Spring is nearly here, and like any farmer, the first thing on my mind is the weather.
Soil temps are sitting just under that magic 10°C mark where ryegrass really gets moving, and growth has lifted 25% in the past fortnight to around 30kg DM/ha/day. Still short of the 45kg needed to feed cows on grass alone, but the stock have wintered well and calving has been kind so far. Not too much mud either, which feels like a win. It’s also great to be able to sell or rear all young stock for herd replacement or beef. Not long ago an unwanted calf fetched $30; now a four day old calf is close to $200. Hard not to feel for consumers though, paying $30 for a kilo of mince.
Across the eastern North Island, sheep numbers have dropped by around 140,000 while beef cattle have risen by about 45,000 – no surprises there.
Across the eastern North Island, sheep numbers have dropped by around 140,000 while beef cattle have risen by about 45,000 – no surprises there.
Extreme weather and council caution are still causing headaches on Whakatomo Road, which now closes after just 30mm of rain due to slip risk. The only options are rerouting cars around the slip or crossing the river, neither ideal. The recent farm relief package was gratefully received by 80 Wairarapa farmers, supplying 6,400 posts, 8,000 battens, 160 rolls of wire and other fencing gear. A big thank you to RRT.
The recent farm relief package was gratefully received by 80 Wairarapa farmers, supplying 6,400 posts, 8,000 battens, 160 rolls of wire and other fencing gear. A big thank you to RRT.
I also want to acknowledge the new generation of Māori leaders who’ve revitalised te reo, kapa haka, weaving, carving, environmental work and marae upgrades. Lea Ann Flutey is helping organise a Tupapaku (care of the deceased) course at Kohunui Marae – enrolments are still open on their website.
On the culinary front, Land Girl Café continues its much loved pizza nights every third Wednesday. It is advised to book ahead.
