May 2010 edition
Monthly Reminders – May
Pastures
- As the days get shorter and colder, ryegrass plants will require a longer period to grow each new leaf. As a result grazing rotations will need to be extended to optimize the pasture performance. A grazing rotation of 35-45 days will ensure plants have grown to their potential.
- Allowing perennial ryegrass plants to be grazed below five centimetres will severely reduce their ability to produce large leaves, and high yields in subsequent grazing.
- In order to extend the rotation out to 40 plus days most farms will need to increase the level of supplement offered to the herd to prevent pastures been grazed below five centimetres.
Establishing and managing new pastures
- Spray broadleaf weeds that have emerged in the new pastures. These are easiest to control when they are less than five centimetres in diameter.
- A pre winter nitrogen boost will provide economical growth responses if the extra growth can be consumed in early established crops and pastures with good density, especially those sown without nitrogen fertilisers.
Cows
- Underfeeding cows in early lactation will have lasting consequences throughout the entire season such as lower conception rates, reduced rumen capacity and lower production potential. Cows in this position will also try to overgraze pastures. As a result both cows and pastures will perform below their potential for the rest of the season.
- Continue vaccination programs and drenching as required.
- Watch for signs of acidosis in fresh cows, particularly if you are feeding high levels of grain to compensate for limited pasture.
Joining autumn herds
- If planning autumn calving, prepare for the start of mating by ensuring all equipment is ready. Decide which heat detection methods to use and train and allocate jobs to staff. If running autumn and spring calving cows in the same herd, tail painting spring calving cows with a different colored paint may help by showing which cows do not need to be checked.
- Make sure you have the necessary bull power! (one bull per 25 empty cows)
Young stock
- The future of your business, monitor them and ensure they continue to grow well. As pasture growth slows in winter and animals are growing extra supplement may be required to reach target weights.
- If early weaning calves ensure they continue to have access to plenty of quality supplement and clean water.
Farm
- Cash flow position - a cash flow budget is the most reliable way of seeking a picture of the estimated bank account movement over the period from May to October. Arrangements can then be made well in advance to discuss options with your bank. Don’t leave cash inflow and outflow to luck or pressure.
- Get an early start on the books for the end of financial year activities. Organise records of expenditures and income to prepare budgets for the 10/11 season.
Machinery
- When finished with your seed drill for the year ensure it is cleaned out, particularly if you have used fertilizer through the machine as it can cause corrosion rapidly.
People
- After a hectic few months of sowing and calving take the time to look after the ‘human capital’ on your farm. Plan some time off the farm if possible to relax and unwind before joining.
