Your weekly glimpse into research in action at Southern Dairy Hub.
Insights
In-shed feed: We've added Vitalise pelletised minerals back into the feed to ensure cows are getting the required minerals heading into the end of the season. With only the Standard herd receiving in-shed feed, this gives us the opportunity to take bloods before and after Vitalise is reintroduced to their diet.
Aeration: We've started our aeration programme, with paddocks selected based on farm walk notes, compaction, historic pugging, and pasture growth throughout the year.
Silage: We'll be testing our new stack of silage for DM and quality to help ensure it's allocated correctly to cows in the spring.
Residuals: We continue to be challenged by residuals, especially in the Future herd. More paddocks were taken out this week for conservation. Ground temperature and moisture are helping us grow some great grass late into the season.
Autumn management: The first lot of cows left the farm this week, and we've started identifying cows for early dry-off to ensure they meet BCS targets at calving.
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.
