Your weekly glimpse into research in action at Southern Dairy Hub.
Insights
Winter crop paddock set-up nearly complete: The team have been using the GPS Fields Area Measure Map App (see image). This app is great for accurately placing bales.
Picture of paddock in app before placement
Picture of paddock with bales placed
Production: The Future herd continues to be fully fed on grass with no in-shed feed. They're producing 1.86 kgMS/cow this week compared to the standard herd at 1.80 kgMS/cow being fed 1.7kg of in-shed feed.
Residuals continue to be a challenge, particularly for the Future herd with a lower stocking rate and longer round length. Soil temperatures have lifted, and there's plenty of grass in front of us.
Autumn feed budgeting suggests the Future herd will not require in-shed feed for the remainder of the season, taking into account current average pasture cover and predicted growth.
Dairy Environment Leaders Forum: GM Andrea Dixon attended the DEL Forum this week in Wellington alongside other members from the Otago/Southland region. There were many passionate farmers from across the country, all championing environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices.
These forums are a great way to learn, share, and grow together. The DEL committee looks forward to hosting a field day at Tim and Justine McRae’s next week alongside Beef + Lamb New Zealand. The focus will be on lifting the value and performance of dairy-origin beef calves. Register here. See you there!
Standard herd
Average BW Southland herd stocked at 3.2 cows/ha at peak, up to 180 kg N/ha and wintered on swedes.
Future herd
Higher genetic merit herd (127 BW difference) stocked at 2.5 cows/ha at peak, up to 180 kg N/ha and wintered on baleage.
If you have any questions about this week's HubWatch, please contact our team.
