Establishment of 1600 hectares in dryland species around Oamaru/Timaru

The Drought Pasture Demonstration Programme invloves 81 farms in the North Otago and South Canterbury areas, with an average 19.7 ha per farm, and total area of 1595 ha. The purpose is to demonstrate, in a practical and effective way, the benefits and establishment methods of drought tolerant pasture species. Ten different species of forage grasses, legumes and herbs were used, comprising 19 different cultivars. Half the area was sown in February and March 1989 with the remaining areas sown in spring 1989 and autumn 1990. Sowing was done by either full cultivation, minimum tillage or direct drilling. A 97% success rate was achieved in establishing these pastures, despite a dry and mild autumn, demonstrating to farmers that with correct technical advice the risks of poor establishment are low. The aspects most important for pasture establishment were paddock preparation, moisture at sowing, timing, sowing depth, insect control, soil fertility, initial grazing, and patience. A survey of farmers has shown that a large number of farmers in the region have already viewed the demonstration pastures, and subsequently sown their own. Keywords dryland, pasture establishment, drought, technology transfer