Join us on this farm tour to learn about trace elements in stock; then different pastures & crops to suit your farming system.
Topics
- Trace elements (TE) – the importance of testing your animals on your farm & the findings in the North Canterbury area.
- How to test TE levels in your stock & how to address the findings.
- The flow on effects on TE deficiencies.
- Pasture & forage crops to suit your farming system. What to grow and why for different stock classes.
Farm Tour
All vehicles on the farm tour must be 4WD.
Speakers
Erin Riley – Sheep & Beef Veterinary Consultant at North Canterbury Veterinary Clinic
Erin graduated from the Royal Veterinary Collage in London in 2009 and practiced as a large animal vet in Kent for 5 years before immigrating to the South Island in 2014. After a stint as a dairy vet in Mid Canterbury, her love of sheep sent her down to Southland & South Otago until she was given the opportunity to come work with the sheep and beef farmers here in North Canterbury. Now, Erin is a sheep and beef vet who consults for North Canterbury Vets, with a special interesting in trace elements and production in sheep. She has had the opportunity to work with some progressive farmers to investigate trace elements in the area and continues to develop plans to help farmers get the most out of their stock.
Andrew Johnston – Agronomist & Farm Systems at Luisetti Seeds NZ
Having worked with Luisetti Seeds, a family-owned grain & seed company for approaching 40 years, Andrew’s roles have changed along with agriculture. The one constant is farmers’ desire to feed livestock on improved pastures; this has become increasingly important with improvements in animal genetics, the need to grow animals efficiently, and to utilise water. Andrew’s work in North Canterbury with predominantly dryland sheep and beef farmers has provided valuable experience. This region is one of the harder areas to farm with very little irrigation, coupled with unreliable rainfall. Andrew has come to appreciate the benefit of strong science in agriculture which assists informing the pastoral system. Along with identifying legumes for farm systems, an understanding of grazing management is fundamental to the success or failure of legume-based systems. Andrew is very keen to assist farmers in East Coast New Zealand with selecting legumes that fit the farming system employed.
Registration
BBQ lunch provided, registration essential.