Winter bale grazing trial success backed by positive data
Hay fed out on pasture to the Ditchfield's cows during winter.
“We’ve worked closely with the animal welfare team from AgResearch. Their tests, including mud scoring and depth, show the trial plots result in cleaner and more comfortable cows, with much less soil pugging. They’ve also taken blood samples to test the cows’ cortisol levels, and we expect the results back later in the year.”
Using the positively-trending trial data as a baseline indicator for soil health and ecosystem function, the Ditchfields recently received an Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV). The verification measures how well farms are doing from a regenerative standpoint and gives consumers trust in their food systems and production.
Among other accolades, Dylan and Sheree were winners of the 2022 Environment Southland Community Award for Leadership in Farming. They impressed judges with their overall focus on lowering their farm’s environmental footprint and winter bale grazing trial.
“The award allowed us to tell our story and share our learning experiences with the wider community. Getting recognition from the judges, who could see that what we were doing was making a difference, was really positive.”
