Assessing the Performance of Newly Fenced Hill Block

A newly deer fenced block was fertilised and prior to the group meeting. The group discussed how the block could be managed to best achieve increased weaning weights while maintaining or improving reproductive rates

Presented to AP National Conference in Methven 2016.

Outcomes and Future

•Fawn Survival maintained

•Moving to specialist feed from mid January is nicely balancing survival and early lactation growth achieved on the hill.

•Weaner weights improved by 4 kg to 66.5 kg by 10 April.

•Use of the hill over winter has reduced winter feed costs significantly (less time on silage and grain)

•Gaining confidence in stocking rates and annual management has been critical

•Monitor points have added to confidence with increasing stocking rates (pasture covers and hind condition scores).

Projects