HubWatch – 12 September 2025

Noticing fluctuations in MUN between 19 and 26 which we think are linked to the range in quality between paddocks. We would be interested to know how much importance others are putting on MUN at the moment and what tools you are using to manage it.

Pasture samples sent for analysis last week have returned an average ME of 12.0, crude protein of 18.2 and NDF 42.6 which is better quality than we were anticipating given the high pre-graze mass. Putting our data into the DairyNZ Feed Checker tool indicates we have sufficient energy and protein for the current level of production.

An interesting observation from this week was that season to date we have had more rainfall (298 mm) compared to last year (255 mm), but conditions on farm are quite different due to the drier autumn and winter this year.

We have observed an increase in environmental mastitis in the last week which we attribute to the wetter conditions. As a result we are reassessing our springer management and area allocation because we have 'spare' area available in the spring rotation planner. Springers that look like they are going to calve over night are being moved onto the new break late in the afternoon.

We are continuing to hold the SRP area with the milkers but have ability to move on in very wet conditions based on area used to date.

The standard herd will be split this week with the second herd being made up of 2 and 3 year olds and any light conditioned mixed age cows.