The hill country is the backbone of the sheep and cattle industry and the area that is struggling most for profits in the current climate.
The breeding sector suffers first in any downturn in prices, with other traders down the line protecting their margin to maintain profits.
The breeding sector often has to survive on whats left over, and based on todays figures provided by Beef and Lambs Economic service, it is not enough.
Often the first input to be trimmed is fertiliser, and this fieldays focus based on Ballantrae's long term studies will be valuable for all participants.
The field day, at Hope Rd, Woodville, on November 24 from 10am to 2pm, will recap key messages that have emerged from research and development over the years. "Although the basics of farming haven't changed much over the years, many new-generation farmers may not have heard some of the findings of 35 years of hill-country research," said Keith Betteridge, a senior scientist at AgResearch Grasslands in the Manawatu Standard.
Speakers include Alec MacKay, who will discuss soil fertility and fertilisers. Dr MacKay said many hill-country farmers had struggled to maintain fertiliser inputs in recent years as their earnings fell. "The long-term fertiliser and grazing farmlet studies at the AgResearch Ballantrae Hill Country Research Station provide valuable insights into the impact of fertiliser use, or withholding fertiliser, on the long-term productivity and profitability," Dr MacKay said.
Tom Fraser will talk about feeding animals year-round, while Syd Easton and Grant Douglas will discuss pasture and forage species. Greg Sheppard will discuss land evaluation and business planning, including matching livestock policies with the available land resource to ensure long-term sustainability.
Dave Leathwick will lead a discussion that covers "everything the farmer ever wanted to know about worm [internal parasite] drenches, and some things you didn't". Internal parasites are a significant health issue for sheep and beef farmers, who rely on drenches. Dr Leathwick will talk about worm control products, including the two new classes of anthelmintic, available.
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