Farm Tech

PasturePlan

Gerard and Ann Vallely

Location: Te Anau.

Farm size & type: 359 ha sheep and beef breeding and finishing.

Topography: Easy rolling land.

Rainfall: 1,000–1,200 mm/yr.

Climate: Summer safe.

Soil type: n/a.

Fertiliser regime: 250 kg/ha of super 10 and 375 kg/ha of lime each year.

Stock numbers: 3,000 ewes, 800 lambing hoggets, 70 cattle.

Carrying capacity: n/a.

Plot descriptions: (a) 12-yr ryegrass. (b) New ryegrass.

Detailed description: The two cutting sites are fairly typical of the farm and compare two good paddocks.

Farmer's comments: "We believe the project is worthwhile as we will be able to accurately forecast how much grass we are growing and at what time of the year." (Gerard Vallely.)

Results published: Otago Southland Farmer

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