Keeping Livestock Healthy Through Winter at Darroch’s Grazing Ltd
Located 45 minutes south of Christchurch, Darroch’s Grazing is situated on the northern banks of the Rakaia River, where winter conditions can be harsh. Over the years, however, Adam Hardie and Don Hayes have found a way to keep the 3000 winter graziers and 1000 beef cattle on track for optimal body condition and animal health.
With pasture growth slowing in winter, Adam and Don rely heavily on silage to maintain their livestock’s health. Their feeding program includes winter crops, pasture, and a variety of silage types such as barley whole-crop, oat whole-crop and grass silage. By carefully balancing these feeds, they ensure the animals get the nutrients they need to stay in peak condition.
Their strong partnership with Nagle Contracting, a Methven-based contracting company specialising in quality silage production, is key to their success. This trusted collaboration allows Adam and Don to focus on day-to-day farm operations while ensuring their livestock receive premium-quality feed. Nagle Contracting brings practical and knowledge-based expertise, ensuring that every step of the silage-making process meets the highest standards.
Another important partner in their success is Catherine Sharpin of Nutritech, who specialises in educating farmers and contractors about the importance of making high-quality silages. Nutritech’s expertise in livestock nutrition ensures that Darroch’s Grazing Ltd get the best advice and products to optimise feed quality. Working closely with Catherine allows Adam and Don to fine-tune their silage formulation to meet the specific needs of their livestock, further enhancing animal health and productivity.
To maintain the nutritional value of their silage, Darroch’s Grazing Ltd use MAGNIVA inoculants from Lallemand (global experts in yeast and bacteria), which Nagle Contracting apply during harvest. These inoculants help preserve nutrients and improve fermentation, keeping the silage fresh and stable until it is fed out.
Their commitment to quality feeding and livestock management has led to outstanding results, including an impressively low mortality rate of just 0.01%. This success highlights the critical role of quality feed and proper management in keeping animals healthy and productive.
At Darroch’s Grazing Ltd, silage production is more than just a process; it is a carefully planned effort that involves expert partnerships, quality control and a deep understanding of livestock nutrition. Their close relationship with Nagle Contracting and Catherine Sharpin at Nutritech is a cornerstone of their success, ensuring their animals remain well-fed and healthy through winter.