As winter sets in, you might notice a patchwork of green and brown across our local farms. There’s a straightforward reason for this, and it’s all about the grass.

Dairy farmers plant ryegrass in Autumn, an annual that thrives in cool weather and spring, turning fields lush and green when temperatures drop. Ryegrass is critical for dairy cows, providing the rich nutrition they need to produce milk in winter and spring.

On the other hand, most other farms in our region rely on Kikuyu, a perennial grass that covers the ground year-round. However, Kikuyu doesn’t grow well in winter, leading to those brown, dormant patches you see. It bounces back in the warmer months, flourishing in the summer heat.

So, when you see green fields next to brown ones, you’re seeing the practical choices farmers make to keep their livestock well-fed. Dairy farmers turn to ryegrass to ensure a steady milk supply, while other farms rely on Kikuyu to carry them through the year.

It’s not magic, just good farming.