FARM IQ FIELD DAY WHITE ROCK MAINS

Transcription

1 FARM IQ FIELD DAY WHITE ROCK MAINS PROPERTY OF DUNCAN & TINA AND NEIL & KATHERINE MACKINTOSH 1363 LOBURN WHITEROCK ROAD, RANGIORA FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY

2 AGENDA 12.30pm Welcome: Introduction, farm, committee, and Farm IQ system Jansen Travis, Farm IQ 12.45pm Setting the Scene: Duncan Mackintosh, White Rock Mains Review of business plan goals 1.05pm Split Sessions: Life as a Lamb What data we collect, why we collect it, and how we use to make management decisions Breeding Flock What data we collect, why we collect it, and how we use to make management decisions Practical Session Farm Tour Review and update of forage plan and outcomes Weather Stations and moisture strips 4.30pm Feedback Session 4.50pm Summary 5.00pm BBQ + Refreshments 2 3

3 OUR MISSION LIFE OF A LAMB SET STOCKING By: Breed Birth Rank Dam Age Low Condition Score Ewes TAILING DATA COLLECTION Breed Sex Birth rank Dam Age Weight WHY WEIGH?? Review paddock, forage, pasture cover, stocking rate, breed, birth rank, dam age know what you have and start planning a sale policy. To create a robust farming system through matching livestock policies with land class types, which in turn will create a clear sense of planning and direction 4 MAJOR BUSINESS GOALS Focus on growing out young stock To achieve 150% lambing through targeted genetics and improved feeding and forages Maintain lamb pre-wean growth rates along with weaned carcass weight of 17.5kg Lifting overall fl ock Body Condition Score to 3.5 pre-mate THE FARM White Rock Mains is a traditional sheep & beef property situated in the foothills of the Canterbury Plains. Farmed in partnership between Duncan and Tina Mackintosh and Neil and Katherine Mackintosh. Totaling 1056ha, of which 750ha is effective, split into 3 main land classes and subdivided into 148 paddocks with reticulated water. Soil types range from light stony on the fl ats to heavy clay downs. An annual rainfall of mm but high evapotranspiration in summer often leads to drought. 7000su wintered with the support of winter brassica, oats and balage. Ten years ago a move to Landcorp genetics from Corridales, has seen a marked improvement in lamb growth and lambing percentage, the beef component is being phased out with the focus to increase sheep productivity with the support of dairy grazing. We see huge potential in measuring our resources and current productivity on farm so we can develop a clear map to improve productivity and profi tability in to the future. MA LANDMARK EWES - TWIN BEARING - FIRST CYCLE SET STOCKED COVERS 1400KGDM Paddock Number Tailing (kg) Weaning (kg) Gain From Tailing grms/day R R R T T T T T Total SEASON COMPARISONS STANDARDISED TO 30TH OCTOBER Average Tailing (kg)

4 LIFE OF A LAMB WEANING Ability to draft out replacements works and stores at once EVALUATE DRAFT RANGES POST WEANING LAMB DECISIONS Balance lambs unsold Weight (kg) Total Total 1263 Historical Lamb Growth Rates Post Wean Weight (kg) Sex Number F 3 M F 30 M F 125 M F 228 M 491 Grand Total 1263 Forage Growthrate Actual Grass -Ewe 131 Grass - Male 143 Lucerne - Ewe 184 Lucerne - Male 203 Rape - Ewe 162 Rape - Male 172 Evaluate Feed on hand and sale options 6 7

5 NITROGEN FERTILISER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS Why use Nitrogen on sheep and beef farms? Nitrogen (N) offers farmers a relatively cheap and effective way of growing highquality feed for livestock. It has been used extensively in the dairy industry and is starting to gain acceptance in other farming sectors. N is a growth promoter and used well offers a cheap source of high-quality supplementary feed; in many situations it is a viable alternative to buying in silage or other feeds. In a Ballance-funded experiment designed to evaluate the use of N in hill country, AgResearch scientists applied one of 0, 20, 40 or 80 kg N/ha to trial plots on sunny and shady faces of South Island hill country in early spring. The two faces were both semi-arid, Otematata hill soils, but some of the properties differed. For example, on the shady face total N was 0.29%, whereas on the sunny face it was lower (0.18%) due to less clover growth. The Olsen P on the sunny face was 15, and on the shady face it was just 8. (see Graph 1) As can be seen in Figure 2, the total amount of pasture growth on the sunny face was less than on the shady face. However, when the response to N is examined (Figure 3), we can see that the effect was more marked on the sunny face, with a 22 to 1 response seen when 80 kg N/ha was applied. In contrast, the same rate applied to the shady face produced a response of 15 to 1. Analysis of herbage samples taken from the trial sites showed that plant tissue N concentrations decreased as the season went on. This indicates that soil N was being exhausted by the pasture growth, and that further large DM responses would likely have occurred had further applications of N fertiliser been made. When to use Nitrogen? As N is a growth promoter, it works best when the conditions for pasture growth are optimal. Cool soil temperatures will slow grass growth, and so the extra growth resulting from N application will be lower. (see Table 1) On easy country, the response rate to N applications is typically given as 10 kg DM grown per kg N applied. However, in most summer-dry hill country conditions, it would be safe to expect a minimum response of 15 kg DM per kg N applied. As Ballance research has shown, even higher responses may be attainable if the conditions are right. What s the importance of soil Nitrogen levels? The total nitrogen (N) levels in soil have a signifi cant impact on the economic benefi t of added fertiliser N, with greater responses occurring when soil total N levels are lower. Samples taken from sheep and beef farms in the lower North Island showed that high slopes (>26 ) had lower soil total N than comparable moderate (15-25 ) slopes or fl at land. (see Graph 2) Aggregated data showed that soil total N tended to be lower in cropped land or recently sown new pastures, compared to permanent pastures. The Olsen P levels had no impact on soil total N levels. From a practical viewpoint, farms that are ideal candidates for differential fertiliser N are likely to have multiple soil types, variable terrain and/or diverse land use practices. A new decision-support tool N-Guru has been developed to help predict the optimum rate of fertiliser nitrogen to use in different settings. Where soil nitrogen levels are low, there is a much greater potential benefi t from applying fertiliser nitrogen, compared to the same rate of nitrogen being applied to land with high levels of soil nitrogen. What can Nitrogen fertiliser offer in economic returns? Results from the four farmlets in a Waipawa trial in 2003 offer some guide. Selfcontained farmlets (12 ha) were structured on easy-steep slopes that comprised a balance of both north and south facing slopes. Ewe numbers were allocated in relation to anticipated winter pasture responses. Pastures in all farmlets were grazed to a common level that varied with season (i.e kg DM/ha), and aimed to achieve a high level of pasture utilisation. Two farmlets had a moderate soil P level (Olsen P = 15), and N fertiliser was applied to steep slopes in one farmlet only at 50kg N/ha. The soil P level in the other two farmlets was at a high level (Olsen P = 28) and again, N fertiliser was applied to steep slopes in one farmlet only. Animal production and associated economic analysis results are available for the years (Table 3). To explore the economic effects of different systems, computer-based simulations were run using Stockpol (Marshall et al. 1991). The base-farm scenario, structured on the Hawke s Bay-Wairarapa summer dry model as described in the MAF Sheep & Beef Monitoring Report (2002), ran a mix of sheep and cattle (60:30 su ratio), with the cattle a mix of breeding cows and fi nishing bulls. The three scenarios that were compared with this base system all received 30 kg N/ha across the whole farm in mid- June. The pasture response levels used were assumed to be 22 kg DM/kg N for steep land (20% of the farm) and 12 kg DM/kg N for easy land (80% of the farm). The three comparative scenarios were: Base farm plus N - no stock policy change, with gains refl ected in lamb live weights only. More ewes plus N - an increase in wintered ewe numbers, with earlier and lighter store lamb sales. More lambs plus N - an increase in ewe fecundity with increased lambing % and lighter lambs. Will using Nitrogen fertiliser lead to increases in N leaching? Work carried out by AgResearch between 2004 and 2008 at Ballantrae and Invermay research farms was published by Meat and Wool NZ (R&D Brief No. 144, September 2009). The bulletin summarises the production benefi ts and environmental risks of applying between zero and 750 kg N/ ha/year on hill country. The high rates were known to be excessive, but were required for trial completeness. After four years of trials the conclusions drawn were as follows: 1. The use of fertiliser N at usual hill country commercial rates of 50 kg N/ha/year had a similar environmental impact to not using fertiliser N. 2. It was only at application rates considerably over 50 kg N/ha/year that increases in N leaching occurred. 3. This was due to greater urine deposition from stocking rate increases required to harvest the increased feed grown. The article goes on to say: Normal rates of N are low risk. The trials suggest that N fertiliser is a safe and viable management option compared to not using N when used at current low commercial rates. To minimise leaching and for economic reasons applying less than 200 kg N/ha/ year is likely to be optimal. With regards to the impact of N application on soil ph, the data collected showed the soil did not become more acidic over the four years of the trial. Small differences were noted, however, but only at the very high trial application rates of more than 500 kg N/ha/year. The article also noted that clover content in the sward declined at rates of N around 200 kg N/ha/year, due to increasing grass competition and will largely be affected by timing of N application and grazing management policy. How to use Nitrogen on sheep and beef farms? The principles that govern good practice for N application are equally valid on easy and hill country. Attention to some key points will help ensure that the N is used effectively and effi ciently. * Construct a feed budget so that you know when shortfalls are likely to occur. This planning will help you time N applications for best effect. * If trialling N use for the fi rst time, consider whether you have suffi cient stock to eat the extra pasture. * Until research shows otherwise, it is recommended that N applications on hill country be made at a moderate rate, e.g. no one application in excess of 50 kg N/ ha, and no more than 200 kg N/ha/year. * Avoid applying N near vulnerable ecosystems such as streams and rivers. * Using N fertilisers has only a minimal effect on clover unless the pasture is allowed to get too long. If this occurs the grass will shade out the clover. * To prevent overgrowth of clover by grasses, graze the pasture regularly. Graph 1 Graph 2 Table 1 8 9

6 FAECAL EGG COUNTS IN SHEEP. What? - Faecal Egg counts (FEC) are a laboratory test which measures the number of gastrointestinal (mainly) worm eggs being passed out in the faeces reported by the laboratory as eggs/gram. Generally in young sheep the number of eggs/gram of faeces is related closely with the number of worms present. As the animals age they develop an immunity to the worms, which suppresses their numbers and egg production is no longer tied to the worm burden. When? - In lambs often used prior to drenching to determine if drenching is necessary. Also used 10 days after drenching early in the season to determine if the drench has been effective. Can be used in older sheep to give an indication of worm burden. How? samples of 5gms (heaped teaspoonful) of fresh faeces collected into individual containers (pottles or clean plastic ziplock bags). Submit to laboratory with completed submission sheet. Samples can be collected direct from rectum of individual lambs, or more commonly fresh, warm, clean faecal samples can be collected off the ground after the lambs have been held in the corner of a paddock for a few minutes. Lambs should not be held off feed before collecting samples. Do not collect dust, dirt or plant matter. If delay in getting to laboratory samples should be refrigerated. (Samples for larval culture should not be refrigerated) Remember that delays in courier times can cause inaccurate counts. Plan to collect samples early in the week, rather than Friday afternoon. Cost. Approx $50 for 10 samples. Interpretation - Seek professional interpretation of the results. While faecal egg counts in general correlate with worm burdens there are multiple factors which can infl uence the signifi cance of a set of results Age of stock Animal condition Faecal consistency Feed type Drenching history Individual species of worm present THERE IS NO SET CUT OFF POINT FOR A SIGNIFICANT FAECAL EGG COUNT NB. Stock may be dying from parasitism and have a zero egg count. Eggs are not produced for 18-24days after ingestion of L3 larvae, however these larvae cause damage by burrowing into the gut soon after ingestion. Composite Counts Composite counts are where the laboratory takes a small amount of each sample and combines them before performing a single FEC. It is important that individual samples are submitted. DO NOT MIX SAMPLES ON FARM. Composite counts are used to monitor trends in faecal egg output within a mob and should not be used as an alternative to faecal egg count. There is a very large difference between an average count of 200 eggs/gm and two counts of 1000 eggs/gm and eight counts of zero (still average 200 eggs/gm). Whiterock Situation FEC conducted on lambs to determine need for preweaning drench. Ewes are treated with capsules pre-lamb to minimise pasture contamination over lambing, therefore lamb exposure to parasites should be minimal and pre-weaning drench may not be required. Result no worm eggs detected. No need to drench at this time. Cost FEC $50. Saving 3-7c/head drench cost $105 -$245 ROI 2:1 to 5:1 BUT reduces the labour input by 4 days of yarding and drenching lambs. If required to drench increases drench cost by 1.4c/hd, but know will get return in better growth rates than if left undrenched

7 BREEDING KEY OBJECTIVES To achieve 150% lambing through targeted genetics and improved feeding and forages Problem area focus was on finishing lambs BREAKING THE CYCLE WHY? Luck of the Draw ASSUMPTIONS: 3200 MA Ewes 800 replacements retained Valuing lamb crop at weaning $2.40/kgLW Lambing % Weaning (kg) 115% 120% 125% 130% 135% 140% 145% 150% 28 $193,536 $204,288 $215,040 $225,792 $236,544 $247,296 $258,048 $268, $200,448 $211,584 $222,720 $233,856 $244,992 $256,128 $267,264 $278, $207,360 $218,880 $230,400 $241,920 $253,440 $264,960 $276,480 $288, $214,272 $226,176 $238,080 $249,984 $261,888 $273,792 $285,696 $297, $221,184 $233,472 $245,760 $258,048 $270,336 $282,624 $294,912 $307, $228,096 $240,768 $253,440 $266,112 $278,784 $291,456 $304,128 $316, $235,008 $248,064 $261,120 $274,176 $287,232 $300,288 $313,344 $326, $241,920 $255,360 $268,800 $282,240 $295,680 $309,120 $322,560 $336, $248,832 $262,656 $276,480 $290,304 $304,128 $317,952 $331,776 $345, $255,744 $269,952 $284,160 $298,368 $312,576 $326,784 $340,992 $355, $262,656 $277,248 $291,840 $306,432 $321,024 $335,616 $350,208 $364,800 Lambs Tailed Sale Lambs % Saleable Lambs 78% 79% 80% 81% 81% 82% 83% 83% Performed Very Well * Lambing date + Genetics WEANING THE START NOT THE FINISH 12 13

8 BREEDING SELECTION OF REPLACEMENTS REVIEW OF HOGGET MATING PERFORMANCE HISTORICAL GROWTH RATES - EWE LAMB REPLACEMENTS Breed Birth Rank Scan % Mating weight (kg) Landmark X Lamb Supreme Landmark Single 60.0% 40.2 Twin 75.3% 39.6 Single 89.5% 41.0 Twin 98.6% 39.2 Dam Age Hogget Scan % Average Mating Weight (kg) 2010-born 82.0% & 2008-born 80.9% born 69.7% born 67.1% Born rising 2 Tooths 2012 Born Hoggets 2013 Born Replacements Historical Growth Rates - Finishing Ewe Lambs Forage Growth Rate Actual (grms/d) 5th May Mating (117 days) Potential Gain (kg) Minimum Weaning Weight (kg) Grass Rape Lucerne Average Conservative but Challenging Replacement Selection Dam Age Birth Rank Number Avg (kg) Min (kg) Max (kg) 2TH Single Twin MA EWES Single Twin Triplet Total Mob average target 46kg ~ Start weight 34.7kg Require 11.3kg gain over 117 days = 97grms/day (focus will be to have as few below 46kg as possible) 14 15

9 BREEDING MONITORING PLAN HOGGETS MA EWE MONITORING PLAN Monitor Target Activity 15 February kg Weigh, Drench 15 March kg Weigh, Drench, Toxo, Campy 15 April kg Weigh, Drench, Campy, Flexidine 5 May kg Ram Introduced Manage the tail end through liveweight and liveweight gain of individuals. Separate to remove mob pressure. RISING 2 TOOTHS WEIGHT AT WEANING Avg Weight 2010 Born Rising 2 Tooths 50.1kg 2012 Born Rising 2 Tooths 61.7kg MIXED AGE EWE BREEDING Monitor Target Activity 15 January 2014 >3 CS CS, FEC 15 February 2014 >3CS Weigh, Drench <3CS, Shearing 10 March 2014 >3 CS CS, Felexidine, Drench <3CS 5 April 2014 >3.5 CS CS, Drench <3.5CS 25 April 2014 >3.5 CS Ram Introduced *Barley introduced to animals CS 3 and below from 15th March CONDITION SCORING We have 3 Categories Range CS Range Feeding She needs a feed <3 Top Priority She is in good condition Maintain She can go on clean up duties >3.5 Tidy up pasture 16 17

10 ANIMAL HEALTH - BREEDING 1.ANIMAL HEALTH PLANS Having a written animal health plan should be a given on any farm that is serious about farm production and risk management. If nothing else it forces you to review the decisions made in the previous season. Typically an AHP is used to mitigate risk. Having looked at the decisions and outcomes from the previous season(s) the production goals for the coming season are outlined, and a plan is drawn up which refl ects those goals, the management skills and the level of acceptable risk. In most cases the AHP is fi ne tuned from season to season, but it is important that it is reviewed each year as farm policy and goals can and do change, as well as new issues / risks that arise. On Whiterock the focus is now coming fi rmly onto rearing replacement stock to defi ned targets, and managing ewes post-weaning / pre-mating. The changes made to the AHP are highlighted in yellow. One of the main benefi ts from an AHP is that it encourages a disciplined approach to animal health. By planning and thinking about risk mitigation ahead of time it is often possible to harvest a multitude of small incremental gains over time for no extra cost. 2.GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES From a health and production perspective in NZ, gastrointestinal parasites are one of the major constraining factors on most sheep enterprises (the others being feed supply and trace elements). On Whiterock control has traditionally been good. a. Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) - This test is used to quantify how effective the individual drench families are on a farm. Usually conducted on samples from lambs around March. March 2012 BZ (white) 69% reduction. Resistant Repeat March 2014 Lev, Abamectin & combinations over 95% reduction b. Fecal Egg Count & Larval Culture These tests are used to monitor the need for treatment and the effectiveness of treatment. Larval culture is a more specialised test used to determine the species of worms present. Whiterock has a policy of using drench capsules (Bionic Hi-Min Combination Sheep Capsules Merial) in pre-lambing ewes. These have the advantage of reducing contamination of the lambing paddocks and allowing better utilisation of pasture post-weaning. They also help ewes maintain body condition and increase milk production aiding in better pre-wean growth. The main disadvantage of capsule use apart from the issues with administration and retention, relates to the potential for resistance development. We looked at FEC in the ewes at time of insertion of the capsules, and did larval cultures with a view to looking at contamination levels on pasture and infection within lambs. Pre-wean samples were taken from lambs to look at worm burdens and the appropriateness of drenching lambs pre-wean. August 2013 FEC ewes 10 samples ranging from 0epg to 1200epg (ave 160epg) Larval Culture Haemonchus 2% December 2012 FEC lambs Ostertagia 30% Trichstrongylus 18% Cooperia 37% Oesoph/Chabertia 13% 10 samples insignifi cant egg count / insuffi cient for culture. These fi ndings show relatively light worm burdens in ewes pre-lamb, with half of the eggs produced being from the lesser pathogenic species (Cooperia, Oesophagostomum and Chabertia). Worm burdens in lambs pre-wean did not warrant drenching. While these results preclude any further inference with regard to the effect of gastrointestinal parasitism on Whiterock, they are pleasing in that they support the effi cacy of the control program. FEC testing is ongoing and will be used to monitor effi cacy of the drench program in ewe lamb / hoggets, and the need to drench light ewes post weaning. 3. IODINE SUPPLEMENTATION TRIAL Following on from the pilot trial in which identifi ed the likelihood of better scanning % and tailing weights in treated ewes we have decided to repeat this trial in an expanded format. EID identifi ed 2ths and MA ewes will be matched for BCS and age. Three groups will be formed 1.Control untreated, 2. Treat 1mnth pre-mate and 3. Treat 1mnth pre-lamb. Treatment is with 1.5mls Flexidine by intramuscular injection. All animals run together under normal farming conditions. Scanning is done mid-july. All lambs born dead or die within 24hrs birth will be postmortemed using set protocol. Data recorded as per protocol including lamb thyroid: bodyweight ratio. Lamb live weights recorded at tailing. 4. HOGGET REARING - MANAGING THE TAIL Early on in the Farm IQ process it was identifi ed that scope existed to improve the sheep enterprise by targeting 2th size and possibly implementing hogget mating. In order to optimise 2th body weight and condition it is essential to target ewe lamb replacement growth, which opens the opportunity to mate as hoggets. One of the biggest determinants in the success of hogget mating is to plan ahead and set targets. Whiterock have set quite ambitious, but achievable targets for growth. (see graph) In order to achieve this it is important to monitor constantly. This is an area where the dairy industry has taken the lead, but is one which the Farm IQ program is ideally set up to follow. It is important that each individual ewe lamb is given every chance to reach her potential. Drenching with an effective combination drench will be carried out every 28days. Consideration is being given to using long acting vitamin B12 injections to remove the peaks and troughs of short acting supplementation. Bodyweight will be monitored on a monthly basis and light animals will be drafted and preferentially fed. There is very strong evidence from dairy heifer grazing that within a mob of healthy animals under identical management the poorer ADG achieved by the lighter animals is due to an inability to compete for the top quality feed. By removing and preferentially feeding these animals before they fall too far behind it is possible for them to catch up and become competitive again. Animals that fail to improve will be examined to determine a reason for their poor performance. The aim of this approach is to recognise the value of the individual, set minimum targets and ensure all animals have a chance to reach target. White Rock Target Hogget Weights (kg) vs Typical Industry Standard 18 19

11 Animal Health Plan 2014 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Capsules Pre- wean drench 5in1 Booster B12 / Se Scanning Lambing 1 st Oct Lambing wt. >62kg Ewe lambs Drench Combinatio Combination Combination Combination?Combinatio n Oral Oral Oral Oral n Oral Trace 2 nd 5in1 Toxovax 2 nd elements + & Campyvax B12 /Se 1 Vaccine Campyvax Flexidine Inj Routine FEC Rams in 5 th May Weight Weaning wt Mating wt. /BCS > 34kg >46kg Capsules 2th ewes Drench Combination Oral (light ewes) 5in1 Booster Campyvax Booster B12 / Se Flexidine Inj Trace elements + Vaccine Scanning Lambing 17 th Sept Routine FEC Shearing Rams in 25 th April BCS 3+ Weaning wt. >65kg Weight /BCS Capsules MA ewes Drench Combination Oral (light ewes) Flexidine Inj 5in1 Booster Trace elements + B12 / Se Vaccine Lambing 17 th Sept Routine FEC Shearing Rams in 25 th April BCS 3+ Weight /BCS Rams Vasectomies 5in1 Booster Check Rams FORAGE PLAN Along with many traditional sheep and beef properties situated in the Canterbury foothills, White Rock Mains is looking to dairy support to provide income through winter grazing. This is in turn resulting in land previously used for finishing lambs, no longer available. There is a need to improve forage quantity and quality from traditionally marginal hill country to support production targets within the sheep enterprise. Starting from a relatively low base fertility status (ph low 5 s, Olsen P average 12) with a serious infestation of gorse a 3 stage hill development program has been undertaken to bring this land up to a higher level of production. STAGE 1 ANNUAL LUPIN After some initial investigation annual lupins have been employed to be used in stage 1 of the hill country development program. Lupins are renowned for being hardy plants that are capable of growing in adverse conditions. Having a large seed size will aid establishment in a relatively rough seed bed having been cultivated straight out of gorse. Stage 1 of development using lupins is intended to provide a high protein feed while the freshly disturbed soils are able to settle along with giving time for capital applications of fertiliser and lime to take effect for subsequent crops and pasture. Due to lupins being in the legume family this is also expected to aid subsequent stage 2 crops with their high nitrogen release to condition the soil. Measurements The use of lupins is being compared throughout the season against a more traditional development crop of oats. The paddocks have been divided in half with half being sown in lupins and half sown in oats. Feed testing for both yield and quality will be conducted just prior to grazing along with body condition scores of animals being taken both pre and post grazing from each feed. STAGE 2 HT BRASSICA As a follow on to the lupins in stage 1 of the development program, stage 2 employs the use of HT Rape to produce a high quality summer feed with a simplified weed control program to help control a wide range of weeds but predominantly to try and reduce gorse seedling establishment in new pasture (stage 3). Gorse has been a perennial problem with hill country development on White Rock Mains severely impacting on production and longevity of improved pasture benefits. Investigation into the effectiveness of HT brassica on gorse seedling establishment is being undertaken after some promising results were displayed over the 2012/2013 season. Measurements Over the establishment period of the HT Rape crop, plant counts have been undertaken in both a sprayed and unsprayed area of the crop looking at seedling gorse establishment. Measurements of overall DM yield will also be taken just prior to grazing to determine any differences. Monitoring of the treated vs untreated areas will continue through to re-grassing in stage 3. Results to date PADDOCKS :B16 & B11 1st year Lupins, 2nd year H& T Rape This first count weed seedlings were very small so cannot guarantee 100% identification Planting was a week apart so first count was completed & respectively (2nd count) (3rd count) Telar Non Telar Weeds Average over metre square Brassicas Average over metre square Telar Non Telar Weeds Average over metre square Brassicas Average over metre square

12 HARVEST WEATHER STATION WHITE ROCK MAINS FARM MAP HARVEST WEATHER STATIONS AND SOIL MOISTURE STRIPS Objectives: To sow crops and apply nitrogen when soil temperature allows Match pasture growth with soil moisture on the 3 different land classes and defi ne triggers to act early Understand pasture recovery time from drought when rain arrives 22 23

13 NOTES 24 25

14 If you have other comments or queries please contact: Greg McSkimming, General Manager Farming Systems or ph : For further information please visit our website