With little time since our last update, not much has changed. The country has experienced above-average temperatures but is now experiencing a cold front. Ground conditions remain ideal for grazing, with excellent residuals being observed as a result.
Upcoming considerations
Spring rotation planner: are you on track?
- Ensure you’re keeping track of how much land has been grazed.
- Equally important, monitor your average cover as well.
The target for average cover at balance day (also referred to as “magic day”) will depend on your demand (cows per hectare, multiplied by their dry matter intake). How much your platform grows after balance day will also impact this. For example:
- If your demand is 45 and your growth post balance day consistently exceeds 45, or if your demand is lower than 45, a slightly lower average cover (below 1900 kg DM) may suffice.
- However, if you’re more highly stocked and your demand exceeds 45, or if growth post balance day is unlikely to meet that demand, a slightly higher average cover will be necessary.
Review your past data and consider this season’s forecasted weather and growth potential when determining your strategy.
Autumn calvers
- Review the level and crude protein percentage of concentrates being fed. As cows enter mid-lactation, focus on increasing grass in the diet while gradually reducing winter concentrate levels.
- Consider the possibility of having cows out 24 hours a day and milking 10 in 7. This could alleviate pressure on labour as we transition out of winter.
If your cows are averaging below 1.75 kgMS per day, you can expect a minimal drop in milk solids production (around 2-3%). However, a more noticeable reduction (around 3-5%) will be seen in milk volume. It’s important to review your milk contract to understand how these reductions might affect your income.
Calves to grass
- Autumn calves can go out any time now. Spring calves may need a little more time.
- With the entry cover at around 2800 kg DM/ha, allow the calves to graze the tops and follow up with other stock to clean up.
- Ensure calves have access to shelter from wind and rain.
- Move feeders regularly to reduce the risk of disease build-up. Be mindful of growth checks—calves fed prior to turnout should continue to have access to silage and concentrates for 2-4 weeks post-turnout. Many calves experience growth checks when feed is pulled too quickly after turnout, which can lead to poor maiden fertility later on.
Spring heifers:
- Weigh last year’s spring heifers and check whether they’ve reached 50% of their expected mature cow weight. If they haven’t, you have two months to adjust their feeding to help them reach target weights.
For any extra support with your spring farm management contact your Pasture to Profit farm consultant.
