METHODS FOR ESTIMATING PASTURE DRY MATTER ON DAIRY FARMS IN NORTHLAND

Abstract

Pasture dry matter (DM) estimates are used by dairy farmers and their advisers for feed planmng principally during April to September. The three primary estimates required are: average farm cover, pre-grazing herbage on offer, and post-grazing residue. Average farm cover can be approximated by averaging paddocks with the highest and lowest DM. Various 'short-cut' methods (pasture height, weighted disc, pasture 'probe') were evaluated during 1984 and have provided calibration equations for 'feed budgeting' of pre-calving feed. Such equations could be used for day-to-day feeding calculations during autumn to spring provided their limitabons are recognised.