Care with lush lucerne

February rains have seen dry stands of lucerne flush with green leaf. Professor Derrick Moot, Lincoln University, says the rain was welcome but has led to management issues for lucerne.

“While the lucerne is highly palatable, lush lucerne brings us back to spring-like conditions so treat with caution.”

There is an increased risk of high nitrate, especially if rain follows an extended dry period.

Hot humid conditions are exactly those that increase coumesterol levels in lucerne, which can reduce ovulation rates, he says.

“Graze the lucerne up to two weeks before the ram goes out but, at that time, move them on to a grass-based pasture.”

Decreased ovulation can be up to 25% so, if you have other feed on hand, this is the year to use it. Once mated the lucerne is fine to be grazed again, he says. An ideal tupping feed alternative is pastures high in subterranean clover. Rain over much of the traditional sub-clover east coast country has seen a fantastic strike. If sheep keep off it for four weeks, it should be established enough for grazing. It should have at least three to four leaves and breaks, rather than being pulled out, with a test pull.