Expert tips for autumn pasture growth

Making the most of the autumn bump in pasture growth rates without jeopardising spring might sound easier said than done.

But with good pasture management and monitoring, it is possible to finish this lactation well while also setting yourself to start the next one with both cows and pastures in good shape.

That’s the advice from Barenbrug Pasture Systems Manager Mark Shand, who says the benefits of doing so impact the whole farm system, from animals and the environment to your finances.

Managing pastures correctly at this time of the year builds covers, supports cow condition, reduces your need for supplement and fuels milk solids output at the end of the season.

“Autumn is the best time to increase pasture covers before winter,” he says.

Mark’s number one tip for capturing this seasonal advantage?

“The third leaf stage of your ryegrass produces much more than either the first or second, so aim to graze at 2.5-3 leaves.”

He says farmers often graze too early, and in doing so grow less pasture. For example, grazing just a quarter of a leaf stage too early you can miss out on about 150 kilograms¹ of dry matter per ha each round. Over 100 ha, that adds up to a lot of emissions-efficient homegrown feed!

Once you’re confident pre-and-post grazing residuals are where they should be for consistent autumn growth and quality, Mark recommends taking a broader look at existing pastures.

That’s because autumn reveals the state of all your paddocks after whatever the previous winter, spring and summer have thrown at them.

Just like you condition score cows, he suggests doing the same with pastures.

Focus on key performance factors like the number of times each pasture has been grazed during current season; level of clover content; how many weeds are present and what damage may have been caused by pugging.

“All those details build a really useful picture of the farm’s overall pasture strengths and weaknesses heading into another season, and you can use that to make key decisions that will improve productivity and efficiency in the next lactation.”

Examples include identifying paddocks that might need to be undersown to maintain good feed growth and singling out poor performers which without full renewal this autumn will only hold you back in 2026/27.

“A lot of farmers have already earmarked new grass paddocks by way of summer crop, but it’s always worth keeping grass to grass renewal in mind too. Autumn pasture performance – or lack of it – gives you one more chance to fine-tune your renewal plan and capture potential gains that might otherwise elude you.”

As for paddocks already slotted in for renewal this autumn, Mark has one more piece of advice.

“Make sure you’ve ticked off all the boxes in terms of getting the best possible result, from paddock preparation and cultivar selection to booking the contractor if you need one. It’s not worth leaving anything to chance; new pasture is potentially a 100 t DM/ha crop over its lifetime, if not more, and will reward you for careful sowing and establishment.”

For more support and information about maximising homegrown pastures through autumn, talk to your local Technical Sales Representative today.

Article supplied by Barenbrug

1. Journal of NZ Grasslands 85: 273-281 (2023), Glassey et al.