Well we have to accept it – summer is definitely over and autumn is here. So what should you be doing in May – apart from making sure you have plenty of firewood in stock?

Pasture growth is likely to slow up so slow up your grazing rotation as well.  This will allow feed to start building up. If you need to feed supplements don’t skimp on them but make sure your stock eats what is put out and none is going to waste. Now is not the time to encourage fussiness. It’s also a good time to check for – and deal to - pasture pests. And if it’s wet – don’t let the paddocks get too puggy, it will bring a whole new pile of problems with it.

With the temperatures dropping and the rainfall increasing, leaf litter rots away faster, so watch for weeds. They add nothing to the look or the feed value of your paddock. If extremes in rainfall – either too much or not enough - has totally destroyed your pasture  you should already have a renewal programme underway. As always, if you’re in any doubt avoid costly errors by getting a professional opinion – try your seed merchant if you’re unsure where to begin.

Make sure you  have enough supplemental feed aside – or enough supplemental money in case of an emergency. As demand grows, so will the asking price.

When it comes to your stock – if you don’t want it, don’t have the food for it, or it just isn’t paying its way, take it to the market. Get your vet to check stock for parasites and other nasties and get any vaccinations needed done.  Breeding cows and ewes should be on maintenance feed but take care not to let them lose weight or condition. 

Footrot and foot scald also need to be monitored and dealt with.  If your have wet new growth of grass be especially vigilant.

If you shear twice a year – it would pay to do it now before winter really sets in.

Now is a good time to watch for alternative supplementary feeds like apples and kiwifruit – but compare the price with that of dry matter before you get your cheque book out.