Contest will find where the grass is greenest

Entries are open for a competition looking for the best dairy pasture in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

The Pasture Renewal Persistence Competition, run by the DairyNZ-led Pasture Renewal Leadership Group, is in its third year.

Competition organiser and DairyNZ farm systems specialist, Chris Glassey said good weather last autumn had raised expectations for the quality of this year’s entries.

‘‘We expect that with more favourable weather conditions there will be more success stories and we’re looking forward to hearing some of those stories through this competition,” Mr Glassey said.

Farmers can enter in two categories; best first year pasture sown this year and best pasture sown more than three years ago.

Up for grabs are two $1000 pasture seed and herbicide packages.

‘‘This is part of the Pasture Renewal Leaderships Group’s role of ensuring that farmers receive consistent, timely messages on pasture persistence and renewal from throughout the industry,’’ Mr Glassey said.

Judging will involve a short interview about the soil fertility and the paddock’s history before and since re-sowing. Management practices such as grazing management, endophyte selection, weed control, and nitrogen usage will be discussed.

‘‘We will also be looking for any other information that will help build a picture of the best management practice required for persistence of renewed pastures in this environment,’’ Mr Glassey said.

Winners’ field days will be held in early December.

“The winners from the last two seasons have highlighted that their good pastures are far from a fluke but instead the result of hard work and planning.”

Prizes have been provided by Gavins Ltd, Agriseeds and Agricom.

Entries are open until October 26 with judging held during November.

More: 0800 4 DAIRYNZ (0800 4324 7969) or register online at dairynz.co.nz/ pasturerenewalcompetition.