Before you all get tractoring
Harvest is all but finished in southern Qld and it is just warming up here in NSW. I do like a friendly agronomist who lets stock graze on stubble - the nutrition is good for a short period, and it’s a great way of allowing undrenched sheep to expel lots of worm larvae onto the hot, bare ground without relying on drench. This means: 1) wormtest, 2) make sure their burden is not death-risking, and then 3) put them on the stubble undrenched, and 4) drench with a combination knockdown upon removal. And pray for some hot dry weather to spell some other paddocks in the meantime!
The stubble itself isn’t great quality, and grain will be the most significant contributor to the diet of the stock. Once the grain and green pick is gone, the stubble will be of low nutrient value and the stock would benefit from being moved to better feed, or supplementary fed with grain while on the stubble.
Remember, growing stock and heavily pregnant or lactating stock require higher amounts of energy and protein, so allocate your paddocks accordingly.
I’ve shared this before but here are some average stubble values - remember, 6MJ ME/kg DM is roughly maintenance for dry stock.
As you can see, all stubble is pretty rubbish, the value is in the grain. As growing stock need around 14% protein or better, they’re going to benefit more from pulse stubbles as there is higher protein grain to be scavenged. Just remember to check for moulds on the stubble, in case of lupinosis.
As you can see from the graph below, mature ewes gained weight for the first 60 days, but the decline was sharp - as the grain ran out, only stalk was left and the plant quality declined through weathering.
Graze early, graze for a short period and use the right stock on the right stubble paddock!
Using urea to improve stubble intake once the grain is gone is a useful strategy for cattle, it is not as effective in sheep. I never recommend mixing your own urea lick – buy a product that is a bonded product that is safe and weatherproof. Whether they’re a block, a powder or a syrup, these products aren’t magic, they will just stimulate the rumen bacteria to increase consumption by 10-25%. Do your sums and work out if these products are going to achieve your desired production outcomes.
Finally, stubble paddocks are dry, hot places and the feed is fibrous! Good access to clean water is essential for livestock performance. Keep an eye on dams for blue green algae, make sure the troughs are cleaned out and that the dirt around them is not dished out around the base to the point where the stock (especially sheep and calves) cannot reach in for a drink. Sounds simple, but it’s important!
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