40 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Richie Martinovich Remarkable results over just three seasons The farm is also now growing an additional 3-4 tonnes of dry matter per hectare compared to before. Karen Phelps Waikato dairy farmer Richie Martinovich has transformed his farming operation by focusing on one crucial element: soil health. He says the results have been remarkable over just three seasons, with increased grass growth, reduced fertiliser costs and healthier livestock. “We’re growing a lot more grass and a lot cheaper,” says Richie Martinovich, who manages 600 cows on his dairy farm. “We’ve cut the fertiliser bill by half and put everything on we need in liquid form.” Richie has been working with renowned soil scientist Gordon Rajendram, a family friend, and has implemented a comprehensive soil testing and management programme. Every paddock is now individually soil tested, with 90% of fertiliser applied in liquid form, customised to each paddock’s specific needs. “Even though they’re side by side, there can be quite a bit of difference sometimes between paddocks,” explains Richie. The farm now uses a specialised mix of liquified fertilisers including urea, seaweed, humates and fish products. This approach has not only reduced input costs dramatically but has also improved soil biology with noticeably more worms indicating a positive change in the soil health. Richie says the financial benefits have been substantial. While many farms spend between $400-500 per hectare on fertiliser, Martinovich Farm has reduced its fertiliser costs to just $250 per hectare. The farm is also now growing an additional 3-4 tonnes of dry matter per hectare compared to before. “We’re applying fertiliser more frequently but putting on less each time,” says Richie. “By doing it this way and spraying it on there’s also less risk of leaching.” The improved soil health has had a cascading effect throughout the farming operation. Milk solid production, currently at 430 kilograms per cow, is expected to increase to over 500 kilograms with similar inputs. Veterinary costs have also decreased significantly. “The vet bills are going down all the time since we’ve been looking after our soil health. Things are a lot better,” says Richie. Three years ago the decision was also made to switch from split calving to autumn calving, which has complemented the soil-focused approach. “We go quite dry and grow grass through the winter so it made sense,” says Richie. “We get a premium for our winter milk contract of 450 milk solids kilograms per day during May, June and July. The change has also improved farm management. It’s slightly easier to calve in the dry and when the weather is wet and bad, we just milk.” The farm is largely self-sufficient, growing its own maize and grass silage, with the support of a 170-hectare run-off property located 8 kilometres away for raising young stock and heifers (rearing 200 Hereford calves last year sold as weaners) and growing additional maize. The operation employs four full-time staff in addition to Richie himself. Richie plans to continue to innovate with different grass species that can further improve soil health and productivity. “We trialed 11 different species of grasses in five hectares. Even with the drought, they are still growing well with deeper root systems and the cows are getting more variety of nutrients,” says Richie. “Over spring it was growing so good we were grazing it every ten days. We will do 20-25 hectares this year as it’s gone so well.” As an experienced, reliable local electrician Brett Harris Electrical (2016) Ltd is skilled in electrical installations and repair services for dairy sheds as well as other commercial plants. Phone: 07 867 5196 Cell: 027 270 2804 Email: bhelectrical2016@gmail.com ELECTRICAL Brett Harris (2016) Ltd Servicing the Hauraki Plains area. HAURAKI PLAINS MOTORS LTD For all new and used farm machinery 1 Pipiroa Road, NGATEA - Ph. 07 867 7021 e: admin@hpmotors.co.nz www.haurakiplainsmotors.co.nz Miles Shelley 027 227 1121 Michael Duffin 027 440 4681 • Lime & Fertiliser Spreading • Orchard Spreading • Organic Spreading • Consignment Store - Bulk and Bags • North & South Lime • Spreadmark Certified • GAP Verified • Bark • Animal Bedding • Garden Media • Metal • Drainage Metal • Aggregate & Decorative Stone • Compost • Govt Certified Weigh Bridge • Stockfeed Cartage • 868 Coalfields Rd, Maramarua, RD1, Pokeno 2471 • Phone 09 232 5834 • Email: of fi ce@kbs2018.co.nz Mobile: 0274 844 083 Phone: (09) 232 5804 0800 241 501 Email: office@wehale.co.nz Phone: (09) 232 5834
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