Fraser Tasker has spent the past several years refining a grass-based wintering system on his Mid Canterbury dairy support block, replacing traditional fodder beet and kale wintering for his mixed-age cows. Anne Lee speaks with Fraser about what prompted the change, how the system operates and the practical lessons he's learnt along the way.

Host:

• Anne Lee, Senior Journalist, Dairy Country

Guest:

• Fraser Tasker, Canterbury farmer

Fraser was one of three farmers who spoke at a Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) focus day along with scientists studying pasture based wintering systems for the South Island. Anne and Fraser discuss some of the information shared at the focus day and dig more deeply into Fraser’s dairy operation. He explains how the cocksfoot pastures and separate fescue dominant pastures are managed and the improvements he’s seen in animal health and welfare, simplified management and nitrogen losses. He discusses how he balances multiple stock classes on the support block, costs of the system and why he believes grass wintering works for his situation.

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