Rough Ridge Farm Changes to the Farm System Presented by: Peter - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Rough Ridge Farm

Changes to the Farm System

Presented by:

Peter Young Farm Advisory Services Alexandra

Why Examine the System?

• Farm within limits outside our control
• system needs to fit
• Production & Efficiency of Production
• feed supply / demand fit
• kg product / kg DM eaten
• cost of production
• profitability

Starting Rough Ridge Farm Model Heavy reliance on ryegrass dominant pastures Separate X bred paddock ewe flock Stock performance hindered by summer feed supply & quality Hill used as a relief valve for the paddocks Lucerne priority to supply supplements Winter brassica crops - unreliable strikes & yields Difficulty growing out young replacement stock Poor establishment of permanent pasture Irrigation water supply unreliable from January

Starting Land Utilisation Irrigable ryegrass based pasture – 155 hectares Dryland pastures - 75 Lucerne - 28 Summer crop - 16 Winter Crop - 26

Annual Growth Assumptions (kg DM / ha) Irrigable Pasture: 6,400 Dryland pasture: 2,450 Lucerne: 5,150

Rough Ridge Model Changes Replace dryland ryegrass pastures with lucerne

• Productive – minimum of twice annual production of ryegrass pastures
• Improved feed quality throughout the season
• More persistent - savings in renewal costs

Comparative Dry Matter Production*

50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000 Old Model New Model

*Annual growth assumptions: (kg DM / ha) Irrigable pasture 6,400 Dry pasture 2,450 Lucerne 5,150

Total projected increase of 300,000kg DM (+28%)

“The Terrace” 4 year old pasture 18th Feb 2010 Growth after 76mm rain in early January = 286kg DM / ha

“Old Horse Lucerne” 18th Feb 2010 Growth after 76mm rain early January = 2070kg DM / ha

Reduce reliance on summer crops

• Summer rape to be phased out
• Reduction in renewal costs

Create more flexibility in paddock stocking model

• Need to fit the stock model to lucerne – not the reverse
• Remove X breds from paddocks and replace with AD ewes
• Reduce summer feed demand to create more feed for hill lambs
• Flexibility for hill ewes to come onto paddocks pre-weaning
• Introduce cattle to the mix – complimentary effect

Changes to Available Grazing Area

50 100 150 200 250 300 Old Model New Model

Changed Land Utilisation Irrigable ryegrass based pasture – 155 hectares Dryland pastures - 30 Lucerne - 81 Summer crop - 10 Winter Crop - 24

Focus on growing out replacement stock

• More emphasis on ewe hogget feeding
• No longer put up the top of the hill in summer
• Take priority over finishing lambs

Target minimum feed covers at crucial times

• Spring and autumn feed target covers now a focus
• Once over winter rotation
• Winter feed budgeting
• Pro-active pasture management

Focus on feed quality and stock feeding levels

• Improved lamb growth rates – saving feed
• Better ewe condition
• Minimise fluctuation of ewe liveweights

Use lucerne more in the grazing system

• Utilise lucerne early to optimise lamb growth pre-weaning
• Make more supplements from irrigated pasture

Use irrigation water strategically to secure pasture & crop establishment

• Utilise a portable spray irrigation system for strategic use
• More confident sowing crops and pastures

Utilise suitable sites for on farm water storage

• Two small storage dams constructed
• More planned
• Have one winter crop within reach of a dam each year

Strategic Irrigation ROI

Capital Invested: Pump & Lines $15,000.00 Depreciation: 12% per annum SL 1,800.00 Interest: 9% per annum 1,350.00_____________ Total Indirect Costs $3,150.00

Irrigate 15 ha Brassica Irrigate 2.25 ha / 24 hours x 3 irrigations = 480 hours Irrigate 15 ha New Permanent Pasture Irrigate 2.25 ha / 24 hours x 1 irrigation = 160 hours

Pumping Costs: Fuel: 640 hours x 2.5 litres / hour x $1.15 / ltr = 1,840.00 R & M: 640 hours x .50 / hour 320.00 Shifting: 53 shifts x 30 min + 20 hours x $30 / hr = 1,400.00 Lost Production: 15 ha x 15:1 response x .10c / kg DM 4,500.00_____________ Total Direct Costs $8,060.00 Total Annual Costs: $11,210.00

Income Winter Brassica: 15 ha x 30:1 response 4,500kg DM x .15c = 10,125.00 Young Grass: Seed & preparation x $300 /ha = 4,500.00 Spring Feed: 15 ha x 2,000kg DM x .15c = 4,500.00___________ Total Savings / Income $19,125.00 Potential Return on Investment = 53%