Workshops on dry farms

Waikato dairy farmers can receive advice on how to cope with the current dry conditions at a series of workshops being held this week across the region.

The workshops will cover topics such as regaining or preserving cow condition and profitable and practical feed management options.

DairyNZ regional team leader Wade Bell said the workshops would provide an opportunity to get ideas from other farmers and obtain practical advice from DairyNZ and other rural professionals on how to minimise damage this season and reduce the negative impact on next season.

Bell said parts of the region had conditions that were as dry as last year.

‘‘The dry conditions are starting to have an impact on farms. Pasture covers are very low and farmers are increasing the amount of supplementary feed to bridge any feed gaps. There has been a small amount of rain, but not enough to break the dry spell. We need at least 60-70mm of sustained rainfall, plus follow-up rain.’’

The first workshop is being held tomorrow at Jim Grayling’s farm, 439 O’Regan Rd, Ngahinapouri SN 73368, starting 11am.

There are two workshops held on Thursday. The first of these is at 10am at the Maramarua Rugby Football Club on SH2, Maramarua and the second is at 12.30pm at the Morrinsville Rugby and Sports Club, 355 Thames St, Morrinsville.