Use of winter grazing plan promoted
Focus on environment, animal welfare
Farmers preparing to graze livestock on fodder crops this winter are being encouraged to use a new checklist and other practical resources now available sector-wide.
The farming sector is focused on improving winter grazing and eliminating practices that affect the environment and animal welfare.
A new wintering checklist and winter grazing plans designed to help farmers make practical written plans for winter are now available from industry bodies Dairynz, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Federated Farmers. A comprehensive winter grazing plan is also available through Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Plans are recommended to support good management and farmers can utilise an industry or MPI plan.
Dairynz farm performance general manager Sharon Morrell encourages farmers to make use of the new resources, as they help them take the right steps to continuing to lift winter grazing standards.
“Planning for winter and wet weather now is important to deliver good outcomes when adverse weather arrives,” said Sharon. “Farmers will begin moving stock onto crops in the next few weeks, so now is the critical time to ensure all plans are in place for the months ahead. We are all committed to lifting winter grazing performance and using a wintering checklist and practical plan helps farmers and graziers to do that.”
The new wintering checklist helps farmers assess whether they are prepared for winter and highlight any potential gaps. The checklist is supported by other new initiatives, such as webinars, workshops and regular information from industry bodies collaborating on advice to farmers to ensure it is coordinated and consistent. The advice is in line with new guidelines released by MPI. “We all want to see the sector perform well this winter . . . from planning through to wet weather management,” said Beef + Lamb New Zealand North Island general manager, Corina Jordan.
In addition, Dairynz’s new winter grazing plan provides step-by-step strategies for paddock set-up and grazing management for immediate focus this winter. This includes protecting critical source areas and waterways, bale placement, back fencing and having a wet-weather contingency plan.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand will also be delivering a series of winter grazing workshops nationwide.
A joint Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Dairynz webinar is taking place today, between 7pm and 8pm. The webinar will help farmers understand the key risks when undertaking winter grazing and management tools to help mitigate the risks.
The sector has also recently launched a wintering hotline for any concerns or complaints. If anyone sees something that doesn’t look right, they can call the wintering hotline on 0800 FARMING. The hotline is supported by Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Dairynz, and calls are confidential.