Total annual and seasonal DM production of improved and unimproved resident pastures at three farms in Canterbury

Yield differences between resident and improved pastures were quantified over a 3-4 yr period on three rainfed farms located in North Canterbury (Stockgrove, north of Amberley), Banks Peninsula (Willesden Farm) the Mid-Canterbury foothills (Inverary Station). Improved produced two- to three-times more feed annually than unimproved at each property. At Stockgrove, chicory/white clover-based 14.1±0.66 t DM/ha/yr compared with 4.36±0.41 from pastures. Spring accounted for 85% (improved) 72% (unimproved) total annual DM production. Willesden, lucerne monocultures 11.5±0.97t DM/ha/yr, which was 4.44±0.45 Inverary yielded 7.31±0.59 DM/ha summer/autumn 2018/19, double 3.34±0.43 In 2019/2020, 11.7±1.45 4.45±0.73 DM/ha. third growth season (2020/2021) 14.1±1.76 6.67±1.38 Year 4 (2021/22) 12.6±1.29 56% 8.07±0.85 Substantial increases seasonal supply patterns can be achieved through hill country pasture improvement.