Farm Tech

PasturePlan

Neville and Niki Martyn

Location: Otara, near Invercargill.

Farm size & type: 270 ha. 225 effective, with the balance in bush, forestry and 2 ha of hazelnuts.

Topography: n/a.

Rainfall: 1,100 mm/yr.

Climate: Reasonably mild coastal climate, subject to cold southerlies.

Soil type: n/a.

Fertiliser regime: The farm has phosphate levels of 15 to 25 and a pH level of 6. The Martyns generally apply 375 kg/ha of phosphate fertiliser a year.

Stock numbers: 2,150 ewes, 500 hoggets and 50 cattle based on winter-born bobby calves.

Carrying capacity: n/a.

Plot descriptions: (a) New ryegrass, 20m, clay stony ash soil. (b) 3-yr ryegrass, 120m, free draining Tokanui and terraced downland soils.

Detailed description: n/a.

Farmer's comments: "Knowing how much grass you are actually growing and how much the stock are eating encourages a proactive management style." (Neville Martyn)

Results published: Otago/Southland Farmer.

Local Meat & Wool Innovation contact: Aaron Meikle, tel 03-203 9071, 025-846 377, aaron.meikle@mwi.co.nz