Pasture consulting services
Peter works with each of his clients to set realistic objectives and implement strategies that ensure successful outcomes. His long-term approach includes reliable soil testing and analysis, agronomy (soil nutrient management), seed requirements and options, herbicide application, different spray strategies and techniques and on-farm monitoring.
Planning and Strategy
Set goals and objectives
What are the key objectives and opportunities from crop/pasture establishment?
Establishment Methodology and Preparation
Successful establishment is fundamental to obtain productive swards
Preparation is key to developing sites, especially those with a low fertility base. The choice of technique is governed by local conditions including variations in climate and soil. Methodology should conform to well-defined principles and include destruction of the previous vegetation, preparation of a seedbed suitable for rapid establishment of the sown species, provision of adequate nutrients, choice of seed suitable for environment and intended utilisation, time and method of sowing suitable for local conditions; and careful early management.
Soil Testing and Analysis
Information is gold!
All of Peter’s work begins with a reliable soil test he carries out himself. Knowing your starting point is key to achieving good soil nutrition. A basic soil test is not sufficient, particularly in hill / high country. Results are analysed to determine, and correct any soil nutrient deficiencies.
Aluminium Toxicity
A major issue today is acidification of our soils. As farming becomes more intensive, and especially in hill and high-country, soluble aluminium levels have become a major barrier for future development. Firstly, aluminium restricts root growth, and secondly, it reduces the utilisation of absorbed phosphate. In hill and high-country it is essential for an aluminium soil test to be carried out.
Independent Fertiliser and
Seed Advice
Get the right advice for your land
Often seed failure is the result of a poor nutrient status where incorrect fertiliser or nutrients have been used. As an independent consultant, Peter is able to provide advice on the most suitable fertiliser and seed options so that animal productivity can be maximised.
Herbicide Application Programmes
Use the products that best suit your needs
Peter provides independent advice on all herbicide applications as part of the overall strategy.
Crop and Pasture Management
Be prepared for any issues that arise
Early management on a pro-active basis. Once pasture/crop is established, further advice is given on early grazing management with pasture and insect management with crops. There should be little doubt that assessment of grass productivity is essential.So assessing the time of growth against demand will help maintain efficient production.
On-Farm Monitoring
Tackle challenges head-on
Because there is potential for things to go wrong during the establishment phase, on-farm monitoring is very important. Peter focuses on being pro-active rather than re-active when it comes to any issues. When pasture runs out ,it also presents an opportunity to improve overall production levels and to adjust supply to meet demand for quantity, quality and timeliness.
Feed Quality/Stock Performance
Forage quality determines how efficiently livestock will eat feed and convert it into meat and milk. Having the right amino acids to form utilisable protein is essential for stock growth. Aim is to provide a mix of feeds high in utilisable protein combined with those high in energy. One can then make the maximum use of feed available, and/or make appropriate choices of feeds that should be bought in to boost production.