By Robert McLean, PGG Wrightson, Northland District Manager

As we mentioned in our previous article, the winter months can be quite intense, what with using electric fence strip grazing, moving stock regularly to avoid damaging pastures, the feeding of supplements like hay, silage etc, through to checking animal health, calving, lambing and the like, combined with wet, cold, windy days, and you start wondering how enjoyable farming can be.

However now spring has arrived, new born lambs and calves start to enjoy some warmer days, bouncing around being quite playful; it makes the previous few months all the more worthwhile.

By now you should have had another round of planning about what needs to be done regarding stocking rates, markets being targeted, eg finishing, or store, as well as options to include the ability to grow surplus feed to make into supplement feeds for next winter or a dry summer/ autumn, like hay and silage etc.

For those who have newborn lambs, docking (detailing and castrating) should be one of the first jobs on your list to do with a little fine weather happening now. Most important with docking this year is making sure you castrate the male lambs, as most wholesale, local trade meat processors and export meat companies have indicated they will have reduced demand for entire male lambs ranging from as early as 31 January 2009. So this will have a big effect on the price and marketability of any male lambs you have this coming season.

When we say this coming season, the meat industry season starts from the 1st of October and runs through until the 31st of September of the following year.

For those who reared some calves for the first time you will need to apply for a herd number from the animal health board and have them ear tagged before you can sell them or move them on or off your property.

Your local PGG Wrightson farm merchandise store will be able to assist with getting this process organised.

Now spring has arrived, remember it is also time to look at your pastures - plan any new grassing and organise your fertilizer requirements.

Due to the hard growing season this year, and the drought effecting large parts of the country this summer & autumn just completed, planning and ordering your requirements of grass seed early is going to be a must to avoid any disappointments in getting supplied, because of any shortages around supply.

So get your local agent out to talk over your options and opportunities available to you.