The group, set up last year after winter grazing techniques were put under the spotlight following a nationwide campaign that highlighted Southland cows standing in mud, says farmers are taking steps to improve wintering systems despite the challenges of covid-19 restrictions and weather events.
Action group chairman Dr Lindsay Burton says it is important everyone works together to ensure farmers have the right tools to get through winter.
“Ensuring you follow a gradual transition plan when moving your animals from pasture to crop and back again will help prevent issues.
“This is particularly important for cattle wintered on fodder beet.
“For farmers, the focus heading into winter should be on providing the right feed at the right time as well as shelter and easy access to drinking water. Doing this should have the flow-on effect of limiting stock movement and help reduce damage to crops and soil.”
When the Southland practices were put under the spotlight last year Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor set up a taskforce, which has since been succeeded by the action group, to investigate.
Taskforce chairman Dr John Hellstrom says improving winter grazing systems is not something that can be done overnight but the action group is on the right track. He is confident the recommendations the taskforce made are being progressed to ensure improvements for this winter and beyond.
The group is focused on educating farmers on careful management when introducing stock to new feed types and ensuring contingency plans are in place to manage any severe or prolonged wet winter weather.
In the short-term there are actions farmers can take now to ensure the immediate welfare of their animals, including making appropriate shelter available when needed as well as suitable areas for stock to lie down.
“That could be as simple as planning to graze the best sheltered paddock last and keeping it up your sleeve for a weather event.
“Changing practice will take a long time. This is not a one-winter solution but we will keep working with farmers and sector leaders to improve things now and in the future.”
