Beef + Lamb New Zealand is running the Paddock Selection for Winter Feed Crops campaign that focuses specifically on minimising the environmental impacts of intensively grazed winter forage crops.
Its North Island general manager Matt Ward said the environmental impacts of the crops and associated animal welfare concerns have captured the attention of the Government, environmental groups and the wider public.
The particularly wet winter in many parts of the country exposed some cases of poor environmental management and animals standing in mud for long periods, reflecting poorly on an industry that prides itself on maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
“These were the minority but they cast a shadow over the wintering practices of this country’s farmers who typically do a good job,” Ward said.
Winter feed crops are a valuable part of NZ’s livestock grazing and pastoral systems.
They provide livestock with high-energy feed over the colder months and by feeding animals in a small area for a few weeks pasture covers can be built on the balance of the farm ready for lambing and calving.
Feed crops are also part of a pasture renewal programme and allow farmers to control weeds and diseases before establishing new pasture.
But if farmers are to keep a social licence to continue the practice they must think carefully about the impact intensive grazing will have on their environment and livestock, Ward said.
“Simple management decisions can make all the difference.
“There may be some areas of the farm that are just unsuited for growing winter feed crops while others are ideal and with the correct management will have minimal environmental impact.”
The campaign focuses on three key considerations when selecting paddocks for winter crops. They are slope, proximity to water bodies and protecting soil.
The greater the slope the greater the risk of losing top soil and sediment.
Proximity to water bodies including ponds, steams, gullies that feed into streams and areas that are prone to flooding, particularly in winter, should be taken into consideration
Soil protection is critical because soils damaged by pugging will not yield well in later years. Pugged soils will also discourage stock from lying down to rest, which is important for animal health and welfare, he said.
The campaign will run through the next few weeks as farmers begin establishing next year’s feed crops.
