Make every summer grazing count with better feed and smarter effluent use

As dairy farmers look to reduce costs and improve sustainability, summer crops like chicory are offering more than just feed – they’re becoming part of the nutrient efficiency solution.

Choice chicory, in particular, has proven its value, not only in high-quality summer production but in how effectively it integrates with farm effluent strategies. With a little planning around establishment, grazing and nutrient use, this deep-rooted herb can deliver quality homegrown feed as perennial pasture declines.

The value of an early sowing

Getting chicory in the ground at the right time makes a significant difference in yield potential. Sowing should begin once soil temperatures reach 12°C and continue to rise – typically from mid-October in most regions.

A well-prepared seedbed, good weed control, and accurate sowing depth all contribute to successful establishment. But timing is everything. Early sowing gives Choice chicory a head start on root development, which boosts summer resilience and drives higher dry matter production – up to 14t DM/ha from September through to April in the right conditions, while sowing from mid November may only yield 8-10t in the same time frame¹.

Designed for dairy – high energy and performance

Chicory excels in summer dry dairy systems for a reason. Its upright, broad growth habit and high ME content (typically over 11MJME/kgDM) make it ideal for supporting lactation during periods when ryegrass quality declines² . The high digestibility of this summer forage also helps stimulate a cow’s intake in hot, dry conditions during summer.

Make nutrients work harder

Paddocks associated with effluent application are ideal targets for a summer cropping programme. Chicory with its deep taproot and high nutrient value is particularly effective at utilising nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), which are both abundant in effluent.

Applied sensibly, effluent can fuel chicory growth without compromising animal health or environmental risk. Best practice is to apply effluent little and often, ideally post-grazing. This avoids excess potassium accumulation while allowing the crop to make full use of the nutrients available to improve the speed of regrowth.

Choice chicory’s deep root system also allows it to access potassium from further down in the soil profile, helping reduce surface accumulation and nutrient losses.

Manage for regrowth and quality

Chicory should be first grazed when it has developed around seven true leaves.

Before grazing, perform a simple “pull test” by gripping the plant with your thumb and forefinger and giving it a gentle tug to mimic how a dairy cow grazes. If the roots are still being pulled from the ground, delay grazing for another five days to allow the plants to better establish.

In the first grazing, a light, fast graze is ideal. Following rotational grazing is typically targeted at a pre-grazing height of 25-35cm, down to 5-10cm post grazing.

As summer progresses, grazing intervals can typically range from 21-30 days depending on temperature and moisture³.

A smart fit

With growing interest in low-emission feed systems and homegrown solutions, Choice chicory continues to offer a practical, proven option for New Zealand dairy farms. Its ability to generate high-quality feed, optimise effluent use, and reduce dependence on purchased inputs makes it a crop with both an economic and environmental upside.

If you’re looking to better utilise your effluent nutrients this summer while supporting production from your milking herd, Choice chicory is ready to perform. Talk to your local Technical Sales Representative or drop into a Farm Source store to find out more.

¹ Agricom, https://tinyurl.com/agricom-chicory

² DairyNZ, https://www.dairynz.co.nz/media/ crrprkdn/characteristics-choice-chicory-crops.pdf

³ DairyNZ, https://www.dairynz.co.nz/media/ crrprkdn/characteristics-choice-chicory-crops.pdf

Article supplied by Agricom