Recognising issues of using Caucasian clover to increase farm eco-efficiency and profit

Legumes have the potential to alter farm eco-efficiency, but options for low fertility hill country are limited. Caucasian clover tolerates low fertility while producing pastures with high legume content. If we establish significant amounts of Caucasian clover-based pastures in our hill country farms, can we increase the eco-efficiency and profitability of those farms? We used published data to predict the production of Caucasian clover-based pastures, based on weather data and soil moisture deficit prediction, for four farms representative of low rainfall in the South Island. Scenarios with 10, 20 or 30% of the farm improved with Caucasian clover/grass pastures were compared to current systems. A staged approach was used to sequentially add increased lamb finishing, increase hogget liveweight, improve ewe nutrition and more beef finishing. This aimed to utilise the extra high-quality feed produced. Ecoefficiency measures of GHG emissions were compared to productivity measures of product per hectare and profitability. An analysis of return on investment will be provided. Results are currently being analysed. Initial indications mirror previous work where legumes are added to the farm system. Emissions per kg of product are reduced, though overall emissions may increase as the total amount of product is increased. These will be presented in detail in the final paper. The transition to incorporate Caucasian clover changes feed supply due to slow establishment and this varies dependent on the location. We will explore the impacts of this variability on the implications of adding Caucasian clover to farm systems in this low rainfall environment in the full paper. Ecoefficiency improvements can be gained by introducing legumes. However, transition costs to introduce Caucasian clover need to be recognised and planned for before the benefits can be captured. Understanding of the climatic conditions on individual farms will ensure good planning and execution when establishing Caucasian clover and capturing the benefits in both eco-efficiency and profitability.