11 October 2002

Media Release

Pasture Quality on the mind

Important news from Meat New Zealand to all farmers; pasture quality workshops are back.

Meat and Wool Innovation research and development programme manager, Sam McIvor, said farmers from all over the country have spoken very highly about the workshops and the value they are for both their pastures and their animals.

"This is the culmination of three years work by AgResearch and farmers. The pasture quality workshops are certainly one of the most exciting programmes for New Zealand farmers in years."

Along with presentations on the principles and management of pastures, McIvor said each daylong workshop consists of a practical in the paddock session where farmers can learn to assess pasture quality.

"I've spoken to some farmers before who have been to the workshops and discovered that what they thought was good quality pasture, isn't that great at all."

The workshops are funded by Meat New Zealand and principal sponsor Wrightson's, supported by Roundup

There is a cost of $30 to attend the pasture quality workshops, a "worthwhile investment judging by the reactions we have had so far," McIvor said. Along with learning about the principles of pasture quality and how to assess it, participants will also receive a copy of Q-Graze software on CD.

"The disk can be used to predict the quality of pasture over time, the intake of young growing sheep and cattle and their liveweight gain," McIvor said.

"The key message is that farmers should focus on utilising pastures before dead material builds up in the base, and thus quality deteriorates. Lower quality pasture moves slowly through the digestion process, physically restricting the amount an animal can eat," he said.

McIvor said there are three steps to maximising pasture quality on your farm. One; control spring growth. Two; manipulate whole-farm feed supply and demand. Three; monitor, predict pasture growth and plan ahead.

To register for the Pasture Quality workshops, interested parties should call 0800 94 QUALITY (0800 947 825), fax (07) 838 5117 or email pasturequality@agresearch.co.nz

The schedule for the Pasture Quality workshops is as follows:

• Malvern Recreation Centre, Darfield. October 22-24.
• Waiau Rugby Club, Waiau. Oct 29.
• Cheviot Rugby Club, Cheviot. Oct 30,31.
• Civic Theatre, Northumberland St, Waipukurau, Oct 30,31, November 1.
• Lumsden Memorial Hall, Lumsden. Nov 12-14.
• Alexander's woolshed, take Puketapu Rd from Taradale, access # 741,
• Napier. Nov 19,20
• Kaikohe Bowling Club, Kaikohe. Nov 19-21.
• Otaihape Club, Taihape. Nov 27-29.
• John Pooles woolshed, Marsack Rd Taumarunui. December 3-5.
• Otautau Hotel, Otautau. Dec 3-5.