Farm Tech

PasturePlan

Michael and Carol Pound

Location: Pahiatua.

Farm size & type: 330 ha. Sheep and beef.

Topography: Easy to medium hill country. Altitude of 300 m.

Rainfall: 1,200–1,400 mm/yr.

Climate: 'Moist'.

Soil type: n/a.

Fertiliser regime: Soil has low pH and phosphate levels, so Michael has applied capital fertiliser dressings. He recently applied lime at 2.5 tonne/ha, along with 63 units of phosphate as Quinphos blend.

Stock numbers: 3,500 su: 60 % sheep, 30 % bull beef and 10 % cows.

Carrying capacity: 12 su/ha.

Plot descriptions: (a) Old rye, NW. (b) Old rye, east-facing.

Detailed description: (a) Old ryegrass, north-west aspect, exposed, 300 m, flat. (b) 15-yr ryegrass, easterly aspect, sheltered from westerlies, 250 m, flat, recent capital fertiliser dressing.

Farmer's comments: Michael says he jumped at the opportunity to become involved in PasturePlan, tapping into the skills of the likes of Meat & Wool Innovation and AgResearch's Tom Fraser.

"It's professional development, it doesn't matter what job you do you have to upskill and I want to be in control of the grass."

Results published: Central Districts Farmer.

Local Meat & Wool Innovation contact: Richard Gavigan, tel 06-376 0005, cell 025-499 851, richard.gavigan@mwi.co.nz.