DairyNZ says now is not the time for Taranaki, Manawatu and Hawkes Bay dairy farmers to be risking spring performance by not investing in nitrogen application. "Due to the current financial situation on farms many farmers have maxed out their current overdraft levels," says DairyNZ Lower North Island Regional Consulting Officer, Scott Ridsdale. "Our local consulting officers are telling us that some of these farmers are reluctant to apply nitrogen fertiliser due to the cost, despite having low pasture covers. "We have had a very dry March and April that has led to reduced growth resulting in lower pasture covers than average," he says. "Normally at this time of year farmers would be applying autumn nitrogen of between 25 to 46 kgN/ha (55 to 100 kgUrea/ha) to boost pasture covers going into winter."If farmers are short of pasture cover now, or their system historically has depended on autumn nitrogen, withholding it now without grazing-off cows or alternative feed could lead to low covers and underfed cows in winter and spring. "We would like to encourage farmers to take a more proactive stance rather than doing nothing. Cow condition and feed on hand at calving are key to having a successful spring and pasture remains the cheapest form of feed for New Zealand dairy cows." He says if cashflow is an issue farmers have a number of options. They can:"¢ Speak to their local fertiliser field officer or farm merchant as the majority of companies are offering deferred payment options on fertiliser"¢ Consider using lower rates of nitrogen and target their paddocks that are more responsive to application"¢ Consider delaying applications until late winter-early spring (when responses are usually better) "¢ Have a winter plan "“ do a feed budget now"¢ Build cover through a slow rotation without pugging. "¢ Update budgets and talk with the bank if needed "Don't just hope that it will all be OK this spring," says Scott. "Do what you can to manage your way through to good pasture cover. "With the recent rains and current warm soil temperatures farmers can expect good growth responses to nitrogen applied in the next week, but if you do make the decision to apply don't leave it too late!"
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