A Mount Hutt dairy farm has adopted a hybrid bale grazing system to protect their soil against adverse wet weather and better their overall environment.

In the foothills of Mid Canterbury, with a postcard view of Mount Hutt, a fourth-generation farmer and a former butcher are challenging traditional winter grazing practices.

After consecutive wet winters, farm owner Andrew Barlass and sharemilker Alby Harkness needed a solution to protect their greatest asset — soil.

Together, they explored hay bale grazing and adapted the method to cater to their unpredictable wet weather climate.

Hay bale grazing vs hybrid bale grazing

Hay bale grazing

Hay bale grazing is a regenerative agriculture practice coined from the coldest climates in North America. Where practical, the method offers an alternative to traditional winter grazing in New Zealand. Bales are spread across the paddock in a checkerboard formation and the cows feed on hay and pasture.

The system works best with more land area per cow to help reduce pugging and requires well-drained soils. Ultimately, this process improves soil health, water infiltration, and pasture growth.