August 2010 edition
Monthly Reminders – August
Pastures
- As days lengthen and temperatures begin to warm pasture growth will improve. Monitor pastures an implement a rotation that will maintain pasture quality coming into spring.
- If your farm is susceptible to severe water logging, you may chose to use a rotation length closer to grazing at the two leaf stage rather than three incase you cannot graze the pasture when you would like. By allowing plants to grow more than three leaves or past canopy closure you will loose pasture quality, prevent tillering.
- FPFP’ers, make sure your rotation right tool reflects your farm position. Farms will be coming into a position where they are growing more than the cows can eat. It is important to maintain pasture quality, use rotation length, supplements and banking to control this. If you have any issues with your rotation right tool give Nathan a call.
- Red legged earth mite: monitor your pastures closely and control these pest sooner rather than later.
- Spring is the best time to use nitrogen to boost plant growth. It will provide economical growth responses in established crops and pastures with good density. Other growth factors such as Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur nutrient levels, soil temperature and moisture need to be adequate for the nitrogen to have its best result. With this in mind some areas of the farm may be best suited to a fertiliser blend rather than straight urea.
- Prepare irrigation equipment and channels in-case they need to be used in September. Allowing plants to be moisture stressed, even for a short period has dramatic consequences on subsequent pasture yields and water use efficiencies.
- With spring just around the corner some people will be starting to think about purchasing hay and silage. It is critical to consider firstly what you will need and then what you can afford to pay this season.
Cows
- Underfeeding cows in early lactation will have consequences throughout the entire season such as lower conception rates, reduced rumen capacity and lower production potential; restricting cows now will restrict their ability to convert feed efficiently later in the year.
- Watch for signs of acidosis in fresh cows, particularly if you are feeding high levels of grain to compensate for limited pasture.
- FPFPers, are you feeding your cows in the zone? When did you last test?
- Why not get someone out to do a Taking Stock analysis for your business? A clear picture of what happened on the farm last year may help you make decisions and plan your recovery into the coming season. Private consultants, DPI officers and milk factory field staff are trained to work through these with you.
- With the opening milk price announcement made now is the time to create a financial and cash flow budget for the 10/11 season, keep in touch with your factory field officer to get an estimate of your cash flow position in the coming months.
Young stock
- Ensure calves for slaughter are not treated with antibiotics or fed milk containing antibiotic residues. If it does happen, observe withholding periods.
- Young calves should be housed in a clean, sheltered, well ventilated area. They should have access to pellets and a fibre source for rumen development and function
- Monitor autumn born calves and keep there vaccinations and drenches up to date.
- How are the yearlings going? They’re still a couple of months off joining. A timely drench and a diet that meets their requirements will help to keep them growing.
