As the new year starts, the weather has been giving us mixed messages, with some areas getting good rains, while the driest areas are now more southerly based with little moisture recorded from Southland to North Otago this year.
The North Island has been more fortunate feed wise with pasture growth rates still in the 40kg dm/day region, and this delay to the El Nino outcome is very welcome, ensuring production targets are not compromised early.
In the dry south areas cooler temperatures have helped utilized the recent moisture and forage crops have been boosted significantly by the recent rain.
More prime bulls are being seen in the saleyards as the mating season concludes and early mated mobs will soon test their joining success with a preganacy check.
Regular monitoring of dry stock is important as quickly changing feed conditions over the holiday break can affect liveweight targets and future production potential.
Milk production nationally continues to ease as lower cow numbers and reduced feeding costs has restricted milk flows, but Fonterra report they have sold increased volumes of further processed products in December, and stocks held are at a similar level to last year.
Facial eczema monitoring has started in northern regions and low levels of zinc dosing into water supplies is useful to prepare for increasing spore counts.
The first auction for the year disappointed with increased volumes offered dragging down prices by 1.6% into a global market with plentiful supplies, and questions are still being asked whether the $4.60 payout can be achieved.
Reports suggest dairy farms for sale numbers are increasing, with 64 farms on the books in Southland and buyers are scarce.
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.