Preparing paddocks for winter grazing

Paul Le Miere, chief environmental policy advisor for Beef + Lamb New Zealand, says that while the government has ended prescriptive winter grazing rules, it is important that farmers continue to demonstrate that they do not need onerous regulations to protect their soil and water resources . and maintaining high animal welfare standards.

“Winter grazing practices have improved exponentially in recent years as farmers have listened to science and adapted their management to minimize their impact on the environment.

“We encourage farmers to keep up the momentum this winter and plan ahead so they can make the most of their winter forages this season, while protecting soil and water resources.”

“Continued good management this year will help us as we work with the Government on a more practical, agricultural plan-based approach to winter pasture management.”

Mr Le Miere says dry weather may have impacted crop yields in many regions, so tools like B+LNZ’s FeedSmart tool can take the guesswork out of feed allocation while ensuring livestock get the necessary nutrients to meet their production goals.

He says the FeedSmart tool, which can be used both in the paddock and offline once installed, provides instant information on feed values, the feed requirements of different livestock classes and feed allocation calculations.

Before grazing, buffer zones should be established around watercourses (minimum 5 meters between the waterway and the crop) and critical source areas in the paddock. Leaving these areas ungrazed prevents nutrient-rich waste from entering waterways.

Critical Source Areas (CSAs) are areas where surface water accumulates and can transport a disproportionate amount of sediment, nutrients, and fecal matter to waterways.

“Ideally, supplementary feed is placed in the paddock before the paddock is grazed. This will help limit the movement of livestock and heavy vehicles on wet ground, both of which can damage crops and soil.”

Portable water troughs can be useful to reduce soil damage and keep livestock away from critical source areas.

Where crops are on a slope, Mr Le Miere recommends, where practical, erecting break gates across the slope and starting grazing at the top of the pasture. This means that the standing crop will act as a filter for any runoff.

If there is a waterway in the paddock, grazing should begin on the other side of the paddock.

He says cattle will use the crop more efficiently if the breaks are long and short. Back fences help minimize puging damage and reduce the risk of runoff.

“Animal welfare considerations, such as shelter and spacing areas, should have been taken into account when establishing crops. If a stand-off area is not available, temporary bedding is a good way to allow livestock to rest on firm, dry ground.”

For more information on winter forage grazing, see our Winter pasture center.

For information about FeedSmart go to FeedSmart: sheep and cattle feed and allocation calculator

And see the user manual: Feedsmart User Manual (805 KB)