Pasture growth provides security

See how one farmer has managed to grow a thriving pasture crop, providing security against livestock prices.

Almost perfectly timed October rainfall has helped secure the cropping season, but one southern NSW farmer is also impressed with pasture growth.

Don Kirkpatrick is an agronomist and farmer at Maxwell, south of Wagga Wagga in southern NSW, and said with livestock prices the way they are, it was understandable that people would want to talk up crops.

But having a thriving pasture meant he had some security in holding onto livestock.

He said his Angus cows and calves were currently grazing on a handy pasture crop that had benefited from recent rain.

He said good pastures went hand-in-glove with cropping rotations and could help to promote security in agriculture while people wait to see what’s happening with turbulent livestock markets.

He described the weather last week as “money rain”, which came after just 3mm was measured in the gauge during September.

So far, he has recorded 520mm for the calendar year at Maxwell and he said things were looking good.

His paddock of ryegrass and arrowleaf clover, known for its nitrogen-fixing qualities, was sown in April this year.

Applying single super, at a rate of 120kg, combined with suitable climatic conditions, allowed the pasture to establish fast.

“It has all gone exactly to plan,” he said.

In fact, there were parts of the pasture crop that were waist-high.

He said widespread rain last week would also boost the yield potential of wheat and canola crops in his area.

“We started looking for rain in about the last week of September, so the timing is perfect,” Mr Kirkpatrick said.

He said balancing the establishment of pastures was essential and not always easy.

“Weeds will win out every single time,” he said.

“A phase of major weed control is imperative,” he said.

Justin Everitt of Aintree Park at Brocklesby in southern NSW inspects his crop of Boree wheat. Justin is also the NSW Farmers grains committee chairman. Picture: Nikki Reynolds

Meanwhile, NSW Farmers grains committee chairman and Brocklesby farmer Justin Everitt measured 31mm of rain at his place last week and said it was welcome.

Mr Everitt said the rain was certainly beneficial for pastures and crops.

“It will make sure we can get the yield potential we were hoping for,” he said.

Mr Everitt said the rain would help finish crops and create a brighter outlook for the next few months.

Before the rain arrived some wild wind storms swept through the area.

“There are some tree limbs down and sheep feeders that have been blown around,” he said.