AginED
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FOR E FUTURIA G R R S! U PR EN E
Volume 80 I November 1, 2021 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz/agined
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This graph shows prices for three types of fertiliser over the last nine years.
Combating triple drench resistance A study currently underway is looking at ways of managing triple drench resistance in intensive lamb finishing systems. Early results have reinforced the importance of regular FECRT for both breeders and finishers. Ineffective drenching costs both monetarily and in loss of production and time. To read the full article head to and then answer the questions below: https:// beeflambnz.com/news-views/reversingtriple-drench-resistance-possible?fbclid =IwAR3jUM7sOVpxK5omR3MEBjQk5j2q4ZP nuhIRbfM5gDLEL244HMOEsF0pelM
1 What is FECRT? What is its purpose? 2 The article talks about introducing refugia into lamb finishing systems. What is refugia? 3 How long will the study be conducted for? Why is this length of time required? 4 What affect do drench resistant parasites have on the animals they inhabit?
THE 3 LEAVES OF RYEGRASS – AND THE LINK TO GRAZING MANAGEMENT Perennial ryegrass is used in about 90% of new permanent pasture sowings in Aotearoa because it grows well in a wide range of conditions, is easy to establish and manage, is compatible with white clover and other species, and withstands treading and hard grazing. A ryegrass shoot known as a tiller is made up of a chain of phytomers constantly being produced from its growing point, each phytomer slightly more advanced in development until it dies. Each phytomer over its lifetime of a few months produces one leaf, then often a daughter tiller (if a recent grazing event occurs), and later roots, before eventually dying. So, there is a constant turnover of new plant material. Usually no more than 3 live leaves (from 3 1 2 phytomers) exist at any one time; the 4th leaf usually dies rapidly, Figure 1. Perennial having recycled a ryegrass tiller percentage of compounds showing 4 including nitrogen. leaves Understanding that the (1 = youngest; 4 = oldest & grass tiller consists of a growing linked chain of phytomers point = GP) at different stages of 3 development helps us develop more intelligent 4 grazing management systems. For example, leaving grasses to GP (hidden) grow after 3 leaves are visible will not result in any more production.
Want to learn more about the science of plants and their use in animal systems? Check out the Agriculture degree programmes at Massey University https://www.massey. ac.nz/massey/join-us/agriculture/ agriculture _ home.cfm
STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 How does leaf stage relate to pasture cover (pasture mass)? 2 What does DairyNZ recommend for managing ryegrass grazing? You will find more information here: https:// www.dairynz.co.nz/feed/pasture/assessingand-allocating-pasture/leaf-stage/
Have a go: 1 On this graph, what fertiliser is the most expensive at the moment? 2 On this graph, what fertiliser is the cheapest at the moment? 3 What does fertiliser do and why do farmers use it? 4 Identify two ways that fertiliser is applied? What machinery is used?
STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 What is the real name for each of these fertilisers? 2 What are they made of? 3 Work out the percentage difference between the current DAP price and the same time last year. 4 Why is it an issue that prices have lifted?
Did you know? Tall fescue is 4-leaf, and cocksfoot and prairie grass are 5-leaf grasses.
A new report says that 30 years of breeding by New Zealand dairy farmers using LIC (Livestock Improvement Corporation) genetics has netted a 13% decrease in methane emissions and 18% less urinary nitrogen per kilogram of produced milk solids. Head to: https://farmersweekly.co.nz/s/fw-article/reporthighlights-environmental-improvements-from-genetic-gainsMC423SCALFKJE5LKYV2OBGZ44LDY?fbclid=IwAR0i-OrhleNZuC QDm6wAoknLIH1HC6yiXudvR4PCsIHmjW04RcIlxBVpBsc to read the full article and then see if you can answer these questions; 1 Why are High Genetic Merit animals more environmentally efficient? 2 What percentage of artificial inseminations did LIC’s premium genetics range account for in 2020-21? What is the percentage increase from 2017-2018 levels?
Nov 5th!
Having depression is like walking through mud every day. So, on Friday November 5th together with your teachers and classmates, we ask you to show your support, put your gumboots on and give a gold coin donation. It's a fun way for kiwis to join in the mental health conversation, with 100% of proceeds going to I AM HOPE to provide free and timely counselling for any young person in need. Head to www.iamhope.org.nz for more information.