Lucerne grazing systems are boosting on-farm profitability for pastoral farmers thanks to an $8.1 million, five-year hill country futures programme researching resilient forages.
A 16-year study on Bog Roy Station, a hill country property on the shores of Lake Benmore, shows the adoption of lucerne grazing systems has significantly boosted animal performance and farm income.
Research from the completed Beef + Lamb New Zealand Hill Country Futures (HCF) programme continues to benefit farmers with lucerne as a drought-tolerant, nitrogen-fixing forage.
The programme, which included a focus on resilient forages, collected data on lucerne and a range of other forages from farms across New Zealand.
HCF focused on future-proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of NZ’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities.
A case study led by Professor Derrick Moot of Lincoln University’s dryland pastures research group used insights that were gained by the HCF programme to look at the impact of a lucerne grazing system on the station in Waitaki, with impressive results.
“Farmers know that the decisions made today can yield results for years to come.
“This is particularly evident at Bog Roy Station, a high-country farm in the Upper Waitaki region,” BLNZ head of science and research Dr Suzi Keeling said.
“Since 2008, the station has implemented a lucerne grazing system that continues to deliver benefits 16 years later, both in animal performance and financial returns.
“This success story shows how long-term research, like that supported by BLNZ’s Hill Country Futures, can have lasting impacts.”
By 2015, Bog Roy Station had expanded its lucerne coverage from 60 hectares to 265ha, significantly boosting feed supply and enabling an increase in ewe numbers and overall productivity and profitability.
Over time, the lucerne system has supported higher lambing percentages and earlier weaning, leading to a substantial rise in lamb liveweight production.
By 2023, the station consistently weaned 163 tonnes of lamb liveweight from its Merino ewes, up from 90.8t in 2008.
“The improvement in ewe performance, particularly in lambing percentages and growth rates, is directly tied to the higher quality and quantity of feed available,” Moot said.
“This has not only enhanced animal health and productivity but also allowed for greater flexibility in managing the flock.”
The introduction of irrigation on 210ha further amplified these gains, supporting lucerne-grass mixes that provided high-quality feed for lambs.
As a result, pre-weaning lamb growth rates averaged 286 grams per head per day, allowing for weaning 40 days earlier than in 2008.
“It’s a clear example of how strategic pasture development can lead to long-term gains in productivity and financial performance.
“Farmers can look to this model as proof that the benefits of research and innovation extend well beyond the initial implementation phase,” Moot said.
Bog Roy Station owner Gundy Anderson said that “the shift to a lucerne dominant grazing system has been a game changer”.
“The support and guidance of Derrick [Moot] with integrating strategic pasture development and management, combined with this programme, I believe is an example of how science and practicality can collaborate to bring about real long-term benefits and gains.
“As Derrick often quotes, excellent agricultural science only happens in the field.”
Bog Roy Station’s experience demonstrates how initiatives like HCF, continue to deliver value long after trials have ended.
The ongoing success at the station shows how continuous monitoring, adaptation, and learning can turn a research project into a sustainable, profitable farming system, Moot said.
The HCF programme, a collaboration between BLNZ, MBIE, seed companies and farmers, was designed to provide practical, science-based solutions for the unique challenges of NZ’s hill country.
Further details of the transformational change at Bog Roy Station will be presented at this year’s NZ Grasslands conference NZGA conference in Oamaru, November 5-8.
In collaboration with Lincoln University, BLNZ offers a free text messaging service for farmers, providing timely tips and reminders on lucerne management.
With around 1100 subscribers, this service delivers expert advice from Moot directly to your phone.
Subscribers can also send in questions and receive responses. Recently, the service added one-minute voice notes, offering more in-depth insights on lucerne management.
All past messages are posted on X/Twitter, allowing farmers to follow or review them anytime. To sign up for the text service email: resources@beeflambnz.com
