Yes Ian, My visit to Moldova established my respect for the importance of
geographical impact on grazing strategies and herd management which at
times, makes me reluctant to answer your few posts Yes, We're worlds apart,
but do your grazing tactics produce Jerseys that make 17,004 lbs/milk per
lactation? Dick Conklin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Shorty" <siesta@ihug.co.nz>
To: <graze-l@witt.ac.nz>
Sent: Sunday, April 17, 2005 5:16 PM
Subject: Re: [Graze-l] Pasture Seeds (Chicory)
> I'm the wrong guy to ask about this as we have not put a plough to our
> fields since Adam was a boy (a very long time).
> But it is usually suggested that the first grazing or to is done with
> young stock or sheep if you could get them. I believe it is more to
> prevent pulling of the plants and soil damage then to assist root
> development. Also shading out the legumes etc.
> Two of our neighbours put in new pastures after cropping a couple of
> years ago. One on either side of the road with contour and soil type
> identical. One grazed lightly with young stock for the first year and
> the other used heavy bullocks then shut up and cut one crop of silage.
> Two years on the difference in pasture growth is still clearly evident.
> The lightly regularly grazed far out performs the other. Remember we are
> talking of part of the world that can have growth most of the year.
> Under sowing (drilling seed directly into existing pasture)is quite
> popular here. Over sowing can work as well. If I do this we usually do
> it late autumn when the cows are being break fed and grazing down hard.
> Usually throw the seed on and then run over the field with a set of
> harrows, spreading out the concentrated dung and helping to settle the
> seed.
> Still like to harrow the whole farm once a year. Anecdotal evidence
> (more even pasture growth, better leaf litter uptake)suggests to me that
> it is worth my while. Not to mention a bit of nice music playing on the
> iPod as I go round and round 8>).
> Reminds me of a story my father use to tell of one of the neighbours.
> The neighbour never got on with his in laws and whenever they came to
> visit he would go out and harrow the back paddock until they left. So
> whenever Dad so this guy harrowing the back field he knew that his in
> laws were visiting. Best kept field in the whole district!!
>
> regards
> Ian Buckingham
> New Zealand
>
> Richard and Carol Conklin wrote:
> > Ian, What about 'legume or perennial root systems'? My understanding is
that
> > those crops need a 'quiet' year after planting(one cutting, primarily
for
> > weed control and dry cow feed) to give them time to establish the root
> > systems that alone make them perennials. Going to be yet another bizarre
> > grazing season here in NE USA. Apr. 16th, and we're in a drought
situation!
>
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