Banking on the details

Date: 2008-03-01 | Category: News

Recognising pasture quality as the weak link in their intensive dairying operation has led to a focus on pasture renewal over the past five years for Greg and Gerry Glover, of Koromatua, 12km west of Hamilton.

They farm 1000 Friesian-Jersey cross cows on 255ha, using a feedpad for winter feeding of maize silage. The current stocking rate is four cows/ha.

The Glovers see pasture renewal as a vital, long-term investment in reaching their goal of producing 400kg of milksolids (MS)/cow each year in an operation that is profitable, sustainable and environmentally
sound as well.

“We want our cows to be consuming grass as much as possible because it gives us the most efficient returns relative to our input costs,” Greg said.

“At present our production is 360-370kg MS/cow/year and we want more production and feed conversion efficiency/cow. On today’s payout we’d earn $276,000 gross more if we got to our goal of 400kg.

“Right now, renewing pastures after growing maize is helping us reduce the [excess] fertility on the 80ha we’re spreading our dairy effluent onto. The renewal process we use ensures all cultivation necessary happens prior to maize being planted.”

Once the maize is harvested in March, the paddocks are direct-drilled with new pasture varieties which contain endophytes to help reduce ryegrass staggers during the summer.

“The forage species are selected according to the objectives of sustainability we have set for our farm,” he said.

“We are looking for renewed pastures that allow us to meet our feed quality and production, plus our animal health goals. The pasture renewal rate averages seven percent/year at the moment.”

To date, the Glovers have concentrated on renewing pastures on their flat, easy country which makes up two-thirds of the farm. Long term, the remaining rolling country, which contains the oldest pastures (some over 20 years) growing in clay soils which take the brunt of dry summers and wet winters, will be renewed.

Dry matter (DM) production has increased 25 percent from 12-13 tonnes DM/ha/year to 16-17t on renewed pastures which requires more diligent pasture management.

“From April through to September we use a platemeter to monitor the DM/ha supply with a weekly walk over the paddocks,” Greg said.

“As the spring progresses, the monitoring happens every two weeks. Having the feed supply closely monitored over the winter period is vital to minimise wastage of the maize silage on the feedpad and to reduce pasture
damage elsewhere.

“At this time we need the cows to be fed well above maintenance to ensure they come into calving in top condition. Once they have calved, the emphasis changes to ensure the cows get all they need to maximise milk production.”

The challenge to using grass more efficiently lies in attention to detail in pasture management. The Glovers believe the steps they are taking now will position them well to run their detailsfarm on sound business and environmental principles before more regulations are imposed on dairy farms.

“We want to ensure our animal welfare, milk quality, and environmental practices keep abreast of best-practice guidelines in our industry,” he said.

“Having a major focus on our staff’s development and involvement in the wider community is vital to achieving and maintaining best practices.”

They have established their farm policies in conjunction with consultant Soren Moller, of Intelact.

“These moves five years ago have made our farming operation both more challenging and more rewarding,” Greg said.

“Our weak links are reducing and we hope the next generation will benefit from our goal of getting a more balanced business, at all levels, operating.”

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