South Island - PGG Wrightson

PROFITABLE PERFORMANCE FARMING
South Island | March 2016
Get results with the right ‘goods in the ground’
Revolutionary rodent control
Weaner cattle autumn management
Contents
02 Welcome
03 Get results with the right ‘goods in
the ground’
04 Setting up autumn-sown cereals
for success
05 Winter feed options
06 Forage cereals for winter feed
07 Pasture management easier with
heading dates
08 Revolutionary rodent control
09 Time to send porina packing
10 Establishing new pastures
11 Weaner cattle autumn management
12 Cattle benefit from new block
13 Prepare for a safe transition to
fodder beet
14 Innovation in fencing
15 PRO PLAN® – sport performance for
working dogs
Welcome
This month PGG Wrightson and
Ballance Agri-Nutrients proudly
present Cash for Communities
donations to nominated schools,
Rescue Helicopters, St John and
community organisations nationwide.
We would like to take this opportunity
to thank the rural community for
supporting the annual programme.
PGG Wrightson and Ballance Agri-Nutrients donated
$1 per tonne of fertiliser purchased by participating farmers
over the spring season. Six programmes over the past five years
have raised more than $425,000 for schools and community
organisations around New Zealand. That’s a great effort!
As always in autumn, PGG Wrightson are busy supporting
farmers with pasture and crop decisions. It is with a long
term outlook that we work together with you to sustainably
boost farm production. In this issue of Rural Diary you will
find information on feed options, seed varieties and pest
control. Autumn cattle management is also discussed by our
Animal Production technical team.
Recently, PGG Wrightson launched a television series on
Country TV. Rural Diary TV is a collection of diverse stories from
around New Zealand celebrating the work our farmers are doing
to lift farm production, improve animal health and sustainability.
Tune into Country TV monthly to learn more.
16 PGG Wrightson directory
Richard Weightman
National Sales Manager Rural Supplies – PGG Wrightson
Rural Diary TV is a collection of diverse stories
from around New Zealand celebrating the work
our farmers are doing to lift farm production,
improve animal health and sustainability.
Rural Diary TV also features a weekly livestock
update and the latest real estate properties.
TUNE INTO COUNTRY TV
CHANNEL SKY 081
Cover: Mark Enevoldsen, PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative and Hadleigh Putt, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Representative with Mike Vaughan, Sharemilker at Rockridge Farms.
Terms and Conditions: Some products may not be available in all stores but may be ordered on request. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
© PGG Wrightson Limited, including PGG Wrightson Seeds and other subsidiaries (PGW). Views expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or supplier and not those of
PGG Wrightson. PGW does not warrant the information’s accuracy, quality, outcome or fitness for any purpose. PGW is not liable in any way (including negligence, tort and equity) to any person
in connection with this information for any quality issues, errors, omissions, loss, costs, loss of income or profits, or for any indirect or consequential loss or special or exemplary damages.
You must use all products strictly in accordance with any product information supplied. Always use professional advice for critical work or where you are unsure of any information.
No part of this information may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted without our prior written permission.
02
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Mark Enevoldsen, PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative
and Hadleigh Putt, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Representative with
Mike Vaughan, Sharemilker at Rockridge Farms near Matamata.
Get results with the right ‘goods in the ground’
Self-sufficiency is the philosophy behind dairy farmer
Mike Vaughan’s management of Rockridge Farms. It’s also
the driving force behind an autumn regrassing and
fertiliser programme recently implemented here with
the help of PGG Wrightson and Ballance Agri-Nutrients
– matching feed to stocking rate, keeping soil fertility at
peak condition and maximising production.
Rockridge Farms is located at Pairere, near Matamata. The farm
is 260 ha effective, flat to medium-hill. Mike milks 850 Jersey
and Jersey-cross cows with a stocking rate of 3.3 (cows/ha).
Just into his second season on Rockridge, Mike cites his
main challenges to be very wet flat areas during spring and
dry hills during summer. Stock have to endure long walks
between the shed and paddocks, so he prefers Jersey cows,
considering them to be more hardy and better suited to the
conditions on farm.
Sustainable self-sufficiency sits at the core of Mike’s
We manage the farm around
plan for the farm.
what’s good for the cows and for the farm, at the
same time ensuring we’re a self-contained unit.
We don’t buy in feed, so we grow maize to fill feed
deficits in spring and autumn. And we use nitrogen
to grow good grass.
To that end, Mike relies on advice from PGG Wrightson
Technical Field Representative, Mark Enevoldsen, and
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Representative, Hadleigh Putt. “I rely
on advice from these guys to get the right result,” says Mike.
“Looking after the farm is a priority, we need to maintain
our soil in the best condition. Similarly, we need to have
the goods in the ground to maximise our maize and
pasture crops.”
With this in mind, Mark embarked on an autumn
regrassing programme to introduce a new, superior
pasture species (Trojan and white clover mix) into the farm
system. Following a spring sprayout, the paddocks were
put into maize and then regrassed in permanent pasture.
A new fertiliser programme was designed to promote
tillering and growth of the new pasture – supplying all of
the necessary nutrients through the soil.
Hadleigh expands on the process: “In spring, before the
maize was planted, soil tests were conducted to ascertain
the soil fertility status. There were no major problems, so a
fertiliser programme was put together for the maize, which
included lime to increase the soil pH level.
“When it came time to prepare a fertiliser programme
for the autumn regrassing, the pre-Maize soil test was
referred to. Nutrients removed by the maize were taken
into consideration, and an autumn fertiliser product,
Pasturemag 5K was recommended. This product mix
contains many of the necessary nutrients for plant growth in
the short-term, especially in the early stages of germination,
and some which release over time.”
Mike’s happy that he’s on track with good soil
Thanks
fertility levels and much better pasture.
to PGG Wrightson and Ballance, I’m confident we’ll
get the right result. The process was thorough,
the fertiliser programme tailored to my farm, my
requirements. And the advice we’ve received (is)
second-to-none.
MARCH 2016 |
03
Land production
Setting up autumn-sown cereals for success
The margin between profit and loss in cereal crops can be tight. Determining the right amount of
fertiliser to use and applying it at the correct time will help grow a crop that meets yield, quality
and profit goals.
Soil testing is the starting point when designing any fertiliser
policy. “Arable farmers are on top of what their crops require,
which makes for a simple calculation,” says Ollie Knowles,
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Precision Agriculture Specialist.
“To determine where the shortfall will be, compare the amount
of nutrients being taken off at harvest with how much the soil
can supply. Fertiliser will be needed to fill any gaps.”
Wheat requires an Olsen P of 15 or more and barley 20 to 25;
however, it is worthwhile maintaining levels over 20 to meet the
requirements of the next crop in the rotation. Sulphate sulphur
levels should be between 10 and 15, while Quick Test K should
be in the range of 6-10 and Quick Test Mg 8-10. If conditions
are dry, wait until there is some moisture in the soil before soil
testing, otherwise the results may be unreliable.
In autumn, it is worthwhile using a base fertiliser that contains
both elemental and sulphate sulphur. Examples include
Sulphurgain 20S and Sulphurgain 15S. Sulphate sulphur is
immediately available for plant uptake but is prone to leaching.
Elemental sulphur is gradually converted to sulphate sulphur,
which prevents leaching over winter and means it will be
available in spring when the growth spurt occurs. There are
Sulphurgain products that can supply potassium as well and
if a high rate is required the application can be split with a
follow-up of muriate of potash (MOP) in spring.
Ollie is quick to point out the value of starter fertilisers. “Applying
some of your nitrogen up front will make sure your crop reaches
a specific growth stage before winter,” he says. “You should also
include a phosphorus application, and if at all possible drill it at
the same time as the seed so the plant doesn’t need to scavenge
for phosphorus. DAP is an easy option because the phosphate
and nitrogen are in one granule, which avoids potential
separation of fertiliser when you’re drilling.” Cropzeal 16N and
20N are also good starter fertiliser options.
The main requirement for nitrogen comes in spring: the amount
of fertiliser needed will depend on the end use of the grain,
yield expectations and the nitrogen reserves in the soil.
The best strategy is to carry out an Available N test at this time
and apply nitrogen at GS32 and GS39 for wheat and GS30-32
for barley.
For more information about autumn-sown cereal nutrient
requirements, contact your PGG Wrightson Technical Field
Representative or Ballance Nutrient Specialist.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY BALLANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTS
*PGG Wrightson Rewards points earned on Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser will be awarded indefinitely
until withdrawn by PGG Wrightson. Points will be awarded at time of uplift and will appear on the
applicable Rewards statement for that month. Excludes freight, cartage, bags, pallets and filling fees.
04
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Land production
Ben Dampier-Crossley in his
Spitfire rape paddock in Hurunui.
Winter feed options
Growing winter feed on farm is becoming more important for farmers as greater emphasis
is placed on bringing down brought-in feed costs. With such a large range of cultivars
available, choosing options that allow for greater flexibility, excellent yield potential and
high utilisation rates is vital.
With high aphid tolerance, a plant maturity of 90-100 days
and excellent leaf yield, Spitfire rape is ideal for quality feed
over winter. There are also options for companion species
such as herbs and legumes to be planted with Spitfire,
to provide variety in the animals’ diets, to increase total
production and potential feed options for early spring.
Spitfire multi-purpose rape has been impressive for Hurunui
farmer and PGG Wrightson client Ben Dampier-Crossley.
Despite a late March sowing and a dry autumn, Ben has been
very pleased with the performance of his Spitfire rape that
he planted last year. “I put the ewes on in July, and then due
to the amount of feed in the paddock I was also able to finish
the paddock with steers in August. It grew well through late
autumn and yielded 7-8 t DM/ha,” says Ben.
Crop utilisation is an important factor when grazing
brassicas and Spitfire’s low stem drymatter contributes to
this. “The utilisation of Spitfire was excellent. There was no
stalk left behind and the animals did very well,” explains
Ben. Best sown in late summer or early autumn, Ben has
shown that good results can still be achieved with a
March sowing.
Should sowing dates get pushed further into the autumn
(late March, early April), undersowing with Asset AR37 or
sowing forage oats become better options when compared
to a rape crop.
A cost effective choice to increase the density of run-out or
thinning pastures, undersowing with Asset AR37 provides
insect protection through the AR37 endophyte, as well as the
ability to produce through the second winter before being
rotated into cropping phases. Being an Italian ryegrass,
Asset is ideal for undersowing as it is fast to establish
with increased vigour in cooler autumn conditions when
compared to perennial undersowing alternatives. This results
in fast accumulation of autumn drymatter and a quick return
to grazing.
Oats are the most common autumn sown forage cereal for
a single winter grazing, producing between 5-8 t DM/ha
in the winter season. Coronet and Milton oats provide bulk
feed in a short time, and are able to germinate in colder
temperatures when compared to ryegrass. Both provide the
flexibility to be grazed in-situ or cut for green chop or whole
crop cereal silage.
If quick mid-winter feed is desired Milton is the best option
as it is faster to maturity than Coronet and produces a
higher yield. Coronet by comparison, delivers higher
quality feed later in the season (mid/late-winter) due to its
high leaf-to-stem ratio, and is also more tolerant to frosts.
Both cultivars are bred for increased disease tolerance.
With good management and effective decision making,
there are opportunities to produce high quality winter feed
and spring silage.
Talk to your local PGG Wrightson Technical Field
Representative to see what autumn sown forage options
are best suited to you.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY AGRICOM
MARCH 2016 |
05
Land production
Forage cereals for winter feed
Autumn sown forage cereals are an ideal option for growing quick, high quality winter feed,
especially when temperatures start to drop and sowing dates get pushed later into the autumn.
Oats and triticale have the benefits of being able to germinate
and establish quicker in cooler conditions than ryegrass. These
can be sown deeper than ryegrass and this has an advantage in
drier conditions where moisture may be lower in the soil profile.
As the days become shorter, forage cereals are a more reliable
option for winter feed than Italian and annual ryegrasses.
Every day sowing is delayed after the end of February
compromises potential yields come the start of winter.
Oats are the most common autumn sown forage cereal for
a single winter grazing, due to their rapid growth in cool
environments and ability to produce 5-8 t DM/ha of high quality
feed in a short period of time. Both Milton and Coronet oats have
been bred for increased winter yield, high quality and excellent
disease tolerance. Milton oats are quicker to mature, providing
high quality feed from early to mid-winter. Coronet oats are
a later maturing variety which provides farmers with a high
quality feed option for a late winter grazing. Using both Milton
and Coronet oats separately on farm provides an excellent feed
management tool for ensuring high quality feed throughout the
entire winter period.
Central Canterbury sheep and beef farmer Richard Jordan was
a first time user of Milton oats and was “rapt with the results”.
Being a particularly dry year on the Hororata property Richard
manages, options for an autumn sown feed that would do
well in these conditions were limited. In March last year it
was decided, with advice from his PGG Wrightson Technical
Field Representative, Rob Buchanan, to drill in Milton oats at
80 kg/ha and undersow with 20 kg of Progrow annual ryegrass.
Richard block grazed the oats with hoggets in early winter and
said they did exceptionally well. The reason for putting the
annual ryegrass component within the mix was to provide an
early spring silage cut from the crop before turning it back over.
Not only was Richard very impressed with how well the Milton
oats did in a dry year with late autumn rains, he liked its fit in his
pasture rotation. Oats are ideal to use as a break crop after maize
or summer brassicas. Milton and Coronet oats can also be sown
in late winter/early spring for grazing or green chop cereal silage
in late spring/early summer, between the completion of winter
brassicas and the sowing of new grass or other break crops, such
as chicory or brassicas.
Triticale is another forage cereal option for producing quick
winter feed from an autumn sowing. Prophet and DoubleTake
triticale have better frost tolerance than oats and if sown early
enough, can be grazed in the winter and shut up for either green
chop or whole crop cereal silage for the spring.
For further information on forage cereal options and
management, contact your local PGG Wrightson Technical
Field Representative.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY AGRICOM
PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative
Rob Buchanan (left) and farmer Richard Jordan (right).
06
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Land production
Pasture management easier with
heading dates
Heading dates should play a role when deciding what cultivars to sow this autumn. A cultivar’s
heading or maturity date is the time in spring when 10% of plants have emerged seed heads in a
typical year.
The heading date of a perennial ryegrass cultivar is defined
relative to the well-known cultivar Nui, heading at day zero.
Heading date
definition
Days relative to Nui
(approximately 22 October)
Nui
0
Mid-season
-6 to +7
Late
+8 to +21
Very late
+22 to +35
Extremely late
+35
Why is heading date important?
Perennial ryegrass heading dates influence pasture production in
two ways:
Expo’s late heading date of +21 days makes it a brilliant
all-rounder, with excellent quality for a late heading and higher
levels of water soluble carbohydrates (sugars).
Very late heading ryegrasses are a great option for providing
feed for dairy cow mating, to hold cows at peak production
and to help slow the rate of drop off peak production.
The perfect perennial in this very late heading category is Base.
Base provides stunning late spring quality and is an exceptional
yielding grass that is well consumed and encourages better
animal performance.
When establishing your perennial ryegrass needs this autumn
take into consideration existing pasture cultivars on farm, their
heading dates, the area to be planted and the paddock’s use.
For more information on perennial ryegrass decisions or
heading dates contact your local PGG Wrightson Technical
Field Representative.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY PGG WRIGHTSON SEEDS
1. Timing of spring ‘flush’. Mid-season heading ryegrasses
often produce more dry matter earlier (in the six weeks prior
to heading).
2. Timing of late spring/early summer loss of quality. Later
heading cultivars hold quality, providing you with leafy high
quality feed later in spring.
It is recommended that a range of ryegrass cultivars with
different heading dates are sown to spread timing of heading
and reduce loss of summer quality. Ensure the ryegrasses with
different heading dates are in separate paddocks and sow no
more than 50% of the farm in late to very late cultivars to reduce
early spring feed pinches.
There are specific places on farm that different heading date
perennial ryegrasses are more suitable. Mid-season heading
ryegrasses are suitable in the lambing/calving area and paddocks
close to the dairy shed (i.e. sick/lame cow paddock), along with
those paddocks needed in the first two to three weeks after
calving and night paddocks. Examples of mid-season heading
ryegrasses are Rely or Excess.
Rely has the same heading date as Nui (0) and is a robust, reliable
option for dairy pastures in challenging conditions or sheep and
beef systems. Excess is an outstanding example of a high yielding
mid-season heading +7 days diploid, which offers very high
dry matter production and cool season growth.
Late heading ryegrasses produce feed to lift cows towards peak
production. Feed is required to lift milk yield by lactating ewes
and beef cows for improved lamb and calf liveweight gain.
Base perennial pasture.
MARCH 2016 |
07
Land production
Revolutionary rodent control
Rats and mice can cause serious damage to
property, crops and food sources and pose a
significant health risk if they are not controlled.
Rats reach sexual maturity at 8 to 12 weeks of age and mate all
year round. They have an incredible reproduction rate; if two rats
are allowed to mate in a suitable environment for 18 months they
can potentially have over a million descendants.
When feeding, rats are constantly on the move and will only eat
for between 5 and 30 seconds before rushing off, only to come
back a few minutes later for more. Not only do they devour feed
sources but they tend to spoil what they are unable to consume
by urinating and defecating on the remains of their meals.
Rats are creatures of habit, feeding at two or three familiar
places and using established routes. They move into buildings
for food and warmth in the winter and continually migrate to
re-occupy territories left vacant by previous control programmes.
Rats are very territorial and only roam about 100 to 300 metres
from home.
Rodents are also very cautious, initially taking a small taste
of anything new. After a taste of Generation bait they can’t
get enough.
Generation Soft Bait has the new active ingredient,
difethialone, which is undetectable by rodents.
Generation Block Bait also has the new active ingredient,
difethialone.
Key features:
>> Small 15 g block gives 25% more bait placements than 20 g
competitor products.
>> A rapid knock-down of large infestations.
>> Highly palatable block formulation for maximum bait uptake.
>> Blocks have a central hole for ease of securing inside
bait stations.
>> Blocks contains Bitrex®, a bittering agent that reduces the risk
of consumption by non-targets.
Key features:
>> 10 g ready-to-use soft bait, unique formulation.
>> Superior attractiveness and palatability – more attractive than
competing food sources.
Generation out-performs the leading baits in New Zealand when
rats are given a choice of baits to feed on, providing a lethal dose
from a single visit. Place bait stations in rodent pathways and
where they are easily found for efficient rodent control.
For more information on rodent control, visit your local
PGG Wrightson store or speak with your PGG Wrightson
Technical Field Representative.
>> Special soft bait paper allows aroma to escape and
attract rodents.
>> The smallest non-dispersible bait on the market.
>> Single-feed with rapid mode of action.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY ETEC
Rat and mouse palatability and attraction studies1
Palatability and bait consumption on Norway rats (cage trial)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 1
100%
80%
Trial 2
100%
96%
93%
80%
60%
74%
60%
66%
40%
40%
34%
20%
7%
20%
26%
4%
0%
0%
Generation
Soft Bait
Competitor
T
Liphatech trial data.
1
08
Palatability on house mice (cage trial)
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Generation
Soft Bait
Competitor
S
Generation
Soft Bait
Competitor
T
Generation
Soft Bait
Competitor
S
Land production
Time to send porina packing
If porina moths have been out in force on your farm in recent months, chances are another
generation of voracious porina caterpillars is about to start making a meal of your pastures.
You have two choices; wait and see how many bare patches show
up in your pastures over winter, or get out now with a spade
and do some digging to find out how many caterpillars have
tunnelled below your paddocks.
The benefit of taking a look now is there is still time to control the
caterpillars before they consume a serious amount of dry matter.
In a good hatch, thousands of eggs can be laid by adult female
moths during their flight period. Awareness early on can prevent
devastating consequences.
For such a small pest, porina is associated with some big
numbers. For example the average female moth lays up to
2,800 eggs, topdressing them across the paddock. Under
favourable conditions, these hatch into surface dwelling
caterpillars three to five weeks later. The caterpillars begin
tunneling after about six weeks, feeding on grass and clover
foliage at night. Research shows just 40 porina larvae per square
metre will eat as much pasture as two stock units. They’re not
called underground mutton for nothing.
One of the most frustrating aspects of porina control is that
it is not always easy to see what damage they have caused
until winter or early spring, by which time the grass is gone
(just when you need it most) and it’s too late to do much about
it. Checking for caterpillars now not only prevents unnecessary
pasture loss later in the season, it also puts you one step ahead
in terms of eradication, because one of the most cost-effective
forms of control for porina is best applied early in the life cycle.
Dimilin® 2L is an insect growth regulator (IGR), which means it
interferes with the caterpillar’s ability to mature. In this instance,
the active ingredient in Dimilin 2L affects the moulting process,
whereby the caterpillar sheds its skin up to eight or nine times
during the 12 months that it takes to develop into an adult.
After eating Dimilin 2L, caterpillars become unable to moult, and
then die, usually in their burrows.
The interval between moults is shortest when caterpillars are
young, so applying Dimilin 2L early targets them at their most
vulnerable stage. It also controls them before they are able
to do too much damage to your pasture. By ‘young’ we mean
Dimilin 2L is best applied before caterpillars are 25 mm long.
This is usually about 12 weeks after moth flights have peaked.
In areas where late flights are common, i.e. January to March,
this usually translates to April.
As well as being highly cost effective, there are several other
advantages to using Dimilin 2L. It provides excellent control
of porina for up to three weeks; it is easy to mix and apply
and it is non-toxic to humans, animals, birds, fish and earth
worms. It is also highly compatible, and remains active under
frost conditions. For best results apply at 50 ml/ha, to fresh
short (3-4 cm) dry pasture and ensure it dries on the foliage.
Target caterpillars 10-20 mm long.
For more advice on pest control in your pastures, talk to your
local PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative today.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY NUFARM
Dimilin® 2L
An insect growth regulator
(IGR) which prevents
moulting of porina caterpillar.
Available in 500 ml and 5 L.
Porina grub.
MARCH 2016 |
09
Land production
Establishing new pastures
Sowing new pasture is a good chance to create
a clean, highly productive pasture sward.
Here are some key things to focus on:
Take care of establishing new pastures
after drought.
1. Seedbed preparation – seedbed preparation is about
creating an environment for the seed to germinate but also
fixing any underlying problems such as compaction and
perennial weeds.
In the drought affected areas of New Zealand, this
autumn is a key time to decide whether to go ahead
with sowing. There are some things to keep in mind to
help ensure you get the results you are after.
2. Drilling – when drilling the seed, use a sowing rate which will
give you the result you’re after. Seed requires moisture to
germinate so ensure a consolidated seedbed and keep a wary
eye on the weather to use it to your advantage. To ensure
good establishment, deal to pests like slugs and springtails
around drilling time.
Consider the grass species you have in your paddocks. Do
they have the production characteristics and persistence
you require? After a dry summer you have an opportunity
to introduce other suitable grass species that need to
survive and provide a lift in pasture yield and quality.
3. Establishment of pasture plants – continue to keep a
close eye out for any damage from pests such as slugs.
Often damage to small plants is difficult to detect and a
spray may be needed to prevent plant loss during this early
phase of establishment.
4. Maximise yield – after the crop is in the ground remember
weeds will emerge and compete with the pasture plants.
Establishment is a key timing for herbicides. Small weeds
are easier to control than larger weeds so the early weed
spray often gives a better result and easily pays for itself in
extra production.
New pasture establishment requires planning and careful
execution for a good result. To discuss your plan further or get
advice on any aspect of pasture establishment call your local
PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative.
Matthew Crampton MSc (Hons) BSc
Technical Specialist – South Island Agronomy
PGG Wrightson
10
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Another key consideration is subterranean clover.
Subterranean clover is a key component of hill country
permanent pastures because it fixes nitrogen from the
atmosphere, provides good feed quality and timing
of growth. Consider a top up of subterranean clover
because over time plant numbers can be exhausted by;
>> False strikes caused by isolated rain events followed
by weather too harsh for survival.
>> Depleted trace element nutrients such as
molybdenum.
Think about lifting your sub clover populations to add to
the overall quality of your permanent pastures.
Sub clover striking after January’s rain.
Animal health
Weaner cattle autumn management
The buoyant beef market and recent media coverage in the farming press on achievable growth
rates in the order of 0.7 kg/day over winter has renewed interest in refining the management of
weaner cattle (R1s).
The greater cattle growth rates are over winter, the sooner an
animal can be ready for market. In the case of heifers, higher
body weights mean improved fertility at mating.
During an El Niño situation, where cows may be in light body
condition and quality feed is scarce, early weaning reduces the
total feed demand and can allow better allocation of high quality
feed to the weaner calf. Yard weaning is becoming more popular,
helping settle the weaners with the added benefit of continuing
weight gain if high quality silage and good quality water are
easily accessed.
Winter forage crops are a high yielding source of quality feed.
In addition to large amounts of energy, young animals also
require higher levels of protein per unit of liveweight gain than
mature cattle. Fibre is essential for good rumen health and a
supplement can also help meet the protein demand of growing
cattle. This autumn, PGG Wrightson are running farm seminars
on maximising the production benefits of these forages, contact
your local store to see if there is an event near you.
Effective internal parasite control is also important. Choose the
drenching method that best suits your system. It is important
that your drench contains:
1. A macrocyclic lactone (e.g. abamectin, moxidectin); very
effective against inhibited Ostertagia and lung worm.
Weight gain monitoring to help determine which animals in the
mob require drenching is gaining more recognition. It is prudent
to monitor growth rates at each yarding as the best measure of
performance, and weighing systems from Tru-Test make it easier
to collect and interpret this data.
Trace element deficiencies can have a significant effect on the
growth rates of R1 cattle. Selenium and copper are the most
important so having a plan to monitor blood and liver levels is
important, particularly when grazing forages that do not uptake
these minerals or contain compounds that prevent absorption.
Clostridial vaccinations are important, so ensure that a full course
of two vaccines (e.g. Multine®) has been administered before
grazing forages.
When investigating poor growth rates in R1 cattle, underfeeding
is the most common factor. This may be due to poor utilisation
caused by wet conditions or animals being unable to access the
feed sources, indicated by the grazing behaviour of the cattle and
the crop residue remaining when the break is shifted. Access to
fresh water at all times is very important for stock health and also
to maximise feed intakes.
Successful R1 cattle management is backed up by planning.
Speak to your PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative
to plan your system this autumn.
2. Levamisole; highly effective against Cooperia.
Taking faecal samples two weeks after drenching is a good way
to monitor the effectiveness of your drench. Sample kits are
available at your local PGG Wrightson store. Drenching intervals
are determined by the level of pasture larval contamination
(much higher in a dairy heifer or intensive finishing systems) and
the persistent activity period of your drench to maintain refugia.
Andrew Dowling BVSc
Technical Manager – Animal Production
PGG Wrightson
MARCH 2016 |
11
Nutrition
Cattle benefit from new block
Fodder beet is an increasingly popular crop amongst New Zealand farmers, partly because it’s
high yielding and palatable to stock. However, it does have a few nutritional constraints, and that’s
where SealesWinslow’s Fodder Beet Block can help.
“One of the challenges of using fodder beet is that it has
a relatively low phosphorus content,” says Jackie Aveling,
SealesWinslow Product Development Manager. “Cattle that are
fed a low-phosphorus diet for an extended period of time can
develop subclinical phosphorus deficiencies, which can show up
as reduced appetite and rapid weight loss. Farmers will see this as
their animals ‘not doing’.”
For young stock, a phosphorus deficiency can set up long-term
problems, such as brittle or broken bones later on. This is because
adequate phosphorus is essential for the proper development of
the skeleton.
“An adequate phosphorus intake is also essential to ensure
stock keep growing through the winter,” says Jackie. “This is
an important point for farmers who are growing, wintering or
finishing beef stock.”
One way to reduce the chance of phosphorus deficiencies
developing in stock grazed on fodder beet is to dust crops with
dicalcium phosphate. However, this approach doesn’t appeal
to everyone.
“At SealesWinslow, we wanted to come up with an alternative
method for farmers to use. Our goal was to develop a product
that was convenient, easy to use, and that supported the health
of stock being grazed on fodder beet. While phosphorus was our
main concern, we were also interested in other aspects of stock
health, particularly around trace element status.”
12
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Animals grazing fodder beet tend to ingest more soil than those
grazing pasture or non-bulb crops. This results in higher dietary
iron, which in turn can have a negative effect on the normal
metabolism of some trace elements, especially copper.
SealesWinslow’s solution to the fodder beet dilemma is a new
product, the Fodder Beet Block. This molasses-based lick block
contains phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, cobalt,
copper, iodine, selenium and zinc, providing excellent nutritional
support for cattle grazing fodder beet.
“As part of our product development process, we had farmers
trial the product,” explains Jackie. “They reported that it was very
easy to use, and we found that the stock took to it well.”
Tubs of Fodder Beet Block are simply placed at the crop face,
allowing one per 25 head of cattle. It is easy to move the blocks
as the fence is shifted and there is no wastage – the product goes
into the cows, not into the ground.
“Fodder beet is a useful crop for winter grazing. Fodder Beet
Block will help beef farmers get the most out of it, with a
minimum of fuss and bother.”
To learn more about nutrition supplementation during
fodder grazing, contact your local PGG Wrightson Technical
Field Representative.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY SEALESWINSLOW
Fencing
Prepare for a safe transition to fodder beet
Whether starting feed for milkers or setting up for winter grazing, it is worthwhile to ensure the
fencing set up can handle the job.
Beets contain upwards of 60% soluble
sugar (on par with molasses). This energy
dense feed works well for milking rations
to balance autumn flush pastures,
maintain persistency and lengthen the
grazing round. For dry cows and beef
animals, fodder beets are effective at
driving body condition and average daily
gains. Unfortunately rapid intake creates
risk for rumen acidosis so a smooth
transition managed over 14-21 days
is critical.
This period allows adaptations in the
microbial population of the rumen and
the structure of the rumen wall. It is also a
time for cows to learn appropriate grazing
behaviour reducing the likelihood of
gorging when the crop break is increased.
height. Additional hotwires can be added
to steel pigtail standards using PEL PI87
or PI88 insulators or alternatively use
Speedrite™ Multiwire PA81 Nevabreak
tread-in standard with five wire positions.
Always ensure tread-ins and pigtails are
planted firmly into the ground.
For a small investment you can further
enhance the reliability of your break
feeding fence using Speedrite Extreme
Wire. With six tinned copper strands it is
105 times more conductive than standard
Poliwire. Not only will it pack a punch,
deterring animals from pushing fences,
it also effectively carries voltage down
the line despite any diversion off the wire
from foliage contact.
Double break fencing is strongly
recommended. This makes dropping the
break with animals in the paddock much
easier and it plays an important role in
containing potential breakouts by animals
still in the transition phase. Correct
fencing set up, with good earthing and
regular checks can save your animals and
your money.
Break feeding fences are best powered
by connecting to your existing mains
powered fence network but ensure this
is working as efficiently as possible by
checking the earth and testing the fence
performance at various locations around
the farm. Also don’t forget that during
power outages your whole electric fence
system will no longer be working so high
powered portable solar energizers like the
Speedrite S500 can be a great alternative.
For peace of mind, taller pigtails are
recommended such as the PEL™ PA41HD
Steel Foot Pigtail with an overall height
of 1,100 mm providing a 960 mm fence
Short of a major fault, poor earthing is
the single biggest issue with electric
fences. Problems often stem from
replacing old energizers with a more
Fodder beet and fencing
powerful model without adding more
earth pegs. Other causes include
using non-galvanised steel Y posts
as earth pegs rather than galvanized
rods or placing the earth pegs in dry,
unconductive ground. Getting it right
is as easy as 3:2:1. Earth pegs should be
3 metres apart, 2 metres long and linked
by 1 continuous underground cable.
For more information regarding crop
yielding, transition programmes and
assessing electric fence capacity,
contact your local PGG Wrightson
Technical Field Representative.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY TRU-TEST
Tools for top
performance of your
electric fence:
>> Mains-powered energizer
>> Reels
>> Extreme wire
>> Tread-ins or pigtails
>> Insul hooks or ZAMMR handle
>> Jumper leads
>> Mounting posts
MARCH 2016 |
13
Fencing
Innovation in fencing
Introducing the Christie Engineering Petrol Powered Post Driver – designed to save you time
and effort.
The ergonomic design of the Christie Post Driver makes installing
steel Y Posts quick and efficient. Using a genuine Honda GX35
four stroke motor, the machine starts effortlessly and reliably.
In good ground, up to 200 Y posts an hour can be installed;
much faster than compressed air or hydraulic systems, while in
harder ground the machine can break through rotten and shale
rock where traditionally rock drills are required. Situations too
challenging for sledge hammers and manual rammers are no
challenge for Christie Post Drivers.
The design allows steel posts to be easily thumped to full length
for tiebacks and tie downs, saving valuable hours without
damaging the tops of posts. Hamish Hurst from NZF Products
explains, “our family have a steep rocky hill country farm near
Parnassus, North Canterbury with an extensive hill country
fencing program. We were trying to install about 80 Y posts a
day by hand into hard rotten rock, but once we bought a Maxi
78 mm model we were installing up to 100 Y posts an hour in
hard country. The labour savings and increased productivity have
meant we have saved thousands.”
“Being self-powered with no hoses and compressors to worry
about, it is a simple, easy to use system. Our old Pionjar rock
drill has only been used for about 40 posts during this period.
Normally we would have used it for half of all steel posts installed.
Our two Maxi machines have been going strongly since October
2012 installing over 4,000 posts per machine.” Hamish has heard
Hamish Hurst, installing a Y Post in
rocky country in North Canterbury.
14
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
of fencing contractors in Australia reporting machines still going
strong after installing 60,000 steel posts.
Over 400 farmers and fencing contractors have machines in
New Zealand running reliably, with over 10,000 machines in use
worldwide. Christie Post Drivers are manufactured and precision
machined in Sydney from the highest grade of materials
possible. Coupled with a genuine OEM approved Honda
four stroke motor with a three year warranty, these post drivers
are a winning combination.
There are two models available. The Standard 52 mm model
which weighs 13 kg is designed to drive a single Y Post. The
Maxi 78 mm model at 15.5 kg has the capacity to drive two
Y posts welded back to back, where in the past heavy T Irons
were used on hand fenced corners. The Christie Maxi Petrol Post
Driver has 20% more power due to a larger diameter piston and
hammer. The Maxi 78 mm will drive old T irons, flat standards
and 50x50 square pointed wooden battens. A removable sleeve
is included to drive single Y Posts and a plywood storage box is
available as an optional extra to prevent damage to the machine
while in transport or storage, a valuable insurance policy.
For more information speak to your local PGG Wrightson
Technical Field Representative.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY NZF PRODUCTS LTD
Completed fence line using
the Christie Post Driver.
Canine nutrition
Jared Whitehead photographed with
Ox, Beth and Lad in Otunui, Taumarunui.
PRO PLAN® – sport performance
for working dogs
Just like athletes, working dogs require higher
levels of fat and protein in their diets to perform
to the highest standard.
Farmer, Jared Whitehead says, “Since I have been feeding my
dogs ‘PRO PLAN All Life Stages’ they all have shiny coats and
are rearing to go to work every day. All of the dogs have taken
well to PRO PLAN and with the measured scoops they are all at
a healthy weight. I have also found that PRO PLAN has been a
great feed for the growth and energy of my young nine month
old heading pup.”
Performance and endurance are important features of any
working dog. The guaranteed analysis of PRO PLAN Sport
Performance ensures 30% protein and 20% fat levels to promote
strength and endurance. The formula is nutrient dense and
energy rich with chicken as the first ingredient.
PRO PLAN Sport Performance is an ideal choice for working
dogs, puppies and breeding bitches:
20 OFF
$
WHEN YOU PURCHASE ANY BAG OF
PRO PLAN DOG 14 KG OR LARGER*
>> Contains natural sources of glucosamine and omega 3 fatty
acids to support joint health and mobility.
>> Antioxidant-rich to nourish the immune system and help
defend against free radicals.
>> Wholesome rice, an easily digestible carbohydrate, for energy
and gut health.
>> Optimised levels of vitamins and minerals to meet the dog’s
extra demands.
Visit your local PGG Wrightson store for more information on
the PRO PLAN® range and barking mad farm deals available for
all your dog feed requirements.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY PURINA®
*Offer valid at PGG Wrightson stores 1/3/2016 - 31/3/2016 only or while stocks last.
MARCH 2016 |
15
PGG Wrightson directory
Visit your local PGG Wrightson store for stock food, animal health supplies, farm merchandise,
apparel and so much more. Our expert team of Technical Field Representatives are also here to
help you choose the right products for the best results in the months ahead. Talk to your local
team today, everyone welcome!
South Island Stores and Technical Field Representatives
Alexandra 85-87 Tarbert Street
Rod Dixon (TFR)
Troy Mackey (TFR)
03 440 2391
027 590 1611
027 404 6980
Methven
Main Street
Peter McKnight (TFR)
Leigh Garner (TFR)
03 302 8407
027 477 4046
027 431 4046
Amberley
Main Road
Hamish Black (TFR)
03 314 8516
027 434 4076
Milton
15 Union Street
03 417 8403
Ashburton 447 West Street
Leigh Garner (TFR)
03 307 8737
027 431 4046
Mosgiel
16 Factory Road
03 489 4174
Balclutha
196-200 Clyde Street
Kevin Thomson (TFR)
Pam Vanderhilst (TFR)
03 418 1332
027 242 1077
027 444 3304
Motueka
26 Old Wharf Road
Wilson Matthewson (TFR)
03 528 8680
027 235 6999
Murchison
89 Fairfax Street
Mark Prosser (TFR)
03 523 1030
027 598 9948
Blenheim 46 Wynen Street
Mark Best (TFR)
Rachael Davis (TFR)
03 579 3733
027 598 1719
027 598 1720
Cheviot
Main Road
Robert Trott (TFR)
03 319 8772
027 672 7008
Oamaru
230 Thames Highway
Athol Smith (TFR)
Ross Wilson (TFR)
Josh Dalziel (TFR) 03 433 1340
027 702 6149
027 590 4213
027 403 4091
Christchurch
411 Blenheim Road
03 341 4318
Cromwell
5 Iles Street
Gerard McCarthy (TFR)
03 445 3730
027 473 0614
Otautau
178 Main Street
Andrew Cade (TFR)
Jason Robson (TFR)
Harry Cuttance (TFR)
03 225 9710
027 432 0422
027 590 2501
027 406 2038
Culverden
48 Main Road
David White (TFR)
Lucy Murray (TFR)
03 315 3040
027 448 6269
027 434 4097
Outram
Holyhead Street
Grant Bezett (TFR)
Pam Vanderhilst (TFR)
03 486 2991
027 488 6411
027 444 3304
Darfield
1 Ross Street
Robert Buchanan (TFR)
03 318 7850
027 434 4077
Owaka
5 Saunders Street
Kevin Thomson (TFR)
03 419 1060
027 242 1077
Fairlie
Main Road
Gerry O’Neill (TFR)
Maree Ferriman-Smith (TFR)
03 685 9090
027 431 4057
027 591 8420
Palmerston
61 Tiverton Street
Gerrard Pile (TFR)
03 465 4080
027 459 1005
Rakaia
56 Railway Terrace West
Leigh Garner (TFR)
03 303 5790
027 431 4046
Geraldine
Main Road
Matt Cooper (TFR)
03 693 1025
027 590 8064
Gore
Cnr River and Medway Streets
Garth Cleland (TFR)
Lester Howden (TFR)
Roger Collins (TFR)
Murray Johnston (TFR)
03 209 0314
027 529 7759
027 504 1144
027 435 0740
027 807 2307
Ranfurly
6 Northland Street
John Kreft (TFR)
Sam Miller (TFR) 03 444 1033
027 273 9790
027 813 0112
Rangiora
67 Victoria Street
Kaleb Bolton (TFR)
Blair Murdoch (TFR)
03 313 0880
027 432 8224
027 590 8085
Greymouth
116-120 Tainui Street
Alan Steel (TFR)
Hannah Nicholls (TFR)
03 768 0200
027 454 3618
027 457 4416
Richmond
6 Gladstone Road
Wilson Matthewson (TFR)
03 544 6115
027 235 6999
Hawarden
11 High Street
Hamish Black (TFR)
03 314 4458
027 434 4076
Roxburgh
99 Scotland Street
Aimee Dyke (TFR)
03 446 8016
027 839 7081
Heriot
59 Roxburgh Street
Gordon Scott (TFR)
Garth Cleland (TFR)
03 204 2021
027 436 4140
027 529 7759
Takaka
Buxton Lane
Graeme McCleely (TFR)
03 525 7891
027 590 7502
Invercargill
Cnr Dee and Earnslaw Streets
Phil Simons (TFR)
Sandra Utting (TFR)
03 211 3160
027 664 4317
027 889 3440
Tapanui
Bushyhill Street
Gordon Scott (TFR)
Murray Johnston (TFR)
03 203 0280
027 436 4140
027 807 2307
Kaikoura
98 Beach Road Sky Horton (TFR)
03 319 5012
027 702 9152
Te Anau
37 Caswell Road
Jeff McFarlane (TFR)
Peter Lewis (TFR)
03 249 8610
027 598 9947
027 839 9494
Kurow
36 Bledisloe Street
Paul Verdonk (TFR)
Josh Dalziel (TFR) 03 436 0534
027 235 0051
027 403 4091
Temuka
Wood Street
Murray Spence (TFR)
03 615 0050
027 836 7958
Lawrence
23 Ross Place
Grant Bezett (TFR)
03 485 1010
027 488 6411
Timaru
Evans Street
Andrew Brosnahan (TFR)
Murray Spence (TFR)
03 687 7338
027 595 6457
027 836 7958
Leeston
High Street
Jim Fuller (TFR)
03 324 8180
027 591 8437
Tuatapere
Main Street
Andrew Cade (TFR)
03 226 9360
027 432 0422
Lumsden
135 Flora Road
Jeff McFarlane (TFR)
Trevor Todd (TFR)
Peter Lewis (TFR)
03 248 9000
027 598 9947
027 705 6624
027 839 9494
Waimate
12 Shearman Street
Dave Keane (TFR)
Wayne Fisher-Hewitt (TFR)
03 689 8059
027 705 8137
027 807 4808
Winton
12 Brandon Street
David Wheeley (TFR)
03 236 6121
027 263 3233
Mayfield
Main Road, RD8
Peter McKnight (TFR)
03 303 6011
027 477 4046
Wyndham
Balaclava Street
Corrina Medley 03 206 2020
027 434 5213
Freephone 0800 10 22 76
www.pggwrightson.co.nz