Supplementary feed levels are excellent and pasture covers are also good.
What a difference a year can make – this time last year many regions were on the dry side and Hawke’s Bay was in drought.
There are a few places starting to dry out, though. Northland and Hauraki farmers could probably use some rain as pasture growth rates decline.
Still, with feed in the bank many are hoping for a longer summer production season.
The one drawback of course is wet and warm means facial eczema. Spore counts are already up in some regions and they’ll be something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Bryan Gibson
FE spore counts hit 1.2m in Matamata
Farmers are being warned to make sure they have an adequate facial eczema (FE) management plan in place after the first spore counts of the year topped nearly 1.2 million from one grass sample in Matamata.
Rain secures feed surplus
Warm temperatures and frequent summer rain have led to a bumper season for summer feed crops and pasture covers for livestock farmers in most regions up and down the country.
Luxton ready for new role
The new chair of the Primary Production select committee says she hopes to restore the trust farmers have in the Government.
Post-covid demand pushes dairy prices
Demand from China for milk powder and a resurgent appetite for milk fat products in several markets has lifted dairy prices to recent record levels.
SI lamb sales still going strong
On-farm lamb sales continue to strengthen by the week in the South Island, with top store values fetching well above current schedule pricing.
