Grass species used and pasture establishment practices in central New Zealand

Abstract

This survey was carried out to obtain information on seed establishment practices of dairy and sheep farmers of the central districts of New Zealand, from South Auckland to Canterbury. Sheep and dairy farmers in different regions did not differ significantly in their pasture establishment practices. Many sowed pasture seed every year, and old pastures were renovated rather than new land developed. Most either broadcast or drilled their seeds; a small proportion of farmers used both methods. An increase in drilling is anticipated. Farmers used, or intend using, simple pasture mixtures containing 2-4 grass species. Single pasture species have been, and will be used either for renovating old pastures, establishing special purpose leys, or for seed production. Ryegrass was the most popular grass species and 'Grasslands Nui' the most widely used cultivar. Farmers generally sowed their pastures in autumn, irrespective of region. They relied on their experience to select pasture species, and the seeds were purchased from seed merchants who made up the seed mixture. Seed rates used by farmers were 30--35 kg/ha.

A survey of farmer knowledge and use of pasture cultivars in New Zealand

“…The high percentage (20-30%) considering the information received wassubstandard is disturbing. CONCLUSIONS 1.Perennialryegrass andwhiteclovercultivars were the best known and the most used by farmers surveyed, which had also been noted by Harris (1968), Sangakarra et al (1982), and Lancashire (1985). 2.Therewasbetteruse of cultivars by dairy farmers thansheepand otherfarmers.…”

“…For instance, Sangakarra et al (1982) in a farmer surveyindicated a strongshiftin recent yearsaway from theoldercultivar 'GrasslandsRuanui'perennial ryegrass commonly in use in the 1960s (Harris 1968),towards 'GrasslandsNui'andEllettperennial ryegrasses whichhavequickly dominatedthemarket (Lancashire 1985).…”

Effect of Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) on production and persistence of prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii) when rotationally grazed by dairy cows

“…Surveys of grass species use by farmers during the past decade (Sangakkara et al 1982;Belgrave et al 1990) indicate increased usage of prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth) as an alternative to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Prairie grass growth can exceed that of rye grass during summer/autumn and it has similar or better winter/ spring growth (Hay & Ryan 1983;Fraser 1985).…”

Pasture renovation: interactions of vegetation control with slug and insect infestations

“…Each year, large areas of temperate grassland are renovated. A survey by Sangakkara et al (1982) indicated that New Zealand farmers sow 6 % of their holdings into new pasture each year. This represents nationally c. 500000 ha and a cost to the farming community of SNZ 120-150 million.…”