Seasonal Management                                                
This is very much a guideline only: Stocking rate, and management differs from farm to farm. Altitude, Northernness/Southerness, terrain all contribute to climate variations over the country. When taking care of livestock you are continually preparing for the days soon to come. and for the seasons ahead. This includes feed, animal fertility, and animal health.

Autumn

When the very hot summery weather has gone. Day and ground temperatures are gradually dropping. Ensure cattle, anddeer, in good condition. Any surplus stock. :'destock' You're going to need a reserve of grass as you go into winter. Slow down your rotation. Consider using urea to enhance grass growth before ground tempeatures drop. (Grass needs temperatures above 7°C to grow). Make sure you have hay /silage/ baleage /on hand. Note reports of facial eczema. Use precautions if your district predisposes to facial eczema. Bloat can be a problem at this time of the year also Consider weaning fawns premating.(it means hinds can be in better condition pre mating). Mating deer, Stag can join herd in March so the group can adjust. Mating: goats and sheep. Shearing: 2 tooths.

 

Winter
Ground temperatures cool, Often not compatable with grass growth. Shorter hours of daylight. Slow down your rotation feed out hay. Back fence behind stock (speeds up regrowth somewhat and reduces the liklihood of pugging). Sheep to be crutched: (in preparation for lambing). The metabolic rate of deer actually slows over winter. Drench ewes prior to lambing Treat cows for lice prior to calving

Spring
More hours of daylight. The farm, garden etc. 'Come to life!! Ground temperatures warming. Commencement of Calving, lambing, Choice of start date will depend on your location, and farm management. Until the ground temperatures warm up, and grass growth accelerates. Continue to feed out hay. (Hay actually contains Vit D, this has benefits for prebirthing cattle and sheep). You may choose to apply urea. NOTE:Calving cows should not be eating lush grass for 3 weeks prior to calving. Use magnesium'licks' trough treat, or use causmag to pasture 'sprinkle/spread' Get other jobs done first before you commence, calving, lambing, etc. Be prepared. You are going to be busy. Cattle:Seperate mothers and offspring from precalvers.Give post calvers plenty to eat. Just when that lush grass appears so can bloat (trough treat, carry a bloat knife). As spring progresses. Renovate pasture if you think it is necessary. Consider applying fertiliser. Cattle: Mating is 'coming up' Ensure they're in good condition, which helps them cycle. Cows average gestation is 282 days.

Mid-spring on
Drench your weaned calves. Dock lambs later on in spring. (prior to weaning). Shear hoggets. Surplus pasture, exclude paddock/paddocks from your rotation, Pre seed grass can be made into silage/baleage, If it has gone to seed reserve it for hay. Consider applying annual fertiliser. Make sure the groups are fed well Shear sheep. Consider Artificial Breeding, or make use of your bull: A cows gestation lasts aprox. 282 days. If she's mated on the 28th November, she'll calve aprox 6th September.(calculate: 9 months + 9 days for expected calving date). If pasture contains a lot of 'dead plant material' consider topping.