Spring is a really important period on-farm to set the business up for the season and beyond and ensure the farm’s systems are efficient, productive, and resilient.
It’s a time to maximise the effort on-farm to get the highest return – ensuring every blade of grass is able to be utilised for milk and every animal is as productive as they can be.
Focus areas
September is a time to make sure your herd is well fed and in the best condition for mating. DairyNZ’s Fertility Focus Report is a great resource for farmers, along with having a really good discussion with your breeding company.
Pasture management is also a key focus, as this will drive the farm’s performance and profitable outcomes over the season. Every additional tonne of pasture harvested per hectare on farm can increase profit by around $300/ha1. Spring sets up the pasture cycle and is an opportune time for farmers to look at quality, and harvest options and approaches. Use pasture budget tools to ascertain surpluses and deficits and your strategy for these.
Spring is also a time when the soil starts responding to the climate so farmers should start thinking about soil fertility and fertiliser management. Fertiliser companies have certified nutrient management advisors on board so take advantage of their expertise and ensure that you have the right amount of fertiliser going on at the right time to kickstart the pasture and drive on-farm profit.
Don’t forget about home-grown nutrients and fertiliser. Effluent is a valuable source of nutrients on-farm. Liquids can be irrigated, and solids collected at the dairy shed, feed infrastructure, or feed pads can be a great addition to support pasture growth and establish crops. It’s like rocket-fuel.
Reduce stress and strategise
Spring is a very busy time on-farm with calving, pasture management, challenging weather, and working very long hours. Your health and the health of your farm team should be a priority. It is vital to be agile in your planning, respond to the conditions around you and seek support where you need it.
Create strategies and action plans for different eventualities, e.g. “if this happens, we will do this to ensure our team is well, and our cows are happy, healthy, and well-fed heading into reproduction”.
New Zealand farmers are really motivated by being efficient and being productive because, ultimately, that is what drives return on farm. Being efficient on-farm also leads to benefits environmentally and reduces your carbon footprint.
Have a chat with your local Farm Source field team about efficiency opportunities on your farm.
1 Pastoral 21 Next Generation Dairy Systems Research project.