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Feed Management

image of catch crops

Early sowing of catch crops recommended

25 Jul 2022

Catch crops should be sown as soon as possible after winter grazing has finished, as long as soil temperatures are two degrees and above.

Feed Management
lucerne

Setting up lucerne stands for spring

14 Jun 2022

With the correct management, lucerne can be a high-yielding, high-quality spring and summer forage. To maximise crop yields and stand longevity, lucerne needs to be spelled in autumn to allow root reserves to replenish and in winter, weeds need to be controlled.

Feed Management
lucerne

Caution required when flushing ewes on lucerne

6 Apr 2021

Farmers considering using lucerne as a flushing feed going into ewe mating should be cautious, particularly if the weather has been wet and warm.

Feed Management
cattle feed trough

Managing feed in extremely dry conditions

30 Mar 2021

Last year, Beef + lamb New Zealand asked Waikato-based AgFirst consultant Bob Thomson to share his advice on putting together a feed plan when feed resources are tight. He also provided some practical tips for managing feed in drought conditions.

Feed Management
image of sub clover

Autumn management of sub clover critical for spring production

15 Mar 2021

The correct management of subterranean clover in autumn will pay dividends in spring when the seedlings that have emerged after autumn rain grow into a bulk of high-quality feed.

Feed Management
oats and legumes

Oats and legumes – the ideal post winter grazing crop

10 Mar 2021

Establishing a mix of oats and legumes into grazed winter feed paddocks is benefiting both the environment and livestock on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Future Farm Lanercost.

Feed Management
cattle feed trough

Warmer autumn could worsen feed deficits in some regions

22 Feb 2021

Despite recent rain in many areas, farmers in regions such as Northland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and South Canterbury are being urged to monitor their soil moisture levels closely.

Feed Management
dusty road

B+LNZ’s Feed Planning services extended

6 Dec 2020

NIWA’s prediction of a La Nina weather pattern has been the driver behind the Government’s extension of funding for feed planning and coordination services for farmers.

Feed Management
Feed planning

Feed planning turns dire feed situation around

19 Aug 2020

It’s not too late to get a feed plan done. B+LNZ’s feed line is still running, helping farmers take stock of their feed situation and identify management strategies that will make limited resources go further. This is especially important in spring with the arrival of this year’s crop of lambs and calves. To contact Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s feed line, phone 0800 233 352.

Feed Management
ewe and lamb eating

Limited feed puts ewes at metabolic risk

14 Jul 2020

Severe feed shortages in parts of the country mean many ewes are on a nutritional knife-edge heading into lambing and could be at risk of developing metabolic disorders.

Feed Management

Northland Case Study Update

1 Jul 2020

In response to feed shortages across much of the country, B+LNZ has been working alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries and other industry-good organisations to provide resources and tools to support farmers in their decision making.

Feed Management
image of ewes and mountains

Wintery weather exacerbates feed shortages

1 Jul 2020

With wintery conditions increasing feed demand, livestock farmers are being encouraged to make use of industry-resourced feed management services to help get them through the next few weeks.

Feed Management