At Tautara Matawhaura Māori Lands Trust Farm, by Lake Rotoehu near Rotorua, using pre lambing nitrogen (Pre Lamb N) has really changed the game for Matt O’Neale’s approach to lambing and grazing. The 3,900-hectare dry stock farm at Tautara Matawhaura, with 1,500 effective hectares, has seen positive results from adopting Pre Lamb N - especially in getting more lambs off the farm by Christmas.
The farm supports around 13,000 stock units, including 950 dairy grazers and a Romney flock of 4,200 ewes. The farm’s challenging pumice sandy soil, with its thin top soil layer, makes it difficult to grow good clover. However, through careful rotational grazing, they have seen improvement in the clovers with their management style.
Matt, who has been leading the operations for over a decade as the farm manager, tells us how essential Pre Lamb N has become in their farming strategy.
In 2020, Matt began using pre-lamb nitrogen, helped by Shaun Pulham, his Ballance Nutrient Specialist of ten years. “The reason I leant towards doing Pre Lamb N is wanting to get those lambs up to a big weight and off the farm before things turn dry – getting as many lambs off farm as soon as possible,” says Matt.
The decision to use nitrogen proactively rather than reactively has returned impressive results. "I see nitrogen as a way to build feed on the shoulder of the season, not the peak of the season – so that you’re capturing the early returns," says Matt, highlighting how timing plays a key role in getting the most out of his nitrogen.
Healthier ewes and lambs, better pasture, improved cash flow
The positive effects of pre-lamb nitrogen became clear quite quickly. "Getting lambs off to market early” was a huge win for the farm. "Previously, we were sending around 20% of our lambs off at weaning. Now, it's 40-50%,” says Matt.
For Matt, getting lambs off-farm early not only improves the farm’s cash flow but also opens up opportunities for additional stock trading and better pasture management. Using nitrogen early in the season gave clover a head start before grass growth could smother it.
This strategic Pre Lamb N approach led to healthier ewes and lambs, reducing the cost and difficulty of putting weight on ewes during the summer. “You and I probably put weight on in summer, but it’s really hard with the ewes!” says Matt.
A long-term relationship, for long-term success
Working closely with Shaun, Matt tailored his nitrogen use to fit his farm's specific needs and long-term goals. "Shaun’s like having another staff member – we can use him to bring different ideas to our planning for the business," Matt said. This partnership allowed Matt to make informed decisions, ensuring the best use of all his nutrients to support both immediate and future farm productivity and efficiency. “I’m making gains now instead of going from crisis to crisis," says Matt.
Investing proactively for the future
Matt’s success with Pre Lamb N shows just how valuable their proactive approach to farm management can be. By planning ahead and using nitrogen strategically, he achieved better pasture cover and livestock growth, setting up his pasture and business for a more resilient and productive farming season.
To find out how you can maximise lambing efficiency with Pre Lamb N, get in touch with your local Nutrient Specialist.
