Spore count summary
After a cold snap and a downward trend in counts we have now seen a small jump with some recent warm weather. Not too many individual counts in high risk zones but a few small spikes present and still spores present in moderate levels at almost all of our monitor sites.
Quick Tips
Avoid grazing below 1500 Kgdm if possible as spores are concentrated in the bottom of the sward
Start supplementary feeding if spore counts are rising and covers are low, this essentially reduces total spore intake and offer the opportunity of applying Zinc Oxide to the feed
Zinc boluses offer good protection, though only last 6 weeks so may need re doing
Watch out for next week’s report, we may well see another lift.
Waipukurau Results
Hastings Results
Regional average spore counts have more than trebled this week to 27,500 with an increase in the number and size of hotspots (125,000 on Taihape Rd, 75,000 on Ocean Beach Road). With the odd show this week the counts are bound to jump again, so stay informed by doing spore counts on your pasture.
Trend graph of 2021 Regional Average Spore Counts compared with last year’s data.
