It is hard to recollect a time when future planning has been so uncertain.
Farmers have several variables to consider. Prices received for milk, meat,
wool, and horticultural products appear to be steadily lifting however
volatility is also increasing.
Costs are on an upward escalator, particularly rates and those related to
compliance.
International crude oil prices are low by historical standards and yet local
fuel prices don’t seem to fully reflect that.
The cost of capital as shown by interest rates are close to long-term lows
and any upward movement adds significant extra pressure for those heavily
indebted.
Weather has perhaps the greatest influence and accurate long-term
projections largely depend on where you look and what you want to see.
Farming is not for the short sighted or faint hearted, however there are
steps that can be taken that provide a degree of certainty and comfort.
Magnesium requirements on farms, particularly intensive dairy, grow each
year. Many soils are naturally magnesium deficient and for others the loss
is induced through excessive nitrogen and potassium inputs.
Soil compaction with resultant shallow rooting of plants further
compounds the problem with magnesium supplementation being required
throughout the milking season.
Magnesium chloride and sulphate added to the water supply results in
animals preferring to drink from puddles limiting production.
An unlimited supply of fresh clean drinking water increases milk
production, improves weight gain, and strengthens immune systems.
To ensure sufficient magnesium a bin of dolomite made available next to a
trough or in the race at the entrance or exit to the milking shed allows each
animal to access what they require.
The amount of mag in the water supply can then be steadily reduced over a
period of several weeks.
Magnesium and calcium requirements are closely related, and dolomite
provides both as it contains 24% calcium and 11.5% magnesium.
A bin of lime flour will allow animals with high calcium requirements the
extra necessary.
Farmer clients often always have salt available as animals lose sodium
during summer months as well as mobilising it to fight infections.
We recommend that these supplements never be mixed together or with
other feed as stock may ingest excess which can be just as detrimental as
a deficiency.
The basis of a sound magnesium supplementation programme is an annual
application of dolomite, the only source here being that from Golden Bay.
An annual application of 200 – 250kg/ha is all that is required to replace
losses with a 30 tonne truck and trailer load sufficient for between 120 to
150ha.
Where this isn’t enough to cover the whole property, targeting calving areas
and paddocks receiving cowshed effluent will still provide worthwhile
benefits.
Fewer animals exhibit clinical magnesium deficiency symptoms during
calving and early lactation.
Cows that may become unsteady are treatable usually recovering fully with
minimal loss of production.
Because dolomite remains fully effective for twelve months it may be
applied at any time with autumn being an ideal time.
For a quote of product delivered to property call Peter on 027 495 0041
