Bay of Plenty dairy farms are likely to grow significantly less grass for their herds this summer, warns DairyNZ which is basing its predictions on data from past El Niño years.

DairyNZ senior developer for productivity, Kim Mashlan, says if this summer is similar to the three strongest El Niño years – 1972/73, 1982/83 and 1997/9, then many farms could grow two to three tonnes less feed per hectare than normal.

The 2016 El Nino summer could bring drought conditions to many regions, hitting farmers hard. Photo: File

'Some areas like Northland, Bay of Plenty and parts of Waikato and Canterbury show lower than average pasture growth rates from January through to April, compared to an average year,” says Kim.

'This information isn't meant to be a crystal ball but highlights the importance of preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, which many farmers are already doing.

'The key is to have completed a written summer management plan that identifies triggers for a change in farm management. For example, if grazing residuals go below four cm, what will happen? An action might be to feed four kg grass silage per cow per day,” says Kim.

'It's a good idea to body condition score the herd fortnightly and remember to keep an eye on young stock – providing supplements if pasture is inadequate.

'Review the weather forecasts regularly and, if needed, adjust the plan based on predicted pasture growth rates, which tools like DairyNZ's Pasture Growth Forecaster can help predict.”

There are still decisions that can be made to prepare for a dry period, says Kim.

'In some parts of the country, where moisture levels are adequate, there is an opportunity to build up feed with nitrogen. Booking your herd's pregnancy testing now for early in the New Year means those last culls can go as early as possible, reducing feed demand. Also, consider milking once-a-day before feed gets short,” says Kim.

DairyNZ economist Matthew Newman says milk production nationwide is already well below last year, after farmers culled cow numbers heavily earlier in the season, due to a low milk price. If dry summer conditions put pressure on pasture growth, then milk production will drop further.

'Currently, I'd say we are tracking for a six percent drop in milk production this season, but if El Niño conditions affect us badly this summer, it could be 10 percent or more down in some regions,” says Matt.

He says DairyNZ has revised its breakeven milk price up to $5.40kg/MS, due to the decrease in expected production for the 2015/16 season and a slight lift in farm working costs.

For more information about managing a dry summer visit www.dairynz.co.nz/summer

Tips for dealing with a summer dry

• Consider milking once-a-day.
• Accurately body condition score fortnightly and dry-off according to body condition score rules.
• Protect pastures from over-grazing.
• Check young stock at least monthly if off-farm and monitor weight gains whether on or off-farm. Plan to bring in extra feed should weight gains fall below target.
• Sell off remaining culls as soon as the herd has had a final pregnancy diagnosis.
• Visit dairynz.co.nz/summer