Winter feed production patchy in the south

Winter feed production across the south had been as patchy as the weather so far this summer, contractors said yesterday. Windy and cold conditions in spring followed by a dry spell have taken their toll on feed growth in many areas of Southland, meaning production of hay and baleage was down on past years. Those spoken to by The Southland Times said any improvement in the weather would change the situation quickly. Otautau-based Andrew Dickson, of Andrew Dickson Contracting, said production of winter feed had ramped up in the past fortnight after a poor start to the season. "Earlier on it was cold and the grass wasn't growing, then it went dry for a while and the grass didn't grow ..." Growing conditions had since improved, but feed production had fallen behind, Mr Dickson said. In some cases production was only at 10 per cent of where it had been in other seasons, he said. "I've got clients who would've done 500 bales by now, who have only done 50 or 60 "“ I'm back (in terms of producing) about 4000 bales for baleage on last year." However, he predicted a later season rush in production would go hand in hand with better weather. Caldwell Contracting owner Alan Caldwell said it had not been an easy season, but production around Edendale "“ where his business is based "“ was steady. The season was similar to last year, Mr Caldwell said. "Things started slowly last year and grass became very expensive, then we had a late season in January and February."