Hastings pasture spore counts – Week ending 19 February 2021
The majority of this week’s spore counts were in the 0,000-5,000 (low) range. The average count across the region were 6250, a slight lift on last week. One of the sites on Ocean Beach Road remained at 17,500. Spore counts match last year’s trend at this stage.
Trend graph of 2021 spore counts compared with last year’s data.
Spore counts are likely to lift over the next week following the wide spread rain we have had. The concern being pastures contain a lot of dead matter. In a lot of areas the “bottom” is disappearing out of the sward, meaning when spore counts do rise stock will be grazing low in the sward and ingesting plenty of spores. It is a good time to start Supplementary feeding grain to ewes to help offset the temporary decline in feed quality we will see post rain.
If you would like to arrange spore count monitoring at your property or you have any queries about spore counts in the Hastings Area please contact Greg Tattersfield (06) 876 7001.
Waipukurau’s results – week ending 19 February
If we get the forecast warm weather after this week’s rain, expect spore counts to increase as the humidity at the base of the pasture will create ideal conditions for fungal growth. We have seen a small increase this week so continue to watch the trends and be prepared to make decisions regarding prevention.
If you would like to arrange spore count monitoring at your property or you have any queries about spore counts in Central Hawkes Bay please contact Sahra Parker (06) 858 9060.
