Feed when it matters most

For many dairy farmers, the most valuable pasture growth occurs in late winter and early spring, when feed is limited and cow demand is increasing rapidly.

Once cows calve, their energy requirements more than double almost overnight. At the same time, many farms are still waiting for pasture growth rates to lift. This creates one of the biggest feed deficits of the season and can have a major impact on milk production, body condition and farm profitability.

The challenge is simple: can your pasture keep up?

Early spring pasture is one of the highest quality feeds available to dairy cows. It is highly digestible, energy-rich and cost-effective. Every kilogram of quality dry matter grown and utilised during this period reduces reliance on supplementary feed and helps maximise milk solids production.

This has been the experience of Ben and Heather Peake from Southern Peake Dairies in Eyreton, North Canterbury. Share-milking 1,550 cows across two platforms, they have focused on improving efficiency by reducing stocking rate and increasing production per cow. To achieve this Ben and Heather have had a strong emphasis on quality pasture production and with an aging platform they have been aggressive in their re-grassing with 20% renewal per year. The pasture renewal program is paying dividends with Ben and Heather achieving comparable production and improved profitability while halving the previous amount of supplements used and reducing stocking rate.

Before embarking on the re-grassing program Ben and Heather trialled a number of leading ryegrass cultivars in a couple of small paddocks near the dairy shed, where the pressure was going to be on the pastures to produce and handle wear and tear. It was from these paddocks that RGT Hustle RGT18 stood out. “Rachel Butt our local Farm Source Technical Sales Representative encouraged us to try RGT Hustle as she had seen it perform well on other properties in the region’. 

 " With an increased focus on milk production from pasture, the most important growth is that late winter and early spring flush," says Ben Peake. "That's when grass gives you the best return because it matches cow demand and reduces the need for supplements. That's where RGT Hustle really stands out. It also keeps growing exceptionally well through summer and into autumn, which is important to drive high production and particularly given our irrigation costs."

Sam Lucas, Forage Systems Manager at RAGT New Zealand emphasises “When selecting a pasture variety, farmers have traditionally focused on heading date as an indicator of quality and seasonal performance. While heading date remains important, modern breeding programmes have created significant differences in growth patterns between cultivars. Today, farmers should look beyond heading date and examine robust trial data that shows how a variety performs throughout the year and across multiple environments. As seasonal growth pattern matters just as much as total annual yield.”

Equally important is persistence. The RGT18 endophyte, provides proven protection against key pasture pests including Argentine stem weevil, root aphid and black beetle. These pests can significantly reduce pasture performance, particularly in intensive grazing systems.

The RGT18 endophyte helps maintain plant health, pasture density and long-term productivity while delivering a strong balance between insect protection, animal safety and palatability. This combination allows farmers to capture the productivity benefits of a high-performing ryegrass without compromising livestock performance.

In a farming environment where margins are increasingly driven by efficiency, growing more quality feed at the right time remains one of the most profitable decisions a farmer can make. Talk to your local Farm Source Technical Sales Representative about pasture renewal options for your farm.