New Zealand drivers of pasture production and options available to improve composition and management

Abstract

New Zealand dairy and red meat production is pasture based. This invited conference paper describes the drivers of change in both industries over the last 30 years and how that has affected the types of pastures used by each industry. The diary industry has utilised increased amounts of urea to overcome deficiency. In contrast the red meat sector has retreated to hill country regions and focused on improving the legume content of pastures to maximise productivity gains and reduce their environmental footprint. This paper outlines these changes, the transformations that have occurred on farm as a result and current research related to pasture mixes.