Farm Tech

PasturePlan

Jim Hazlett

Location: Waiau, North Canterbury.

Farm size & type: 630 ha (580 ha effective). Sheep breeding and beef finishing.

Topography: n/a.

Rainfall: 800–900 mm/yr.

Climate: Moderate, but can get dry in summer.

Soil type: n/a.

Fertiliser regime: 160 kg/ha super phosphate, or 80 % sulphur–super and 20 % special mixes.

Stock numbers: 3,000 ewes, 900 hoggets, 70 cows and 150 trading cattle.

Carrying capacity: 8.5 su/ha.

Plot descriptions: (a) New ryegrass on the downs. (b) Old hill ryegrass pasture.

Detailed description: n/a.

Farmer's comments: "I haven't done any pasture monitoring before. Basically, I'm taking part to learn what pasture growth is like on my farm." (Jim Hazlett)

Results published: Canterbury Farming.

Local Meat & Wool Innovation contact: Alan Marshall, tel 03-325 6911, cell 025-329 399, alan.marshall@mwi.co.nz