Best feed solution an individual choice
First and foremost a crop has to work for the farm and for the farmer’s objectives.
Farmlands Central North Island agronomist Brian Cornish says it is never a one solution fits all. Each farm is different and needs to be treated to fit the specific topography, the farm type along with what the farmer wants to achieve.
Cornish, who trained at Lincoln University has been an agronomist for some time. He works with technical field team members to assist Farmlands farmer shareholders achieve their individual farm goals
Providing solid, well founded agronomic recommendations that improve the productive and financial performance of any farm system is fundamental, whether that is growth and production on the dairy platform or improved live weight performance off the sheep and beef platform.
He says at the present time there is a push for many dairy farms to reduce their reliance on palm kernel.
‘‘The first step in assessing the opportunity for positive change is to identify what is currently happening on farm, what the farmer would like to achieve and how best to implement improvement.
‘‘Often we look for ways to improve farm dry matter production through the establishment and maintenance of pastures as well as looking for various farm crops to fill in the seasonal pasture production deficit.
‘‘These are all really good alternatives to buying in expensive palm kernel. Our goal is to plan how to do it in each particular situation and optimise the production available from cropping and pasture.
‘‘It might mean changing older habits. Changing the type of pasture. We can look at a property with new eyes and extensive experience and suggest other ways.’’
We look to grow what grows best, what is the most economical and suitable for each farm and to advise them about all the considerations including varieties, crop and pasture management as well as best practice for grazing and utilisation.
Our team has good expertise at developing a farm feed plan with sound recommendations.
The key thing is it has to work for the farm and for the farmer’s objectives.
‘‘Has the farm previously grown maize? Do they have equipment and/or labour and is it the best situation or should the farmer be looking at a grazed crop like turnip, kale or a high yielding crop like fodder beet.’’
He says grazing a crop in the ground is more economical and easier because you are not handling the crop, involving harvesting – it is grazed right in the paddock.
‘‘We can look at a property with new eyes and extensive experience and suggest other ways.’’ Farmlands Central North Island agronomist Brian Cornish.