Researchers are working hard to find a range of mitigation tools that will fit a variety of systems and while there’s hope among their early results there’s still some way to go.
Much still has to be done to include current mitigations in the Overseer model too.
What’s clear from talking to consultants and scientists is that a range of mitigations are likely to be necessary and the absolute imperative will be to analyse carefully the effect they’ll have on the wider farming business and profitability before farmers make big investment decisions.
Slashing the stocking rate on its own could drop leaching but it’s essential per cow production benefits are captured.
Similarly, a standoff area to reduce cow grazing time on paddocks over autumn could require an additional investment in machinery, higher costs with added bought-in supplement and an extension or upgrade to the effluent system.
This special report doesn’t cover cow housing over winter as it’s a special report topic in its own right and will be dealt with in our Dairy Design feature later in the year.
In this report we look at:
Valuers’ and bankers’ views on how nutrient limits are affecting farm values
A first hand experience of dealing with a nutrient cap
Research findings from varying stocking rates and using diverse pastures
The effects of limiting the time cows are on pasture
New developments with Overseer
Nitrate leaching reduction from changes to fertiliser and stocking rate through autumn
Breeding higher genetic merit cows
Controlling phosphorus loss, page 25.
