Article Summary: Building an autumn feed wedge hinges on slowing rotations, removing non-essential stock, measuring pasture covers regularly, and adjusting plans as conditions evolve. By protecting residuals and capitalising on surplus growth, farmers can create a robust cushion of extra grass for winter. This autumn surplus reduces the need for bought-in feed, minimises feed gaps through early spring, and ultimately supports stable livestock performance in the cooler months.
Introduction
Building a feed wedge, or an accumulated surplus of pasture, is a core objective for autumn grazing in New Zealand. As cooler weather arrives and growth slows, having extra grass available allows flexibility in winter feeding management. Achieving this balance requires careful attention to grazing intensity, livestock demands, and pasture growth rates. Below are practical strategies to effectively develop a reliable feed wedge and confidently navigate autumn's variable weather conditions.
Why a Feed Wedge Matters
A well-managed wedge helps buffer your farm against sluggish winter growth, significantly reducing reliance on purchased feed. This surplus grass not only sustains livestock through colder months but also provides an essential starting point for vigorous pasture growth in spring. Entering spring with higher pasture covers often minimises feed gaps and stabilises milk and meat production. Additionally, a robust feed wedge helps preserve soil health and pasture resilience, promoting faster recovery after intensive winter grazing and enhancing overall farm productivity.
Key Steps to Build a Wedge
Slow Your Rotation
As soon as autumn moisture becomes consistent, begin lengthening your grazing rotation from approximately 25 days to 40 or even 50 days. This deliberate slowing of rotations allows paddocks sufficient time to accumulate extra cover. Avoid grazing too low, as overly short residuals can severely delay pasture recovery. Extended grazing intervals also maintain healthier root systems, improving plant resilience and maximising potential pasture growth rates.
Destock or Reallocate
Removing non-essential or unproductive stock from your farm significantly reduces pasture demand, aiding surplus accumulation. Consider reallocating animals to less intensively managed areas or temporarily relocating them to off-farm grazing facilities. Evaluate livestock productivity and performance rigorously to identify the best candidates for removal or transfer, thereby streamlining pasture utilisation.
Tracking Progress
Regularly measuring pasture covers—using tools like rising plate meters, or satellite-backed pasture readings from our very own Pasture.io—is vital to verify if the wedge is forming as anticipated. Developing and maintaining a simple feed budget helps anticipate future pasture growth, enabling balanced decisions concerning animal demand. Regular and accurate assessments allow rapid adjustments to your grazing strategy, optimising pasture yields and utilisation. If paddocks surpass target covers late in the season, cutting surplus growth into silage or hay can preserve quality and provide valuable winter feed reserves.
Managing the Wedge in Late Autumn
Autumn conditions can fluctuate significantly, making diligent management crucial. In milder regions, sustained warmer nights may extend pasture growth, supporting the development of a larger wedge. Conversely, cooler regions often require earlier surplus-building efforts. If soils become excessively wet or waterlogged, avoid intensive grazing to prevent crown damage and delayed pasture recovery.
Supplementation with silage, hay, or grain becomes essential, particularly when resting paddocks to build the wedge. Always prioritise animal condition alongside pasture management; don't allow livestock to suffer in the pursuit of surplus accumulation. Implement a balanced feeding strategy that adequately meets animal nutritional needs while maintaining pasture integrity.
Practical Tips for Effective Wedge Management
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Conduct regular pasture monitoring, adjusting grazing rotations promptly based on current pasture growth data.
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Maintain flexible stocking rates to swiftly adapt to changing weather and pasture conditions.
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Develop clear contingency plans for potential feed surplus or deficit scenarios, including supplementary feeding schedules and silage-making protocols.
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Train staff thoroughly on accurate pasture measurement techniques and responsive decision-making processes.
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Integrate routine soil health evaluations into autumn pasture management practices, boosting long-term productivity.
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Optimise fertiliser applications in autumn to enhance pasture growth and health, supporting wedge development.
Looking Ahead to Spring
Effectively managing a healthy feed wedge through winter offers critical protection as pasture growth significantly slows. Advanced autumn planning ensures your farm is well-prepared for spring, stocked with adequate feed reserves. Elevated pasture covers in early spring bolster consistent livestock performance, minimise animal stress, and facilitate smooth transitions into peak production periods. Proactive autumn management, therefore, lays a strong foundation for successful spring grazing outcomes.
Conclusion
Creating a feed wedge in autumn demands disciplined grazing restraint, continuous pasture monitoring, and strategic livestock management. By deliberately slowing rotations, selectively destocking or reallocating animals, and adapting plans based on precise pasture measurements, you can establish a valuable feed surplus. As winter approaches with its lower growth rates, this carefully constructed wedge ensures flexible feeding options, promotes animal health, and provides a secure path to robust productivity and performance in spring.
Until we meet again, Happy Grazing!
- The Dedicated Team of Pasture.io, 2025-03-20