Week 8 Mixed Farming Zone Flashcards
Generally describe the mixed farming zone
Mediterranian, equiseasonal, or summer dominant climate 350-650mm
Integrated with cropping
55% of sheep here
Originally based on ley cropping system
Rotation of 4-6 years crop followed by 4-6 years pasture
Describe positive in which there are crop/livestock interactions on mixed farms
Nitrogen
Weeds
Finance Buffer
Describe negative ways in which there are crop/livestock interactions on mixed farms
Paddock sizes dont match
Soil compaction
smaller individual enterprises
Attention to enterprise is split
Outline the traditional breeding system for a sheep enterprise within the mixed farming zone
Medium wool or prime lamb production
Merino x border leister
then crossed with polled dorset to give second cross
Outline the different feed types used on a mixed farm and describe the time of year in which they would be used
Pasture dominant feed supply
Other sourses: stubble, grain, duel purpose crops, hay and silage
Pastures on Mixed cropping zone
Traditionally annual legume leys Lucerne with sub clover mix Lack of adapted perennial grasses Commonly undersown with last crop Grazing management is difficult in paddock size Pastures reduce amound of herbicide used
Describe the process of under-sowing to establish pastures in the mixed farming zone,
A pasture that is sown simultaneously with a crop (cover crop)
Usually wheat or barley
48% of growers undersow greater than 78% of the time
explain why many farmers use undersowing
No effect on initial pasture establishment
Early competition for light
Strong comp. for moisture in spring
Generally lower plant density, increased weeds, decreased persistance
suggest management strategies for increased success of under sowing
lower cover crop rate- 25kg/ha (usually 50-100)
Sowing between rows is ideal
DOnt sow at same depth (2-3cm for crop ) (pasture 0.5cm
Lucerne is most tolerant followed by sub clover
Do not use perennial grass
Explain what twin sowing
Hard seeded legumes that are unscarified that is simultaneously sown with a cover crop
summer sowing
Hard seeded legumes that are unscarified that are some in summer
what species are suitable to do it
Biserulla, bladder clover, french serredulla, gland clover
Outline the positives of lucerne on a mixed farm
Responds to rainfall all year round
High production and nutritious
Fixes N
Reduces deep soil water drainage
Negative aspects of Lucerne on a mixed farm
Can reduce following crop yields
Hard to get rid of (october)
Low ground cover in summer after grazing
Doesn’t compliment other species in mixes
Reports of Metabolic disease on pure strands
Describe key points in how lucerne should be grazed
Rotationally 6 paddock rotation Can be 3 weeks on, 6 off = 3 paddocks Must be rested Autumn Rest is important
Lucerne Density irrigated
Irrigated 30-40 plants/m for max yeild but start at 200
Lucerne density dry land
8-10 plants/m = max yield
Define what is meant by dual-purpose crops in the mixed farming zone
Provide winter stock grazing while still producing an economic grain yield
Higher sowing rates
Sowing of dual purpose crops
March- April, compared to may
Grazing of dual purpose crops
Mid June-Mid Aug
Must survive the twist test before grazing
Leaf stage 6-8 for canola to be grazed
Graze for 1 month (takes a while for animals to gain wt)
Stop grazing wheat
Growth stage 30 for wheat and canola Start of stem elongation Start of august for wheat Chew wheat to 500gh/DM.Ha Embryo of main stem is 1cm from stem base
Stop grazing canola
Growth stage 30 for wheat and canola Start of stem elongation Mid july for canola Chew canola down to 750kg/DM/Ha Taken off main leaves
ANimal health concerns with dual purpose fcrops
Hypocalcaemia (milk fever)
Nitrate poisioning
Hypomagnesia (Grass Tetany)
Should lambing ewes go on winter crops
Yes but ensure they go in full. adaqualt dry matter, high c.s.
Provide Mg and Na supps to increase growth
Causmag and salt = inc. growth
Explain why stubble is a useful source of feed on a mixed farm
Stubble is a form of standing feed that can be utilised over summer/autumn
Best without rainfall
Stock immediatley after harvest
Sheep maintain weight for 6 weekds, cattle 12
