The rain in late March has given us a good start to this year’s pasture growth.
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The amount of rain and the following weather has resulted in a good germination of annual species and meant that moisture is at a depth where most plants will stay green this autumn. Growth rates might slow but we will not lose the green.
I have been asked about pasture growth rates for April and based on pass data my estimate is 20 to 25 KG/ha/day. Country that was already green due to earlier falls could hit 30 kg/day. Unfertilised paddocks would be back at 10 kg/day.
Additional rain events makes May growth more certain rather than increase April’s growth. I think it is likely that we will have 600 to 850 kgdm/ha of green feed by the end of May, which means we will start winter in a strong pasture position.
There has been talk of an El Nino event in 2017.
The conditions in the central pacific are moving in the direction of El Nino, this is the time of year when a forecast is at its lowest skill and it only tells us what is happening in the pacific. The Indian Ocean has a big impact in our environment so the commentary about El Nino needs to be placed in context, at present it has no impact, if it does develop the negative impact is to spring rainfall and the size of the impact will also be influenced by the Indian Ocean.
Properties that have had barber pole over summers could be challenged in April and May from this species.
Over the years May has been a problem month and the rain has set up conditions for the worm to increase its population quickly.
A regular worm testing program (monthly from now) will provide the info for you to decide if a pre-lambing drench is needed.
At least three tests between now and July will give a pattern, which tells you a lot more than just one test. Pick a few mobs and monitor.
End of financial year expenses
The run of good years and current prices must be flowing through to the bottom lines as I have had some questions about additional expenses for a property.Here are some of my thoughts.
Fertiliser: if you are in a maintenance phase then putting out two years of supply, 17 and 18 is a logical decision. If you are in a building phase it is best to still do it every year. I would not be liming established pastures.
Have you adequate silo storage?
We will always need to feed stock in this environment, weaner every year. If you have the storage then you are able to take advantage of the variable nature of grain prices.
Why do some producers put up with working in poor yards? Often existing yards can be improved without a large expense.
