DairyNZ to run drought workshops

DairyNZ to run drought workshops

DairyNZ has promised additional resources to dairy farmers in newly declared drought zones in the Waikato and Rodney districts.

DairyNZ regional team manager Chris Murphy says DairyNZ has already been working with farmers affected by drier than normal conditions.

“DairyNZ has been supporting dairy farmers through the continuing dry conditions. The drought declaration allows us to offer even more resources to dairy farmers,” says Chris.

“Experiences in Northland, where drought was declared in January, and the work we have been doing in the Waikato in the last few months have highlighted the areas we need to focus on,” he says.

Feed budgets carried out by DairyNZ consulting officers in North Waikato indicate that there is very little, if any, pasture available for milk production for the rest of this season.

“Pasture growth rates are as low as 0kg DM/ha/day (recorded just out of Pukekohe) in some places. Farms milking 2.5 to 3 cows/ha require growth rates of above 40kg DM/ha/day to maintain milk production and body condition score,” says Chris.

“Farmers have responded by providing supplements to their cows while others have already made the decision to dry off.”

DairyNZ has already organised two ‘Farming out of the drought’ workshops in north Waikato. One is on the evening of April 21 while the other is on April 22.

"This is an opportunity to hear farmers and DairyNZ specialists giving practical advice on how to minimise the damage to this season and set up for a good spring," says Chris.

Chris says planning now is critical and farmers need to:

• Conduct feed planning by setting targets and 'trigger points'.

• Complete a feed budget to confirm feed likely to be available from now through to calving.

• Build sufficient body condition score for calving.

• Consider the financial implications during, and following the dry season.

• Take care of themselves and their staff through the drought and ask for help if needed.

More information on farming out of the drought is available on the DairyNZ website (www.dairynz.co.nz), from rural professionals and from experienced fellow farmers.

Farming Out of the Drought events:

• April 21, 7.30pm The Red Fox Tavern, Cnr SH2 and Monument Rd, Maramarua
• April 22, 11.00am Kelvin and Todd Reeves’ farm 83 Glenbrook Road, Papakura

ENDS

© Scoop Media