"In the peak milk period, between calving and Christmas, that could mean an extra $30,000 more cash in the budget for the average farm business."
"Pasture management offers the opportunity to improve returns by increasing income without increasing costs," says Tim. "Grass has already been paid for and growing and utilising it well has always given the New Zealand farmer an advantage - it makes sense to focus on this area and minimise the need for bought-in feed."
Mr Mackle recognised it was a busy time for farmers hence the on-farm visits. "We wouldn't be doing this unless we knew it could make a difference. Good early spring grazing management provides a platform for capturing this additional one tonne of dry matter per hectare before Christmas.
"Accurate feed allocation in spring will ensure cows are adequately fed with the right rotation length and that average pasture covers will be achieved at balance date (when feed supply equals feed demand).
"Farmers have asked us for more support in this area of their decision-making and we've responded by putting more people into the field for these visits."
The visits are not designed to replace comprehensive feed management services already provided by farm consultants to many dairy farmers.
The one-on-one visits are part of DairyNZ's Tactics campaign, designed to help farmers cope with the low milk price, recover faster and build resilience.
Analysis shows, that if the amount of pasture eaten is increased by one tonne of dry matter per hectare (DM/ha) an extra 30-40 cents of milk income per kg of milksolids can be generated,
New Zealand dairy farmers were "going back to basics" as the downward trend in global dairy prices continues, said Federated Farmers dairy chairman Andrew Hoggard.
"Feeding cows grass on their farm is cheaper than buying in feed and so many farmers are going back to basics. This change is evident in the reduced imports of feed such as PKE."
Mr Hoggard said the recent winter weather experienced across the lower North Island and the South Island and this "back to basics" tactic, suggests milk production is unlikely to increase this season, contrasting with the last couple.
Dairy NZ Bay of Plenty regional leader Sharon Morrell said farmers were being more judicious. They were fine tuning things in the terms of the price paid and value gained.
"I think there is a heightened awareness of what do I do to get the maximum benefit out of my pastures."
Pasture Tutorial:
Dairy farmers can register for the one-on-one visit. Spaces are limited so farmers are urged to book early.
Contact: dairynz.co.nz/visit to register. Visits are in August