Dairy News Australia - April 2024

NEWS 3–28

ANIMAL HEALTH 29

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

30–31

Domestic dairy retail performing strongly

BY ELIZA REDFERN

IT’S BEEN two years since the early whispers emerged about the resurgent inflation that has ultimately led to the current ‘cost of living crisis’.

As discussed in Dairy Australia’s March Situation and Outlook report, the good news for consumers is in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) world, the rate of price rise is slowing.

Inflationary pressures along the supply chain have been passed along to consumers, but at the risk of impacting sales.

In response, Australians have been buying less, and in some instances excluding products from the trolley altogether*.

With volumes sold of most foods having decreased during this time, the key foundation for value growth has been increased retail prices.

These are prominent trends seen over the entire retail sector, which have impacted the performance of categories with relatively high price growth, including the key dairy groups†.

As retail prices move towards a peak, the challenge will be for product categories to maintain value growth, as consumer choices continue to limit volumes sold.

Dairy shelf prices have steadied but volume sold of dairy spreads, cheese and yoghurt are now rising.

Australian households are gravitating towards these products more frequently, likely fuelled by the cost-saving tactic to consume more in-home.

Sales of butter have increased one per cent in volume terms over the 12 months to January 28 and rising sales of everyday-style cheeses such as the block and shredded varieties have boosted the overall cheese category.

Yoghurt has continued to perform well, led by a significant jump in plain Greek yoghurt volumes†.

The increased volumes sold of these dairy products will help maintain value growth within each respective category.

The milk category remains the exception; while the total volume sold of fresh and longlife milks respectively, remain lower, total value growth has dropped†.

The vast majority of Australian households

continue to purchase milk, however the ‘right-sizing’ approach by many consumers has weighed on volumes sold.

The avoidance of food waste is a much larger focus for many Australians, especially as a means to save costs.

Homescan panel retail data shows buyers have been moving away from 2-litre varieties, towards 1-litre and 3-litre pack sizes.

So much so, that 3-litre varieties now hold the larger share of fresh milk sales (46.6 per cent of fresh milk sold), with sales growing 3.8 per cent in the 12 months to January 28†.

The different milk varieties have also been contending with the plant-based beverages (PBB).

After initially underperforming, the shock factor of inflation appears to have worn off for many PBB consumers and the price gap between the milks and PBB has tightened.

While some buyers have been moving between fresh and long-life milks, some have also swapped for PBB.

In the 12 months to January 28, the volume sold of PBB has increased 6.4 per cent, however this has been largely driven by increased quantities purchased by existing customers, especially by ‘young transitionals’ (households under the age of 35, with no children) or smallscale families.

These demographics (especially the former)

have been economically pressured, increasing their purchasing of products on promotion and their in-home consumption†.

With the cost of living and interest rates both likely to remain high for the majority of this year, many of the cost saving tactics adopted by consumers will stick.

Despite these changes, dairy is faring well, and the Australian domestic market continues to perform strongly for its supply chain.

Total volumes sold of dairy across the four key categories (with the exception of yoghurt) remain below pre-inflation levels, but volume growth in some of these groups will help maintain solid value performance, especially against the backdrop of steady sticker prices.

Eliza Redfern is the Dairy Australia analysis and insights manager.

Footnotes:

* NIQ Australian Consumer Outlook, November 2023.

† NielsenIQ Homescan based on a continuous panel of 10,000 households; excludes non-private dwellings and businesses, non-permanently occupied households and out-of-home/impulse purchasing. Dairy Australia calculation based in part on data reported by NielsenIQ through its Homescan Service for the dairy category for the 52-week period ending January 28, 2024, for the total Australia market, according to the NielsenIQ standard product hierarchy. Copyright: Nielsen Consumer LLC

Fonterra changes structure. PG.5

Our grandest dairy awarded. PG.10

Successful dairy sales. PG.12 & 13

Yoghurt has continued to perform well on the domestic dairy retail frontline, led by a significant jump in plain Greek yoghurt volumes.

CALL TO INCREASE DAIRY CODE OF CONDUCT TRANSPARENCY

The Victorian Farmers Federation United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (VFF UDV) is stepping up calls for increased transparency as the ACCC’s Dairy Code of Conduct review continues.

VFF UDV president Bernie Free said despite a fairly positive overall view of the code, his organisation was seeking a number of changes as outlined in a recent submission to the review.

“The Dairy Industry Code review has had an overwhelmingly positive impact for Victorian dairy farmers, but strengthening

the code in relation to dispute resolution and increasing transparency in milk supply agreements will assist farmers in ensuring long term profitability,” Mr Free said.

“We’re calling for the most current version of a Milk Supply Agreement to be published with a separate document recording changes since previous versions to simplify the documentation.

“If we could get the costs of dispute resolution to be based on pro-rata turnover and that producers be permitted to engage in multi-party dispute resolution,

but not processors, it would be a fantastic outcome for producers.”

Mr Free said overall, the code has been a great success since its inception, and the tweaks suggested aim to further strengthen it.

“The Code of Conduct has worked well to correct some market failures and to promote improved competition for milk at the farm gate.

“There’s no doubt it’s had a very positive impact for dairy farmers throughout Victoria.”

MORE THAN halfway into the current dairy season, Australian milk production is firing on all cylinders, Rabobank says, with widespread growth in milk supply across all dairying regions due to favourable seasonal conditions and good farm gate margins.

In its recently-released Q1 Global Dairy Quarterly report, the agribusiness banking specialist said Australian milk production reached 5.35 billion litres from July 2023 to January 2024, 2.5 per cent year-on-year higher.

The bank said summer rainfall had far exceeded expectations across much of Australia's east coast, providing a good platform for livestock producers.

Report co-author, Rabobank senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey, said Australian dairy farmers were expected to enjoy a strong 2024.

“With milk prices remaining elevated, expectations are that new-season pricing from July 1 will be margin-supportive,” Mr Harvey said.

“And there is plenty of home-grown feed in storage, and purchased feed is affordable.”

Rabobank forecasts the Australian milk supply to finish the 2023-24 season (ending June 30) 2.6 per cent higher, with growth to continue into the new season in the range of three to four per cent for 2024-25.

Domestic market

Mr Harvey said the domestic Australian dairy market performance is stuttering, but is expected to improve in 2024.

“Australian household budgets remain strained, driving discretionary spending lower, which is flowing into the food basket,” he said.

“The financial health of Australian consumers is anticipated to improve as the year progresses, wages increase, tax cuts kick in and

inflation normalises. And there are also potential interest rate cuts on the horizon.

“However, it is not all smooth sailing for consumers, with domestic economic growth for 2024 revised downward and unemployment revised upwards.”

Mr Harvey said disinflation is visible across Australian dairy grocery aisles. “Still, consumer prices are 20 per cent higher than before the inflation cycle, resulting in trading down across the main categories,” he said.

Dairy exports

Rabobank said Australian dairy exports had been under pressure in the first six months of the season.

“Volumes were 8.5 per cent lower than last year, with significant declines for milk, whole milk powder and butteroil,” Mr Harvey said.

“As milk supply grows into the new season, additional milk will be directed to manufacturing and potentially exports.

“Export competitiveness remains, but the gap between local and offshore farm gate milk prices has narrowed as milk prices in competitors’ regions increase on the back of improving commodity markets.”

Global outlook

Rabobank said global dairy prices have improved amid ongoing supply and demand challenges.

The quarterly report said despite the positive trend, dairy farmers worldwide continue to face margin challenges.

“Against a backdrop of buyers with adequate inventories and macroeconomic concerns, global dairy demand has shown sluggishness in recent months, and milk supply growth continues to struggle,” the report said.

“Key exporting regions experienced weaker year-on-year production in the second half of 2023, and we forecast lower output for the first two quarters of 2024 before a positive turn in the latter half of the year,” Mr Harvey said.

“After two consecutive quarters of weaker supply, a firmly bullish price response would typically have materialised,” he said.

“However, with global buyers’ current stock levels and broader economic worries offsetting lower milk volumes, the supply and demand balance is different this time.”

The bank expects the recent equilibrium between weaker supply and weaker demand will slowly shift throughout 2024, with prices moving to the upside as milk production continues to struggle but demand subtly improves.

“Slow, but steady, price increases among most dairy commodities will materialise in the coming months,” the report said.

“A return to 2022 price levels is unlikely, but gains versus 2023’s lows are probable.

“Coupled with lower expected feed costs, an improved margin outlook will eventually drive milk production growth in the ‘Big 7’ (the EU, US, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay) by the second half of 2024.”

Mr Harvey said “it will likely not be a record price year by any measure” but farmers around the globe will welcome the return to profitability.

VFF UDV president Bernie Free.

Rabobank says dairy farmers are expected to enjoy a strong 2024.

Fonterra changes structure

BY GEOFF ADAMS

FONTERRA AUSTRALIA will become part of a new entity with Fonterra Brands New Zealand to be known as Fonterra Oceania.

Fonterra has moved to assure Australian suppliers that milk sourced from Australian farmers will continue to be used to make the established Australian brands.

Former Fonterra Australia managing director Rene Dedoncker will be leading Fonterra Oceania.

Asked if the bigger entity will distract from management of the Australian component, the company said Mr Dedoncker had many years of experience holding global and multi-geography roles, and will be well supported by his trans-Tasman leadership team.

“Fonterra’s commitment to the Australian dairy industry is unchanged,” the company said.

“There will be no change for our Australian farmers, and the Australian milk pool will continue to provide the milk solids for our Australian brands and ingredients.

“For our Australian Farm Source team, it is very much business as usual. They remain focused on providing excellent service to our farmer suppliers based in Australia, to secure their milk and help their businesses grow.”

Fonterra Brands New Zealand comprises consumer brands and foodservice businesses in New Zealand, including brands Anchor, Mainland and Kāpiti, which will continue to utilise New Zealand farmers’ milk.

The integration of the two will take effect from May 1.

OUTLOOK GOOD FOR STRONG END TO SEASON

The March 2024 Situation and Outlook Report from Dairy Australia is forecasting national milk production to grow slightly, ending the 2023-24 season close to one per cent above last season.

The report has confirmed that Australian milk production has grown in each month of this season, fuelled by better-than-expected weather conditions, particularly against lower comparable figures of last season.

Dairy Australia’s analysis and insights manager Eliza Redfern said there was an air of optimism among Australia’s dairy farmers.

“Better-than-expected weather conditions, recovering milk production, increased retail volumes and a rebound in global commodity values have bred optimism in the broader context of a persistently challenging macroeconomic environment,” Ms Redfern said.

She said the Australian domestic market continued to perform strongly for the dairy supply chain, with the volumes sold of cheese, dairy spreads and yoghurt growing 1.0 per cent, 0.4 per cent and 5.7 per cent, respectively, in the 12 months to January 28.

“Increased volumes sold across these key dairy categories will help support value retention, while inflation slows and cost of living challenges continue to drive consumer shopping behaviour.”

In terms of exports, the report said a drop in global milk supply over recent

months has led to an export commodity price rebound.

Looking ahead, weak global supply growth is expected to remain the largest supporting factor, while global demand remains pressured by the challenging economic environment.

Furthermore, drought conditions affecting water availability for the Panama Canal locks and tensions in the Red Sea have caused vessel delays, tightened container availability and bloated freight costs.

“The weak global economy continues to limit importing activity from buyers in key dairy export markets, while shipping challenges along major trade routes have created an uptick in demand for Oceania, and therefore Australian, product,” Ms Redfern said.

“As global dynamics inevitably impact the Australian dairy industry, the 2024-25 season is likely to see increased pressure on farm profitability.

“After back-to-back profitable past seasons, however, Australian dairy farmers are well placed for the challenges ahead.

“Many are feeling positive about the industry, and reduced debt has helped lower exposure to high interest rates, which aren’t likely to fall until late 2024.”

ɋ For more information and to view the latest Situation and Outlook Report visit: https://www.dairyaustralia.com. au/sando

Milk production has grown in each month of the 2023-24 season, fuelled by better-than-

Former Fonterra Australia managing director Rene Dedoncker will be leading Fonterra Oceania.

Young achiever powers ahead

BY RICK BAYNE

PENNY WELCH was surrounded by boys when she was first introduced to the world of agriculture.

A self-confessed ‘townie’, Penny was one of only a few girls in a class of 30 studying agriculture at Emmanuel College in Warrnambool.

Today, the wheel has turned.

Penny is part of a female-dominated workforce at Total Livestock Genetics, has travelled to the United States after winning a Power of Women in Dairying scholarship, helped to lead a female-dominated youth camp and earlier this year was named the National Herd Improvement Association of Australia Young Achiever.

Penny, the genetics material export officer at TLG, had grown up in Warrnambool without a farming connection, but was asked as a teenager to help out on a Purnim farm as a relief milker.

“I liked the cows and it went from there,” she said.

“TLG came to the farm and flushed cows when I was about 17 and I thought it seemed pretty cool.”

She later started working in the live export industry and moved into semen collection and then into exporting semen.

“I really enjoy the science behind it and what we can do to get bloodlines overseas to countries where they have never been.”

Now aged 33 and living at Noorat near Terang, Penny’s role involves working with colleagues to export product from TLG and private clients all around the world.

“We work on the protocols to make sure everything is health tested and compliant and I’m part of the industry Ruminants Genetics Trade Advisory Group group which works with our government to renegotiate protocols or create new protocols with new countries,” she said.

“The market is going well. We’re the only semen collection centre in Australia that can send semen to the European Union and United Kingdom and they are good steady markets.

“You need to have a separate centre set-up for EU and UK. Our EU centre is IBR-free and the semen has to pass a lot more tests.

“It takes about 68 days for a bull to qualify for the EU whereas it’s normally approximately a month to come in for export collection.”

Exporting to the US also requires a lot of paper work, with separate health certificates based on where the samples were collected, but Penny said the protocols were needed to ensure health and safety.

Penny has been with TLG for 10 years and has helped prepare exports to countries across the globe.

“The biggest tank I’ve done was late last year — more than 30,000 straws across three tanks, sent as one shipment.

There are more than three million straws of semen and more than 6000 embryos stored at TLG.

Since TLG’s merger with Genetics Australia, it has become the biggest handler of genetics in Australia.

Penny won the NHIA award based on her dedication to supporting young talents and advocating for the herd improvement industry.

She was nominated by TLG’s operations manager Ruth Barber, who said Penny’s infectious passion for agriculture and her encouragement for the next generation truly stood out.

“Her message has always been that there is a job out there in the agricultural field for anyone, and don’t let concerns about education, experience or gender stop you,” Ruth said.

Penny was on the Western District Youth Camp Committee which was revived in January 2024 after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When we ran the camp, it was mostly women. There has been a massive swing in the past 20 years,” she said.

“We’re trying to get the next generation excited about the industry. There were students who had never worked with dairy cattle before and it was good to give them a calf to raise for a couple of days.

“I remember doing the camp as a 16-year-old and thinking it was fantastic and it shows you all about how you can get into the industry.

“To see the new group of kids flourish and show interest in careers they didn’t realise were an option was wonderful.

“The main thing I push is that you don’t have to get dirty to work in dairy farming.

“We love farmers and need farmers or none of us are going to be here, but at the same time you can participate in other ways.

“You can be an accountant, a lawyer, an admin staff member. If you have a passion or interest, there’s probably an agricultural job you can do,” Penny said.

Penny also works with the Neil Porter Legacy, talking to students at career expos about potential careers in the field.

In 2022 Penny won the Power of Women in Dairying scholarship, allowing her to travel to World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin, and she continues to work with Power of Women to promote its contribution to the industry.

“Luckily, I was at home when they rang to tell me I’d won because I burst into tears,” she said.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me. I had never been out of Australia and would never get over there by myself.

“It made me grow up and get more confidence and it was a dream to be there to watch those cows go around the ring.”

She returned with a an even stronger view of the Australian dairy cow.

“I had in mind that I would be blown away by the amazing animals at the expo and I was — but I could put Australian cows in that line and have no problem with them.

“It was great to see we’re going in the right direction and breeding cows as good as

the US.”

As part of her NHIA award, Penny has received funding for career development from NHIA and has chosen to invest in the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program.

“I want to gain more experience to go the extra step in the industry and in the company if I can,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to learning how to work with all different types of people, and learning how to better manage myself and my time will definitely benefit me.

“I want to keep going and get to a position where I can make more of a difference for that next generation coming in to keep the industry going.”

Penny helps prepare exports to send around the world.

Penny Welch has gone from townie to a dairy industry advocate.

Penny Welch says there is something for everyone in the dairy industry. “You don’t have to get dirty to work in dairy farming”.

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EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT SUPERMARKETS

Queensland has joined the growing number of jurisdictions examining supermarkets.

In early March, the Queensland Government announced a Parliamentary Supermarket Pricing Select Committee, to look at impediments to fair pricing, including impediments to the profitability of primary producers, and report by May 21.

“As well as the current consultation about the Dairy Industry Code there are now seven inquiries under way, all looking at the bad behaviour of big supermarkets,“ eastAUSmilk government relations manager Mike Smith said.

“eastAUSmilk members know supermarkets have enormous influence on farm gate prices, which is why we have made submissions to several of the these inquiries,” he said.

“It is clearly in the interests of eastAUSmilk members, and the dairy industry as a whole, for the relationship between supermarkets, all of their suppliers, and the whole supply chain, to be cleaned up.

“We’ve made submissions to the Senate Select Committee on Supermarket Prices and to the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Review, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

has also commenced an examination of the pricing practices of the supermarkets and the relationship between wholesale, including farm gate, and retail prices — our submission to them is due in early April.”

Mr Smith said the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct is voluntary, which means “it isn’t applied properly nor enforced, so in our submissions we’ve been saying it should be mandatory, like the dairy code”.

eastAUSmilk is also urging that margins up and down the supermarket supply chain need to be monitored.

“We discovered during our submission research that processors are terrified to

raise complaints or problems with supermarkets, because they fear retaliation, so we’ve also urged that retaliation needs to be directly addressed in these reviews,” Mr Smith said.

“Because we know the processors, and many other supermarket suppliers, won’t raise bad behaviour in their submissions to these inquiries for fear of retaliation, we have made a point of doing that work for them.

“If the retaliation issue is addressed, arising from any of these supermarket reviews, we would expect that the dairy code and industry will see the issue similarly addressed for dairy farmers.”

Award for industry stalwart

BY ZOE MCMAUGH

LINDSAY MARSHALL was literally born into the dairy industry.

He’s a fourth generation producer, who continues to provide guidance to the fifth and hopefully sixth generations behind him.

He does it — and so much more — out of his love for the industry, and tries his very best to do it “under the radar”.

But the contribution Lindsay has made to the industry over several decades has never gone unnoticed, which led to him being awarded the Lex Bunn Memorial Award at International Dairy Week in January.

The award is presented for an outstanding contribution to the dairy industry over many years.

It is specifically for those who contribute to the industry but do not seek recognition, and was introduced to the IDW schedule by Brian Leslie in 2002.

The award is voted on by previous recipients.

Lindsay admits to being quite emotional and receiving a “big fright” when he realised he was this year’s recipient.

“I have joined an elite group of people in the cattle breeding business,” he said.

“It is a group of people who have given a lot to the industry, not only in terms of what they do on-farm but also in sponsorship, mentoring youth and encouraging other people.

“These are people who have given more than they have taken — succeeded in what they have achieved and given back — and I never considered myself to be in the same league until my name was called.

“I didn’t expect it, nor was I seeking this kind of recognition. It was a surreal experience and I must admit I got very emotional.

“When Brian Leslie was speaking to the awardee, at the time he was about ready to finish, I remember thinking this bloke had a life just like me. And then my name was called.

“It was quite special to have my wife Nina and our boys Lachlan and Adam there with me.”

Lindsay developed his love of the industry from shadowing his maternal grandfather Joe Colvin and father Arnold Marshall on farms growing up.

He said he and Nina and have been “blessed” that their own sons have taken over the mantle of dairy farming, allowing them to consider semi-retirement a little earlier than originally planned.

And Lindsay said it’s also nice to know that his grandchildren are already showing some interest in continuing the family tradition.

Originally from Queensland, the Marshalls relocated to the Riverina (in southern NSW) in the early 2000s in search of dairy opportunities that were not under the pressure of the Queensland political and climactic conditions.

Discounting Gippsland as too cold, they weighed up all the options for Blighty, and took the leap.

While drought and politics regarding water followed them to their new home, they decided to stick around and see it out.

As well as running the dairy farm over the years, Lindsay has given attention to showing cattle and industry advocacy through Holstein organisations.

He says it has allowed him to meet all sorts of people and travel to all dairy districts across Australia and New Zealand, and consistently improve his own production through what he’s learned.

Some of those connections were made through International Dairy Week.

Lindsay made the trip from Queensland to attend the second annual event in the early 1990s, and has rarely missed a year since.

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Lindsay Marshall was presented with the 2024 Lex Bunn Memorial Award by 2023 recipient Mark Patullo. Photo: International Dairy Week.

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Our grandest dairy awarded

DELICIOUS AND decadent dairy was in abundance at the 25th Australian Grand Dairy Awards held in Melbourne recently, hosted by Dairy Australia and the Royal Agriculture Societies.

The annual awards acknowledge excellence, quality and innovation across 18 dairy product classes, attracting entrants from each Australian state.

Considered Australia’s most prestigious and highly regarded dairy accolade, the event saw Victoria’s Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese Oak Blue claim the Grand Champion Cheese title and Queensland’s artisan gelato shop Milani Minus Eight Degrees crowned as Grand Champion Dairy, for its Peanut Caramel Gelato.

The winning champions represented each Australian state across categories such as cheese, ice-cream, milk, yoghurt, butter and gelato.

The rigorous judging process was conducted by a panel of expert judges comprising of dairy experts, cheesemongers, retailers, chefs and food experts from across the country.

World renowned cheese expert and Australian Grand Dairy Award chief judge Russell Smith said this year’s entries are testament to the innovation and creativity of producers, and Australia’s high-quality dairy.

“Each year we expect to taste exceptional dairy products. Year after year, our expectations are exceeded,” Mr Smith said.

“The class of products presented saw winners and finalists from across the nation — showcasing the breath of excellence Australian dairy has to offer.

“We’re thrilled to pay recognition to the talented producers that continue to invest time, energy, and passion into their craft.

“Australian dairy products continue to grow in strength, and no doubt the artisans at this year’s Australian Grand Dairy Awards have played a part in putting Aussie dairy on the world stage.”

Yue Lin, winner of the Grand Champion Dairy product for the second year in a row, and owner of Milani Minus Eight Degrees, Market Square Sunnybank said he has spent the better part of 10 years perfecting his craft.

“My love story with gelato began on a family holiday to Italy in 2004. Ten years later I returned to study gelato making and my career began,” Mr Lin said.

“My family and I at Milani Minus Eight Degrees have been dedicated to gelato perfection since we opened, and the award is yet another acknowledgement of this dedication.

“We are thrilled to have been recognised by such a prestigious award.”

Winner of the Grand Champion Cheese product and owners Barry Charlton and Cheryl Hulls from Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheeses said the award was a welcome surprise.

“We are honoured to have been acknowledged

on this occasion,” Mr Charlton said.

“Our Oak Blue is a crowd favourite among our customers, and this award is a testament to the hard work of the whole team to bring the best cheese to Victoria and Australia.”

Dairy Australia head of marketing Glenys Zucco said the Australian Grand Dairy Awards is a long-standing legacy of Dairy Australia.

“For 25 years, Dairy Australia has recognised the best of the best in Australian dairy,” Ms Zucco said.

“This year, we are pleased to have introduced a new partnership with the Royal Agricultural Societies to further strengthen the delivery of

Awards and ensure they remain the premier dairy awards within Australia.

“We continue to be impressed by the quality of the entries year on year. This year was no exception.”

The awards saw 380 entrants across 18 categories judged on flavour, aroma, texture, body and visual appearance to determine the finest products.

To shop the award-winning products, Australians are encouraged to look for the blue and gold medal on pack.

ɋ For more information, visit: https://www. dairy.com.au/agda

Barry Charlton from Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese won the Grand Champion Cheese title with his Oak Blue.

Artisan gelato maker Milani Minus Eight Degrees won Grand Champion Dairy for its Peanut Caramel Gelato.

The award-winning Peanut Caramel Gelato.

The champion Oak Blue cheese.

Settlement Sale a success

BY JEANETTE SEVERS

A MULTI-BREED multi-vendor sale of dairy heifers and young cows was held on Saturday evening, March 2, at Simpson, after the Heytesbury Show.

The Settlement Sale catalogue of 39 young cattle was brought together by Judson Jennings and Jason McVilly, leading the Western District HA Sub-branch, reaching out to breeders of Jerseys, Holsteins, Brown Swiss and Illawarras from throughout the Western District of Victoria and further afield.

Judson Jennings said the first The Settlement Sale, in 2023 after a hiatus of several years, was held using video of the cattle for sale.

After experiencing logistical challenges post-sale, the organising committee decided to hold a led cattle sale.

Holding a led cattle sale has seen the entries into the dairy section of the Heytesbury Show grow exponentially this year, with 140 head exhibited.

Judson said this year’s format was successful and would continue.

Next year’s The Settlement Sale will be held on Friday, February 28, again after the Heytesbury Show.

A late entry saw the Heytesbury Show’s Junior Jersey Champion, Junior Interbreed Champion and Supreme Junior Champion entered into the sale, as lot 24A.

She was entered by the Hanks family and lifted the sale lot numbers to 40.

The heifer, Wellcoora Chrome Victoria, born July 5, 2022, is out of Wellcoora Galaxies Victoria and sired by River Valley Cece Chrome. She made $7500.

The highest bid was for lot 5, Scotts Creek Altitude Apple-RC (Imported ET), a Holstein heifer born, April 19, 2023, and consigned to the auction by Tom Lindquist.

Altitude Apple-RC is out of Intense Nohl Ariana, classified VG88 as a three-year-old, and sired by Farnear Altitude-Red. She made $10,000 and was bought by Leslie Manor Trust.

The second-top price of $9000 was paid for lot 27, Rosemont Craze Charo-ET, born March 31, 2022, and pregnancy-tested-in-calf to Victory Rhondas Big Red. This Jersey heifer is out of Aspire Vanahlem Charo 2, EX93, and sired by River Valley Circus Craze.

Lot 25, Ripponlea Roulette Bubbles 3456, a Jersey heifer born March 20, 2023, was sent in to the

sale by Belinda Egan, and sold for $8000.

She was Junior Champion All Breeds at the Berwick Show this year and Reserve Junior Jersey Champion at the Heytesbury Show.

The only Brown Swiss in the sale, lot 21, Dusty Road Aldo Paris, sold at $7500. Her full sister was sashed Junior Champion at IDW this year.

This heifer was born on October 5, 2022, was consigned to the sale by Leah Dickson and is due to calve in

August, PTIC to Collaps. There were two lots sold at $7000. Both were Holsteins, but differed in age and PTIC status. Several lots achieved $6000 — three were Holsteins and two are Jersey.

Among the Illawarra cattle, lot 15 was bidder’s choice of a calf born on February 2 this year. Dam is Bluechip Windbook Dancer 3-IMP-ET-Red, EX92-2E, EX94 MAM, and sire either Farnear Delta Lambda or Woodcrest King Doc.

The choice of calves was provided by Adam Nelson. In the end, he provided two heifer calves; both sold at $4500 each.

The Jersey cattle averaged $5690. The Holstein cattle averaged $4875. The Illawarra cattle averaged $2750. There was only one Brown Swiss lot, sold at $7500.

Judson Jennings said The Settlement Sale was a good opportunity for people to access good genetics.

“It’s a good opportunity for people to get into some of the best cow families in the country and around the world,” he said.

“This sale also brings more dairy cattle to compete at the Heytesbury Show.”

This year saw growth in sale numbers from northern Victoria, underpinned by Gippsland and western Victorian studs.

“The sale is somewhere for people around here to sell their genetics,” Judson said.

Bidders were in the room and online from right throughout NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The sale was facilitated by Dairy Livestock Services with support from Stocklive.

ɋ A longer sale report is at: https:// www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

With the top priced heifer sold at The Settlement Sale, (back) Judson Jennings and Brian Leslie and (front, left to right) Jason McVilly, Abbey Hanks, Leah Dickson, Andrew Lindquist (representing the Lindquist family as seller), Brock Neal, Meg Arklay, Angus Fraser, Sheridan Heath, Mikaela Daniel and Anna Dickson. Photo: Fiona Hanks

Heifers hit $19,000 top price

BY JEANETTE SEVERS

A WELL-ESTABLISHED pedigree breeding business in NSW, Murribrook Holsteins, recently held its final dairy dispersal sale.

The Murribrook principals have moved into the beef industry, and retained their embryo transfer breeding business to growing demand.

Murray Sowter, Annette Barham and Jock Sowter, of Murribrook Holsteins, Moss Vale, held the final stage complete dispersal sale of 44 Holstein heifers on February 29.

Many of the heifers were sold pregnancy-tested-in-calf to sexed semen.

Murribrook Holsteins has a strong record of show champions, to underpin the excellence of the heifers for sale.

“We’ve had 47 Grand Champions at the Royal Sydney Show,” Murray Sowter told Dairy News Australia

“The pedigree sector was a big part of what we did in the dairy industry.

“If you continue to invest in pedigree cattle, at the high end, and take a long-term view to stick with it, they can give you a great return.”

The sale was facilitated by Dairy Livestock Services interfaced with Stocklive’s online platform. DLS auctioneer Brian Leslie has a long history of selling Murribrook cattle.

“I’ve been coming here for 40 years, and it’s always been great to sell cattle at Murribrook Holsteins,” Brian said.

“The heifers we sold today were cattle with

a lot of quality. We knew they’d be big and we knew they’d be in great form.

“There were buyers from Western Australia, Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Many of the cattle were bought by repeat buyers. The IVF embryos were really well received and went into every state.

“Volume buyers, Kevin and Helen Jones, bought several heifers that will remain at Murribrook Holsteins to be AI’d before going to their new homes.”

The dispersal sale began briskly, and momentum was held throughout. There were 44 cattle on offer, and 11 embryo packages. The average price as $6976.

The highest price of $19,000 was paid for lot 6, Murribrook Solomon Cher-ET. She was born

July 1, 2022, and is PTIC to Bullseye with sexed semen, and was bought by Olivia Millhouse, of Southwick Holsteins, Tasmania.

The next highest priced heifer was lot 1, Murribrook Chief Lexi, born January 3, 2022. She sold at $18,000. She is PTIC to Murano-P.

Lots 8 and 42 each sold at $12,000. Lot 42 is Murribrook Chief Licorice (g), born September 2, 2021, is PTIC to Alligator. Lot 8 is Murribrook Lambda Char-ET, born February 16, 2023. Her full sister, lot 9, Murribrook Lambda CasinoET, born February 16, 2023, sold at $10,000.

Other heifers sold for $10,000 included lots 4, 18, 19, 25 and 28.

The embryo packages ranged from a pair to six embryos. Top price was $1500.

Murray, Annette and Jock have now closed

the dairy platform, but retained their Moss Vale property to continue breeding through their embryo transfer centre.

Murray and Annette added a Wagga property to their holdings about six years ago, buying a property well known for its history in Wagyu production.

That has enabled them to expand their commercial breed breeding enterprise.

“When we bought the Wagga property, we bought a few Wagyu cattle as well,” Murray said.

“Then we picked up a few more. In the last five years, we’ve had a bit of a play.

“Two years ago, we bought a well bred Angus heifer, then a few more. We also bought some embryos. We’re looking to grow our pedigree beef business, but stay small.”

They also run a commercial Angus herd, joined to Limousin bulls, and trade steers.

But their embryo transfer centre at the Moss Vale farm is where their main interest lays.

“We’re progressing our ET and IVF business. I wish I was 30 years younger,” Murray said.

“We’ve flushed dairy cows since the 1970s. We’ve grown that business in the dairy industry and moved into the beef industry by accident.

“We’re breeding Angus-Friesian cows to use as recipient cows, and other F1 recips to client demand.

“Now we’re busy with supplying and managing recip cows and IVF services for the dairy and beef industries.”

ɋ For a more detailed sale report, go to: https://www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

Lot 6, Murribrook Solomon Cher, sold for the top price of $19,000, to Southwick Holsteins, Tasmania. Photo: Jock Sowter

Solving an industry mystery

NSW DAIRYUP researchers want to hear from any farmers who suspect their cattle might be suffering from kikuyu toxicity, as scientists seek answers to a problem that’s plagued farmers for decades.

Autumn is the prime time for cattle to show the effects of kikuyu toxicity, especially in regions that have gone through a dry summer and receive an early season break.

This means it’s also the best period for researchers to collect samples of “toxic” kikuyu to solve a problem that causes cattle deaths and illness.

NSW Department of Primary Industries Plant Pathology Research leader Krista Plett said understanding the cause of kikuyu toxicity would provide evidence-backed information to dairy farmers to make grazing and planting decisions and minimise kikuyu-related cattle deaths.

“Kikuyu poisoning is rare — which we are thankful for — but this makes it difficult to research,” she said.

“The compound or mechanism that makes kikuyu toxic to livestock and its interaction with environmental conditions is unknown.

“This uncertainty is an impediment to the uptake of kikuyu pastures and those with kikuyu pastures can’t

unlock their full potential because of the looming threat that the grass could spontaneously take out a herd of cattle.”

Researchers from the NSW DairyUP program are investigating the cause of kikuyu toxicity by examining samples of grass and soil for signs where the “toxic” pasture varies from a “normal” sample.

Samples were collected from farms in the Hunter Valley affected by kikuyu poisoning in 2018-19 as well as others across NSW.

But more samples are always required.

Researchers are also recreating the environmental conditions that precede kikuyu toxicity in a greenhouse and testing different kikuyu varieties to see how they respond.

Krista said this greenhouse trial could identify genetic links to kikuyu toxicity or microbes that could be involved.

“Microbes that flourished under the artificial greenhouse ‘drought and rewater’ cycle, preceding kikuyu toxicity will

be examined to see if they can be linked to past kikuyu toxicity,” she said.

“The kikuyu genetics will also be studied to understand how they may or may not contribute to resilience to toxicity.”

Krista has her sights set on a range of outcomes from this research — most notably prediction tools to evaluate pasture safety, the development of new kikuyu varieties that are less susceptible to toxicity events, in-field preventative treatments and treatments for affected cattle.

“The mystery of kikuyu toxicity has baffled scientists for 70 years,” she said.

“If we can narrow down some of the theories — even eliminate some — we will be closer to our target, and still advancing, to minimise kikuyu-associated cattle deaths and help farmers make better decisions.”

Anyone with information about kikuyu toxicity can contact Krista Plett at krista.plett@dpi.nsw.gov. au or on 0447 925 228. For more information, go to: https://www.dairyup.com.au

NEW CROSS HAS A PLACE IN THE HERD

A stud Jersey cow breeder in Gippsland has used Gyr semen in a couple of his Jersey cows for the second year in a row — and has plans to use the Gyr/Jersey heifers in his herd.

Simon Reid, of Jackiah Jerseys at Trafalgar East, said the heifer calves born in 2023 will be included in the herd after they calve next year.

about the Gyr cow, which is milked in India and Brazil,” Simon said.

“I was looking for a breed with a point of difference.”

Two calves were born on the same day in mid-March, but Simon and his partner, Belinda Egan, have only kept one out of this crop.

Another farmer purchased the Jersey cow with Gyr/Jersey calf at foot on the day it was born.

For many years Mr Reid used Speckle Park semen in some of his dairy cows, but has begun moving away from the dairy/ beef cross.

Consequently, he has been looking for an alternate cross that can be milked.

“I looked around and liked what I read

The Gyr cow is an Indian breed of zebuine cattle, used in the dairy and beef industry.

“Because this calf is out of a Jersey cow, the lump in her neck from the Gyr genetics will remain small,” Simon said.

Jersey calves with the Gyr/Jersey cross calf.

Kikuyu samples before researchers created toxic conditions.

Kikuyu samples after researchers created toxic conditions.

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has AI eye on herds

The acquisition reinforces GEA’s strong commitment to improving animal health and welfare.

CattleEye is an artificial intelligence system designed to quickly detect and predict lameness in cows and to provide critical data to assess the body condition score.

It reflects whether animals are properly fed and in good physical condition.

Next to mastitis, lameness is a major disease in dairy cows that can lead to infertility and ultimately affect milk yield.

By using this AI-based software, farmers can take immediate action to improve the animal welfare and productivity.

The CattleEye system combines a 2D camera with specialised software that analyses cow movement and body score patterns, enabling a farmer to gain valuable insight into their herd's health.

The system can be integrated into both new and existing farms, regardless of the type of milking system.

“With the trend towards larger and more automated dairy farms, the need to monitor and track animals and production is becoming increasingly important,” GEA Farm Technologies division CEO Peter Lauwers said.

“By adding CattleEye’s advanced AI technology, we are expanding our DairyNet portfolio for modern herd management. This can be a game changer for farmers to improve herd health, farm productivity and financial stability.”

CattleEye was founded in 2019 by repeat agtech entrepreneur Terry Canning, the son of a dairy farmer, and Adam Askew, a senior software architect with more than 10 years of experience using deep learning image analytics to detect cancerous tumors.

Launched in 2021, the system is currently being used to monitor more than 100,000 cows worldwide.

“CattleEye was born out of a vision to harness the capabilities of advanced artificial  intelligence in video analytics to revolutionise the dairy industry,” Mr Canning said.

“After starting our partnership last year, we are thrilled that GEA will be using and developing this innovative solution with our team to improve animal welfare and drive positive change in the industry.”

GEA Farm Technologies division CEO Peter Lauwers and Terry Canning from CattleEye (right).

Source: GEA

GEA HAS acquired Northern Ireland-based agricultural software company CattleEye Ltd, adding a pioneering artificial intelligence system to its existing portfolio of solutions for dairy farms.

Forage index gets an update

DAIRY FARMERS can make more informed decisions when choosing rye-grass cultivars for their pastures following the release of Dairy Australia’s 2024 Forage Value Index.

First introduced in 2017 and updated each year, the FVI is a resource for farmers that independently ranks varieties of rye-grass according to their potential contribution to overall farm profit.

Given seasonal yield difference between varieties can be significant, this can contribute to substantial variation in profit per hectare each year.

The 2024 FVI includes for the first time new data on perennial rye-grass varieties with the introduction of the Forage Quality Rating, just in time for the rye-grass sowing season.

“The new Forage Quality Rating shows that there is substantial variability between cultivars in metabolisable energy (ME) concentration, which ultimately will lead to varying milk production potential for different varieties,”

Dairy Australia’s FVI lead Ruairi McDonnell said.

“Farmers can look at the Forage Quality Rating for each cultivar on a seasonal basis at different stages of the year, as well as on an average yearly basis.

“The Forage Quality Rating shows that perennial rye-grass pastures are at their highest energy levels in winter and early spring, before declining in energy through late spring and summer.

“Farmers can now use this information to assist with ration formulation decisions by using the seasonal ME concentration for the varieties used on their farm.”

Mr McDonnell also said an improved statistical method was utilised in formulating the FVI this year, which would make them even more valuable for farmers.

“The seasonal yield data has been created this year using an improved statistical analysis model,” he said.

“This approach is slightly less conservative than the original model when a variety has had only a limited number of trials. In practice, it means newly released varieties with only three or four trials of data that perform quite well are likely to enter the FVI rankings slightly higher.

“It is however still the case that having a larger number of trials per variety will lead to a greater level of confidence in the position of that variety in the FVI rankings.”

The data used to create the FVI is sourced from the Pasture Trial Network — a collaboration of seed companies, Meat & Livestock Australia and Dairy Australia, which conducts independent trials across the country. The lists for each species are then generated by Datagene using robust statistical methodology.

ɋ Farmers can download the 2024 FVI tables now to plan their autumn pasture sowing at: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/fvi

ɋ The detailed Pasture Trial Network individual trial results from across a broad range of Australian dairy regions are also available on the MLA website for farmers to consider those results in any seed purchasing decisions. Go to: https://etools.mla.com.au/ptn/#/

The cream of Tassie’s crop

IN

JUST his second year of managing a dairy farm, Mahesh Gampala has achieved the coveted ANZ Tasmanian Dairy Business of the Year Award.

Dalmore Dairy at Dairy Plains is overseen by investment group BWB and managed by Mahesh Gampala.

Dalmore Dairy was recognised for excellence in dairy business performance at the Tasmanian Dairy Industry Awards Dinner in Devonport on Friday, March 22.

The Awards Dinner is hosted by DairyTas.

The Dairy Business of the Year Award is conducted by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) as part of the DairyHIGH 2 project, which is funded by Dairy Australia and TIA.

The free benchmarking program considers a range of efficiency and performance indicators of dairy farming businesses factors including financial, management, pasture, herd size and environment.

The businesses were assessed for the 202223 financial year.

TIA’s Lesley Irvine said Mr Gampala’s attention to detail and keen eye for pasture management contributed to the business’ success.

“Mahesh studied a Master of Applied Science (Agricultural Science) at the University of Tasmania,” Ms Irvine said.

“He has worked at Dalmore Dairy for a number of years, working his way up to become second-in-charge and more recently taking on the role of farm manager.

“We assessed each of the three finalists as being strong dairy businesses, looking at different aspects of dairy farm management including people, environment, safety and overall business performance.

“Dalmore Dairy stood out because of Mahesh’s attention to detail and the effort he has put into managing the farm and being across the details.

“An example of this is his commitment to measuring pasture through weekly farm walks, measuring how much the cows are consuming, and undertaking a wide range of analysis on

options to improve the farm.”

DairyTas regional manager Deb Morice described the awards as a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge businesses and individuals within the Tasmanian dairy industry that have excelled over the past year.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to bring Tasmania's dairy industry together to honour its top performers and collectively reflect on and celebrate the past year,” Mrs Morice said.

“As we celebrate the wonderful success stories within our dairy farming community, we would also like to acknowledge the generous support and remarkable commitment of our dairy service industry which makes the Tasmanian Dairy Industry Awards possible.”

Results of the 2024 Tasmanian Dairy Industry Awards

ɋ ANZ Dairy Business of the Year Award: Dalmore Dairy, part of the BWB group and managed by Mahesh Gampala.

Finalists: Ashburton, located at Dairy Plains, owned by Aurora Dairies and managed by Francesco Fornar; and Juniper Lea, located at Dairy Plains, owned by BWB and managed by Luke Davey-Baldock.

ɋ Fonterra Share Dairy Farmer of the Year Award: Terry and Catherine Viney, farming at Chudleigh.

Finalists: Ryan and Bridget Langley, sharefarming with Circular Head Farms at Redpa; Craig and Zoe Waterhouse, sharefarming with Circular Head Farms at Redpa; and Wayne and Caroline Saward, sharefarming with Aurora Dairies.

ɋ Safe Farming Tasmania Dairy Farm Safety

Award: Kooparoona Dairy Pty Ltd.

ɋ NRM North Dairy Environmental Award: Cheryl McCartie and Theo Van Brecht.

ɋ Blackley Pipelines & Irrigation Dairy Employee of the Year Award: Charlotte Jessop.

ɋ Aurora Energy Employer of Choice

Award: Compass Agri.

ɋ M ondelez Young Dairy Farmer Encouragement Award: Brenton Adams.

ɋ Elphinstone Stevens Dairy Service Award: Cheryl McCartie.

ɋ Future

Scholarship (sponsored by the Lawrence family): Seraya Spark TIA is a joint venture between the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government.

Dalmore Dairy manager Mahesh Gampala (right) and second-in-charge Nick Robinson.

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Bright farming is yours by choice

It’s gone but not forgotten

BY JEANETTE SEVERS

DAIRY FARMERS Paul and Sharon Weir attended Australian Dairy Conference in Melbourne in February, where Paul was one of two keynote speakers.

The other keynote speaker was Andriy Dykun, previously Minister for Agriculture in the Ukrainian Government, and current president of Milk Producers of Ukraine and Ukrainian Agri Council chair.

Paul held the audience in his hands, with many emotionally engaged with his story at ADC2024.

In February 2022, Paul became one of the most well-known people affected by the Lismore NSW floods, after a video went viral of his dairy cows swept away in the floodwater.

His story appeared in Dairy News Australia: https://www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au/ news/the-long-road-to-recovery/

At ADC2024, Paul spoke about his and his family’s experience of the flood, the impact on him emotionally and financially, and some of the learnings he has taken from that experience.

Since ADC2024, Dairy News Australia interviewed Paul further about the aftermath and how he and his family are rebuilding their livelihood.

It has taken considerable personal cost, and continues to cost.

The 2022 flood in Lismore region wasn’t the Weir family’s first experience of a natural disaster on the family farm at Tuncester, but it has been their worst.

“Our greatest asset is the river and rainfall, and it’s our biggest challenge,” Paul said.

The family farm had water across it in 1954, 1974, 1989 and 2017.

The Weir farm is geographically located where the catchments of five valleys merge.

Consequently, a lot of work has been done to ensure fodder, houses, the dairy platform, and cows are safe during floods.

Until February 2022.

“Lismore predominantly has floods in summer and autumn, and most infrastructure is flood-ready at 12.4 metres,” Paul said.

“In 1954 and 1974, the flood records were 12.38m.”

These were the highest floods on record, until February 27 and 28, 2022.

At the time of the flood, Paul and Sharon, with their son Matthew working alongside them, were in a period of expansion and herd building.

“We were milking 400 cows off 300 acres, with irrigation on 220 acres,” Paul said.

“We were looking to grow our herd into nearly double that number and we’d prepared plans for building sheds to house them.”

Dairy farmers well experienced with flood mitigation, on the afternoon and evening of Sunday, February 27, Paul, Sharon and Matthew kept a regular check on the expected flood.

They moved irrigation equipment, tractors and the herd of Holstein and Friesian-cross cows up to the house, feedpad and dairy, where they thought everything would be safe.

“They were predicting an 11.4m flood,” Paul said.

“We expected the dairy platform would be above the flood level, and we moved the milkers into the yard and I closed the gate.

“Matthew mixed up two days of feed in the silage wagon, and we thought we were prepared.”

At 2.30am on February 28, Paul rode the motorbike to see how high the river was. At that time, it was still below the bank. That reassured him.

“I went back to bed, slightly relaxed knowing the flood wasn’t expected to be above the record height,” Paul said.

“But floods rise quickly. It was Sharon who alerted me.”

The family had left lights on outside, and at 3.30am Sharon could see the water swirling outside the house. It inundated the ground floor of their home.

In the dark of night, they all realised this flood was going to exceed records, and predictions.

Paul and Matthew wanted to get equipment in the dairy lifted above the water.

“Matt and I went to the dairy. We hadn’t lifted anything at the dairy,” Paul said.

“We did what we could, then decided to return to the house.”

Paul described moving through the floodwater — he was in water up to his chest and wading slowly.

Sharon attempted to check the calf shed, but was turned back by the strength of the water.

In retrospect, Paul realises now none of them should have been in the water.

Eventually he made it back to the house, catching a verandah post with his fingertips, and hauling himself back to safety.

“I lunged and had I missed that post, I have no doubt I wouldn’t be here today,” Paul said.

“Matthew arrived back to the house by a different route.”

Shortly after the house was in darkness, after something hit the light pole near the river.

“We knew the town would be in trouble,” Paul said.

“We knew our other sons and many of our friends would be sitting on the roofs of their houses.

“There are so many unknowns. You’re in pitch darkness, everything was out of our control. We had no phone connection.

“I never realised until then that dairy farmers are control freaks. We control everything except the weather.”

Daybreak brought the reality closer when they watched cows swimming past the house.

“At the dairy, cows were fighting to get to higher ground and they broke the gate chain,” Paul said.

“For me, it was absolute failure. Those cows who relied on me to keep them safe — I had failed.

“They floated away to die.

“All I could do was hope they would get onto high ground somewhere.

“Matthew had a jet ski in the shed and he wanted to use that to help us get away from the house and find out what was going on in the town of Lismore.

“We studied the water, it swirled and then went still for a few minutes. Then it would repeat,” Paul said.

“Matt jumped off the balcony and swam towards the shed.

“That was the second hardest thing I’ve experienced — watching him swim away from me.”

Matthew took Sharon to higher ground, then rode around rescuing other people.

“He returned distressed, realising many people would drown in the town,” Paul said.

“I had fuel ready to refuel the jet ski and he went into town.”

Matthew returned to refuel at the farm during the day. He teamed up with a mate who volunteered with the SES and they searched house to house, his mate in a wetsuit searching the houses, bringing the residents out to Matthew, and Matthew transporting people to safety.

The pair rescued 43 people on February 28. Their story is one of many stories of bravery from the Northern Rivers flood zone.

Matthew brought his brothers Aidan and Josh back to the farm, from their flooded house in Lismore.

Later that day, Matthew and Aidan checked the dairy and found cows still standing on the platform.

“I was relieved,” Paul said.

The vat was still in its shed, because it was wider than the doorway.

The next morning, Aidan and Paul waded to the dairy and fired up an old Case tractor.

“The old Case tractor fired up and we were able to feed the cows,” Paul said.

“Cows that were close by came to the dairy when they heard the tractor.”

They fed 160 cows on the dairy platform.

“We had no power at the dairy. Thank goodness I’d moved a tractor to higher ground than the other machinery,” Paul said.

Half the silage that was harvested only days before and put in bunkers above the highest flood level — 550 tonnes of sorghum plus pasture silage — was destroyed.

The family and their workers spent the next few months milking cows at a neighbour’s farm.

“We’d help him milk his cows, then we’d bring our herd in for milking,” Paul said.

All fences were down.

“I phoned a fence supplier to order 1000 fence posts. I thought I’d go on a long list. I was the first caller,” Paul said.

“I was surprised. The fence posts would be delivered when the road was accessible.

“I phoned a builder and booked him for work.”

They scoured the district for cows, dead or alive.

“A friend said to leave them at his place and he’d deal with them,” Paul said.

On the Wednesday he received the dreaded phone call from a friend who had found, on his farm, 65 dead cows owned by Paul and Sharon.

He helped Paul bury them.

Paul moved 100 heifers initially to the 10 acres owned by his father, situated above the family farm. He added another 100 rescued beef cattle owned by his neighbours.

“Two hundred cattle on 10 acres. It was a mess,” Paul said.

Heifers, springing heifers and dry cows went on agistment, offered by farmers outside the Northern Rivers region.

Two years on, after losing 130 cows in total from the flood and working hard to restore operations on their farm, Paul and Sharon are looking forward.

They have been rebuilding the herd, initially by buying young cows and heifers ready to calve.

“We bought them all from well-bred herds. We were replacing the genetics of 30 years of AI,” Paul said.

“Last year, we used a lot of sexed semen and in the next five months those cows will calve. The majority of our herd this year will have heifers.”

Their plans to build sheds are progressing. It will enable them to grow their herd to the forecast 700 milkers.

“This has been a five-year plan and we’re about to send the plans to council,” Paul said.

“Five years ago we decided to go in the direction of intensifying our dairy farm, by building some sheds.

“We’ve been actively pursuing it for the last three years. We had plans drawn up by consultants and developed a budget.

“We would’ve had it all up by now if the floods hadn’t happened.”

Paul Weir held the audience in his hands, with many emotionally engaged with his story at the Australian Dairy Conference, held in February.

Floodwater roars through the dairy on the Weir family farm in 2022.

The devastation left behind by floodwater in 2022.

Reach out and offer to help

BY JEANETTE SEVERS

RECOVERING FROM disaster is about perspective, according to Paul Weir.

In the past two years, Paul and his family have worked hard to recover from floods that devastated the Northern Rivers region of NSW in late February 2022 and March 2022.

The entire family farm went under water and 130 cows were lost to floodwater.

“We had insurance,” Paul said.

“We were dairy farmers.

“As long as we could keep milking cows, we would have a monthly payment.

“Cash flow is king in any business.”

Greg McNamara, who lived 15km away at Goolmangar, told Paul to move his remaining cows to his farm where they could be milked. Unlike at the Weir farm, the generator at the McNamara farm was still working.

Greg set aside a 50-acre paddock, and Paul and Sharon Weir moved 170 dairy cows to his farm. They set up hay feeders in the paddock.

“We had to treat a lot of them for mastitis and we spent the first four days dumping the milk,” Paul said.

“But it gave us something to do.

“With our employees, we turned up twice a day at Greg’s place, helped him milk his cows, then milked our cows.

“We milked at Greg’s place for months.”

Paul and Sharon haven’t re-opened their fertiliser business in Lismore. After the floodwater receded, one of their employees spent three weeks in a Bobcat, clearing what the flood had left behind.

“All assets at the fertiliser business were destroyed,” Paul said.

“That industrial estate is normally above flood level. It went under by 1.8 metres.”

The milk income helped Paul and Sharon to continue to employ their workers, as they built fences, laneways and, eventually, undertook pasture renovation.

They also built new infrastructure above the 2022 flood height.

“I had enough staff before the flood to milk 400 cows,” Paul said.

“So we were back to 130 cows, and we were overstaffed, and we made the decision to keep them on because we needed that manpower to do the work.

“We did all the fencing, the laneways and pasture renovation ourselves. We built over 10km of fences.

“We invested in submersible pumps and put irrigation pipes underground.

“Every building has had to be fixed, repaired

or replaced. The feedpad is now higher.

“It all cost us a lot of money.

“We closed the fertiliser business permanently, so we could focus on the dairy.

“The dairy is where our heart is. We want to expand the farm to milk 700 cows.”

The farm’s irrigation plant wasn’t insured. The herringbone dairy was inundated. The generator at the dairy was standing in water.

Their sons pitched in to help as much as they could. Matthew was already working on the farm. Samuel, working in Victoria, took six months leave without pay to help his parents.

Matthew and Aidan lost their houses in the floods and had to rebuild them. Matthew also lost his new Toyota four-wheel drive.

It took months for the Weir family to make their house and farm operational. While it took two weeks for electricity to be restored, it took months to get all electrical equipment certified before it could be used.

“It’s all about perspective for me,” Paul said.

“And we need to keep our dark days in perspective.

“The next morning, Aidan and I were able to wade to the dairy and fire up the tractor to feed the cows.

“We had lost a lot. But I know many friends who lost everything — their house, car, job, their kids lost their school.

“The whole fabric of our society was lost.”

In the past two years, Paul and Sharon have spent more than $1 million of their own money, and $2.5 million paid by their insurance company. Government assistance grants covered the balance to $4.5 million total recovery cost so far.

“The government grants were fine and well meant, but we utilised that in the first month,” Paul said.

“It’s the same amount for everyone, whether they milk 80 cows or 700 cows.”

Help rolled into the region from other

farmers, in the shape of donated hay and silage, food, fuel, and manpower to clean buildings and clear fences and trees.

“I received hundreds of phone calls from other farmers across Australia,” Paul said.

“What can we do to help? They arrived on the farm with food and fuel. They sent hay.

“Fuel, bread and milk were critical — all our normal businesses were gone.”

There were fuel shortages across the region and a wait of 2.5km in line at the service stations that were open.

Paul encouraged ADC2024 attendees to reach out to other people and offer help.

“Reach out to people. Your phone call may make the difference to them,” he said.

“At the time, I thought people were wasting their time asking me if I was okay.

“You need to reach out to people and admit you need help.

“I know people who are traumatised when they hear the sound of rain on their roof. There are people who haven’t been able to rebuild their homes.”

Jason Bake, a dairy farmer at Crossmaglen, south of Coffs Harbour, phoned Paul soon after the flood occurred, and has maintained that contact. It is a connection that Paul recognises as life-saving.

Jason and his family have their own experiences of floods on their family farm, Bangalara Dairies.

“He started phoning me in that first week and he phoned me regularly, to make sure I was okay,” Paul said.

“I still hear from him — a phone call or a text message to check in with me.

“Coming back from any kind of disaster takes time.

“But you need to take that first step. Focus on controlling what you can.

“Talk to family and friends. You’re no good to anybody if your mental health is no good.”

Paul recognised there were mental health problems within his community, mostly by the silences and the grief expressed in conversations that were face to face or over the telephone.

“Industry support was really good,” Paul said.

“Mental health issues came to the fore in our community.

“Everything feels like it’s against you, especially for those first six months.

“The voices in my head said, ‘I did this, I should’ve done that’.

“Dairy Australia stepped up and sent counsellors to our region. These counsellors visited our farm and other farms.

“Norco offered similar help and support.

“Other farmers from across Australia reached out to people offering emotional and psychological support.”

One of the biggest drains on Paul’s time and emotional energy post-flood was the need to validate his claims.

“Spending days in the office and on my phone dealing with insurance companies was a massive time restraint and hard work,” Paul said.

“I had to travel to do anything, whether it was dealing with the insurance company or Services Australia.

“You have to jump through hoops.

“When you’ve lost all your paperwork and records, you have to get copies and that takes hours and days.

“It takes time to get quotes for what machinery was worth.

“And we were in the pandemic and the prices increased on everything that needed replacing.

“For example, we had a tractor that was insured for $70,000. Because of supply chain issues, it was a lot more expensive to replace. It cost us $120,000.”

Paul said thousands of people are still waiting for decisions about land use, permission to rebuild and — the big one — insurance companies that have stalled processing claims.

His own cost for insurance cover has increased three-fold.

“In the last 12 months, it’s gone up by $30,000,” Paul said.

“For three years, we paid $24,000 each year. Now it costs us $72,000.

“Insurance only has to save you once. It would’ve been a long, hard slow slog and I wouldn’t be as jovial if we hadn’t had it.

“Review your insurance policies. I can’t stress that enough.

“As insurance becomes unaffordable, people won’t be able to recover.”

Paul Weir, whose family farm was inundated during the 2022 Northern Rivers region floods.

The Weir family’s 170 remaining cows were moved to a farm 15km away. Continuing to be able to milk their cows gave purpose to the family and their workers, and provided cash flow to the business.

In a pickle over peer review

BY DR LES SANDLES

WHERE DID it come from, this misinformed obsession with ‘peer-reviewed’?

These days, I rarely have a technical conversation with a farmer, service provider or researcher without immediately being confronted (and affronted) with a version of “I don’t do anything without (“Where is the ...) peer-reviewed data?”.

If I have it, the next question: “Is it Australian?” Well, yes. “Oh, is it from this region?” Yes. “Well, hmmm, was it conducted next door?” Okay, that last one I made up but it is often that ridiculous. It drives me insane!

And this is because, as a field scientist, innovator, disruptor and consultant, my small fraternity makes its living (and reputation) on contributing new useful stuff, often transformational stuff and, if what we contribute doesn’t stack up financially, we are soon out of work.

On the other hand, it frequently takes years for institutional science to catch up.

Sure, not all ideas work, but then, not all research is correct, and the peer review process itself is inherently flawed.

By the time maverick consultants peddle ideas about as part of our professional offering, we have a high confidence level based on experience, observation, need or fit, and the bravery of our best mate who has his adventures trying things out and is okay if here and there, the ideas turns out to be s**t.

A few bright ideas particularly close to my heart (and business) include:

Lead-feeding: Introduced in the late 1980s and ‘proven’ in 2007. (Farmers sent the researchers back to repeat the research three times before they got the right result.)

Canola meal: Introduced in 1989 and ‘proven’ in 2013. (Spruiked as an exciting development in 2023.)

NDF as the key constraint to feed intake in Australian dairy herds: Introduced in 1987 and actively contested by our scientists until 2008.

The futility of waiting for peer-reviewed research is clear: about 15 years of navel gazing while the doers are implementing!

Why 15 years? Well, because it takes six or seven for the scientists to be confident there is enough ‘anecdotal’ evidence that they will get a publishable result, two years to go through the funding/approval process, three years to conduct the research program, and two years between the research and write-up, then the best part of another for the peer review process and publication.

Surely, at some point there is merit in ‘anecdotal’ evidence. Is it 100,000 cows or 200,000? A million? Surely such numbers getting the same result must provide some confidence.

Peer-reviewed desperados — heed this.

Economic opportunity exists in the time and space between the statistical and economic significances. The former relies on variance

— the response ranges within a data set. The latter (for us) is simply milk in the vat.

Take canola meal. The typical response to feeding just 1kg in early lactation is 5-7 litres — but we expect and accept responses ranging from zip to 20 litres. This is great business.

In contrast, gaining the requisite statistical probability of repeatability (the P value) necessitates large numbers of animals (n) to cope with the variability, and is therefore expensive and difficult.

So much is forfeited by those who demand statistical certainty.

Institutional thinking is, and must be, iterative — slowly, carefully, building on what was proven before, usually in the shadow of an academic tyrant (otherwise known as project leader, supervisor, or professor).

says Dr Les Sandles.

Institutional research discourages transformational thinking because it relies on agreement rather than adventure (this is why I have always been unemployable), and necessary experiments with poor probability of confirming known outcomes are unlikely to be conducted.

The big breakthroughs — the stuff that is potentially business, life, or planet changing — are those who constantly ask “What if ...?”

Dr Les Sandles is a renowned thought leader and provocateur in the dairy industry. Best known for his role in revolutionising nutritional and pasture management practices, Les has turned his attention to the ‘last frontier’ — transmogrifying the forage production system into a C-munching machine. Contact him at: info@4sight.bioif

See what’s possible

FARMERS AND agriculture industry professionals are invited to grasp a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as Nuffield Australia opens applications for 2025 scholarships.

Successful applicants receive $40,000 to fund 15 weeks of study overseas, across 18 months.

“The scholarships offer a unique opportunity to visit, learn from and collaborate with some of the world’s leading agricultural businesses,” Nuffield Australia chief executive officer and 2013 Nuffield Scholar Jodie Redcliffe said.

“In opening these scholarships, we’re encouraging farmers and other industry participants to think big and see what’s possible for their business and industry in 2025 and beyond.”

Nuffield Australia awards around 20 scholarships each year, with a focus on advancing sustainable and profitable primary production.

The scholarships provide a unique global learning experience, allowing scholars to remain competitive and grow their skill sets. Scholarships build capacity for individuals, their businesses and the broader industry.

Jodie said Nuffield Australia would again offer up to five drought resilience-specific scholarships this year, supported by the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Claudia Benn, from Arcadia Valley in Queensland, received a Nuffield scholarship for 2024 to help Australian farmers improve diversity and restore biological relationships in grazing systems.

She said she almost didn’t apply, but is glad she did because her “life has already changed considerably, and my Nuffield journey has barely even started”.

“The application process alone is a great learning and growth experience so, really, you've got nothing to lose by having a go,” Claudia said.

“Once you've decided to apply, my advice is to pick a topic you're passionate about and one that will make a positive contribution to your

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industry, and then stay true to that.

“I am at the very beginning of my Nuffield journey, and I can already feel it is shaping me personally and professionally.”

Nuffield Australia encourages applications for research topics relevant to any or all industries in the Australian agricultural sector. Applications close on Friday, May 31.

ɋ For more information and to apply, go to: https://www.nuffield.com.au/how-to-apply

CHURCHILL FELLOWSHIP OPEN

Churchill Fellowships offer people the opportunity to travel overseas for four to eight weeks to explore a topic or issue that they're passionate about, and come back and share knowledge to improve their community.

Churchill Fellowships are open to Australian citizens or permanent residents over the age of 18, from any field including arts, science, health, agriculture and beyond.

Churchill Fellowships offer an unparalleled opportunity to pursue your dreams and make an impact on Australian society, Winston Churchill Trust CEO Rachael Coghlan said.

“For nearly 60 years, the Churchill Fellowship has empowered Australians from all walks of life to make a meaningful impact on their community, their state or territory, and the nation," Rachael said.

“No academic qualifications are necessary — just curiosity, a desire to learn and to make a difference."

The Churchill Trust was set up in 1965 after the death of Sir Winston Churchill.

For further inspiration, check out the projects that previous Churchill Fellows have investigated on the Churchill Trust website.

ɋ Applications opened on March 1 and close on May 1 at: https://www. churchillfellowships.com.au

Nuffield Scholar Claudia Benn with Mark Lambert, an organic dairy farmer. They’re standing in his multi-species forage crop with his dairy herd in the background.

Dairy advocate says farmers must

BY RICK BAYNE

ROB CAMPBELL wants the dairy industry to come in from the cold.

On a personal front, after moving from northern Victoria to avoid water problems, Rob now has to thaw out every morning for six months of the year in cool Carpendeit in south-west Victoria.

From a broader industry perspective, he wants to see the cooling of divisions between farmers at the representative level so dairy can have a strong and united voice.

Rob has never been one to stand back and let things deteriorate.

He was part of the formation of the Central Murray Environmental Floodplains group and said that group continued to do good work in protecting the rights of farmers.

When the water price hurt too much in northern Victoria, he moved.

Today he is one of two Western Victorian policy councillors for the UDV and is keen for farmers to have a united voice to tackle regulations which may impact on their livelihoods.

Rob’s father Alisdair has been on the Carpendeit farm since 2008, after moving from Cohuna.

After working in mining, broadacre farming and truck driving, Rob and his wife Joanne and sister Heather bought a northern Victorian farm in 2017.

“The first year was good but the second year the water price ramped up to $700. We couldn’t survive with those prices and it was too volatile,” he said.

“It was either sell everything and get out or there was an opportunity to come down here and go sharefarming.”

Rob is now an 80:20 shareholder with his father and is transitioning to buy the business.

Heather still sharefarms in a different business in northern Victoria, and they also own a block in partnership.

Rob is happy to be away from the water price fluctuations, but he has a few new environmental issues to deal with.

“I hate the cold,” he said.

“I don’t like six months of winter and this year we haven’t had a summer. I have to thaw out in the mornings, but from a business point of view, I’m happy.”

The home farm covers 138 hectares and is supported by an outblock for heifers, leased land for heifers and dry cows and about a parcel of land in the nearby Stony Rises, which is helpful in winter for a bit of dryer ground.

The cows are licorice all-sorts — a few Swiss

and Jerseys, some cross-breds, Aussie Reds and mostly Friesians.

Alasdair’s herd is pure Friesian, but when Rob moved down in 2019 the mixed herd came as well, including the balance of about 25 Jersey heifers purchased by his mother Janet in 2016.

“We tried to get them a bit bigger so we crossed them with Swiss and we’re constantly evolving to get the Friesians a bit smaller. We’re trying to make a medium-sized cow; if they’re too big and it gets too wet, we get too much damage.

“The year before last we were wet from May to December, especially from August to November, but 2019-20 and 2020-21 were really good with a perfect amount of rain,” Rob said.

The farm has a mixture of spring and autumn calving and polled is Rob’s number one genetic priority.

“I don’t want to de-horn. It’s another job you don’t have to do, especially if you can’t get staff.”

Rob introduced cup removers two years ago, following the same mantra of saving time and making things easier.

They peak at 270 cows, but Rob said 240 would better suit the wet farm.

They produced 1.7 million litres last year, but Rob is more interested in profit margin than production.

“There’s no point chasing production if you’re cost is more than you make. I think we’re getting closer to getting the balance right by changing the size of cows through genetics and improving pasture management.”

One of the keys has been reducing the use of phosphorous and nitrogen with a focus on regenerative farming and improved cow health.

“We had cows with foot problems, but since changing their diet, that problem has been reduced.

“If you’ve got lots of lame cows, you’re chasing your tail trying to fix that problem.

“We’re aiming to go to a regenerative style of pasture management. We’ve turned down synthetic inputs and are planting more mixed species pastures.”

A multispecies paddock planted in December with a Soilkee renovator is still green, while not much else is by late February.

He has tried chicory, plantain, different clovers, different forages including barley and wheat, tillage radish and other brassicas, along with more lucerne on the hilly areas.

“We’re trying everything to see what persists … and the cows look healthier.”

Rob has mixed feelings about the future of the industry.

Rob Campbell wants the dairy industry to unite to present a stronger voice on behalf of farmers.

Rob Campbell says the move south has been good for the business, but not so good with the cold weather.

farmers must present a united front

“It depends on what the milk price does and the biggest threat at the moment could be from government regulations,” he said.

“There are a lot of licensing requirements and other regulations being pushed on to us that could be detrimental to farming and could over-complicate things.

“There’s stuff coming at us from bureaucrats, but farmers haven’t had any input.

“For example, we don’t know what’s going to happen with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.”

Rob originally became involved with the UDV over water issues in northern Victoria, and said he now wanted dairy farmers to have a united front and to stand alone as an advocacy group.

“There are lots of things we want to focus on but we’re getting pushback from head office (VFF) trying to tell us what to do.

“Dairy Farmers Victoria knew they couldn’t get things done with current management and left. If they had stayed there would have been a stronger voice to push back.

“Ultimately, we have to reunite. If we’re not united, we’re back to where we were before 1975 when the UDV was formed because there were three different groups who said different things — the government wants to hear from one industry voice.

“The split has weakened the representation of everyone. Ideally, we want to get back together.”

Rob, who is also worried by plans to convert large parts of the Heytesbury Settlement to timber plantations, said a resounding theme of the Dairy Plan was that dairying wants to be by itself and to advocate for itself.

“It’s a complicated issue because there’s so much tied into the dairy advocacy train but we need a strong, united voice just for dairy farmers.”

The herd is a ‘licorice all-sorts’ combination.

Rob Campbell says the multispecies pasture trial is working well, providing green feed late into summer.

Rob has tried chicory, plantain, different clovers, different forages including barley and wheat, tillage radish and other brassicas, along with more lucerne on the hilly areas. At the Campbells’ farm gate. Multispecies pasture.

GRASSROOTS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Norco has announced the expansion of its ‘Farmer Army’ with new mental health recruit and dairy farmer veteran, Craig Waddell.

Norco, Australia’s largest and oldest dairy co-operative, recognised the crucial need for the newly created role of mental health support officer, following its own research about farmer mental health, which found close to half (45 per cent) of Australian farmers had thoughts of selfharm or suicide.

Coined the National Farmer Wellbeing Report and in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation, close to half of Australian farmers (45 per cent) have felt depressed and nearly two thirds (64 per cent) have experienced anxiety in the past few years.

Norco CEO Michael Hampson said the newly created position of mental health support officer will provide support exclusively to their farmer members who may need to talk to someone during challenging times or simply want to have a chat with another farmer.

Craig Waddell is a third generation dairy farmer who grew up in Bex Hill, NSW, just 10km out of Lismore.

His grandfather first started the farm where Craig grew up. When Craig was in his 20s he joined his mum and dad in a partnership and then took over the helm when they retired.

However, after 45 years of dairy farming and the devastating floods, he decided to hang up his hat and embark on a new calling, completing Lifeline’s Mental Health First Aid training to give back to an industry he had worked in for so many years.

Craig recognises the importance of Norco extending support to farmers in

need and his training has equipped him with the necessary skills to embark on his new role as mental health support officer for Norco, where he will provide exclusive and essential support to farming members.

Craig says farmers are faced with different challenges and tested every day with some days better than others.

“The support I will be able to offer, can and will make a positive impact on the Norco farmer community,” he said.

“I feel confident because of my training and look forward to the new experiences this role will bring, because if I can help somebody by having a yarn and making their life easier, it’s a great thing to do.

“I’ve been in the industry for so long,

I understand the different challenges faced by farmers and the difficulties of just needing someone to talk to after a bad day,” Craig adds.

Craig will be working alongside Norco dairy farmer Ross Blanch, who has been actively giving back to the community with Queensland Lifeline’s Farmer-to-Farmer helpline, and he feels confident knowing he can lean on Ross for support.

“Ross has years of experience in this field and knowing I can lean on him for support, advice and even just to have a chat with him myself fills me with the utmost confidence in my new role,” Craig said.

Craig is on hand to take calls from Norco farmers to lend a supportive and empathetic ear.

“It’s important for farmers to know they have someone they can connect with and have a deep understanding of the struggle’s farmers have, this new role will bring greater access to mental health support,” he said.

Craig is eager to start offering support and wants all farmers to be aware that if somebody out there needs to talk, his phone is always on, and his door is wide open.

“I have first-hand experience of the daily life on the farm and enduring the devastating floods.

“I empathise with the constant struggle farmers face and endure, but I aspire to shift our mindset and start a conversation on how we really are.”

Genetics plays ‘critical role’

GENETICS WILL play a critical role in making Australia’s beef and dairy industries more environmentally sustainable and profitable, a major conference has been told.

The GA 2024 Today, Tomorrow and Beyond conference hosted by Genetics Australia in Geelong on March 18 and 19 featured national and international speakers and farmers discussing emerging developments in the dairy and beef sectors.

The conference highlighted the success of the Australian genetics industry and its growing reputation on the international scene.

GA CEO Anthony Shelly said the conference reflected on the great achievements made by the Australian genetics industry over recent decades while also looking to the future at opportunities that would make the industries more sustainable and profitable.

“We all want to make sure the cow of the future is well managed, healthy and delivers on the things farmers and the people using our ends products want, especially in the welfare and sustainable spaces,” Mr Shelly said.

“The conference looked at the next level of innovation and what can be done by genetics and new technologies such as gene editing to accelerate change and deliver big returns for our planet and our people.

“We need to adopt and adjust to ensure our animals are more feed efficient, productive, methane efficient and have improved heat tolerance.

“These developments will be better for our animals, our farmers and our planet.” The conference highlighted advances in beef on dairy, sexed semen, sustainability and heat tolerance traits — among other developments in beef and dairy.

Mr Schmitt said the connection between PEAK Genetics and Genetics Australia through GA’s joint venture with The URUS Group would help to build grazing genetics around the world.

DataGene CEO Matt Shaffer told the conference that Australia now performs well above the international average in genetic advancement and its investments are providing huge returns to dairy farmers.

Independent work commissioned by Dairy Australia and DataGene shows DataGene will contribute $980 million to the industry over the next 30 years, an exceptional return on investment with a benefit-cost ratio of 15.8 to 1.

“In the first seven years of DataGene, Dairy Australia invested $19 million and that has delivered $331 million in outcomes, a benefit-cost of 17.9 to 1,” Mr Shaffer said.

“We need to stop looking at our navel saying that the rest of the world does a better job than we do,” he said.

“We do a fantastic job and it’s worth celebrating.”

In a presentation on the next genetic fr ontier, director of PEAK Genetics, Michael Schmitt, told the conference there were sustainable solutions to every people, profit and planet challenge facing the industries.

“New technologies aren’t magic and can’t do everything, but tools exist to improve sustainability at the cow and farm level and advancements could accelerate that improvement and develop the cow of the future that addresses what consumers want,” he said.

The conference was the first of its type hosted by Genetics Australia and covered IVF systems, reduced emission feeding strategies, sexed semen, unlocking the World Angus Evaluation, the return on investment from 40 years of genetic improvement, the next genetic frontiers, the role of genetic improvement in creating greater integration between dairy and beef, and the importance of estrus intensity.

It is intended to hold the conference biennially.

PEAK Genetics director Michael Schmitt and Genetics Australia CEO Anthony Shelly at the GA Conference in Geelong.

Norco’s new mental health support officer Craig Waddell.

Norco’s new mental health support officer Craig Waddell (centre) with farmer advocate Ross Blanch (left) and Norco CEO Michael Hampson.

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Never miss a heat again

JOINING IS a crucial time, as it sets the stage for the next generation of healthy and productive cows in your herd.

Good heat detection is essential in getting the best results possible for your business.

But spotting a cow on heat can be time-consuming, especially with bigger herds. This small orange ear tag can do wonders for your preg rates — and your workload.

With CowManager you’re likely to never miss a heat. When cows are tagged with the orange ear sensor, the system recognises peak heats, pregnancies, non-cycling cows and potential abortions.

The system also helps you keep detailed records of all your cows’ cycles. This way you can keep detailed records of everything leading up to, during, and after joining.

Record insemination dates, sire information and any fertility testing results. This will help you analyse results and help identify risks.

Plus, your future self will be eternally grateful to you for being so thorough without having to put in any extra effort.

So how does such a small orange ear tag have such huge impact?

The ear sensor fits around an official animal identification RFID tag or blank tag and stays put thanks to an effective attachment mechanism.

In a single action, you can place the sensor in a cow’s ear. It’s easy to remove and attach to another cow too.

Victorian dairy farmer Brett Membrey has

used the orange ear tags for years now. The system has changed his way of working for the better.

“With different staff members milking each day, the chances of missing heats or drafting cows not on heat increased dramatically,” Brett said.

“We were spending six to seven hours a day heat detecting while milking. With

CowManager, it takes 10 minutes a day — and now we’re getting it right.”

The data from the ear sensors is measured and collected 24/7 in real-time. Data is then transmitted from the sensors and collected by wireless routers, which can be placed anywhere inside or outside.

All data is sent to the user’s PC and smartphone. It’s as easy as getting a text message.

Trevor Shanahan farms in southwest Victoria and also uses the CowManager system.

“CowManager gives us more accurate timing of heats and we can AI accordingly. It gives us greater certainty when using sexed semen and makes it more effective and economical,” Trevor said.

“Also, the ear tag is easy to get on and off and it’s less intrusive than a collar.”

The technology also gives real-time information about the herd’s health, nutritional status and how cows are doing during transition. Whenever something’s the matter, users will receive an alert to point out which cow needs attention and why.

This allows dairy farmers to check on their herd, anytime and anywhere. And having something that gives you peace of mind is quite priceless.

“Joining is less stressful. It sorts itself out,” Trevor said.

“There are no big AI days like there were when we used hormones. We let them cycle naturally and we can manage our workload better.

“It’s an easier way of doing things and it allows us to pay more attention to the care of individual cows. We have better control. We can keep an eye on them, and nothing slips through the cracks.”

For more information, visit:

https://www. cowmanager.com/australia

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How can a small orange ear tag have such a huge impact?

Plan to protect colostrum

BY DR ROBERT BONANNO

DRYING-OFF COWS is not only a time for the cow’s udder to rest and recover but it is also an ideal time to prepare the cow’s immune system to produce colostrum with specific antibodies to protect the next calf.

If a cow has been previously vaccinated against or exposed to a particular bug then there will be specific antibodies for that bug in her colostrum.

Providing a calf gets sufficient quantity of high-quality colostrum as early as possible after birth there are a number of calf-hood diseases that can be managed or prevented via the passive transfer of antibodies from the first milking colostrum to the calf in its first 24 hours of life.

Many vaccines require a priming shot and a booster shot to provide high levels of protection or antibody production and most of the vaccines that we use for colostrum protection of calves fall into this category.

For that reason, we need to begin planning our preventative herd health strategies about10 weeks before the next anticipated calving if cows have not been previously vaccinated.

For previously vaccinated cows, drying off is the time to give their ‘booster’ shot to maximise antibodies for the colostrum.

I have a loose basic rule around vaccine booster timing that is “who are you trying to protect”?

If trying to protect the calf, boost the cow at

dry-off. If trying to protect the cow or the staff (for example, with botulism or 7-in-1 vaccine) then I simply do an annual booster according to the calendar. And if I’m trying to protect a pregnancy (for example, BVD or Vibriovax) then I plan my boosters to be just prior to joining but obviously we should always follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

When I start working with a new client, I almost always recommend vaccinating the cows and heifers prior to calving with Scourshield to help protect calves from rotavirus, coronavirus and E.coli infections — because even on farms where there has been no previous problems with rotavirus recorded, sometimes this is because no diagnostic samples have been collected from sick calves.

The reason why I am keen to provide colostrum antibodies for rotavirus in particular is because when faced with a rotavirus outbreak in the middle of a calving period there is very little else you can do to treat a viral infection other than provide good nursing care and electrolytes. So if an outbreak occurs there is no good way to prevent further infections until the next calving period.

Rotavirus is an infection that severely damages the gut lining and in my experience it is often involved in mass mortality outbreaks either working alone or more particularly in conjunction with salmonella or cryptosporidia.

So finding a herd in the middle of an outbreak, with few options for preventing new cases, is not a pleasant experience for anyone involved.

ARE HEAT STRESS AND DIET LINKED?

Monitoring of 30 dairy herds in NSW has started as Dairy UP researchers examine cows’ response to heat stress, its link with diet and the effectiveness of different cow cooling methods.

This work will be the first in Australia to investigate dairy cow heat stress and its link with diet as well as fill a research gap in the local industry about pasture-based dairy herds and heat mitigation.

This project includes 15 pasture-based herds and 15 intensive-housed cow or total mixed ration systems.

Project lead Ian Lean said each of the 30 herds had a weather station at the property or nearby and time series analysis was being used to monitor exactly when the heat impacts cows.

“The weather data is being analysed in relation to the cows’ reaction to heat events — both at the time of the spike in weather and after the event,” Dr Lean said.

“It’s important to measure and monitor the herd after a heat event as responses to heat aren’t limited to the period when it is hot.

“For example, heat stress can cause reproduction challenges, but this isn’t evident until four days after the heat event.”

Time series analysis is a great tool to understand the causes, trends and pattens of heat stress in dairy cows as it collects data at consecutive points in time to paint an accurate picture of the effect of a heat event.

The 30 herds will be subject to various heat mitigation methods, such as fans, sprinklers and shade.

Dairy UP researchers are examining cows’ response to heat stress.

Researchers will note the differences in response to heat and diet change from these various cooling strategies and compare them against other pasture-based or intensive housed-cow systems.

The aim of this research is to inform future cooling on-farm infrastructure investment and management decisions.

Examining the diet of dairy cows and investigating how much this contributes to immediate and long-term reactions to heat stress is also a significant part of this research.

Dr Lean said this diet and heat research was the first of its kind in the Australian dairy industry and the results would provide much-needed guidance for dairy managers.

Dairy UP is a collaborative R, D & E project for the NSW dairy industry.

For more information, visit: https:// www.dairyup.com.au

The other diseases that I commonly vaccinate for include salmonella and some respiratory outbreaks.

Salmonella vaccination with either Bovillis S or Salmonella BUZ vaccines is usually based on a previous salmonella “experience” on the farm and it is important that diagnostic samples have been collected and tested so that we can identify the correct strain to vaccinate against because the vaccines are strain-specific so it is important that the correct vaccine is being administered.

Respiratory vaccines against MH and IBR can be given to the adult cows prior to calving and provide some protection against respiratory disease in calves via the colostrum.

The critical factors that influence the success (or otherwise) of colostrum vaccine programs are:

The correct timing of the vaccines to ensure that the antibody levels are at their peak to coincide with the cow making colostrum in her udder.

Ensuring the dry cow and transition cow nutrition and management is sufficient for her to produce good quality colostrum.

Dry cows are managed to prevent leaking of milk pre-calving.

First milking colostrum is milked from the cow as soon as possible after calving, ideally within 12 hours into spotlessly clean test buckets and handled and stored correctly so it does not spoil.

The colostrum MUST be fed to the calves as soon as possible after birth by teat or tube while the calf is still able to absorb the antibodies directly into the blood stream.

Also remember that colostrum vaccines alone cannot prevent disease unless other risk factors like hygiene, nutrition and immune system stressors are addressed as part of a proactive herd health plan

Now is a great time to discuss your vaccine program with your dairy veterinarian to ensure that there is adequate time to prepare the cows and heifers for an upcoming spring calving peak.

Dr Rob Bonanno is the regional ProDairy lead for Gippsland and northern Victoria.

Tractor deal for ag college

CNH HAS announced a new partnership with leading agricultural training provider Tocal College, which gives students access to the latest in precision ag technology.

The company presented Tocal with two tractors, a Case IH Puma 165 and a New Holland T7.230, as part of a new three-year agreement.

The college’s main campus is at Paterson, in the NSW Hunter Valley, while its second campus is at Yanco in the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.

“This is such a valuable collaboration, in that it provides the most up-to-date and technologically advanced machinery to share with our students, so they have the knowledge and skills they need to best equip them for life after college,” Tocal College principal and centre director Darren Bayley said.

“And, it not only allows us to introduce our younger full-time students to this type of technology, we can also use the machinery to upskill our current workforce and the hundreds of trainees we’re supporting in the field.”

CNH national key accounts manager Tobie Payne said the company was proud to continue its investment in rural and regional communities, and to assist in training the next generation of Australian farmers at Tocal College.

As part of the agreement, CNH will use the college’s facilities for staff and customer training, while Case IH and New Holland will be the major sponsors of the Tocal Field Days on May 3 to 5, where the brands will showcase a wide range of machinery, including the latest

additions to their extensive line-ups.

“CNH and local dealers Double R New

Holland and KP & DC Machinery are excited to partner with Tocal to showcase our world-leading technology and products,” Tobie said.

“Australian farmers are global leaders in technology adoption and are actively managing two farms — a physical farm and a digital farm.

of agriculture, so to have students immersed in this training, and to have this type of machinery here means we can expose them to today’s technology and where it’s going,” Tocal Cluster manager Rob Rein said.

“This is what will continue to drive increased efficiency and profitability for agricultural enterprises, so for our students to have the chance to get on board right at the beginning is just so important.

“The industry is rapidly evolving, and we want to be at the forefront of providing students with the skills they’ll need.

“They can get real hours up in these tractors and learn how to maximise the potential of this machinery as part of a successful farming operation.”

The two tractors will go straight to work across the college’s 2225-hectare property that includes commercial dairy, beef, poultry and cropping operations.

Tocal College staff have already received a full day of operator training from CNH representatives as well as dealers Double R New Holland and KP & DC Machinery.

“This partnership exposes students to the digital side of farming, a critical tool in driving efficiency and profitability for our customers.”

The tractors will be upgraded to the latest model available every year with the newest suites of technology.

“Precision ag is such a big part of the future

Ongoing service, training and support will be provided by CNH and the dealers for the duration of the partnership.

“We farm a lot of ground, so the tractors will be put to work almost immediately on activities around winter crop preparation and pasture improvement,” Rob said.

“They’ll be a really valuable addition to our fleet.”

(From left) Neil Mudd (Case IH KP & DC Machinery), Tobie Payne (CNH Industrial), Rob Rein (Tocal College) and Matt Jackson (Double R New Holland).

Peptides and proteins are assimilated by plants after root (containing proteases) are used to cleave proteins smaller peptides and individual amino acids that can be assimilated by plants.

combination of smaller peptides and individual amino acids steady and dynamic pool of accessible nitrogen for plant

assimilate amino acids with varying efficiencies. The process influenced by the type of plant and their root architecture, the composition of the root exudates, the amino acid concentration in and soil microbe composition and abundance.

nitrogen in fish extracts is less prone to leaching because acids are readily available to the plants and soil microbes assimilation. Amino acids used by the soil microbiology (and later become part of the soil organic matter.

seaweed extracts are synergetic. The rhizosphere, where roots interface with soil and microbes, is an important amino acid and nutrient uptake. Seaweed extracts root growth which enables the effective utilisation of the nitrogen supplied by the fish extracts.

acids are recognized as natural chelators. Chelating agents attracted to, and protect, elements from being chemically each other (e.g. phosphorous and iron). Fulvic acids are highly water soluble.

Seasol seaweed extract is rich in organic content, has a high molecular diversity and contains a range of trace elements. Seasol seaweed extract has 17% total solids content and 3.7% (w/v)

Potassium (Typical Analysis April 2017). Seasol seaweed extract is manufactured from two types of seaweeds producing a refined liquid seaweed extract and filtered to 150 micron for agricultural use.

Seaweed extracts are effective across a wide variety of plants and soils and have many beneficial plant growth and plant health properties (Arioli et al, 2015; Shukla et al, 2019; Islam et al, 2020):

Increases plant productivity - Field trials have been used extensively to demonstrate that seaweed extracts improve plant growth, yield, fruit quality. The benefits have been found across a wide variety of crops such as grapes, sugarcane, almonds, potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, and garden plants.

Increase tolerance to plant stress - Seaweed extracts offer increased tolerance to a diversity of non-lethal stresses including heat, drought and cold stresses.

expression networks.

Increase root growth - Plant roots are used to capture for plant growth and interaction with functionally microbes that benefit plant growth and soil ecosystems. extracts increase root structure and particularly ability enables plants to better utilise the nutrients and feed microbes with exudates released by the system.

BENEFITS OF FOLIAR APPLICATION

combined attributes of ready uptake by the leaf surface and to chelate make fulvic acid a natural partner for foliar applications. Fulvic acids are lightly coloured, compared acids, making fulvic acids unlikely to stain when applied foliage. Fulvic acids can also be successfully applied to soil but the larger humic acid substances used for applications to

Convenient to use liquid formulations of fulvic and humic acids obtained by processing the raw resource to obtain a uniform The refined filtered liquid is without impurities that may the raw material. Seasol’s fulvic acid product is organically

Healthy and productive plants and crops require a complete and balanced supply of nutrients throughout their growth cycle. Often much of this nutrient is delivered via the soil, or growing media, through the plant root system. However, foliar application of crop nutrients offers a method of providing specific nutritional inputs when soil application is inadequate or limited.

Trilogy Fulvic

Seaweed meal is liquefied by chemical hydrolysis

extraction. Seaweed extracts are complex and nature which makes their precise characterisation complex seaweed extracts are biological rich activating plant responses and growth systems. Rather composition, Seaweed extracts rely on plant and demonstrate their beneficial plant and soil properties. Chemical composition tends be used for quality manufacturing of seaweed extracts. Their ability of to promote root structure expands the beneficial associated with the soil carbon and nitrogen ecosystem

ORGANIC* FULVIC ACIDS FOR ENHANCED UPTAKE OF APPLIED FOLIAR NUTRIENTS

FEATURES & BENEFITS

This could be due to unusual soil conditions such nutrient lock-up or deficiency, or simply due to demand for one or more essential elements. Foliar offers a method of rapidly addressing specific crop by directly applying the required nutrient to the can form part of a complete nutrient management based around known crop requirement with soil providing additional guidance.

Enhanced uptake of foliar applied nutrients.

Added benefits of root growth and stress tolerance.

Increased

Increased plant vigour and productivity

Provides plants with proteins, vitamins and amino acids