APRIL and MAY

Te Ao Hou, April 1956, Page 56

APRIL and MAY Pasture Management: Depending on seasonal growth which varies in different areas, attention should be paid to the closing of paddocks during these months with a view to having available saved pasture in the early spring, July, August and September, Care should be taken not to close too late and miss the autumn growth which carries on well into May in most districts. Harrowing and topping of paddocks is generally accepted as a forerunner to closing of paddocks. The area that can be closed will vary with the nature of the farm. The amount of hay or silage available also affects the length of time paddocks can stay closed. It is desirable to be able to feed hay or silage so as to conserve autumn pasture until the herd begins to come in. Depending on the locality and nature of the farm some definite farming and feeding programme should be kept in mind. There are a large number of small Maori farms which in all cases require above average management to maintain and improve production and to make them a payable proposition. If oversowing of pastures is intended this should be done not later than March-April, to give young seedlings a chance to establish before winter frosts. Autumn oversowings on the average are much more successful than in the spring and can be carried out to advantage on open pastures or where winter tramping has caused a patchy sward. Heavy harrowing to make some kind of seed bed is necessary. 6–8 lbs of certified seed is the recognised seed, e.g. 1 ½ white clover, 6–7 lbs ryegrass. This is also the opportune time to apply topdressing using whatever manure is most suited to the land. Where possible autumn and spring topdressing is desirable. Sowing Grass Seed: A firm fine weed-free seedbed should be prepared. Advice on the best mixture to sow should be sought from the local Department of Agriculture. Certified seed should always be purchased and either drilled or broadcast on a firm surface followed by light brush harrowing and a final rolling. Care of Livestock: Calves should be in first class condition to go into the winter. At this time worms may be the cause of any unthriftiness and phenothiazene should be given immediately any signs occur. Calves should be going gradually onto a mixed hay and pasture diet. Cull Stock: Do not carry passengers over the winter. Cull empty cows and poor producers. Too many farms carry useless stock that are the cause of low production. They eat grass and produce nothing. Feeding of the herd is the most important factor in good production and it is a pity to see good cows suffer because farms are feeding a various assortment of non-productive stock. Drying Off Dairy Cows: A dairy cow requires a reasonable spell between lactations and should be dried off at least 6 weeks before she is due to calve. Once a day milking usually commences during May. December—Farrowed Pigs: Litters farrowed in December-January period should be sold as pork and a minimum of young store pigs carried over the winter. As much milk as possible will be required for later litters which should start 6 weeks before the bulk of the herd begins to calve.