After a slow start to the season, Murray Dairy extension team lead Bec Wyper offers crucial advice for dairy farmers looking to make the most of spring pastures.
With little rain and no growth, or slow start for autumn pastures then hampered by extreme cold, many farmers have been forced to feed out for longer than expected.
Spring is always crucial but in years like this it is important to get things right and not panic.
Bec stresses the importance of timing when it comes to grazing.
“Don’t graze too early,” she advises.
Waiting for the third leaf stage on rye-grass can produce up to 40 per cent more feed compared to grazing at the two-leaf stage.
This patience allows pastures to reach their full potential and ensures better growth throughout the season.
Avoiding overgrazing is also essential. Leaving a residual of 4cm to 6cm will allow for faster and more robust regrowth, ensuring sustained feed production over time.
It was hard enough to grow, so don’t go too early or too hard now.
Additionally, Bec recommends conducting soil tests to identify any limiting factors in pasture growth. Addressing deficiencies early will help maximise spring growth and make the most of available rain.
Finally, Bec encourages farmers to grow as much feed as possible, both to conserve and replace depleted fodder reserves.
However, she warns that only a true surplus should be conserved, as this ensures ongoing pasture availability and prevents overgrazing.
With these practical tips, farmers can make the most of spring and set up their feed production for the season ahead.
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