Organised by DairyNZ, with support from Plant and Food Research, Environment Southland, Beef + Lamb NZ and the Aparima Community Environment (ACE) Project, the field day will be presented by local farmers and provide tips on practical and innovative solutions for wintering in Southland.
DairyNZ Head of South Island, Tony Finch, says winter can be challenging for Southland farmers.
“Most farmers throughout Southland are already doing the right thing with winter grazing management, showing a noticeable improvement over the last two winters, including planning for winter with crop, buffers strips and paddock selection,” he said.
The Big Day Out event will allow farmers to learn about innovative wintering practices, good farming practice and insights from alternative wintering ideas being trialed.
“These alternatives are practical and easy to implement, while supporting the critical aspects of animal health and environmental outcomes on-farm,” he said.
Those attending can visit a local farm, which will showcase catch crops and on-paddock working machinery, including a Spader-Drill sowing oat and a Strip-Till machine cultivating.
The field day is on October 6 at the Mossburn Hall, from 12.30 to 4pm.
