BETTER PASTURE MANAGEMENT

Southland Times, Issue 24237, 21 September 1940, Page 13

BETTER PASTURE MANAGEMENT

Conserving Hay And Ensilage

PROVISION FOR WINTER

FEEDING

In planning the management of farms of an entirely or mainly grassland nature, just as much forethought should be given to the use and treatment ot the various fields as on arable farms. In the first place the grazing of the fields should be regulated to allow the most efficient use of available pastures. This implies the least punishment ot both stock and pastures by grazing the fields at the most suitable stage ot growth. Continuous close grazing ot pastures and the resultant partial starvation of stock in certain seasons and understocking in other seasons should be avoided. _ . t .... To permit the most efficient utilization of pastures, the shutting up of some 40 per cent, of the total farm area for hay, silage, or seed production is necessary during tLe period ot flush growth. Many farmers, however, make the mistake of waiting too long before shutting up their paddocks with the result that if they cut the crop late enough to give a good yield, the herbage is then too mature and stalky, ror both hay and silage a leafy, nutritious growth of pasture is desirable at the cutting stage, and to give a reasonable bulk of herbage the paddocks must be shut up early. A good aftermath also results from the early closing of pastures. In Southland early means from the beginning of October. SAVING OF HAY It is frequently good farming practice to shut'up paddocks when feeding out is still continuing. Before closing, the paddocks should be closely and uniformly grazed, then harrowed, and then top-dressed if this has not been done recently. The saving of all possible hay and ■ silage is one of the means of increased production as outlined in its general plan by the National Council of Primary Production. Accordingly, apart from its practical farming value, it should meet with the approval and support of all farmers. There is considerable scope for expansion in the conservation of surplus pasture growth which always has received less attention than is warranted. In addition to the areas which are top-dressed befor - closing for hay, silage or seed production, areas which have been missed in the autumn topdressing programme could, with advantage, receive a dressing of a quickacting fertilizer. Spring top-dressing of established pastures should be finished by the end of September. Feeding out should not cease immediately . pasture growth begins .to come away. Frequently in the spring although the bulk of feed may appear adequate, such pasture growth is inclined to be watery. In order to balance the ration, at the same time, reducing scouring of stock, the continuance of the feeding-out of hay or silage may be necessary till the end of September in the North Island, and later in th- South Island. Such feedint; out of hay or silage minimizes the danger when the pastures are of a type which tend to induce “blowing” of stock.