Turning feed into profit: feed quality, winter planning & performance
Join us near Fairlie for a Farming for Profit Field Day focused on making the most of this season’s exceptional pasture growth while avoiding the pitfalls that can erode performance and profit.
About the day
This field day will explore how the Neal family’s integrated sheep, beef and deer business (wintering 12,000 SU) manages feed quality, winter demand and variable terrain.
Key topics include
- Maintaining ewe condition heading into mating after a wet summer and strong feed supply.
- Managing fibre balance in lush pastures and improving lamb finishing performance.
- Protecting soils and meeting winter grazing requirements.
- How finishing platforms and legume stands support feed quality and system flexibility.
- Winter feed planning, crop selection and navigating winter-grazing compliance.
- Economics of feed production, including crop establishment comparisons, moisture conservation and the true cost of winter feed.
Speakers
- Stu Neal (Host Farmer) - Overview of their integrated operation and the practical decisions driving system performance.
- Jason Leslie (Technical Expert, Animal Health & Nutrition, PGG Wrightson) - Insights into livestock nutrition, parasite management and practical health strategies across sheep, beef and deer.
- Kate Moorhead (Farm Sustainability Senior Consultant, Ballance Agri-Nutrients) - Guidance on winter grazing planning, soil protection and meeting environmental compliance.
- Justin Geary (Farm Consultant, NZ Farm Management) - Economic analysis of feed production, crop choices and strategies that convert feed into profit.
This is a practical, on-farm opportunity to discuss the decisions that turn feed into profit while protecting soils and meeting environmental requirements.
Please BYO lunch on arrival.
4WD vehicles required.
BBQ and beverages – a special thanks to PGG Wrightson and Silver Fern Farms for sponsoring this.
