katherine Tozer
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Leaf Production ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Farm Scale

Pasture is the main source of nutrition for the New Zealand ruminant livestock industry. Changing climatic conditions and relentless intensification are putting the ability of pastures to provide that nutrition under pressure. Recent understanding of the interactions between grazing management and the life cycle of roots, leaves and seedheads of pasture species creates further opportunities to increase pasture resilience. Root production is directly related to, though lagging, leaf production and turnover. Tiller production is modified by temperature and seedhead production. Matching grazing patterns to maximise the production of each of these features is generally impossible at the farm scale. However, matching some of these characteristics on some of the farm can be achievable, and have long-lasting benefits for pasture resilience. Therefore, grazing management practices such as deferred grazing in late spring, summer and autumn may be used both to provide a boost to root and tiller production, and to transfer feed from one grazing period to another. Changing our winter management practices away from intensive daily allocations towards 4-day shifting may also increase early spring production, while reducing summer grazing pressure in droughts will aid pasture productivity and persistence in the long term. These techniques have the potential to ensure that the future nutritional needs of grazing ruminants will continue to be met by grazed pasture.

scholarly journals WEED CONTROL OPTIONS IN HILL COUNTRY

1982 ◽  
pp. 196-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.P. Rolston ◽  
M.G. Lambert ◽  
D.A. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Nitrogen Fixation ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Ulex Europaeus ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Carduus Nutans ◽  
Control Options ◽  
Control Management

Weed control in hill country requires a combination of biological control, management and herbicides. Gorse (Ulex europaeus) and nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) two important hill country weeds are used as examples. Management factors include, subdivision, pasture competition, stocking rate, grazing management and type of animal. Goats, goat-sheep mixtures, and sheep mob grazed have been found to restrict gorse to acceptable low densities and low heights. Herbicide options include blanket spraying and spot spraying. Clover damage and reductions in nitrogen fixation rates occur with MCPA, 2,4-D, and 2,4,5-T. Key Words: gorse, nodding thistle, goats, grazing management, MCPA, 2.4-D, 2,4,5-T, nitrogen fixation.

scholarly journals Is nitrogen fertiliser an economic option in tussock hill country?

2014 ◽  
Vol 76 ◽  
pp. 149-154
Author(s):  
D.R. Stevens ◽  
B.R. Thompson ◽  
W.D. Catto ◽  
K.D. Trainor
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Pasture Quality

Abstract Tussock hill and high country is a finite resource. Farmers are developing these areas to increase production but often at the expense of tussock which provides shelter for stock, increases biodiversity and captures moisture in dry environments. An experiment at a single hill country site near Roxburgh, Otago was established on oversown tussock with soil of low pH (5.1) and high soluble aluminium (15 ppm) to compare the use of capital lime (0-5 t/ha), annual and capital superphosphate (0-1000 kg/ha) and annual nitrogen (N) fertiliser inputs (0-150 kg/ha) over 4 years to investigate the potential of different fertiliser strategies to increase economic returns. Annual yield of the Control without fertiliser was approximately 3200 kg DM/ha/annum, which may support an estimated stocking rate of 6 ewes/ha during the growing season. Using lime did not increase the pasture production or stocking rate, though even small amounts increased pasture quality. Use of phosphate and sulphur increased the stocking rate to approximately 9 ewes/ha, while adding N fertiliser increased potential stocking rate to approximately 12 ewes/ha. These increases were a combination of increased pasture production and increased pasture quality. A combination of phosphate, sulphur, lime and nitrogen provided a potential net increase in gross margin of $200/ha. This cost benefit analysis suggests that regular use of N fertiliser along with other known fertiliser requirements may be a very cost effective way of increasing hill country production without resorting to full scale tussock development. Keywords: gross margin, hill country, fertiliser, quality, sheep stocking rate, yield.

scholarly journals Summer management of sheep on summer-wet hill country: insights into decisions made by an "expert" farmer

2005 ◽  
pp. 87-95
Author(s):  
D.I. Gray ◽  
J.I. Reid ◽  
P.D. Kemp ◽  
I.M. Brookes ◽  
D. Horne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Critical Element ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Pasture Quality

Although summer is a critical season for sheep production on summer-wet hill country, little is known about how high-performing farmers manage livestock and pastures during this period. If their practices could be captured and disseminated, it would provide the opportunity for other farmer s to increase productivity. The decisions made by a high-performing summer-wet hill-country farmer over summer were investigated using a single-case study design. This study highlights the relative complexity of summer management on hill country. Farmers must consider key strategic decisions such as when to wean, when to sell, what to sell, how many to sell, where to sell and at what weight. In this study, the answer s to these questions were found to be a function of the conditions (summerwet versus summer-dry) under which one farms and the amount of finishing country one has. Under summerwet conditions, the need to control pasture quality dictates important strategic decisions. To control pasture quality, the case farmer runs a high stocking rate (SR), high performance, later lambing system with a low sheep:cattle ratio. This system, particularly with a low proportion of finishing country, is not conducive to lamb finishing and a store policy is a more profitable alternative. As such, the case farmer's focus over summer is on ensuring the potential for high ovulation and conception rates in his ewes and ewe hoggets rather than lamb finishing. This is achieved by ensuring his ewes are in good condition (2.7 condition score (CS)) with adequate feed (1400 kg dry matter (DM)/ha) at flushing and his ewe hoggets reach 41 kg live weight (LW) by May 1st. These nonnegotiable targets are central to the farmer's consistent high performance. Minimisation of the distribution of LW (or CS) a bout the mean of different sheep classes through preferential feeding of younger, lighter and thinner stock was also found to be a critical element. To achieve high lamb growth rates, low priority stock and older finishing cattle were used to ensure pastures remained actively growing, of high quality and with low levels of infective larvae. A late weaning date and a high proportion of cattle and older stock were also important in maintaining pasture quality on summer-wet hill country. A critical feature of summer grazing management is area allocation and the use of post-grazing residuals to achieve animal performance targets. Pasture monitoring, microbudgeting and the use of this information in conjunction with market related data, to help decide the appropriate timing of stock sales was central to coping with uncertainty and achieving pasture and animal targets. Keywords: farmer decision making, grazing management, sheep productivity

THE USE OF PASTURE HEIGHT AS A PREDICTOR OF FEED LEVEL IN NORTH ISLAND HILL COUNTRY

1986 ◽  
pp. 249-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.W. Webby ◽  
W.J. Pengelly
Keyword(s):  
Late Spring ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Considerable Effort ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Visual Impact

Considerable effort is expended measuring pasture parameters that relate to animal perform mance. Traditionally farmers have used visual impact and experience as their method of pasture assessment to make management decisions. The simplest measurement collected by researchers, pasture height, is developed to the point where it can be used as a guide to predict pasture mass and animal performance. This paper presents relationships between height and mass for improved pastures in summer dry North Island hill country. A pasture 5cm tall will give hogget growth of 60 gjday in summer, 90 in autumn, 100 in winter and 200 in spring. Similarly 5cm will be 2250 kg DM/ha in summer, 1900 in autumn, 1520 in winter, 1640 in spring and 2200 in late spring. Keywords: Height, mass, predictor, grazing, quality, animal performance, feed levels, parameters, pasture.

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