20 Exciting times for growers Vol 18 No 2, January 21, 2019
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Summer sweet spot Richard Rennie
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richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz
ARMERS planning a later January holiday will be able to shut the gate on the way out the drive feeling reasonably relaxed about how much feed is likely to greet them when they get home. Weather Watch director Philip Duncan said this summer has hit something of a sweet spot, both for holiday makers and farmers, and there are prospects that will continue for some weeks. “What we were seeing at the end of last year was the influence of high pressure systems sitting over New Zealand with occasional frontal systems coming through in between them, almost like a spring weather pattern that was running through to January.” The country is now at a point where some parts are just starting to get drier, including the west coast north of Greymouth. But even so it is not worryingly dry. “And we have a lot of rain predicted to fall in coming days, including on the west coast. Overall, no one is complaining to us about the weather either through social media or through calls and this includes both holidaymakers and farmers.” In November Duncan cautioned farmers not to panic over predicted El Nino, which NIWA had tagged with an 80% likelihood of occurring between then and now. But with high soil moisture levels along the east coast and occasional
rain, conditions are a long way from what farmers would normally expect under El Nino. Duncan said there is a predominant chaos factor that influences much of NZ’s weather, thanks in part to being two small islands in a very big ocean. He predicts some useful localised rain over the coming week, particularly around the greater North Island, followed by a dominating high pressure system.
No one is complaining to us about the weather. Philip Duncan Weather Watch “After this run of high pressure systems to come it is possible in February there could be a change with a tropical cyclone running down the side of Australia that could impact us here, delivering some welcome wetter weather.” Duncan has urged farmers to keep an eye on conditions around Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart as a precursor for what they might get here, albeit with slightly reduced temperatures. “We are seeing those weather patterns echoed here, with Australia also having quite a chaotic pattern at present too.”
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GREAT GRASS: Wairarapa farmer Mike Warren, front, and tractor driver Ron Lett first tried cattle to keep on top of grass growth then bought a baler.
Grass surplus not wasted SOUTH Wairarapa drystock farmer Mike Warren has had to look to a mechanical mouth to help keep up with rampant grass growth on his 1200ha property. While working hard to control the grass quality on his steeper country by stocking it as high as possible he has been selectively baling up flatter country and now has the dilemma of where to store 540 wrapped bales, 150 hay bales and 50 bales. The property comprises 30% steep hill country and the rest flat to flatter. “This is such a turnaround from the same time last year. We were short before Christmas then and quit a
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third of our lambs as stores, which is unusual. This year we have had fantastic growth all the way really.” As owner of Turanganui Romney stud he is also happy to see strong lamb prices coinciding with the good growth. Farmers around the country have reported prices up to $115 a head on store lambs as buyers grapple with surging feed supplies. He has noticed over the hotter weather, however, lamb growth rates have been challenged. “But we have just had a really useful 35mm of rain this week and the temperature has dropped too so the grass
will start to shoot away again.” Clover levels are now high and the baler has been working hard harvesting pasture with relatively little stalk and high leaf content. “The baler has enabled us to go in and do some surgical strikes, a paddock here and paddock there to keep the quality up on the flats.” The only downside has been the numerous rocks also harvested along the way. “We must run out soon.” He has kept his cattle numbers, comprising 400 100kg calves, 520 yearlings and 300 two-year-olds that are about ready to go.
“The unit has performed well above our expectations and we’re really happy with the excellent service” ProCool Water customer Mike Smith, Brentworth Dairy Farms
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