PASTURE MANAGEMENT FOR HIGH PRODUCTION ON DAIRY FARMS

WITH the targets announced by the Agricultural Development Conference, it is necessary to look closely at all methods of increasing production. While there is much scope for development of poorer country, and while this is perhaps the glamour way of increasing production, a tremendous increase can come by raising the production on fully-developed dairy farms. By increasing the stocking rate of dairy cows, production levels can be raised almost overnight, and, while initial costs for extra stock may be high, returns in the first year often cover these costs. The only other cost is perhaps for extra fertilizer, but this too is quickly recovered. Three years' trial work at the Waimate West Demonstration Farm, in South Taranaki, illustrate the basic principle : "More cows +more fertilizer = more butterfat = more cash". This principle can be applied equally well to sheep and beef cattle properties. The Manaia farm at Waimate covers 90 acres of Egmont black loam, a freedraining derivative of Egmont andesitic ash. Rainfall varies, from 45 to 50 in. per year with dry periods common in summer and early autumn. Whole milk is produced for cheese factory supply.