Latest News

12Mar

Autumn sown oats for winter feed

Greenfeed oats are an essential component of New Zealand's winter-feeding systems. Sown in autumn, they provide high-quality, fast-growing feed to sustain livestock through the colder months. Greenfeed oats are particularly valuable for dairy and beef farmers, offering a cost-effective and reliable forage solution once it’s too late to plant brassicas in Autumn.

Greenfeed oats germinate quickly, making them an ideal choice for early forage. They establish quickly and provide an early feed source when other pastures are limited, this makes them ideal for ensuring consistent feed supply through winter, supporting animal health and production.

Oats deliver a high-yielding, palatable feed that maintains good digestibility.

Best Management practices:

  1. Selecting the right variety – it is important to choose an oat variety suited for winter grazing.
  2. Optimal sowing time – for best results, sow greenfeed oats between February and May. Early sowing ensures better establishment and maximises winter growth potential. It is important to manage sowing rates and depth dependent on the soil condition. Well prepared soil promotes strong establishment and early growth.
  3. Weed and pest control – Autumn sowing provides an opportunity to control problem weeds before planting. Proper paddock preparation and timely herbicide application help prevent weed competition.

 

Autumn-sown greenfeed oats are a practical and effective ensuring reliable winter feed supply. Their rapid establishment, excellent nutritional value, and environmental benefits make them a valuable part of forage systems. By selecting the right variety, managing sowing and grazing effectively, and integrating oats into a broader farm plan, farmers can maximise productivity and sustainability through the winter months. At Ruralco, we provide access to a comprehensive range of greenfeed oat varieties, talk to your Ruralco representative to find the right variety for your farm system.

Related

Embracing Decades of Dedication and Growth

Embracing Decades of Dedication and Growth

Meet Ruralco's Methven and Rakaia Store Managers with a Passion for People and Progress

Read More
Coastal challenge calling

Coastal challenge calling

With registrations now open for the 2023 Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge the organising committe...

Read More
New tool for farming within limits

New tool for farming within limits

Farmers looking to reduce their losses to the environment can use a powerful new tool to make it eas...

Read More
Peace of mind straight from your fuel storage tank

Peace of mind straight from your fuel storage tank

Ensuring your bulk fuel storage is fit for purpose is not just about compliance. It is also about ha...

Read More
Keeping your workplace well

Keeping your workplace well

There is a minefield of information out there around wellbeing in the workplace, strategies for this...

Read More
Changes afoot in resource management and rules help build water resilience

Changes afoot in resource management and rules help build water resilience

The government is currently discussing several proposed relaxations on resource management rules. Th...

Read More




Account Selector