Latest Ruralco News

Managing feed supply efficiently is a constant challenge on farm. Running short can impact production and animal performance, while over-ordering ties up capital and increases waste. GrainSure is proven technology designed to remove the guesswork from feed management by giving farmers and suppliers real-time visibility of grain and feed levels on farm.

Autumn-sown forage crops can play an important role in filling winter feed gaps and supporting livestock performance through the colder months. Choosing the right crop or crop mix and sowing at the right time can make a significant difference to the amount of feed available for winter grazing.

The Government has classified the past few months' of challenging weather conditions in Canterbury, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, as a medium-scale adverse event.

We will look at the following this month: Fodder crops, Crops, Autumn sown Crops, Grass grub control in Pasture and use of Gibberellic Acid.

February delivered a welcome run of settled weather, allowing harvest to push ahead across the district. With short spells but long fine days, most farmers have been able to wrap up their harvest or are well on top of their harvest schedules.

The start of the year has kept us on our toes, with plenty of rain, but a few good harvest days in between have kept the month moving. Moist soils and low insect pressure have supported good crop and pasture growth but need continuous monitoring.

This month we will look at fodder beet crops, crops, autumn sown crops, and grass grub control in pasture.

Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free. 

If target yields or production are not being achieved, and the key macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur) are adequately supplied, a micronutrient deficiency may be limiting performance.

A new economic report shows New Zealand’s arable industry plays a critical role in supporting livestock farming, food production and seed supply, generating $1.2 billion in direct sales and contributing $1.2 billion to GDP in 2024.