Vaughan, Great to get a note from you, confirming that Graze-l is alive. I
really missed the world-wide input on grazing issues. Now Vaughan, what
about fertilizer? Have you ever tried fertilizing your pastures? The results
here have completely eliminated the need for reseeding, and increased the
nutritional value of the existing pasture.
Dick Conklin
Amity Farm
Ft.Ann,NY
----- Original Message -----
From: "Leon" <leon@wave.co.nz>
To: <graze-l@witt.ac.nz>
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 5:47 PM
Subject: [Graze-l] Weather and sowing new pastures
> This January and February have been the best for summer rainfall and
> pasture growth I have known in 50 years in the Waikato.
>
> However, the high rainfall we have had could mean less rain in
> Autumn. I have noticed over 50 years that plenty of rain in summer
> was usually followed by dry autumns. In 1985, I think it was, we
> didn't get decent autumn rains until 5 May.
>
> So it could pay to sow autumn grass as soon as possible.
>
> Pasture seed could be a bit short because of the regrassing necessary
> in flooded Wairarapa and Manawatu and the wet harvesting conditions
> in Canterbury, so I suggest that you get yours as soon as possible.
>
> Reports I have collected indicate that Matrix ( perennial
> ryegrass/meadow fescue cross is a high yielder with less stem) and
> Quartet (tetraploid perennial ryegrass) are good.
>
> Aries Endofree still gives the highest milk yield per hectare so
> adding it to the mix could be worthwhile, especially until Matrix and
> Quartet have shown that they can last for ten years or more.
>
> Vulcan is reported to be the best fescue and Cordura the best overall
> winter ryegrass because it lasts.
>
> Kopu ll is accepted by most to still be the best large leafed white
clover.
>
> Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) sold as Grasslands Lancelot is loved
> by cows and is worth trying in the mix.
>
> Which have others found to be good?
>
> With the low predicted dairy payout looming and already low beef
> prices, increasing production and profit/ha continues to be the
> solution. Palatable (so animals eat more) and high yielding, long
> lasting pastures must help.
>
> --
> Vaughan Jones
> Hamilton
> New Zealand
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