Planning ahead is the best defence against a potentially challenging summer, according to DairyNZ, which is urging farmers to closely monitor pasture, feed supplies and stock condition as dry conditions begin to emerge across parts of the country.

DairyNZ farm systems team manager Steve Veix said regular farm walks, feed budgeting and timely decision-making could help farmers reduce the impact of dry weather on both production and profitability.

“While seasonal conditions will vary across the country, early planning is one of the most effective ways farmers can reduce the impact of a dry summer on cows, pasture and farm performance,” Veix said.

He encouraged dairy farmers to regularly monitor pasture growth and weather forecasts and to have a summer management plan in place before conditions become difficult.

“If there is grazing pressure, this can increase the possibility of over-grazing, which can delay pasture growth response rates.”

Veix said hot weather could affect cow comfort before obvious signs of heat stress appeared.

“As heat load increases, cows may eat less and milk production can decline.

“Farmers should ensure stock water systems can meet peak demand, provide shade where practical and minimise the time cows spend walking or standing on hot surfaces.”

He said adjusting milking times or frequency, along with cooling measures such as sprinklers at the shed, could help reduce heat stress.

Signs of heat stress include faster breathing rates, crowding around water troughs, reduced grazing and slower walking.

Veix said farmers should also pay close attention to calves and young stock to ensure they continue meeting liveweight targets and have access to water and shade.

Feed planning critical

Summer feed planning remains a key priority, Veix said.

“Farmers should regularly monitor pasture availability in relation to demand requirements to identify early any looming feed shortage.

“The early identification of true feed deficits will enable farmers to either adjust feed demand requirements or attain additional purchased supplementary feed, provided it remains profitable.”

Summer crops such as turnips, chicory, plantain and fodder beet could help fill feed shortages but should form part of a wider seasonal feed budget, he said.

Veix also urged farmers to avoid over-grazing during dry periods, warning it could reduce pasture growth rates and long-term pasture persistence.

“Maintaining appropriate grazing residuals is critical to preserve plant energy reserves and encourage quicker recovery, particularly as soil moisture returns after a drier period.”

Slower pasture growth during dry conditions often means rotation lengths need to be extended to allow pastures to reach the optimal two-and-a-half to three-leaf stage before grazing.

Farmers were also encouraged to monitor paddocks and crops for insect damage and weed invasion.

“Early intervention ensures that impact on crop yields is minimised.”

Facial eczema remains a significant summer risk in many dairy regions, Veix said. Farmers should monitor spore counts and work with their veterinarian to ensure prevention programmes are in place before symptoms appear.

Bay of Plenty facing dry outlook

Earth Sciences New Zealand meteorologist Chester Lampkin said a very strong El Niño pattern and warm sea surface temperatures west of New Zealand were expected to bring a warm, windy and variable spring and early summer.

The period through December was likely to remain warm with an overall dry tendency.

“Our official forecast is for likely below-normal rainfall in Bay of Plenty and the Waikato, with likely normal to below-normal rainfall for the Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki regions,” Lampkin said.

“All areas are most likely to see above-normal temperatures through December.”

He said early indications pointed to continued strong westerly winds, warmer-than-average temperatures and normal to below-normal rainfall into January.

“Concerns for dryness will be the overall theme into summer,” Lampkin said.

“The pattern favours long periods without widespread beneficial rains across the North Island.

“That does not mean it will be completely rain-free, but it does mean we won’t get as much rain as we usually do.”

Bay of Plenty is already experiencing notably dry conditions, with rainfall since the start of October sitting at less than 50% of normal levels across much of the region.