Plan 365 September 2017 by Farmlands

SEPTEMBER 2017

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

NUTRITION

FORAGE AND ARABLE

HORTICULTURE

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Plan 365 is a technical guide aimed at helping shareholders learn about best practice and the latest advancements in rural technology.

NUTRITION

Pulletsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; diet first step to developing laying flock Correctly rearing layer pullets is crucial for developing a successful, high-producing flock. Attention to detail during rearing as well as in the management and feeding of pullets during the growing period can have dramatic effects on subsequent egg production and egg weight.

individual flock variation should be considered and extended amounts of

Modern breeds of laying hens are about 150g lighter at 18 weeks and produce many more eggs than the breeds of 20 years ago. The modern birds also reach maturity earlier, with the first eggs typically produced between 18 and 19 weeks of age. The result is that modern pullet strains are more sensitive to poor nutrition and management than were their predecessors.

egg production. It is important to

The key to successfully managing nutrition is to maximise body weight for age without producing over-fat pullets. Pullets that are on target or slightly above target weight at 18 weeks of age will inevitably be the best producing birds during the laying period. Although body weight at onset of lay is important, the optimum body structure and composition is also a key factor to consider and can be affected by diet. Over-fat birds will adversely affect egg production in the long term.

pullets should fall within 10 percent

chick starter feed used when target weight for age has not been met. Using a high-density feed such as a chick starter for too long can result in excessive fat deposition and a reduced capacity for feed consumption during get the balance right and familiarise yourself with growth targets for the breed of chicken you are rearing. Uniformity of pullet flocks is also important and while some variation in body weight is normal, it is the abnormal variation that should be concerning. A goal at 18 weeks of age is that 80 percent of the

energy, protein, minerals and vitamins for growth and development. Quality diets, such as NRM Pullet Grower, are formulated to provide the right amount of digestible amino acids (protein) and energy to support adequate growth, ensuring pullets are best prepared to enter the laying flock. A well-balanced diet will also include macro minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and sodium, as well as trace minerals such as zinc, copper and manganese, and vitamins. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worthwhile to use a pullet-specific feed in the transition from chick to layer. This is now easier for those with a smaller flock due to NRM Pullet Grower pellets becoming available in 10kg bags.

of the average, or the mean.

For more information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist.

Pullets require the right balance of

Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Nutritionist.

In New Zealand, a starter crumble with a suitable anti-coccidial ionophore, such as NRM Chick Starter Crumble, is typically fed from day-old to 6 to 8 weeks of age. A pullet grower feed such as NRM Pullet Grower is then introduced until point of lay, at which time birds can be transferred to a layerspecific feed. The feeding programme should not be rigid, however, as | Modern pullet strains are more sensitive than their predecessors to poor nutrition and management.

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NUTRITION

Prevention better than treatment for laminitis For horse owners there are few sights more satisfying than seeing mud in the paddocks turn green with fresh pasture after winter. In New Zealand, pasture growth can happen rapidly after only a few days of sun, following what seems like endless weeks of cold, wet weather. While forage in the form of pasture, hay and other fibre sources should always be the largest part of a horse’s diet (and pasture is what horses evolved to eat), cool-season grass contains a form of sugar called fructans that can lead to problems for grazing horses. Consumption of fructans can cause various digestive and behavioural problems, as well as a painful and debilitating condition of the hooves called laminitis. Where most sugars and starches are easily digested in the horse’s small intestine, the strong bonds in fructans mean they pass undigested into the cecum and colon, causing shifts in the microbial population, upsetting hindgut pH and producing endotoxins that can cause laminitis. For particularly sensitive horses, even a small amount of fructan-rich grass can quickly trigger laminitis, which can be highly debilitating if left untreated.

| Preventing laminitis in your horse is better than treating the potentially life-threatening condition.

introduce access in small segments

that also contains balanced levels of

several times a day and gradually

vitamins and minerals and is a great

increase the number and length of

way of ensuring fibre and nutrient

these periods. Continue to offer hay

requirements are met. The low starch,

to horses turned out on fresh pasture

high fibre formulation is ideal for

to ensure they are consuming enough

horses and ponies at risk of laminitis.

fibre and monitor manure consistency

Laminitis is a serious and potentially

and hoof temperature. Take the horse

life-ending ailment and management

off pasture and call the veterinarian

through preventing the disease will

if the horse shows signs of hoof discomfort such as reluctance to move, shifting from one foot to another, or

Heavier types such as Quarter Horses and many pony breeds seem more susceptible to fructancaused problems but all horses with unrestricted access to lush pasture can be at risk, even after years of grazing freely without consequences.

assuming a leaning-back posture.

To avoid problems when turning horses out on spring pastures,

for this. McMillan Grain Free is a

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always be more beneficial than treating the condition. Managing horses to limit access to spring grass may be inconvenient at times but it’s in the best

When horses are restricted from

interests of equines and their owners.

pasture it is essential they are provided

For more information on spring grass and the prevention and management of laminitis in your horse, consult an experienced Equine Nutrition Advisor.

with additional hay and alternative forage sources to ensure optimum digestive health. Super fibres such as beet pulp and soy hulls are ideal blend of beet pulp and soy hulls

Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutrition Technical Advisor.

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NUTRITION

Analysing pastures for minerals reveals gaps With mating not far away, now might be a good time to check the mineral status of pasture, which inevitably makes up the biggest portion of the diet of grazing livestock. The National Research Council has described the mineral requirements of many classes of stock based on the best information available. With dairy cows, on-farm attention tends to focus on magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) because of the metabolic issues associated with a deficiency but these essential minerals have more subtle effects that in the long term could be just as costly as downer cows. Sodium (Na) and phosphorus (P) also play key roles in the body and apart from the classic signs of depraved appetite when very deficient, it can be difficult to spot when stock have a minor deficiency that may be limiting production or fertility. Table 1 summarises the pasture herbage tests submitted by NRM Nutrition Specialists since 2013. Although not a huge sample size, the results nevertheless give a glimpse into what might be being consumed by many dairy cows and strengthen the case for more on-farm pasture testing.

Outside the immediate post-calving period, cows in early lactation are pretty good at mobilising bone calcium reserves to ensure blood calcium levels are maintained at an effective level. While clovery swards are typically high in calcium relative to the needs of milking cows, the average calcium content of the NRM samples suggests that more cows than we think could be mining calcium reserves for longer. Add some low-calcium supplements such as grain or PKE into the diet and bones could become weaker and the need for supplementary lime flour stronger long after cows have left the colostrum mob.

protein, vegetative pasture should have

Many pastures contain insufficient magnesium to meet the needs of milking cows and high potassium, high protein and low sodium levels can reduce the magnesium availability. Most herds require supplementary magnesium until Christmas and beyond for higher yielding herds. Top-dressing magnesium oxide can be particularly inefficient when it is needed the most and to reduce waste more farmers are adding magnesium oxide directly to supplements, either in the milking shed or forage.

microbial activity in the rumen.

It is generally considered that high

Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Nutritionist.

more than enough phosphorus for dairy cows. The pasture samples for which a phosphorus mineral test was requested were reported to contain on average 24 percent crude protein, so were by no means dominated by reproductive summer pasture. While the average phosphorus level would meet requirements, about 25 percent were reported to contain less than the NRC minimum requirement for dairy cows. Insufficient dietary phosphorus is associated with reduced appetite partly due to reduced Over a third of the pasture samples analysed for sodium contained less than the 0.2 percent recommended by the NRC. A sodium deficiency is associated with reduced fertility, particularly in males, so providing salt licks for breeding bulls could be one simple measure to reduce a potential cause of poor fertility. For more information or to organise pasture analysis, contact your local Nutrition Specialist.

Table 1: The average, minimum and maximum major mineral levels in NRM pasture samples compared with NRC requirements and indicated typical spring pasture levels in New Zealand. MINERAL

NRM AVERAGE

NRM MINIMUM

NRM MAXIMUM

NRC* REQUIREMENT FOR DAIRY COWS

TYPICAL RANGE (SPRING DAIRY PASTURE**)

% in the dry matter Calcium

0.52

0.29

0.8

0.6-0.8

0.2-1.5

Magnesium

0.21

0.16

0.31

0.22-0.35

0.1-0.4

Phosphorus

0.39

0.23

0.59

0.35-0.45

0.2-0.6

Sodium

0.25

0.07

0.79

0.2-0.34

0.03-0.6

*National Research Council requirements for dairy cows. **DairyNZ Facts and Figures 2017.

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NUTRITION

Immature immunity puts calves at respiratory risk Respiratory problems in cattle are, unfortunately, all too common. Calves, like children, are particularly prone to respiratory problems as they have not developed any natural immunity to many infectious organisms. The severity of the problems can vary from a mild nasal discharge and coughing in a group of calves, to severe pneumonia with some deaths. Respiratory problems are most frequent in autumn and winter, especially in housed calves but can arise at any time, even in calves kept outdoors. The most common times and ages for problems to occur are in young calves from 2 weeks of age, autumnhoused calves (especially spring-born suckled calves), bought-in calves or older cattle and “stressed” calves.

important roles as antioxidants within

the gut, while also stimulating an

the body. Research has shown these

improved immune response.

nutrients to be particularly beneficial

Crystalyx Easy Breather has been

in animals under stress. Menthol, aniseed and eucalyptus are recognised for their decongestant and soothing properties within the respiratory tract. Safmannan is prepared from the cell wall of a specific yeast known to contain high levels of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and beta glucans. These complex sugars have been shown to reduce the ability of pathogens to colonise

formulated for free-access feeding and intakes will vary depending on size and age of calves, from as little as 20-30g/calf/day for very young calves, up to 120-150g/calf/day. For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Crystalyx.

Stress is difficult to define but it is widely recognised that it can reduce immunity. Cattle can become stressed by such factors as transportation, introduction into a new herd or group, competition for insufficient feed, overcrowding and any management change that causes serious disturbance, such as dehorning or castration. Maintaining a healthy respiratory system can be aided by products such as Crystalyx Easy Breather. Although not intended to be a substitute for good management, Crystalyx Easy Breather contains a high vitamin, mineral and trace element specification, to help develop and optimise the natural immune defence system within the calf. Vitamin C and E are both included at generous levels because of their | Respiratory problems can arise at any time, even in calves kept outdoors.

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NUTRITION

Good hoof health crucial for productive dairy herd Lameness can be a major issue on-farm, particularly for animals grazing pasture, because good locomotion is required for optimum feed intake. Factor in walking to the dairy shed twice a day and life can become hard for a lame dairy cow.

impact on hoof health and specific micronutrients play an important part. Nutritional changes are not a quick fix for lameness issues however, and changes to the diet may take time to show results, given the hoof grows at a rate of about 6mm per month.

Animals with lameness issues will hold back from consuming feed as it becomes too difficult for them and this can flow on to production and animal condition.

The trace mineral zinc is involved in disease resistance, skin and coat condition and also in structural soundness of the hoof and udder. Adding extra zinc to the diet has been shown to increase hoof hardness over time and improve lameness issues. Zinc is often included in mineral pre-mixes used in compound feeds or through the Dosatron. Higher levels of zinc supplementation and/ or the use of organic/chelated zinc can be worth exploring if lameness is particularly problematic on-farm.

Many different elements and decisions made on-farm flow through to hoof health. Environmental, animal management and nutritional factors can play a part and often issues stem from a combination of these factors. While nutrition is only one piece of the puzzle, it’s worth considering how the diet can be changed in order to improve hoof health. Good hoof health is intertwined with good general animal health and a well-functioning immune system, so an animal on a well-balanced diet is less likely to encounter lameness problems. Periods of stress both nutritional (underfeeding, poor transition to a new diet) and environmental can have an

Biotin is a B group vitamin necessary for the synthesis of keratin, which is found in hooves and hair. Keratin is structural protein and forms internal support in hooves. Biotin is important in the horn-forming process in the hoof and a lack of biotin can cause soft hooves in cows. Lower-fibre diets are associated with the production of less biotin, so higher-producing cows on higher-quality pasture may have more need for supplementary biotin.

ruminal pH and subsequently decreased systemic (blood) pH, activates a “vaso-active” mechanism that increases pulse rate and blood flow through the hoof. Endotoxins and histamines are then released, causing increased blood pressure, with the knock-on effect of seepage through vessel walls in the hoof. This can damage the vessels, leading to weakening between layers in the hoof structure and the development of laminitis. Acidosis is not the only way laminitis can be brought on in an animal. In order to avoid laminitis through acidosis insult, sudden drops in rumen pH should be avoided by: • Ensuring there is sufficient fibre in the diet to stimulate adequate rumination and saliva production, in order to buffer the rumen. There is a difference between “fibre” and “physically effective fibre”. Long fibre that stimulates rumination is a necessity in any ruminant diet. As a rule of thumb, a milking cow diet should contain at least 20 percent effective fibre (eNDF). • G radually introducing high sugar and starch feeds, to allow the rumen micro-organisms time to adapt. • F eeding out concentrates in a way that does not allow gorging by more dominant animals.

The link between acidosis and lameness is also worth considering. Low-fibre diets and/or diets high in carbohydrates that are rapidly degraded can produce ruminal acidosis (low rumen pH), which can cause laminitis resulting in lameness.

For more information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist.

How does that work? Decreased

Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Nutritionist.

• C onsidering diet additives such as buffers and ionophores to combat acidosis.

| Environmental, animal management and nutritional factors influence hoof health.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Ryegrass proves worth in Southland conditions Farmers in Southland have found the ideal ryegrass – one that grows extra feed in early spring but also high-quality pasture for finishing stock over summer. The Fraser family – Murray and Leigh, Robbie and Carey – farm sheep and beef in Southland, just north of Riverton. Rainfall is plentiful (1,600mm) but in this climate, long winters make it difficult to feed ewes adequately during the first half of lambing. The Frasers have been using 24Seven perennial ryegrass for 2 years. “The 24Seven gives us better early spring growth than other pastures we’ve tried,” Robbie says, “and gives us plenty of feed for lambing ewes come

September. Usually, with the same mob and paddock sizes, we get an extra 2 days grazing from 24Seven.

early spring but DLF plant breeder,

“We’ve also found the 24Seven has great quality over summer and is easy to keep leafy, so we can more effectively put weight on lambs and get them off the farm earlier.”

breeding 24Seven in 2006. He selected

The quality is because 24Seven is the latest heading date (+24 days) diploid perennial ryegrass available. This delays the onset of stem growth until late spring but has the extra benefit of reducing stem regrowth after grazing throughout summer and autumn, meaning more green leaf for animals.

early spring (and in winter in warmer

Older late-heading cultivars had the disadvantage of slower growth in

24Seven,” Robbie says. “Our soils can

the late Pedro Evans, worked hard to break this link when he started several plants that were outstanding for growth during early spring. Trials have confirmed the Frasers’ findings, that 24Seven is very active in climates). A trial near Gore of 15 diploid perennial ryegrass cultivars under sheep and beef grazing found that 24Seven was in the top group for winter and early spring growth, as well as for total production. “We also like the high density of get wet at grazing and we can’t avoid pugging, so tiller density is crucial to give us persistent pastures.” The high tiller density of 24Seven is also no accident – Pedro realised this was an important trait to select for, to improve the persistence of perennial ryegrass. The robust nature of 24Seven means it has persisted well on sheep farms but also has the total and seasonal production to make it an attractive option on dairy farms. 24Seven seed is available through Farmlands with either Edge endophyte or low endophyte, making it suitable as a high-quality perennial pasture from Riverton to Kaitaia. For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by DLF Seeds.

| Southland farmer Robbie Fraser and Farmlands Technical Field Officer Dean Saunders check the 24Seven pasture.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Clover ‘canary in the coalmine’ for pasture Boosting clover content is good for your stock and your nitrogen spend. Clover is more nutritious than grasses. It has lower levels of structural carbohydrate, higher digestible protein and is processed quickly by the rumen. Clover also “feeds” other pasture species by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the amount of nitrogen fertiliser required.

and will show signs of any nutrient

These findings were confirmed by

deficiencies sooner than other

analysis of clover tissue samples.

pastures. A clover-only herbage test is

On-farm observations also showed

a useful tool to fine-tune your fertiliser

poor performing young pastures,

programme. Take samples during the

weak ryegrass and little clover.

spring flush, when moisture levels and temperatures are not limiting growth. Potassium and clover Many are aware that sulphur is important for clover growth, and

Ideally, pasture should contain about 30 percent clover, which would fix roughly 200kg N/ha/year and deliver significant animal productivity and dry matter yield benefits.

it is a commonly encountered

“Importantly, most of the yield gains arrive in summer, when extra feed is really valuable,” Ballance Science Extension Officer Josh Verhoek says. “However, in many New Zealand pastures, clover content hovers around 10-15 percent. Figuring out what is limiting clover growth is a very worthwhile exercise.” Clover is the “canary in the coalmine” for your pasture. It has a poor root structure relative to grasses, so is not as good at foraging for nutrients

(less than Quick Test K 7-10 on

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Keeping potassium levels within target range will improve the clover content of pasture and increase overall pasture production. Potassium can leach, so on some

deficiency. However, potassium can

soils, particularly those with low

be overlooked. Potassium-deficient

cation exchange capacity (CEC) and/

clovers are typically speckled, yellowed

or under high rainfall (over 1,500mm/

or “scorched” around the leaf margins,

year), it may not be practical or

with symptoms showing on older leaves

economic to keep potassium levels

first. Clover growth may be patchy,

within the optimum range. However,

with clover looking more lush in old

supplying enough potassium to meet

urine spots, which are potassium-rich.

plant needs is necessary to maintain

A study of fertility trends in New

plant potassium levels through the

Zealand pastoral soils over 7 years

growing season. Split applications are

indicated that nearly 35 percent of farms had potassium levels below optimum for maximum production ash or pumice soils or 5-8 on sedimentary soils). Around 8 percent had very low potassium levels.

recommended in high-loss situations. For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Trials reveal best plan for crop disease control Cereal fungicide programmes should start soon. Are you ready? After such a wet autumn and then the July deluge, it is easy to forget that crops are already getting ready to start their race to harvest. But after this winter the main question being asked is what approach to adopt for disease control.

and came up with some interesting

GS30 spray reduced profit by $207/

results. These can help you even

ha (programme used – Delaro 750ml/

before you set foot in your paddocks.

ha (GS32) and Aviator® Xpro 1L/ha).

Autumn/winter planted barley

The straightforward, profitable,

Investigating fungicide use on

three-spray fungicide programme will

barley, Bayer’s trials showed that

do the best for your barley crops.

applying a three-spray fungicide programme was the right approach. Applying a fungicide at GS30/

The answer depends on the disease infection in your crops and there is no substitute for paddock walking to understand this. Do this soon with your Farmlands’ Agronomist and then work out the right approach.

GS32/GS39 gave a profit of $369/

Help is at hand. Last year Bayer trialled many fungicides on barley and wheat

ha* compared with the untreated

Autumn/winter planted wheat Bayer’s wheat fungicide trials encountered a range of differing disease pressures last season, from

(programme used – Delaro® 600ml/

a lot of disease to those with little

ha (GS30), Delaro 750ml/ha (GS32)

disease. But in all trials the benefit

and Aviator® Xpro 1L/ha).

of applying three fungicides and of

This compared with a two-spray

the GS32 application, was clear.

programme GS32/GS39 that gave

Applying a three-spray fungicide

a profit of $162/ha*. Leaving out the

programme GS32/GS39/GS65 (based on Prosaro® and two applications of Aviator Xpro) was the right approach, returning a profit of $453/ha*. This compared with a profit of $190/ha* from a two-spray programme. Bayer’s trials also demonstrated that failing to apply a GS32 fungicide was a mistake, with profit reduced by $188/ha*. So, to maximise your profit use a three-spray programme incorporating Prosaro and Aviator Xpro and be ready to start soon at GS32. For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. *Profit calculated with barley $315/t, wheat $325/t and fungicides at recommended retail prices (excluding GST). Aviator ® Xpro, Delaro® and Prosaro® are registered trademarks of the Bayer Group. Article supplied by Bayer Crop Science in New Zealand.

| Bayer encountered a range of disease pressures in its wheat fungicide trials but results were consistent.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Chicory in mix adds milksolids to the vat Ensuring high-quality, reliable homegrown feed throughout summer and autumn is a goal Reporoa farmer Mathew Martelli is achieving with Choice chicory. The feed quality of Choice also means he sees the results in the vat, with a significant increase in milksolids production compared with an all-grass diet. Mathew farms 325 cows on a 152ha (141ha effective) dairy farm. Choice chicory, a deep tap-rooted long-lived herb, works well in drought proofing the amount and quality of his feed supply in the variable summer rainfall environment. “Our system is low input so chicory fits well during the dry summer months when pasture quality can be low,” Mathew says. Mathew has been sowing Choice chicory on farm for several years and it is now about 10 percent of his platform. This season’s extremely wet autumn has knocked performance but

both per dairy cow and per hectare. Mathew’s increase in milksolids production when grazing Choice compared with an all-grass diet is in keeping with findings from DairyNZ. Lee and Minneé (2012) found that when pasture quality was poor (below 10 ME), feeding Choice at 20-40 percent of the diet can increase milksolids production by 17 percent1. In a year with reasonable summer moisture, growth rates on dairy farms of around 80-100kg DM/ha/day can be expected during summer/ autumn from Choice. Choice works well with the farm’s pasture renewal programme. It allows successful control of grass weeds (poa annua/yellow bristle grass and browntop) and the crop can be finished and sprayed out in time to autumn-sow new pasture. “One of the huge benefits we find when establishing Choice is that there is no maintenance required as slow release N was applied down

the spout when sowing,” Mathew says. Choice is not only suited to dairy cows. The high-quality, high-utilisation feed can be mixed with red or white clover and/or ryegrass to produce an excellent finishing feed for lambs. These specialist crops enable rapid liveweight gain and can achieve higher lamb liveweight gains than often experienced on poor summer pastures. Choice chicory is New Zealand-bred to maximise forage production and grazing tolerance. The crop provides very cost effective summer protein feed while acting as a great clean-up tool before re-grassing in the autumn. For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Lee & Minneé. (2012). DairyNZ Technical Series. August 2012. Chicory and plantain – your questions answered.

Article supplied by Agricom.

Mathew has still produced a yield of 12-13 tonnes and had a 12.5 percent milksolid increase when the cows were introduced from ryegrass (compared with a 16 percent increase the previous year). His 13ha of Choice have allowed a 28-day grazing round, with the cows grazing half a hectare a day. Choice provides high protein and high ME feed and Mathew says his heifers did really well on the crop because they were able to use it so well. “The feed is there in front of them and easily accessible. I find it easier to manage versus turnips.” Choice chicory has been thoroughly proven on farms and in research to substantially improve production | Farmlands Technical Field Officer Jamie Taplin (left) with Mathew Martelli in a paddock with Choice chicory sown into perennial ryegrass.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Seed system controls weeds in brassica crop Driving high dry matter yield in forage brassica crops is key to improving the total feed grown on-farm and will reduce the crop costs per kilogram of dry matter. Many of the factors that can contribute to high forage yield, including availability of moisture and nutrients, can be reduced if weeds are present within the crop. Weed control in brassica crops does not have to be complicated and keeping things simple is something that the Cleancrop™ Brassica System can offer farmers. It is a seed and herbicide package that enables you to control your weeds at the time of sowing (i.e. at the pre-emerge stage). Cleancrop brassica cultivars have been bred to tolerate a broad spectrum herbicide, DuPont Telar®. With 22 susceptible weeds on the label, along with another six moderately susceptible

| Te Kuiti shareholder Katherine Robertson with Farmlands Technical Field Officer Nick Morrison.

weeds, the Cleancrop Brassica System has one of the broadest weed spectrums on the market. Te Kuiti Farmlands shareholder Katherine Robertson has been growing Cleancrop rape for the past 3 years. Situated on a leased property of 560 hectares in Piopio, Waikato, Katherine runs 2,000 ewes (which lamb at 145 percent at docking), fattens 5,000 lambs and has 120 breeding cows with a calf at foot and 100 R2 Friesian bulls. With a key focus on pasture renewal, Cleancrop works well in Katherine’s farm system. “Cleancrop rape has outperformed our expectations due to higher yields and the flexibility of grazing,” she says. In previous

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seasons Katherine has had to buy an extra 500 lambs over December as she was picking 35-40 percent out every 14 days and needed more lambs for replacement stock. Reviewing the 2015/2016 season, Katherine says more than 5,000 lambs were sent to slaughter “and with the early feed such as Cleancrop rape in our system we have been able to catch the early premiums”. She is keen to use the crop again next season. Cleancrop brassica cultivars are sold with 20g/ha of Telar® herbicide, which is applied at the pre-emerge stage. The system is adaptable across sowing methods and can be

effectively used in both conventional and direct-drilling situations. If an additional spray is required past emergence to control weeds such as Californian thistle and wild turnip, this is also included in the package. The Cleancrop cultivar range includes Cleancrop leafy turnip, rape, bulb turnip and two new additions this spring, Hawkestone swede and Firefly kale (although Firefly kale has very limited availability this spring). For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by PGGW Seeds.

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

Bad autumn sets scene for invasion of slugs Getting the better of slugs before they get the best of your new crops or grass is not just a matter of good planning and preparation this spring. It also comes down to picking the right product. “Slugs don’t have GPS,” Nufarm technical expert Alan Cliffe says. “They don’t so much sniff out their food as fall over the top of it and that’s why bait coverage is such a make or break factor when it comes to achieving good control.” After a “horrendously” bad autumn, with perfect weather for slug survival and multiplication, there is potential for real issues this spring, especially in any conservation tillage or no-till situations. “The massive burden in autumn will inevitably mean high slug populations heading into spring, so it’s really important that farmers and growers check their paddocks before sowing rather than take the risk. Once you

see the damage afterwards, it’s often too late to do much about them and slugs can make a mess of newly sown crops or grass in a matter of days.”

Alan strongly encourages checking

Alan says industry research has repeatedly reinforced the importance of coverage (or bait points per square metre) in obtaining effective control where high numbers of slugs are present, most recently in the Foundation for Arable Research’s latest Integrated Pest Management guide.

Bait should be automatically used

“This is where SlugOut® comes into its own,” he says. “At the recommended label rate of 10kg/ha, FAR trials show SlugOut has 112 bait points per square metre, which is much higher than other baits with the same active ingredient.

SlugOut, has the further advantage

“Remember, slugs can only detect their food from very close up. They have a poor sense of smell – they do not sniff out their food from a distance. They are much more likely to crawl across it by sheer chance. Good coverage is the critical first step to good control.”

paddocks before sowing to find out if slugs are present, by leaving out sacks or boards for two or three nights. in all no-till situations, because not cultivating creates ideal conditions for survival. If cultivated seedbeds are cloddy, farmers should monitor and consider baiting. As well as high rates of coverage, metaldehyde, the active ingredient in of not killing beetles that naturally eat slugs, making it suitable for farmers who want to use integrated pest management programmes. Baits with methiocarb as the active ingredient result in secondary poisoning to predator beetles, Alan says. Metaldehyde is not harmful to earthworms – poisoned slugs pose no threat to birds or small mammals. To maximise crop establishment, SlugOut should be broadcast at 10-15kg/ha 1-5 days prior to, during or immediately after sowing. For emerged or established crops, apply as soon as damage appears. Use the high rate if slug numbers are high. SlugOut may also be drilled at 10kg/ ha with seed in situations where the drill leaves an open slot that allows slugs easy access to the seed. For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. ®SlugOut is a registered trademark of Nufarm Technologies USA Pty Ltd. Article supplied by Nufarm.

| Industry research shows the importance of bait coverage in obtaining effective control of slug numbers.

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Smooth beats corrugated in battle of the pipelines Drainage contractor Kevin Griffiths, the owner of Don Griffiths Ltd, a long-established land drainage company based in Matamata, gets asked the same question a lot – why choose a smoothbore land drainage pipe over cheaper corrugated-bore pipe?

Other benefits also come from

“It’s been an interesting conversation to have with farmers during the dairy downturn, given smooth-bore land drainage pipe is more expensive than its corrugated equivalent,” Kevin says. “But once they appreciate the physical differences and design and production benefits, it’s a no-brainer.”

can’t be overstated – in the short-term,

The pipes are not like-for-like products that can be compared on price alone. Independent testing by Massey University determined that the smooth bore produced a less turbulent flow within the pipe, thereby conveying considerably more water than the corrugated-bore pipe, in fact 49 percent more on any given gradient for a 110mm pipe.

wetter paddocks for longer periods

Iplex Pipelines manufactures both smooth-bore Nexus and corrugatedbore Novaflo pipe. Kevin says farmers shouldn’t focus on the per metre price but rather on the volume of water transported for that price.

within the pipe, reducing the bore

“A smooth-bore pipe is actually a more economic choice. A 110mm smoothbore pipe’s flow performance is so good, it may not be necessary in highvolume drainage situations to step up to the next diameter, 160mm corrugatedbore pipe, so the farmer can actually be saving money purchasing a Nexus-type product,” Kevin says.

laid on a flatter gradient than Novaflo

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the faster flow of water through smooth-bore pipes – better drained soils, enhanced root systems, more resilient pasture, greater dry matter yields and the flow-on effect of boosted production. “The effects of pugging in wet soils good pasture is trampled into the ground and long-term soil compaction leads to a less healthy soil structure for worm activity, pasture growth and fertiliser effectiveness. Getting excess water out of the soil profile faster leads to better utilisation of during the year,” Kevin says. Faster flow within the smooth-bore Nexus pipe also flushes out any soil that gets in, maintaining the bore size, flow rate and ultimately the effective working life of the drainage line. Conversely, the slower water flow through corrugated-bore Novaflo can lead to soil build-up diameter, further reducing the flow rate and, if not regularly cleaned out, eventually causing pipeline failure. From a design perspective, because of its smooth bore Nexus can also be – more than twice as shallow. Given the lowest point in a drainage line

| Smooth-bore drainage pipes can be laid on a gradient twice as shallow as that required for corrugated-bore pipes.

effective, high-performing systems. “I’m sold on Nexus as the first choice in land drainage pipe,” Kevin says. “It’s the same price to install as Novaflo, yet has all the aforementioned longevity, design and production benefits. As

is the outlet, just above the normal

I tell my clients, ‘go with the flow’.”

water level in an open drain, Nexus

For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

lines can be longer before getting too close to the surface. This allows for greater flexibility in land drainage system design, leading to cost-

Article supplied by Iplex.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

RURAL RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE

Spring’s growth means march of the possums Possums are one of the greatest threats to New Zealand’s natural environment. Here, they have no predators and lots of palatable vegetation. As a result, they have a huge impact on our ecosystems, native land and forests, with the added worry of them spreading bovine tuberculosis to cattle.

you have roses you will know you have a problem by the fur left on the thorns as possums dine on the emerging buds. There are a number of other ways to tell if you have a possum problem:

a simple and easy to use solution.

• Severe defoliation of trees in the bush, especially Northern Rata.

pre-feeding. PestOff Possum Bait

• Dead trees (especially Northern Rata) in the bush canopy – clearly visible from the air.

cinnamon or raspberry. This ensures

• Fruit trees in gardens being robbed at nights.

being 100g, or roughly two feeds. If

The bait combines the effectiveness of the anti-coagulant toxin brodifacoum with a highly palatable cereal formulation, eliminating the need for contains attractive lures – either the possum will consume on average

Possums eat leaves, flowers, leaf buds, fruit, eggs, birds, insects and snails, as well as pasture, which means less food for farm animals. They can also damage horticultural and garden crops. Damage by possums costs New Zealand farmers about $35 million a year.

• Possum dung pellets around trees bearing fruit or flowers.

possums can feed freely over 4-5

• Rubbish bins being searched for fruit.

5-10 days after eating a full lethal dose.

New growth in early spring means possums start invading our farms – if

• Many possums seen on pastures and in the trees at night.

above ground level or at a similar

• TB infected possums being found (showing cheesy lymph nodes under arms and back legs).

possum can sit while feeding. Place

• Possums hissing and squawking at night and running over the roof.

per hectare of forest. Keep them out

• Clear tracks from the bush into the paddocks or fur on the fence wire.

You are not required to hold an

• Sick (dopey) possums seen out in

PestOff Possum Bait and stations.

the paddocks during daytime. Now is the time to organise your strategy to achieve an effective eradication for the coming spring – and PestOff Possum Bait and stations are

50g per feed, with the lethal dose bait supply is maintained to ensure consecutive nights, they will usually die Secure the bait stations about 200mm height above a tree fork where a bait stations 100m apart on shelter belts and bush/pasture margins, or two of reach of pets, stock and feral pigs. Approved Handlers certificate to use For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Bell-Booth.

| The design of the PestOff Possum Bait Station ensures rain does not spoil the bait.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

New software tool puts data at farmers’ fingertips Tracking his animals’ progress against targets has been an important part of Glen Whyte’s successful Mid-Canterbury deer, cattle and sheep operation. Glen runs 1,100 weaner deer through to finishing. He also buys 400 calves each year, taking them through to R2s and runs a few sheep on the 400ha property. For Glen, an early adopter of weighing technology, ease of access to the data he captures with his Tru-Test weigh scale and EID readers is key

| For Glen Whyte, tracking groups and growth rates is easier with the new livestock management programme.

and something not available until the launch of Tru-Test’s MiHub Livestock Management software. As one of the original beta testers for Tru-Test’s 5000 range of weigh scales, Glen has been involved from the early stages of developing technology that makes weighing and data management both accurate and easy. “I’d provided feedback to Tru-Test about the need for a better data transfer and analysis solution. You

can record all sorts of information on the weigh scale but key is being able to utilise the information more easily and to make it more user-friendly off the scale. So I was very pleased to learn about their new MiHub Livestock Management online programme.

weight, and then what weight they

The new software is great, just what I have been hoping for. I’m still learning but am very pleased with it so far. It’s very easy to use. All you really have to do is upload it and then follow the steps.”

you need to be doing to get back on

Glen says tracking groups and growth rates is more straightforward with the new programme. “With tracking groups of animals, before MiHub all you could do was put the weigh scale data into an Excel spreadsheet. What should really have been a 5-minute job could take you an hour or two to track back different animals through different groups,” he says. “For our finishing target weights, now I can put in the date I want to finish my deer or cattle and at what

came in on and an average. I can set the average daily gains to what I think they should be doing and it’ll give you a growth curve to follow. “So every time you weigh in you can see whether you’re on target or what target if you’re falling behind. And you can adjust that as you’re going. You could always work that out but it just gives you an easily visual way to track that information.” Glen’s advice to others? “Weighing these days really is a no-brainer, at least for cattle and deer as you have to have EID tags. We’re paying to have them in their ears – we might as well make use of that information and use the technology to our advantage.” For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Tru-Test.

| The MiHub Livestock Management online programme.

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT

Teat care programme pays off in premiums Cow teat condition is a top priority for Southland dairy farmer Graham Haynes and his methodical approach to protection is proof of that. Graham milks about 850 cows. The turbulent Southland weather has always been a major factor in his management of the herd and in the past teat condition was problematic. “Our cell count was consistently around 200,000 and cracked teats were common in the herd,” he says. GEA’s FIL Area Manager, Graham Beggs, was instrumental in switching the farm to FIL 5 years ago. “I liked the support that FIL offered,” Graham Haynes says. “Their approach to best practice, training staff and being so readily available when we have an issue are probably the key reasons. Graham now uses both GEA’s FIL Iodoshield Active (iodine teat spray) and Teatshield (chlorhexidine teat spray) during the year, depending on the weather conditions. | GEA’s FIL Area Manager, Graham Beggs discusses the teat care programme.

“We hadn’t used both iodine and chlorhexidine before but it makes good sense to match our teat care programme to the conditions on-farm. It’s probably fair to say we weren’t very aware of mixing rates and effective teat spraying methods before either and that’s why we had problems,” he says. Graham’s teat care programme is flexible. Iodoshield Active is used in spring (pre-mating), when weather conditions are at their worst. He then switches to Teatshield over summer. Weather depending, he may go back to Iodoshield come autumn. Teat conditioner is added for extra emollient,

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as required, over spring and autumn.

in and strip herd. Also, in early spring,

“A big incentive for us to bring our cell count under control is the premium payments Open Country Dairy pay. For somatic cell count thresholds under 250,000, the premium is $0.04, and under 150,000 is $0.08. This extra income is very beneficial.

all cows joining the herd are RTM

“Last year’s average cell count was 147,000. I’d put that down 60 percent to the teat spray, the rest is management control. We’ve set trigger points – for example, as soon as we hit 150,000 (cell count) we go

checked before we start sending. “Ultimately I’m happy with GEA’s FIL performance all round. I’d recommend both their teat care and dairy hygiene ranges, plus their backup support on-farm is invaluable.” For more information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by GEA.