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Dairy Reminders For June

By Department of Primary Industries - 24th June 2005 - Back to News

Pastures

Long term average ryegrass pasture growth rates for June range from 9-12 kg DM/ha/day on dryland dairy farms across Gippsland depending on the soil temperatures on your farm. The pastures of the MID are expected to grow at 8 – 12 kg DM/ha/day. East Gippsland pastures with warmer temperatures and recent rainfall may be growing at 10 – 15 kg DM/ha/day.

Ryegrass leaf appearance rates for mid June are estimated to be 16 - 20 days depending on soil temperatures. Therefore, pasture rotations should be around 48 - 60 days to allow ryegrass to reach the 3 leaf stage before grazing. Pastures that are able to attain three leaves prior to grazing will produce more pasture feed during the winter months than pastures grazed at either the l or 2 leaf stage.

Urea can be applied at the rate of 100 kg/ha over this period to boost pasture growth. However, due to colder temperatures and shorter days the response may only be 6 - 8 kg DM per kilogram of nitrogen. Better results will occur on ryegrass dominant, north facing paddocks.

Cows

Regularly check cows and heifers on agistment paddocks to ensure they have adequate water and feed.

Ensure dry cows have adequate feed available and prepare a summary of the number of hay rolls required to get through to calving.

If considering lead feeding your springing cows this season, seek reliable advice and/or a pre mix ration so you achieve a successful result and avoid unbalancing the cows diet at calving time.

Irrigation

Ensure drains at the bottom of the irrigation bays are kept weed free to assist with winter drainage runoff. Waterlogged pastures will result in slow winter pasture growth.

Undertake maintenance of the irrigation drains, pumps, outlets and culverts now while the problems are fresh in you mind.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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