Farm Tech

PasturePlan

‘Mt Allen’, Donald & Andrea Martin

Location: Moa Flat.

Farm size & type: 550 ha.

Topography: Rolling to steep.

Rainfall: Good rainfall, spread through the year.

Climate: Temperate.

Soil type: n/a.

Fertiliser regime: n/a.

Stock numbers: 5,000 ewes, 1,200 hoggets. Also finish lambs for processing.

Carrying capacity: n/a.

Plot descriptions: (a) 1-yr Ruanui ryegrass, south-facing. (b) 5-yr Marsden ryegrass, north-facing.

Detailed description: Both plots are at an altitude of 350 m.

Farmer's comments: "Moa Flats is one of the best sheep areas left and figures available from other areas have not been relevant to us. I'm very much into dry matter pasture monitoring. I want to be up to speed with it — you have to grasp technology with both hands. The monitoring will lead to accurate assessment of grass growth, which directly affects the feed budget, which affects the carrying capacity and ultimately the bottom line." (Donald Martin)

Results published: Otago/Southland Farmer.