Soil matters with Peter Burton Eco-logic Soil Improvement Ltd

Soon after purchasing our first farm, a neighbour informed us we should be wary of working in with the neighbour on the other side when it came to hay making as he nearly always managed to get his hay wet.

It had happened so frequently it had become part of the local folk lore.

Our observation was that he always planned to cut at the start of a forecasted period of fine weather, but because his gear was stored under old macrocapa trees and had not been serviced since last used, it inevitably took two or three days to drag it out and get it functioning again. By then, the next spell of wet weather was closing in and invariably rain arrived before baling.

Every spring there are reports of farmers struggling with lack of pasture, thin animals, stock losses due to adverse weather conditions and the lack of availability of suitable supplementary feed. Yet there are farmers that every year thoroughly enjoy spring and are invigorated by the challenges.

They always have sufficient feed to fully feed their stock, nearly always that feed is in the areas of the farm that are most easily utilised, stock are carrying sufficient condition to be able to comfortably withstand all but the very worst of weather and there is always a further option if both Plan A and B need modifying.

Extra cover

They are also the operators, that because of the extra pasture cover carried into winter, are first to close areas for harvesting and in the case of silage, have it harvested early in November before major seed head development.

With the inevitable December rainfall, there is the option of closing a smaller area for hay. This is then able to be harvested by mid-January, with grazing intervals lengthened to about the ideal 30 days with the rest of the season settling into a relaxed routine with plenty of time for family and recreation.

Key to success

The key to their success is due to two things. They know their pasture cover at any point in time is due to decisions made six months previously. The amount of feed available in mid-September is closely linked to the amount of feed on hand in mid-March.

Although there are differences between seasons, they are usually remarkably small, with the total amount of annual pasture grown seldom deviating more than five per cent from the norm and, with sound management, this difference can be comfortably catered for.
Controlling costs

The second part of their success and enjoyment of farming comes from knowing their profit is from the effective and efficient utilisation of high quality pasture and the control of costs. With animal ill-health costs minimised and animals of their own accord maintaining a 12 month interval between lambing, calving or fawning, there is always surplus income for further farm and personal development.

For these operators, rain has arrived just as required, pastures are presently buzzing with bees as clovers steadily dominate the sward.

The few weeds are being easily dealt with, all stock are close to ideal condition and the systems are in place for relief staff to take over while a well- deserved break is savoured.