Past Work
Kikuyu Trial
This trial at NARF compared a kikuyu based farmlet with a ryegrass farmlet for profitability under best practice. The kikuyu was mulched and undersown with Italian rye in autumn, effectively transitioning the pasture to ryegrass each spring. Supplements were fed in order to maximise profit on both farmlets.
Kikuyu Management Guide
Download the farmer guide to managing kikuyu. This general guide has been developed by NDDT and DairyNZ. Farmers should note that optimal management techniques may vary between farms.
Gibberellic Trial 2015
Up to three applications of Gibberellic Acid (Gibb) on ryegrass plots in July to September gave good immediate pasture responses of 400 – 600 kgDM/ha. However most of this additional pasture was lost afterwards due to “post-Gibb depression.” Repeat applications of Gibb delayed this depression in pasture growth.
Split Calving Trial 1997-2000
This 3 year trial at NARF compared all autumn calving with spring calving. The farm has very wet soils and was a real test for winter milking, but the trial showed that a high level of pasture management was more critical to the success of winter milking than soil type.
Northland Diversified Forage Trial
This three year project follows on from the work the Annual Legume Group did looking for alternative legumes which could be incorporated into both dairy and drystock farming systems. For full details of this work download the Popular Summary below.
Supplement Trial Fortnightly Updates
Trial updates are published regularly. Current daily information may be obtained from the Farm Manager.