Case studies of alternative wintering practices in sheep, beef and deer farming in Southern New Zealand

Abstract

Practical uptake of alternative winter-feeding practices can be aided by providing examples of the processes farmer have used, and their experiences when implementing non-traditional approaches. Six farmers in Otago and Southland used a range of forage options over a 3-year period. Crop yield and crop nutrient concentration data were collected by the research team in winter and spring. Information on management
practices, grazing days, and in some cases animal performance was recorded by the farmer. Winter yields were quite varied, ranging from approximately 6 to 10 t DM ha-1. After grazing during winter, forage regrowth contributed between 1,900 and 3,800 kg DM ha-1 to spring feed requirements. Benefits came both from the management methods and the actual wintering practices. Reducing mud was identified as a key
aspect of all practices. Wintering of heavy cattle still compromised soil strength in very wet soil conditions. The replacement of traditional winter crops with alternative wintering options increased complexity and the need for precision, while offering some opportunities in autumn and spring, such as increasing spring feed supply in sheep, beef and deer systems.