Pragmatism in Hill Pasture Renovation

Abstract

<jats:p>Hill pasture renovation methods have been restricted in the past to surface oversowing of unaltered, trampled or burnt pastures. Unfortunately the old pasture recovers and may compete vigorously with the establishing new species, slowing pasture improvement. The availability of suitable herbicides has opened up a new opportunity for hill pasture development. Herbicide applied before oversowing can minimise the competition and allow the new species to establish more easily. The benefits include reduced time to attain optimal stocking rates and improved establishment control, but these are offset by higher initial costs. The technical aspects of the herbicide establishment methods are overshadowed by the economic factors which control the profitability of the programme, however successfully applied. As the cash flow patterns differ between the tradrtional renovation and the herbicrdebased techniques, changes in interest rates and prices have differential effects. Real interest rates below 7% make both methods profitable but are more favourable to the herbicide technique at 1987 prices, Also, price increases favour the herbicide method. Among other issues affecting the speed and profitability of development and ultimate gain, management skull is found to be crucial and dominates both establishment methods. Keywords: hill pastures, renovation, herbicides, interest rates, management skill, profitability</jats:p>

Effect of superphosphate, lime, and cocksfoot on summer dry hill country pasture production

“…Maintenance fertiliser applications therefore need be withheld from only a small part of the farm. While the initial establishment costs are high, and short-term cash flow requirements are likely to be a major consideration in the decision to proceed (Frengley & Anderson 1989), this expenditure nevertheless represents a long-term investment, and benefits will accrue over the lifetime of the improved sward.…”

Potential profit gains from improving pasture productivity on New Zealand South Island high-country farms

“…Maximum returns from land development may not be achieved unless fine tuning of the existing farm management and economic factors are considered first (Frengley & Anderson 1989). A key consideration with any farmland development, assuming the productivity capacity is increased, is how the farming system can be adjusted to utilise any additional pasture growth.…”