How these pastures are managed over these next few months will have the biggest impact on pasture grown, milk production up to Christmas, pasture quality in summer, pasture density and total pasture harvested this year. Surplus managementUsually pasture growth rates increase after balance date, creating surpluses. Tiller survivalThis is the one time of year when ryegrass tillers that have gone through a winter, or 'mother' tillers, produce 'daughter tillers'. The daughter tillers will become separated from the mother tiller and result in a new plant. This encourages daughter tillers to grow from the plant base, rather than forming above the ground where most won't be able to take root and won't survive.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 03, 2016 07:31 UTC