Revamp or re-plant pasture
Local producers will hear hot tips on how to revamp run-down pastures at a NSW Grassland Society field day near Molong on Thursday, July 30.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) agronomist, Linda Ayres, said farmers need first to assess pastures and then consider which options will deliver the best outcomes.
"Producers need to ensure weed control, fertiliser applications and grazing management are working well to get the most out of existing perennial pastures," Ms Ayres said.
"Sowing a new pasture can cost from $300 to $400 per hectare. So it makes economic sense to maintain pastures for as long as you can and consider options to boost the productivity of existing pastures."
The field day commences at 2.30pm at ‘Gundawanna’, Belgravia Road, followed by a visit to a pasture species trial site, concluding with a barbeque and talks at the Molong Bowling Club.
Ms Ayres said the decision to re-sow a pasture should not be taken lightly.
"Producers need to carefully consider the economics and expected returns on their investment, taking into account the number of dry sheep equivalents (DSE) they are carrying and calculate their gross margins," she said.
"Individual paddocks should be assessed to determine if they can be salvaged and improved through the strategic use of fertiliser, grazing management or herbicides.
"If farmers do decide to re-sow it’s critical they follow NSW DPI’s ‘8-step check list’ which will be detailed at the field day.
"Cutting corners increases the risk of establishment failure with the accompanying loss of invested dollars."
Speakers will outline specific management options and economic factors to help farmers make informed pasture management decisions.
Farmers should contact Linda Ayres (02) 6391 3800, 0413 889 318 or David Harbison 0408 820 467 to RSVP by Wednesday, July 29.
Further reading
Media contact: Bernadette York, NSW DPI (02) 6391 3936 or 0427 773 785