the role of complementary forages greg o’brien. what are complementary forages? forages that...
TRANSCRIPT
The Role of Complementary Forages
Greg O’Brien
What are Complementary Forages?
Forages that complement ryegrass
Improve forage supply (eg fill gaps)
Overcome nutrient deficiencies in diet
Photo of winter cereal
Farmlet yield and profit
Yield of CF 30% higher
Higher utilisation required
Better match herd requirements (timing and quality)
Photo of “quality” - silage
Key points from farmlets
Higher yields don’t guarantee higher profits
Take a planned approach
Where do winter cereals fit?
Don’t replace high yielding ryegrass on milking platform
Maybe in pasture renovation program
Maybe on out paddock
Choosing a Forage
Suited to your paddock
Fits a need - complements herd diet
Avoiding Failure
Do your home-work
Can’t make money from a failed crop
Yield is important but so is quality
Try on small scale
Planned Approach from NE
Not suited to perennial ryegrass
Early feed (oats)
Next wave of grazing (ARG and mixes)
Filling the gaps (quality silage)
Opportunistic (summer crops)