The challenge of hill country livestock farming

Hill country farming presents a unique set of challenges for livestock producers.

The rugged terrain and limited access can make efficient feed and water distribution as well as land and animal management a constant battle. With the right approach and the right equipment, some obstacles can be overcome or at least mitigated. 

This article explores the various challenges and effective solutions that can be put in place. 

Why livestock farming on hilly country is such a challenge?

While the diverse topography provides a scenic backdrop, it also poses significant logistical challenges, especially for feed distribution.

• Uneven grazing patterns

Animals naturally tend to graze on readily accessible areas. This results in overgrazing on flatter, easier-to-reach locations which leads to patchy pasture growth, reduces overall feed availability and pasture productivity in the long run, and can contribute to soil erosion on steeper slopes. Overgrown areas that are hard to reach to treat with herbicide create the perfect nest for weeds and even toxic plants that can thrive in neglected areas.

• Risk of soil erosion

Overgrazing on slopes can have a devastating long-term impact. Exposed soil becomes vulnerable to wind and water erosion, leading to loss of valuable topsoil, reduced pasture productivity, and potential sedimentation issues in waterways downstream. In some countries, intensive winter grazing on steeper land (over 10 degrees) requires a permit or a certified freshwater farm plan as it is the case in New Zealand.

• Limited access for spraying, livestock feeding and general farming tasks

Uneven ground, steep slopes, and tight corners make accessing pastures for feeding, spraying, and general maintenance a challenge. Most equipment struggles to reach all areas, making driving with a tractor or an ATV vehicle challenging, leading to uneven feed distribution and patchy application of fertiliser or herbicide for weed control. While helicopters or planes might be necessary for larger areas, spot spraying becomes a time-consuming alternative.

• Increased labour requirements

Dealing with hilly country can be dangerous for staff using machinery. Operating machinery on steep slopes carries the constant risk of rollovers for ATVs, quads, and tractors. Tasks must often be performed with extra caution, slowing down the process. Manually transporting and distributing feed on hills is a time-consuming and physically demanding task. This can be particularly problematic for large herds, where frequent trips are necessary to ensure all animals have access to adequate nutrition.

• A water management headache

Hill country throws a curveball at water management. While a high tank utilizes gravity, powerful pumps might be needed for lower sources like bores or streams, limited by equipment access. Finding level ground for troughs is crucial, as livestock can easily bog down soft areas. Water emergencies require swift action, as manual refills or tractor access to troughs can be near impossible.

What are the solutions for efficient livestock farming on hilly country?

By implementing a well-structured feeding strategy with the right equipment, you can effectively mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of your hill country operation.

As a New Zealand manufacturer, Hustler Equipment understands the unique challenges faced by hill country livestock farmers.

New Zealand boasts an estimated 4 million hectares (9.88 million acres) of hill country pastures, representing almost a third of the country’s total farmland area of 13.5 million hectares (33.4 million acres) according to 2019 governmental data.

Hustler designs and manufactures an innovative range of equipment that tackles these challenges head-on, empowering farmers to achieve efficient and sustainable feeding practices.

• Durability and reliability

Hustler equipment is built to withstand the harsh realities of hill country farming. Robust construction and high-quality materials ensure your feeders are reliable and require minimal maintenance, even in demanding environments.

• Easy and simple to use

Hustler feeders are designed with ease of use in mind. Intuitive controls allow you to operate the feeders and sprayers efficiently, even if the operator has limited experience. This minimises training time for new staff and ensures a smooth workflow.

• Superior maneuverability

Hustler has tirelessly developed equipment known for its compact design compared to traditional feedout wagons, such as the Combi RX² multi-feeder range, the BaleXpress multi-bale feeder, or the EzFeed silage wagon range. This compact size translates to a tighter turning radius, making it easier to maneuver in confined spaces and around obstacles commonly found on hill country pastures. Additionally, it minimises soil compaction.

The articulated steering axle of the Combi RX218² wagon, in particular, allows the rear and third wheels (depending on the configuration) to turn independently from the front wheels, providing exceptional maneuverability on slopes and tight corners.

• High ground clearance and strong chassis design

All Hustler trailed bale feeders and feedout wagons boast ample ground clearance, preventing the undercarriage from scraping the ground on uneven terrain. The chassis of the trailed models of bale feeders such as the Chainless TX205 or TH205 and the Unrolla TX205 are designed to be completely smooth underneath, in order not to catch the terrain, allowing them to navigate over bumps, dips and obstacles without getting stuck.

Hustler’s Applic8r sprayer range is equipped with the Built-in SkidPlate™ that acts as a shield to protect the vital components of the sprayer, such as the pump, tank, filters, and drain, from damage caused by encountering obstacles while working in the field, and especially on uneven grounds.

• Low centre of gravity and wide axles

A low center of gravity significantly contributes to stability on slopes. Hustler trailed bale feeders, such as the Chainless TX205 or TH205 and Unrolla TX205, achieve this by sitting lower to the ground with generously wide axles. This minimizes the risk of tipping over on inclines or declines.

Similarly, Hustler’s Applic8r mounted boom sprayer range displays incredible balance on hills, making it safer for operation on uneven terrain. Hustler’s engineers strategically place the sprayer tank and key components as low as possible within the chassis. This lower center of gravity minimises the risk of tipping on inclines or declines, even when making turns on uneven ground.

Hustler EagleTech booms offer an optional hydraulic suspension system. This system allows each wheel to react independently to uneven terrain, keeping the sprayer level and minimising jolts or dips that could compromise stability, especially on hills.

Hustler boom sprayers can also incorporate optional boom leveling systems that automatically adjust the boom angle to maintain a consistent spray height, even on slopes. This not only improves the accuracy and effectiveness of the spraying application but also reduces the risk of operator error that could contribute to instability.

For the most challenging terrain where a boom sprayer can’t go, Hustler Applic8r sprayers can be equipped with an optional 50 or 100-meter hose reel for spot spraying.

Additional tips for livestock farming success on hill country

While the right equipment is a crucial component of efficient feeding on hill country, a holistic approach is key for long-term success. 

• Rotational grazing

To ensure your pastures have adequate rest periods for recovery, implement a well-structured rotational grazing system. This not only promotes healthy pasture growth but also optimises overall feed availability throughout the year.

Even in winter, Hustler Equipment’s innovative feedout equipment allows you to mimic rotational grazing principles. By spreading long, thin hay windrows, livestock can graze more selectively and minimise waste by trampling less hay. This is particularly important on slopes where constantly using the same feeding area can put significant strain on the soil, leading to compaction. Thankfully, long windrows distribute the weight of the feed over a larger area, minimising this impact.

Additionally, the thin profile of the windrow makes it easier for livestock to access the entire feed pile, especially on uneven ground – a common challenge on delicate hill country pastures. Finally, spreading out the feed discourages animals from crowding around a single feeding point, potentially leading to competitive behaviour.

• Pasture monitoring

Regular pasture monitoring is key to maintaining healthy paddocks. Look out for tell-tale signs of overgrazing, such as bare patches or a reduction in plant diversity. By keeping a close eye on these indicators, you can adjust your feeding strategy and animal placement accordingly. This proactive approach ensures your pastures have the chance to recover and thrive, setting the stage for optimal grazing throughout the year.

• Water placement and availability

Making sure your animals have easy access to clean water throughout the paddocks is vital. This not only ensures they stay well-hydrated but also encourages them to graze more evenly across the entire pasture. By spreading out water sources, you reduce the risk of animals concentrating near just a few troughs, which can lead to localised overgrazing in those areas. Ideally, if possible, strategically position your water troughs in well-drained areas where livestock aren’t likely to bog down the ground around them. This keeps your hilly farmland in better condition and makes it easier for animals to access the water they need.

• Retiring pastures

Retiring all or part of hill country pastures can be an option to consider. Bush encroachment often occurs in these neglected areas due to their steepness and difficult access. These encroached zones rarely make up a significant portion of the grazing land. Fencing off these bushy areas wouldn’t significantly impact grazing duration but could actually improve management as it concentrates livestock on areas with better, potentially underutilised pasture growth. These fenced bush pockets then serve a double purpose: providing shade and shelter for livestock in neighboring paddocks while also protecting the soil on slopes and gullies. This soil protection reduces erosion and minimises runoff, preventing potential flooding issues downstream.

By combining the right equipment, a well-structured feeding strategy, and a commitment to sustainable practices, you can overcome the challenges of feeding livestock on hill country. Hustler Equipment empowers you to achieve efficient feed distribution, promote healthy grazing patterns, and ultimately, optimize the productivity and profitability of your hill country operation. With a focus on animal health, pasture sustainability, and environmental responsibility, you can ensure a thriving future for your herd and your land for generations to come.

Here at Hustler, farming sustainably is at the heart of everything we do.

Our belief in sustainable farming practices underpins our range of world-leading livestock feeding solutions. If you are looking for farming equipment near you or buying livestock feeding equipment, contact our friendly team today!