HubWatch - 16 October 2026

While pasture growth rates have lifted this week, we're still growing below demand, particularly in the higher-stocked Standard farmlet.

Current supplementary feed levels will be maintained this week, unless pregraze covers start lifting, in which case in-shed feed will be reduced.

Our last calf was born on 8 October, four days earlier than the last calf last season. All calves have been weighed and DNA samples collected to confirm parentage.

Milk production is currently 1,570 kg MS ahead of the same time last season, but behind on a daily basis in October. We attribute this to challenging feeding conditions over the last six weeks. It’s a disappointing result given how well the cows and farm were set up for spring.

At the same time last season, the Future herd was being allocated 19 kg of pasture and producing 2.3 kg MS/cow. The Standard herd was producing 2.18 kg MS/cow with similar pasture and supplement allocations to current levels. However, looking back at the 2024 season, we're in a much better position on farm. In mid-October 2024, cows were averaging 1.8 kg MS/cow and being offered 5.5 kg of pasture, 7 kg of silage, 4 kg of in-shed feed and 3 kg of PKE in trailers in the springer paddocks.

Allflex data is being monitored to identify non-cycling cows for the first round of CIDRs. Anecdotally, there is less cycling activity across both herds than we would expect at this stage of the season.

Preparation has started on paddocks for regrassing and 2027 winter cropping, with wet areas being ripped to help dry them up. Work is also underway to clear a roadside culvert/drain that is backing up water through several paddocks.

The team has met with PGG Wrightson Seeds to finalise the spring cropping and regrassing plan.