Dairy News Australia February 2024

Pasture improvement feature. Pages 25 - 29 HAVE YOUR SAY ON DAIRY CODE

PAGE 4

UDV PRESIDENT TALKS POLITICS PAGE 6

FEBRUARY, 2024 ISSUE 160 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

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Dahlia, pictured with Carlene Downie and judge Barclay Phoenix, and led by Cameron Yarnald. PA PAGE GE 5

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NEWS // 3

Summer rain brings renewed growth

BY ISABEL DANDO

FARMERS IN many dairy regions managed a dry spring and prepared for a similar summer, however, significant rain events through late 2023 and early 2024 have drastically turned this around for many regions.

While the El Niño event in the tropical Pacific remains active, its weakening drying influence over Australia has been demonstrated through December rainfall being above average for large parts of the country.

After a very dry spring, especially across southern Queensland and most of NSW, this rain has considerably improved soil moisture across these areas.

Pastures have been rebounding and additional silage cuts have been made in some regions, alongside an unexpectedly positive start to the summer cropping season in the northern regions.

In other states, while this rainfall has been beneficial in some areas, others across Victoria and NSW have faced minor riverine flooding.

Water availability continues to improve

Heifers triple the surprise. PG.16

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with seasonal determinations improving each month.

Initially, the outlook for access to low-reliability water shares was pessimistic, but the additional resource has supported increased access to allocations across northern Victorian systems.

Nonetheless, increased demand has led to season-to-date temporary water prices rising 76 per cent and 20 per cent in the northern Victorian and Murray Irrigation systems (albeit off very low bases).

Across several southern dairying regions, the recent rain has led to quality downgrades to any grain or hay crops either still in the ground or sitting in paddocks.

However, the majority of grain harvest is complete across the country, and with a quality profile heavily weighted towards feed grade product, grain prices have remained steady.

Especially as local demand stays quiet and there is greater availability of exportable grain across the world.

Fodder prices have also remained relatively steady over the same period.

Renewed green feed availability and the ability to make and conserve more home-grown fodder have led the charge, while robust export

demand and a recent lift in saleyard prices are bringing additional buyers.

In south-west Western Australia and Tasmania, however, conditions have remained dry into the new year.

While the positive Southern Annual Mode (SAM) has contributed to the rainfall over eastern Australia, it has had the opposite effect for both of these regions.

Tasmanian feed prices have somewhat eased over harvest, but both fodder and grain prices continue to climb in south-west WA, with average indicative cereal hay and wheat prices being 20 per cent and 16 per cent above December last year respectively.

This summer has so far eventuated in a very different way to what was initially expected.

The additional rain has helped support water availability, both in storages and soils (especially in southern regions) but has also brought some challenges to feed production and further flooding to many areas.

Ultimately it has been a welcome change for many dairying regions who had been facing dry conditions throughout the spring.

Isabel Dando is a Dairy Australia industry analyst.

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4 // NEWS

Speak up about dairy code THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has opened consultation on the operation of the Dairy Industry Code.

The Dairy Industry Code provides a fairer process for negotiating contractual arrangements between dairy farmers and dairy processors.

The consultation process follows DAFF’s review of the Dairy Industry Code in 2021 with the support of the Dairy Industry Code Review Reference Group.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy Group acting deputy secretary Jared Greenville said that while a second formal review of the code will happen down the track, this consultation puts DAFF in a better position to address the findings of the first review.

“The first code review identified several topics that warranted further exploration before a second review can commence,” Dr Greenville said.

Interested people have until March 15 to get involved in consultation about the dairy code.

“This consultation is an opportunity to ensure we can capture more evidence about concerns identified in the first review so that the code can adapt to best represent the needs of our dairy industry.

“The code helps balance bargaining power between dairy farmers and dairy processors.

“It’s important that we ensure that the code remains up-to-date and continues to support our dairy industry now and into the future.

“I encourage those with an interest in fair and open dairy industry negotiations to get involved in the consultation.”

EastAUSmilk is concerned this is a narrow consultation, focusing on eight issues of concern raised in the first (2021-22) review of the code by DAFF. “While many of our member’s concerns can be raised in the context of these eight questions, not all can be,” the farmer group said.

“EastAUSmilk’s submission will need to make clear that consideration of a narrow range of issues, based on feedback in 2021, is not a sufficient review of the code three further years down the track.

“It should be noted that, somehow, DAFF came away from the 2021-22 review claiming everything was generally satisfactory with the code, and seem to have been unaware of the concerns of eastAUSmilk members.

“Certainly, since that time, many other ­concerns have come to light.”

EastAUSmilk urged individual members are urged to contribute to the consultation. ɋ For more information and to have your say by 5pm on March 15, go to: https://­ haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/industrycomments-on-the-operation-of-the-dairyindustry-code

RAISING THE ROOF ON INFRASTRUCTURE Some of the world’s leading experts in the design and management of dairy feeding and housing infrastructure will feature at Dairy Australia’s ‘Raising the Roof’ event in February.

The conference is co-hosted by Agriculture Victoria and will run from Tuesday, February 27 to Thursday, February 29 in the Hunter Valley, NSW. ‘Raising the Roof’ is the only dairy industry event dedicated to intensive farm systems and is designed to help farmers learn best practices from international and local experts.

Four global industry experts will speak at the event.

Dairy Australia’s National Feeding and Farm Systems lead Karen Romano said the guest speakers were a “stellar line-up”.

“Dairy Australia recognises the importance of helping our farmers make informed decisions before investing in feedpad and contained housing infrastructure,” Ms Romano said.

“These can often be multi-million-dollar investments.

“Having the opportunity to draw on the expertise of a panel of international experts who have an intimate understanding of how this sort of infrastructure has been successfully built and managed

The Raising the Roof conference will be held in NSW in late February.

in Europe and America is a unique opportunity.”

Ms Romano said the expertise could help Australian farmers avoid making costly mistakes.

Michael Heinrich from Europe-based GEA Farm Technologies will discuss designing automatic milking systems in contained housing.

Alain Houle from the US-based Valmetal

Group will talk on emission reduction and renewable energy solutions.

Dr Mike Wolf and Karl Burgi from the US will discuss housing systems which are animal centred.

The international speakers will add to local experts, including Professor Ian Lean from Scibus, Dr Steve Little from Capacity Ag Consulting and AgVic’s Scott McDonald.

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INTERNATIONAL DAIRY WEEK // 5

International Dairy Week’s Supreme Champion Cow, InStyle Solomon Dahlia, led by Cameron Yarnald with City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali.

Champions crowned at IDW

BY SOPHIE BALDWIN

INTERNATIONAL DAIRY Week 2024 was

nothing but a dream come true for Brenton and Ellie Thomas, along with Brenton’s dad Rodney, after the family’s six-year-old cow, Instyle Solomon Dahlia, was crowned Supreme Champion Cow. Holstein judge Barclay Phoenix said if you could put Dahilia on a plane and fly her anywhere, she would be very competitive with

any cow in the world — a comment Brenton describes as surreal.

“I went to World Dairy Expo last year and I have seen the quality of cows and to have our cow recognised like that is just outstanding,” Brenton said.

Barclay was also impressed by Dahlia’s udder and her overall greatness.

He said the Holstein show at this year’s IDW — held in Tatura from January 13 to 18 — was a tremendous show from end to end, and he was surprised by the quality that stayed right down

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every line-up, acknowledging it was testament to the breeders.

Bred by the Thomas family from Cooriemungle, near Simpson in south-west Victoria, Dahlia’s lineage can be traced back to cows Brenton’s pop purchased from a dispersal sale in Kempsey about 20 years ago.

Brenton describes Dahlia as a no-fuss, easyto-work-with cow. She placed in the top five at her first ever show (IDW 2023) and Brenton knew she was looking good this year.

“I have always believed in Dahlia. She was

a little bit immature as a young cow but every year she calved she just got better and better.

“I had a few people I really respect in the industry telling me she looked really good and I knew she would be competitive this year, but you never really know until you get out in the ring what will happen.”

Dahlia has been bred back and Brenton said he will just see what happens with her if she gets in calf.

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6 // NEWS

Free to decide dairy destiny

BY RICK BAYNE

BERNIE FREE was destined to be a dairy farmer and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“When I was a kid, all my family told me I was going to be a farmer of some sort and probably a dairy farmer – I just loved being out with the cows,” he said.

“Some people get up in the morning and hate the job they do — I’m not one of them.

I’ll probably be farming until I die, which is a good thing.”

Bernie’s passion for the industry led him to the presidency of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria in late 2023, although it wasn’t ­necessarily part of his destiny.

“It was because of circumstances,” he said.

“I’ve always said that if you’re not happy you’ve got to put your hand up and get in there and try to do the change you want.”

It has been a turbulent year for the UDV with a break-away group, Dairy Farmers Victoria, but Bernie is confident the UDV is well placed to represent members.

“We need an organisation that advocates for the best interests of all dairy farmers. The UDV and VFF are in a position to advocate for farmers in general and dairy farmers in particular.”

Bernie, wife Sandra and daughter Rebecca along with four staff members milk 600 cows on a 526 hectare farm at Winslow north of Warrnambool, supported by 202ha of out paddocks.

The herd is mostly Holsteins, but with a few Jerseys and crossbreds that stayed with the farm Bernie and Sandra purchased in 2010.

“I’ve always been a Friesian man. We get over 6000 litres per cow and they have ­ retty good lifestyle for me, so I can’t made a p ­complain,” Bernie said.

Today, Bernie, 59, steers clear of the dairy, but oversees the staff to make sure everything is going right and then does “all the jobs no-one else wants to do”.

Bernie’s father moved from northern Victoria to become one of the original Heytesbury Settlement farmers in the 1960s, while Bernie’s farming career started in 1983 on a Princetown farm milking 400 cows.

He worked there for five years before ­getting a job with John and Shirley Harlock at Wollaston and in 1993 entered into a ­sharefarming agreement with them after they invested in another farm at Yambuk.

In 1996, Bernie and Sandra bought adjoining land which was integrated with the share farm.

In 2000 during deregulation, they bought another dairy farm, installing a New Zealand employee as their sharefarmer, but when the GFC hit, the 250-cow farm couldn’t sustain both owners and sharefarmer so was sold to a neighbour.

Bernie and Sandra looked in Gippsland, South Australia and Western Victoria for a new farm, avoiding the heat in northern Victoria, before buying the Winslow property in 2010.

Dairy News Australia is published by Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the staff, management or directors of Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd.

It is a wet farm, a nice contrast to the dry soil of Yambuk.

“That was one of my requirements because Yambuk was so dry and we wanted a contrast,” Bernie said.

“Yambuk is dryer dirt with limestone underneath it so it’s free draining. This is a different way to farm, but we knew that. I just see it as a different challenge and you have to manage cows differently.

“The Yambuk farm was 50 per cent irrigated so we could prescription grow grass each year, whereas here is rainfall dependent, which makes life more interesting.”

They sold the Yambuk farm in December 2022 and were pleased that it remained in dairy.

The Winslow property has several wet paddocks and Bernie has been grappling with the best way to use them.

“We’ve toyed with the idea of doing fescues on them, but the important thing is that the cows don’t stay on them in winter.”

The farm has a feed pad which is being upgraded and concreted.

Bernie feeds a lot more hay and silage at Winslow compared to the grass-based Yambuk.

“They eat a lot more conserved feed,” he said.

“People say we’re a bit under stocked but it gives us breathing space. In an average year, we shouldn’t have to buy in hay or silage, just grain, meaning we’re self-sufficient, which has always been the aim.

“This year looked like being bad, but we had 50 per cent of what we usually cut for silage and hay on hand already. That’s the insurance policy here rather than irrigation.”

There’s not enough water for widespread irrigation but the farm has a centre pivot which helps with dispersing effluent.

It’s predominantly ryegrass-based pasture.

For the past three years, a tonne per hectare of lime and gypsum a tonne and a bit of silica has been added to boost the soil’s ability to handle moisture.

“We’ve seen a change in how the cows handle the wet paddocks and how they don’t pug them up as much, so we’re continuing on that road to try to manipulate the soil to be better for us.”

When Bernie arrived at the farm in 2010, calving started on May 20 but it has been brought forward to a March 1 start.

“It’s to make life easier for everybody. It’s colder and wetter in June so it’s better for animal health and easier on staff to start earlier.”

Selling the Yambuk farm has given Bernie more time to give back to the industry.

As UDV president, he wants an organisation that advocates for the best interests of all dairy farmers, regardless of their size.

“We need new people coming into the industry and people with experience who can fill higher-up roles,” he said.

“We’re all inter-dependent on each other and need to work out where we can grow and

Bernie Free’s herd is predominantly Holstein. The Winslow farm is much wetter than his previous Yambuk property but Bernie enjoys the challenge.

Bernie Free has taken on the UDV presidency and hopes to inspire more farmers to join the organisation.

become more profitable. We all say we love dairy farming but we’ve got to make a dollar out of it.”

Reigniting confidence in dairy farmers is a high priority.

“The past three years have been good price points and while costs have over-run some of those prices, we have seen a stabilisation or reduction in milk volume, not the usual uptick that you see when prices go up,” Bernie said.

“There has been a fundamental shift in the way dairy farmers think, which probably came from the 2015-16 price crash.

“It’s understandable that people aren’t going into debt just to produce milk — they want to be profitable or they will lease the land or sell it.”

Bernie believes the UDV still has a strong voice for dairy farmers.

“It is the state-recognised organisation in Victoria and we need to strengthen that voice and advocate for dairy farmers’ interests so more want to join,” Bernie said.

“It’s always been about one-third of farmers and we need to get the other two-thirds interested.

“A bigger, united voice is a stronger voice.”

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8 // INTERNATIONAL DAIRY WEEK

Violet Dodd , 14, from Jindivick, got up close to her charge during the youth clipping competition.

Toby Zilm from Birdwood, South Australia was a picture of concentration during the clipping competition.

Piper McDonald (right) concentrates on her clipping task.

Ruby Polson, 15, from Taree, and Chelsea Atkins, 15, from Tamworth, with Avon Valley Joel

Young stars shine brightly

BY GEOFF ADAMS

AS IT does every year, the youth show kicked off proceedings at International Dairy Week.

The finalists were: ɋ Senior Champion in Milk, Junior Leader: Benlargo Alligator Ding, handled by Shae Tweddle, owned by Shae Tweddle, Glencoe South, South Australia. ɋ Reserve Senior Champion in Milk, Junior Leader: Woodlawn Lambda Christina 8194, handled by Georgia Flanagan, owned by Woodlawn Holsteins, Finley. ɋ Honourable Mention Senior Champion in Milk, Junior Leader: Elm Banks Miranda Primrosette, handled by Stacey Gleeson, owned by Elm Banks, Koroit. ɋ Senior Champion in Milk, Senior Leader: Whyndell Doc Sally, handled by Jett Easterbrook, owned by R. and J. Easterbrook, Tatura. ɋ Reserve Senior Champion in Milk, Senior Leader: Winganna Touch Up Flighty, handled by Jessica Eagles, owned by Coburn family, Horfield.

ɋ Honourable Mention Senior Champion in Milk, Senior Leader: Silverlie Bontino Merle 2, handled by Kath Lawson, owned by B. and J. Gavenlock, Tallygaroopna. ɋ Grand Champion Exhibit (sponsored by Maxcare): Benlargo Alligator Ding, handled

by Shae Tweddle, owned by Shae Tweddle, Glencoe South, SA. ɋ Reserve Grand Champion Exhibit (sponsored by ABS Australia): Woodlawn Lambda Christina 8194, handled by Georgia Flanagan, owned by Woodlawn Holsteins, Finley. ɋ Honourable Mention Grand Champion Exhibit (sponsored by ABS Australia): Whyndell Doc Sally, handled by Jett Easterbrook, owned by R. and J. Easterbrook, Tatura. ɋ Junior Champion Heifer: Vm-Starcrest Lambda Mckinley, handled by Violet Dodd, owned by Violet Dodd, Jindivick, Victoria. ɋ Reserve Junior Champion Heifer: Mastermind Casino Silvermine, handled by Maci Crothers, owned by Sun Vale Holsteins, Numurkah. ɋ Honourable Mention Junior Champion Heifer: Edge Jagger Lara 2, handled by Shae Tweddle, owned by Edge Holsteins, Crafers West, SA.

Lucy Newman, Katie Bell, Tess Newman, Evie Cerullo and Bridget Liebett, from the South Australian Holstein sub-branch youth team, were watching the arena events. The team placed third in the youth challenge.

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Charlotte Morgan, 10, from Giippsland, Austin Ferris , 8, from Drouin, and Amelia Wilson11, from Jamberoo, NSW, lead their heifers in the youth trials.

Katie Bell, 17, from Yankalilla, south of Adelaide.

The school student was instrumental in rejuvenating a cattle section of her local show last year, and was also judged Yankalilla’s junior rural ambassador. She hopes to eventually work in the genetics sector.

Brothers Dustin Cochrane, 14, and Cody Cochrane, 10 from Jamberoo, NSW were competing in the Illawarra Youth Challenge Team.

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INTERNATIONAL DAIRY WEEK // 9

Champions crowned at IDW Continued from page 5

“There has been some overseas interest in her and we are working through that but if she is good to go next year, she will certainly be back.”

This is only the third year Brenton has shown at IDW in his own right as Instyle Holsteins, and he couldn’t be more pleased with the way his team performed.

InStyle Doc Auromie placed third in the junior Holstien class, Instyle Doc Amy placed second in the five-yearold class while Lightning ridge CMD DBack Barbara, owned with Judson Jennings, was reserve champion and best udder (red and white Holstein).

“It is always a lot of work to get the cows right, it just doesn’t happen and of course everything has to go right on the day as well,” Brenton said .

He said breeding cows was his passion and he liked a herd of great looking cows.

“A commercial farmer might look at what I do and say I am wasting my money but cows are my hobby and my goals with the herd are endless, because I just want to have the best cows I possibly can.”

Brenton and his wife Ellie — along with kids Evie, Jayme and Lewis — milk 200 split calving cows.

They bought their 129ha farm with

the help of Rodney four years ago.

They also lease a couple of blocks to run dry cows and young stock.

“Dad dispersed his herd in 2018 and sold all the cows and heifers that were in calf. We kept the unjoined stock and that is how we started,” Brenton said.

Today the herd consists of mostly Holstein, with a few Jersey and Brown Swiss thrown in for good measure.

“I was a carpenter by trade but I have always loved cows — they are my passion,” Brenton said.

“I started back working on a farm, moved into sharefarming and then bought my own farm with the help of my Dad. “Dairying is a great industry and a great way to bring up a young family.”

For Brad and Jess Gavenlock, from Cherrylock in Tallygaroopna, this year’s IDW was their best ever, after taking out Reserve Champion Cow with Jersey Jamber Colton Veronica (co-owned with Robbie Wilson from Jamberoo, NSW) and Intermediate Interbreed Champion with Holstein Eclipse Perennial C Princess (co-owned with M. Polson).

“The intermediate Holstein win was probably the most exciting because I have never won champion Holstein before, I am just a Jersey boy mucking around with a few black and whites,”

Mr Gavenlock said.

In the five-year-old Jersey class, Cherrylock had four animals stand in the top six, while three Holstein cows place first, second and third (including intermediate champion) and six red and white cows had five class wins and a second.

“We had 41 cows and to win two supreme champions is amazing,” Mrs Gavenlock said.

“We had a crew of over 20 people this year and it is all a bit unbelievable at this point, it has been such a great show.”

Mr Gavenlock said the lead up to IDW was one of the toughest he had ever experienced.

“The last three weeks have been brutal weather wise — 10 days before IDW our whole farm was flooded,” he said.

“It is much easier to work with cows in 35 degrees and dust then humidity, rains and floods.”

Junior Holstein Champion and Interbreed Junior Champion was Gorbro Hano O Princess, exhibited by Gorbro Holsteins at Cohuna.

Premier Breeder was Avonlea Holsteins and Premier Exhibitor was Gorbro Holsteins.

This year’s Bette Hall Power of Women in Dairy winner was 87-yearold Jersey breeder Winsome Anderson

Brad Gavenlock leads his Reserve Senior Champion Cow, Jamber Colton Veronica, with IDW Jersey judge Nathan Thomas (right).

from Nar Nar Goon.

Mrs Anderson is a valued active member of the Central Gippsland Jersey Breeders Club and South Gippsland Club for more than 60 years and a strong supporter of youth programs and events.

Her passion for dairy is so strong she has even established a museum at her home. Her King View Jersey Stud is well known across the country. (A profile story on Mrs Anderson will be published in the March edition of Dairy News Australia.)

The Lex Bunn Memorial Award was given to Lindsay Marshall after his outstanding contribution to the dairy

industry over many years.

IDW organiser Stacey Leppart said this year’s event was an outstanding success.

“We are so pleased with the way everything has kicked off this year,” Ms Leppart said.

“We are back to pre-COVID levels and this year was really strong across all classes.”

The Cows Create Careers initiative was well supported, along with all the youth classes.

“We are building a great foundation for the future and IDW is only going to get bigger and better,” Ms Leppart said.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

10 // INTERNATIONAL DAIRY WEEK

Cultural mix scores the wins

BY ANDY WILSON

THE CLEGGETT stud from Glencoe

in South Australia put in a good show at this year’s International Dairy Week and recognised the high quality of this year’s competition.

“We have seen a very strong show of Guernseys so we are very happy to have had the success we had today,” Amy Cleggett said.

“We had a great team getting them ready, so it is great to get the rewards

for the whole team.”

Lyndon Cleggett also praised his team which he described as “a cultural mix”.

“You’ve got an American and a New Zealander plus a Victorian and us South Australians,” Lyndon said.

“I’m the only boy and they keep me busy. I have been on the fork all morning.”

Laura Jensen joined the team for IDW and has come from Wisconsin in the United States to study at La Trobe University.

“I have just finished the first year of my PhD,” Laura said.

“My project is aimed at developing new traits from sensor data.

“The cattle wear collars which we use to track their activities and we are able to use that data to determine when a cow is heat stressed.

“There’s more stats involved compared to when I was in grad school — and I am the statistician.”

Earlier in the day Laura led the stud’s Pen of 3 – Breeders Group to success.

The Cleggett team has all eyes on the ring as it prepares to show its Guernseys brought from Glencoe in South Australia.

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This year’s Grand Champion Jersey at International Dairy Week was won by the Wilson and Gavenlock families from either side of the Murray River with Jamber Colton Veronica.

Rob Wilson from Jamberoo in NSW said the cow had been in preparation with Brad Gavenlock at Cherrylock Cattle Co. in Tallygaroopna since the start of December and attributed the win to a combination of having the cow in good form and a good bloodline.

“Her grandmother was Queen Veronica,” Rob said.

“We are pretty privileged to have a cow coming out and looking that well with such a pedigree.

“It’s all about good cows and they have got to be in form, but to have that special pedigree just makes it even better.”

The day after Dairy News Australia talked to Rob, Jamber Colton Veronica was sashed Interbreed Reserve Champion Cow.

The Wilson (left) and Gavenlock families with judge Nathan Thomas and Jamber Colton Veronica who won Grand Champion Jersey and was led by Brad Gavenlock (rear).

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

INTERNATIONAL DAIRY WEEK // 11

The science behind showing

BY ANDY WILSON

THE VALUE of showing cattle and other livestock – and more importantly, winning ribbons – can be the bread and butter for breeding studs.

At this year’s International Dairy Week, the Interbreed Junior Champion Gorbro Hano O Princess sold on the day of her winning for a sizeable $18,000 and is just one of many examples of how ribbon-wearing livestock or their offspring can attract a high price.

The Coombes family from Ellenborough began the sale with the event’s top price of $36,000 for their three-year-old Holstein Avonlea Master Vee-twin.

Prices can be much higher, and reflect the attention to detail given by breeders and the sharp observations from potential buyers, whether they seek a sire, dam or calf from a winner.

Long before artificial insemination, transgenics and even our knowledge of DNA, breeders have fine-tuned cattle over generations to maximise traits that increase production.

At agricultural shows or breed events, such tweaking can be displayed in comparison with other cattle in their class.

Three dairy cow handlers from northern Victoria spoke with Dairy News Australia at International Dairy Week on January 16, and each had a different and more in-depth take on winning in the arena than simply glorying in the kudos.

Merrigum’s Samuel Macadam led Sammac Lochies Bessie to win the Four Years in Milk class first and the Reserve Senior Champion, for Arlia Ayrshires.

Mr Macadam said the comments given by judges were crucial for breeding management.

“We listen to the judge to see if we are breeding to correct some of the issues in our cows and what we try to do is then fix up those issues,” Mr Macadam said.

“Sometimes you can’t fix it and sometimes you can.

“It’s very important to the industry.”

Of equal importance is the qualification of an event’s stable of judges, and a cursory glance at this year’s program shows the overwhelming expertise in breeding behind each adjudicator.

Their feedback could not be more highly valued.

Team leader at the Joyce family’s Guernsey show team Kaitlyn Joyce said she was pleased with three wins

at this year’s event.

Ms Joyce said the Tongala family’s goal was to emulate the success of Florando SD Koala 7 who won Grand Champion at IDW from 2012 to 2015.

The family chose to not sell ‘Koala’ but breed her for saleable offspring, which was emulated last week with several wins from competitors who bought into the bloodline a decade ago.

“Why bother with showing? It means everything to our brand, and it promotes the stud’s name,” Ms Joyce said.

“Koala has done a lot for that name.”

Tallygaroopna-based Cherrylock Cattle Co. manager Brad Gavenlock had a few busy days at IDW and seemed to spend most of his time in the arena with multiple ribbons.

An honourable mention for leading a junior Swiss Brown drew from Mr Gavenlock praise for the winning competitor.

“I am very happy with the result in a very strong field and (the winner) is the best Swiss Brown heifer I have ever seen in this country,” Mr Gavenlock said.

“I was so glad to just stand next to her.”

Mr Gavenlock said Cherrylock does

Samuel Macadam (right) said feedback given by judges was crucial for breeding management.

its own milking and breeding, but that their core business was management for other people, with their biggest client being SG Genetics in Texas.

He said the importance of showing cows was critical for business.

“I think this side of it is probably more relevant to the industry than people would understand,” he said.

“We hold an annual sale, and we sold a junior champion privately off our farm.

“And that only happens through this.

“If we are not at the pointy end of winning, then we are not relevant and if we are not relevant, then they’ll go buy them off someone else who is.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

12 // INTERNATIONAL DAIRY WEEK

Turning tails and heads

PUTTING THE ‘I’ INTO IDW

BY GRACE CARTER

INTERNATIONAL DAIRY Week is

all about making sure the cows walking into the ring look glamorous, and what better way to achieve this than to give them hair extensions?

In between weather reporting and being a part-time dairy farmer, Casey Treloar has discovered a niche pursuit: tail hair extensions designed for cows.

“It all came about because, for show cows, you want a nice big fluffy tail in the show ring,” she said. “(At) the dairy farm where my cows were, they cut the tail hair off the bottom because it’s a bit of a hygienic thing, a lot of dairy herds do it.

“But when it comes to the shows, you want to put a good tail on.”

Ms Treloar grew up on a dairy farm in South Australia and has been fitting cow tails for the better part of 15 years.

“Over the years, I’ve amassed a bit of a collection of fake tails, and I thought I’ll bring them over to dairy week, and if anyone needs a hand, I’ll happily fit them.

“I put a post up on Facebook, and within 24 hours, I’d had several requests.

“Since then, over the years, the word has got around, and sometimes I get messages months before the event going, ‘Hey, we’ve got this cow, can we book you in for a tail?’”

When Ms Treloar’s not fitting cow

Casey Treloar with the bovine extensions, and a cow with them already fitted.

tails, she works as a full-time weather reporter for Channel 7 in Adelaide.

“All of my leave pretty much goes to cow shows, whether it’s our local shows that are at Royal Adelaide Show, IDW, or local country shows on weekends, things like that,” Ms Treloar said.

“It is definitely my full-time hobby.”

Ms Treloar also does more than just fitting tails at IDW. “I am an exhibitor, I’ve got my own cattle here,” she said.

“I also do media coverage for the dairy week team, everything from live tours of the show to interviews (with) the judges (and) the owners of the champion cattle.”

The tails are made from authentic

Casey Treloar working on the tail of Paschendaele Rondo Klassy, a cow from Munden Farms near Warragul, at dairy week.

cow hair and are purely for aesthetic purposes in the ring.

“It’s kind of like the mascara that a supermodel might put on,” Ms Treloar said.

“It gives the appearance of a ­complete cow.”

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The cows entered in International Dairy Week may be Australian grown, but the event hosts its share of overseas visitors.

While the most prominent are the high-profile judges from the US, Canada and Europe, there is a fair smattering of other overseas visitors who have IDW marked on their calendar.

Julie Ashton, the official ring photographer for IDW, grew up on a registered dairy farm near Chicago, Illinois, and has been photographing cattle for the past 15 years.

“I actually went to college to be a large animal veterinarian, and while I was in college, I did an internship for a magazine, the US Jersey Association, just to do something different,” she said.

“I realised I could take my love of showing cattle and combine a lot of different aspects of what I enjoy.

“It’s kind of grown from there.”

Julie is also the general manager of the international all-breeds dairy magazine Cowsmopolitan.

“We picture about over 200 shows a year in North America,” she said.

“We’re the official photographers for World Dairy Expo, which is the equivalent of IDW. “(The IDW group) has seen our photography work over the last couple of years, reached out, and here we are.”

Julie said Cowsmopolitan was thrilled to be here again, photographing IDW for the second year.

“I think it’s really cool that there’s so many exhibits from all

US photographer Julie Ashton.

over Australia (that) really bring everyone together.

“I always tell people I meet that aren’t involved in agriculture, it’s like horse racing or dog shows; it’s just with cows.”

Also putting the ‘I’ into IDW was Maci Crothers, 14, from New York.

Maci was working as a ­handler for the Anderson ­family’s Sun Vale Holsteins stud, from Numurkah.

She is visiting Australia with her parents who have a farm in the US.

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14 // NEWS

Diving into dispersal sale

BY JEANETTE SEVERS

MORE THAN 300 commercial cows

Lot 112, born February 2020, calved May 2023 and rejoined to Corey 513, milking 45 litres, and sired by Progenesis Kristoff, sold at $3450.

Lot 96, born August 2021, calved July 2023 and rejoined by sexed semen to Comestar Barlot, milking 32.5 litres, and sired by Dartagnan, sold at $3100.

went under the hammer during the Mullins family’s dispersal sale on December 12.

The on-property sale, at Beret, Queensland, saw Holstein cows and heifers sell to a top of $4100 and an average of $2550.

There was strong support from the dairy regions of Queensland, across NSW and into Victoria.

“These were marvellous commercial cows and a credit to the Mullins family,” Dairy Livestock Services auctioneer Brian Leslie said.

DLS managed the sale interfaced with Elite Livestock Auctions.

“These cattle are well bred from AI sires and we know they will go away and do a great job,” Brian said.

The top priced herd bull sold at $5000.

There were many bidders at the sale, and a few online.

Bidding was slow for the first few lots, then kicked up a gear.

Lot five, born January 2020, calved September 2023, rejoined November to Corey 513 and milking 55.5 litres, was the first cow to crack $3000, selling at $3050.

The same price was paid for lots nine and 10, both winter 2020 drop cows and rejoined.

Lots 11 and 12 sold at $3400.

Lot 11 was born July 2020 and calved October 2023, milking 35.5 litres.

Lot 12 was born September 2020, calved August 2023 and rejoined in October to Corey 513, milking 37 litres.

Lots 23 and 24 sold at $3800. Lot 23 was born June 2019, calved August 2023 and is milking 49 litres. Lot 24, born March 2019, calved July 2023 and rejoined to Corey 513, is milking 44 litres.

Lot 25, born January 2019, with a calf on the ground in August 2023 and rejoined in October to Corey 513, milking 47 litres, sold at $4000.

Lot 31, born September 2019, calved October 2023 and milking 53 litres, sold at $3600.

Lot 32, born June 2019 and freshin-milk, sold at $3200.

Lot 46, born May 2018, calved August 2023 and milking 54 litres, sold at $4000.

Lot 53, born June 2018, calved in July 2023 and rejoined to Progenesis Powell, milking 52.5 litres, sold for the top price of $4100.

Lot 66, a heifer born in July 2021, calved July 2023 and rejoined to

Corey 513, milking 39.5 litres, sold at $3600.

Lot 68, a heifer born May 2021, calved July 2023 and rejoined with sexed semen to Cherryhill Actionman, milking 58 litres, sold at $3800.

Lot 69 also sold at $3800. This heifer was born January 2021, calved September 2023 and rejoined to Corey 513, milking 42.5 litres.

These were the top prices paid for a run of heifers sired by Sandy-Valley Licorice.

Lot 126, a young cow born November 2020, calved June 2023 and rejoined to Progenesis Powell, milking 35.5 litres, sold at $3450.

Lot 139, born July 2020, calved May 2023 and rejoined with sexed semen to Cherryhill Actionman, milking 37.5 litres, sold at $3600.

Lots 152 and 153 sold at $3450.

Lot 152, born September 2020, calved June 2023, rejoined with sexed semen to Comestar Barlot, is milking 45 litres. Lot 153, born March 2020, calved May 2023 and rejoined to an Angus bull, is milking 36.5 litres.

Lot 189, born October 2019, calved June 2023 and rejoined to Corey 513, milking 41.5 litres, sold at $3550.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

NEWS // 15

Monitoring is valuable tool

BY COBY BOSCHMA

COW MONITORING generates a wealth of data that help farmers make informed decisions for their business.

Whether they’re pasture-based or use other feed sources to give their cows the nutrition they need, a cow monitoring system can be an invaluable tool.

It not only offers peace of mind and saves on labour, but it also improves overall farm efficiency.

“I wish I’d gotten it 10 years ago,” Queensland dairy farmer Henry said.

Henry and his wife Anna own and manage their dairy farm at Ravenshoe on the Atherton Tablelands.

Their 200-cow herd is fed a partially mixed ration (PMR), combining grazing and corn silage that is grown on the farm as a summer crop, and is fed out all year round.

They breed around 150 replacement heifers every year, selling the ones that don’t match their needs to other dairy farmers in the area.

Since 2021, they’ve come to rely on a cow monitoring system that has made their on-farm lives that more efficient.

“We have sensors on all the cows,” Henry said.

The data and active insights allow them to analyse trends and patterns, leading to proactive decision-making in areas such as breeding, nutrition, herd health and overall farm management.

Efficient pasture management and herd

optimisation contribute to sustainable farming practices as well, making the use of the cow monitoring system an all-around win.

Henry and Anna use CowManager, a plugand-play ear sensor system.

“One of the reasons we chose the CowManager system was because of the tags. We prefer them to collars for ease of handling,” Henry said.

Continuous monitoring of cow behaviour — such as feeding patterns, activity levels and rumination — has helped them identify early signs of health issues.

They’ll receive an alert on their computer and smartphone of potential health issues, days before cows show clinical signs of an ailment.

This ensures the individual cow can be checked and treated earlier, which in turn means less medication and fewer vet calls.

“The tags pick up many more cows than I would have,” Henry said.

All data in the system can be easily shared with staff and experts, so they can access important information and track the cows.

Knowing there’s always an extra set of eyes on the herd, brings Henry peace of mind.

“I don’t have to worry any more about catching heats or cows getting sick,” he said.

“I get an alert on my mobile wherever I am, and I can attend to it immediately.”

The only regret Henry and his wife have is not getting a cow monitoring system sooner.

“I recommend it at every chance I get. It’s paid for itself in no time.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

16 // NEWS

Heifers triple the surprise in an embroyo transfer program, has given birth to triplet heifers.

Dairy farmer Paul Cocksedge, of Nerrena (in Gippsland, Victoria), woke up to the new calves on January 7.

“I should’ve known she was going to calve.

She looked quite heavy when she was moving around the day before,” Paul said.

The Holstein cow, Paco Charley Crystal 236, classified VG86, is one of his best cows. She was a calf out of Paco Minted Crystal.

“She is the only daughter I have from her,” Paul said.

“In her last 305 day lactation, Paco Charley Crystal produced 10,781 litres, with 426kg of fat and 359kg of protein.

“I knew she was special when she was the best two-year-old heifer in a 700-cow Holstein herd that I was managing at the time.

“Her production index was 124 and she got back in calf to her first joining. She also did that the following year.”

Paul decided to flush Charley to start increasing the number of calves in his herd with that breeding.

He chose BGP Yolo as the sire and imported his semen.

“I liked what he can bring to the mating,” Paul said.

“At the time, he was in the top 10 proven bulls in the USA and is rising through the ranks in Australia.

“I also used Yolo in some other cows this year. These heifers are the first ones born, about two weeks early.”

Charley’s fertility was boosted pre-joining to increase her ovulation, then the semen was artificially inseminated.

She was then flushed and the two embryos retrieved were planted in another two cows in Paul’s herd. They are due to calve in late January.

“The vet said there was a chance we’d left one embryo behind — when she didn’t come back into heat we assumed that’s what happened,” Paul said.

“When I asked him if there was a chance of twins, the vet said there was a rare chance.

“He also said if a third embryo was left behind, the cow would abort it.”

When Paul found the cow and three calves, she had already cleaned them and one was standing and suckling. The other two were laying down.

He waited a while rather than intervene and eventually all three calves were standing and had a feed.

Later in the day Paul moved the calves into the calving shed, before the forecast wild weather, and they have progressed from bottle feeding to the calf feeder.

They continue to thrive.

Paul Cocksedge with the triplet heifers a week after they were born.

Photo: Julia Cocksedge

The cow one week after calving triplet heifers.

Photo: Paul Cocksedge

The cow and her heifer calves when they were only a few hours old.

Photo: Paul Cocksedge

BY JEANETTE SEVERS

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NEWS // 17

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“We are humbled by reaching this massive milestone,” Schulz owner and third-generation dairy farmer Simon Schulz said.

“A major thank you to all the people who have invested in Schulz and in our Milk in Glass bottles and who have purchased over the last four years.

“Thank you to all the staff that have filled and washed every single one of our Milk in Glass bottles.

“And a big thank you to our girls [Schulz’s herd of cows] for producing the beautiful milk to fill these bottles.”

Organic farmers since 1972, the Schulz Organic Dairy herd of Friesian and Jersey cows is near Timboon in southern Victoria.

All products are certified organic, with the range including full cream milk, low-fat milk, Milk in Glass, cream, natural yoghurt, Greek yoghurt, feta in brine, quark and butter.

Schulz Organic Dairy’s work to eliminate single-use plastics in the dairy industry began in 2017, when Simon trialled glass-bottled milk at their stand at farmers’ markets.

“We accepted returns of these same glass bottles to clean, refill and resell them. In our first week, we sold out within 30 minutes, and the demand just kept growing.”

In August 2018, Schulz launched a successful crowdfunding campaign, raising more than $106,000 and allowing them to deliver 5000 glass bottles per week in the first year.

Now, Schulz Organic Dairy’s award-winning glass bottles are available in more than s ustainably-minded stockists across 80 ­ Victoria.

And they’re not planning on stopping at a million bottles.

Over the next year, they are undertaking significant upgrades to factory machinery and processes to ensure their next millionth milestone is achieved even faster.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

18 // NEWS

Reds are getting a makeover

BY JEANETTE SEVERS

Members of the Australian Red Breeders Association participated in farm tours during their recent annual general meeting.

Photo: Michele Hamilton

benefited from a spike in funding from Agriculture Victoria that saw more herds genotyped.

DataGene CEO Matt Shaffer said AgVic increased funding to the Ginfo program to expand genotype testing from 100 to 160 herds, across all breeds in all states in Australia.

“We’ve now caught up on genotyping those additional samples, and Ginfo will continue to monitor the 160 herds,” Matt said.

“The funding from AgVic was specific to expanding the data base by genotyping calves and milking cows in the milking herd.”

DataGene is now back to normal business, genotyping cows already being milked.

Members from across most states, including north Queensland, attended the Australian Red Dairy Breed AGM. The Victorian On Farm Challenge winners were announced.

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THE AUSTRALIAN Red cow — known for a long time as Aussie Reds — has undergone a name change and is undergoing a makeover.

Breeders of The Australian Red Dairy Breed met in January at Barham, southern NSW, for their annual general meeting and agreed to promote the name as registered, rather than the abbreviated and more well-known identity.

“It’s part of a strategic review we are undertaking, alongside developing a new strategic plan to address the industry contraction and its effect on breeds in the broader dairy industry,” said board director Paul Cocksedge, from Nerrena in Gippsland, Victoria.

“We think it’s time to re-identify ourselves,” he said.

“Australian Reds are the newest breed in Australia and evolved out of local Illawarra breeders introducing Scandinavian genetics.”

Membership growth is part of that strategy.

“The three-way cross including Australian Reds is very popular and we want to engage with the crossbred market,” Paul said.

“Up until now, a lot of the focus within our breed is on pure red genetics.

“We discussed ways to drive increasing membership and uptake of elite genomics.

“We also need to encourage more members to register cows and undertake classifications within their herd.”

The Australian Red Dairy Breed has

Owen Simpson, from western Victoria, was announced the overall champion.

Sliding into second place was Leigh Verhey, from northern Victoria. Other finalists were Lee Kirkus, from Gippsland; Matt Hogan from western Victoria; and Patrick Morgan, from Gippsland.

The 2023 Australian Red Cow of the Year was announced — awarded to Fairy Vale 773, owned and bred by Terry and Shannon Blasche, of Simpson, western Victoria.

The top genomic heifer award was given to Leigh Verhey, of northern Victoria.

The top genomic bull award was given to Greg Goulding, of northern Victoria, for Arbskeeta.

The top registered Australian Red cow award was presented to Phil Stasiw, Mount Gambier.

The Graham family of Nowra, NSW, received the top current proven Australian Red Sire award, for Arbcygnet.

The Graham family also received the top BPI herd award, for their herd of Beaulands Australian Reds.

The new board was introduced, with Owen Simpson, from western Victoria, as chair, and Paul Cocksedge (Nerrena, in Gippsland), Kym Harrison (Queensland) and Brett Davies (western Victoria).

Meaghan Douglas retired from the previous board.

Farm tours were also part of the AGM.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

20 // NEWS

Dairy Australia’s Robyn McLean led a discussion panel at the end of the day, with Gerard Murphy, Daniel Jung and Tim Jelbart responding to questions from the audience.

In the new calving shed, a discussion about genetics, barns and improving cow and calf health was led by Dairy Australia’s Karen Romano, Jelbart Dairy farm manager Mike Kilkenny and Michelle Axford from DataGene.

Leading with innovation

BY JEANETTE SEVERS

A FIELD day in South Gippsland brought together 200 dairy farmers and service providers to discuss innovations in dairy.

Jelbart Dairy, near Leongatha South, Victoria, has a 1000-cow herd milked in a 60-unit rotary that was installed in 1993.

In recent years, the Jelbart Dairy business model has changed a couple of times because of succession decisions.

Succession remains at the forefront of the current generation’s strategic decision making.

Jelbart Dairy employs 20 full-time equivalent workers, including a farm manager.

“Most of the infrastructure investment has been about improving things for staff,” co-owner Tim Jelbart said.

“When we’ve been developing the concept plans, we engaged with staff from the beginning and all the way through.”

The field day was an opportunity to discuss the future of dairy in the context of some of the changes that have occurred in recent years at Jelbart Dairy.

These changes include cow genetics, renewable energy, an undercover calving shed and effluent management.

The field day, in December, was facilitated through the Farm Business Resilience program, which is jointly funded through the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.

Karen Romano, from Dairy Australia, discussed the Australian guidelines for cattle shelters and feed pads.

Professor Jennie Pryce is a principal research scientist with Agriculture Victoria and, along with Michelle Axford, spoke about the role of dairy cattle genetics.

Peter Best, from Innovative Farm Services, spoke about effluent management systems.

Daniel Jung, an electrician, talked through the issues about investing in renewable energy systems.

Dairy Australia with Agriculture Victoria developed new standards for contained housing for

Billy Marshall from Agriculture Victoria, Tim Jelbart from Jelbart Dairy, Gerard Murphy from GDM Ag Consulting, and Peter Best from Innovative Farm Services, were part of the discussion group about effluent systems.

livestock. The weblink is https:// w w w. d a i r y a u s t r a l i a . c o m . a u / resource-repository/2023/10/02/ national-feedpad-and-contained-housing-guidelines At Jelbart Dairy, a large shed has been constructed, extending a hay shed, to enable undercover calving and help cows exist with extreme temperatures and changeable weather events.

Jelbart Dairy farm manager Mike Kilkenny said the barn had already improved calf mortality.

“The cows are regularly monitored because there’s always someone walking past,” he said.

“We’re more aware of cows when they’re calving, and it’s easier to help them.

“We’re also more successful at matching the cow and calf.

“We’ve had improved calf survivability and healthier cows.”

More success in cow and calf matching and improved health outcomes have enabled better decisions to be made about breeding and keeping heifer calves.

The barn floor of sand is raked daily, and the size of the structure enables good ventilation.

Dairy Australia’s Karen Romano said it was important to choose a

bedding material that was fit for purpose.

Jennie Pryce and Michelle Axford discussed the advantages of breeding programs that are based on selecting dairy genetics for sustainability indices.

The drivers for creating change in a dairy system can include cow breed and size, topography of the land and milking numbers.

The Jelbart Dairy herd is genetic-tested and breeding decisions are made for improving the milking herd’s productivity; and to complement a branch of the business that focuses on growing out WagyuHolstein cross yearlings for the feeder market.

“We use genetic testing to identify which cows we want to keep, which to sell to other dairy farmers, and which heifers to export,” Mike said.

“We also grow out Wagyu-dairy cross cattle to 200kg on contract.

“The high sustainability index cow, for us, comes into the dairy to be milked, gets pregnant by AI sexed semen and has a heifer calf.”

Nuffield scholar Peter Best discussed dairy farmers’ effluent management system considerations.

Of primary importance is the need to retain all effluent on farm. This

also means prioritising the maintenance of the effluent pump.

Peter said it was important to understand what effluent was being used for on the farm, and how to store it.

The size of effluent storage and how often it was used on the farm was dependent on how many cows are milked, how much land was available to farm, and the size of the effluent pond.

“In a wet year, you also need to store up to eight months’ worth of effluent,” Peter said.

He recommends having an on site meeting with all relevant authorities and expertise such as surveyors and contractors, to kickstart discussion and planning for responsible effluent storage and use.

“They will work with you and this type of foresight and planning at the beginning can reduce and avoid problems after you’ve spent 12 months in the planning process and submit your proposed plans,” Peter said.

“And I recommend going to other dairy farms and looking at the infrastructure they’re using. Talk to them about the issues they’ve dealt with.”

Dairy Australia has resources for each dairy state including

codes of practice, online at https:// w w w. d a i r y a u s t r a l i a . c o m . a u / dairytas/land-water-and-climate/soils-nutrient-effluent/ dairy-effluent The principals of Jelbart Dairy spent four years to plan and about six months to build a new effluent management system, that includes a new dam and ditches for run-off and solids settling.

A future 2km irrigation system connected to 15 hydrants will enable two megalitres per day of effluent to be irrigated across the farm.

Tim Jelbart said their investment was offset against the saving in labour costs and improved efficiency, which he estimates at $50,000 to $100,000 pa.

On top of that was increased feed production under irrigation, particularly an increased yield from corn crops.

“Their system is scale-able compared to the number of cows you milk on your own farm,” Peter said.

Installing a renewable energy system, Jelbart Dairy utilised a matching energy grant to address their high grid power bill — $70,000 per annum — and production and business inefficiency due to power supply constraints.

Electrician Daniel Jung developed a solar renewable energy solution that includes batteries for Jelbart Dairy.

He recommends farmers seek advice about renewable energy systems from people who understand farming, particularly in the dairy sector.

“Power outages disrupt milking, feeding systems and overall farm production,” Daniel said.

He said technology investment had to be viable and while the return on investment period was improving with technology improvement, it was still a problematic issue.

At Jelbart Dairy, the solar power load is connected to a battery system.

A system failure is first automatically switched to the grid, but if the grid is inadequate, a back-up generator automatically switches on.

“It’s only a micro-second of change time,” Daniel said. ɋ Go to the Dairy News website at https://www.dairynewsaustralia. com.au/ for more pictures from the field day.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

22 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Get selective w

BY DR ROBERT BONANNO

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cows are being dried off, or are about to be dried off.

The dry period is a time for a cow’s udder to rest and restore. The process of udder involution and then renewal to prepare for a new lactation is also an excellent opportunity to cure existing subclinical infections.

A small proportion of intramammary infections will self-cure during the dry period, but the likelihood of cure is greatly enhanced by using antibiotic dry cow therapy.

Antibiotic dry cow therapy has been one of the cornerstones of mastitis management for more than 50 years and has been very successful at reducing the incidence of subclinical intramammary infections.

For decades, we have practised and recommended a ‘blanket’ approach to antibiotic dry cow therapy where all cows received a tube of dry cow treatment per quarter following the last milking of their lactation prior to going ‘dry’.

This was favoured by most veterinarians because it was not only successful at curing many existing subclinical infections but also assisted in the prevention of cows acquiring new intramammary infections in the early dry period.

More recently, the development of non-antibiotic teat sealants, which can prevent cows from acquiring new infections during the dry

period, have provided us with an alternative where cows who are unlikely to have an existing intramammary infection are treated with a teat sealant rather than an antibiotic.

This is preferable for several reasons, not the least of which is that it can significantly reduce total antibiotic use on farm.

If new infections can be prevented by providing a non-antibiotic, physical ‘barrier’ to prevent entry of bacteria into the dry udder, this is a great example of good antimicrobial stewardship, and this should be everyone’s aim.

This process of treating cows with a high likelihood of having an intramammary infection with antibiotics, and those who have a low likelihood of having an infection with a teat sealing product is widely known as ‘selective dry cow therapy’.

However, for selective dry cow therapy to be successful, there are several key steps that must be followed.

Data is vital

Firstly, it is essential that sufficient data exists to determine which of the cows that are due to be dried off have a high likelihood of having an existing infection, and therefore will need antibiotic treatment, and which cows are at a low risk of having an existing infection who will be suited for teat sealant only.

In my discussions with farmers who tell me that selective dry cow therapy did not work well for them or even said it was a “disaster”, it is always due to them lacking sufficient information to determine the best treatment

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

ANIMAL HEALTH // 23

e with dry cow treatments Making a decision

For selective dry cow therapy to be successful, there are several key steps that must be followed.

for each cow or the application of the selective dry cow protocol was not well managed.

I recommend that for farmers who are interested in selective dry cow therapy that they need to have at least four key pieces of information available: 2 Herd individual cow somatic cell count (ISCC) results (ideally two or more herd

tests with last one within 30 days of expected dry-off date).

2 Herd mastitis clinical case records for the current lactation.

2 No cases of contagious mastitis identified from the clinical cases or on surveillance testing.

2 Sufficient cow ID and high-quality record keeping system available.

There is some disagreement between advisers as to what the best cut-off point is below which selective dry cow therapy can begin.

I am of the view that the threshold that is set is quite arbitrary and represents a level of risk that the herd owner is comfortable with.

The lower the ISCC that you use, the less sub-clinically infected cows will escape antibiotic treatment, but the more antibiotics will be used on cows without an infection.

I do not recommend selective dry cow therapy for any cow who has had clinical mastitis during her current lactation, and where possible, I like to review culture results from the clinical cases whenever available.

With more herds either performing on-farm milk culturing or using various technology solutions to assist with treatment decisions, this information is becoming more widely available.

Contagious mastitis pathogens like Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus may be detected by culturing high cell count cows, clinical cases or from bulk milk surveillance testing.

I do not recommend selective dry cow therapy in herds with contagious mastitis unless significant efforts are made to identify possible carrier animals prior to dry off.

Herds that lack sufficient records, do not have good individual animal ID and lack the management systems to ensure the correct cows are treated with the correct products and withholding and withdrawal periods are

able to be observed should not even entertain practising selective dry cow therapy until these problems have been addressed.

Personally, if a herd can tick all four boxes and I believe they are a good candidate for selective dry cow therapy, I recommend that teat sealant only is used in any cow or heifer who has not recorded an ISCC above 150K during the current lactation.

For the cows who are above the threshold, I recommend combination therapy (antibiotic dry cow therapy plus teat sealant).

Getting it right

Lastly, infusion technique is critical to the success of dry cow and teat sealant use.

The teat ends must be spotlessly clean, the correct infusion technique applied (dry cow massaged into udder, teat sealant carefully deposited only into the teat canal) and thorough teat spraying and careful management and monitoring of cows post-infusion is ideal.

If you are unsure if you or your staff are performing this critical task correctly, seek training and advice from your veterinarian I encourage every dairy farmer to discuss their dry cow plan for the next year with their herd health adviser, determine whether selective dry cow therapy might be suitable for them and if so determine the threshold for treatment with your individual herd veterinarian.

2 Dr Robert (Rob) Bonanno is the Regional Veterinary Lead for ProDairy in Gippsland and northern Victoria.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

24 // NEWS

Finding ways to beat the heat

BY JEANETTE SEVERS

HEAT TOLERANCE and extreme weather

stress is under the microscope, as research seeks to identify genetic and production differences in dairy herds in Australia.

Farmers are being warned to provide shelter from storms and severe weather, including the hot sun, for their livestock.

“Infrastructure that will enable the livestock to get behind the storm, or away from the rain and wind, would be a suitable form of shelter,” Agriculture Victoria veterinarian Dr Dianne Phillips said.

Dianne said some farmers had reported livestock losses in the severe storms and rain events of the past few months.

“Vulnerable groups of livestock have been experiencing the severe weather events,” she said.

“Severe weather can include high winds, concentrated rainfall, hail and sudden temperature changes.”

Dianne said farmers should ensure their livestock are up to date with routine stock health management, including drenching and vaccinations and to monitor for diseases.

“Good health helps animals to better adapt to changing weather conditions,” she said.

AgVic dairy extension officer at Tatura in northern Victoria, Richard Smith, said dairy farmers should have in place heat stress management programs for their herds.

“Heat stress has been shown to decrease milk yield up to 25 per cent, reduce feed intake up to 20 per cent, and negatively impact fertility, artificial insemination and natural conception rates, and in-calf rates,” Richard said.

“Modelling has shown when shade is provided, there are 53 per cent fewer moderate and 86 per cent few severe heat stress events.

“Shade, sprinklers and air movement enables faster milk let-down and more incentive for the herd to walk to the dairy.”

He also recommended installing a shade structure over feedpads.

Ellinbank Research Farm is undertaking research into the effect of extreme

Permanent shade solutions are increasingly being used to improve cow comfort. This one in West Gippsland, Victoria, enables cow comfort and reduces impact on pastures.

weather events on cow production, including heat stress.

DataGene is also undertaking research that identifies genotypes for heat tolerance.

“Since 2018, DataGene has implemented the heat tolerance value,” DataGene CEO Matt Shaffer said.

“DairyBio has done some additional work, and that information will be available to farmers soon.

“Australia is the first country to introduce a heat tolerance ABV, and there’s quite a few farmers across Australia who use it.

“Discussion about its effectiveness is increasing in Australia’s northern states and overseas.”

Dairy Australia has produced resources to help identify when cows could be in distress and how to manage that.

Cows start to actively manage their core

body temperature when it is below 5°C and above 25°C. In hot weather, cows use methods to effectively disperse heat including standing in water, shade or a breeze. They also pant and reduce their feed intake.

As air humidity and temperature increase, the effectiveness of evaporation strategies used by cows rapidly declines.

Heat affects reproduction, milk production and can lead to severe heat stress, which can lead to death.

Trees planted in paddocks or laneways can reduce the radiant heat load by 50 per cent or more. Orienting the long axis of paddocks north-south will help maximise shade throughout the day.

The dairy yard is another place where heat rises — cows are standing close together and their body temperature can rise quickly.

Use sprinklers, hoses or the flood wash to pre-wet your dairy holding yard for an hour before the cows arrive for afternoon milking.

Finish morning milking before 9am and delay afternoon milking to after 5pm on hot days.

Consider a shade structure and fans as the next upgrade for the dairy holding yard. At the same time, ensure food and water are in adequate supply nearby.

In hot weather, cows’ daily water consumption doubles to 200 litres and more. Standing in a hot environment and eating grain increases their need for water.

Water makes up 85 per cent of the milk cows produce.

When nights are warm, this reduces the amount of heat a cow can dissipate overnight, and will mean she has a higher temperature the following day.

“Use it for an hour before the cows arrive in the dairy yard, and continue to use it while the cows are standing in the yard.”

She also recommends mustering and milking cows in smaller groups to minimise the amount of time they are waiting in the dairy yard. Mustering cows during the heat of the day will increase their core temperature and therefore increase risk of heat stress.

“The next infrastructure investment is installing industrial fans in the dairy for cow and human comfort.”

Install water troughs in all paddocks, laneways and one near the dairy exit laneway — cows will drink 20 litres/hour or up to 250 litres/day of water.

“If only one infrastructure upgrade this year, install a water trough near the dairy exit laneway. Cows will always stop for a drink,” Josie said.

A shade structure for your dairy yard is really effective where heat stress is an issue.

Rate paddocks from hottest to coolest, based on shade cover, water trough size and flow rate, and proximity to the dairy.

“Identify the coolest paddocks on the farm, that can be used as sacrifice ­paddocks during hot weather days,” Josie said.

“Have the coolest paddocks ready with adequate water and shade and feed-out area, before milking begins so the cows can return to this paddock as soon as possible.”

Significant tree planting should be part of annual plans.

“Modelling has shown that when shade is provided, there are 53 per cent fewer moderate and 86 per cent fewer severe heat stress events.”

Dairy Australia’s investment in the ‘Feeding Cool Cows Project’ has also identified that diets that include high quality forage fibre and adequate protein has been shown to reduce increases in body temperature and support cows to maintain milk production in warm conditions.

High quality forages such as chicory and hays with low neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration have been used in research trial diets to prove the efficacy of feeding them to lower cow body temperature and maintain milk yields.

HELP COWS KEEP THEIR COOL A cows’ breathing rate is normal at 40 to 60 breaths per minute.

Sixty breaths per minute correlates to a core body temperature of 39°C and at this point you need to take action. There may be moderate panting and the presence of a small amount of drool or saliva.

At 70-plus breaths per minute, cows are struggling to survive. The cow is panting hard and there is a lot of saliva or drool present.

Above 80 breaths per minute, heat stress is severe, and cows may die. The cow’s neck is extended, her tongue is protruding and there is excessive drooling and panting.

A temperature and humidity index is a way to standardise different combinations of temperature and humidity and how that might contribute to the heat load of dairy cattle.

At Ellinbank Research Farm in Victoria, cows were monitored for heat stress.

On a day where the air temperature was above 36°C, the cows’ temperature was recorded at above 41°C, and with extended necks and panting hard.

“Mature cows are generally more

Cows at the Ellinbank Research Farm are being monitored to identify ways to reduce heat stress and the impact of severe weather on production. Shade is part of the solution.

susceptible to heat stress,” said Josie Garner, Dairy Australia’s development and regional adaptation Lead.

This susceptibility is also influenced by temperament, diet, previous exposure to hot weather, genetics, breeding and physical activity level (the topography and layout of the farm and how far cows have to walk in hot weather).

Josie said the easiest method to help cool cows is to set up a sprinkler system at the dairy yard.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

PASTURE IMPROVEMENT // 25

Dash into a proven annual rye-grass

Dash is the solution to your annual rye-grass needs.

IF YOU are looking for an annual rye-grass that is a proven performer and offers greater flexibility in years where the moisture is still about late in the season or you have irrigation, Dash is your answer.

Pasture renovation is vital and having fastestablishing, high-producing feed is essential.

Annual rye-grass will deliver this, but is it worth spending a few extra cents on higher performance varieties versus cheap, lower performance varieties?

The answer is a definitive yes.

More recently bred varieties such as Dash tetraploid annual rye-grass are a giant leap ahead of cheap varieties in many respects.

They are higher yielding, grow longer into the summer, have been bred for higher nutritive value, are later heading and have lower aftermath heading.

Not only does Dash produce for longer into summer, it also holds its forage quality for longer, as it remains in vegetative state rather than producing a seed head which is of lower nutritive value.

And once heading has happened, Dash has been bred to return to vegetative state more quickly.

All of this results in higher livestock performance and productivity and easily more than pays for the cost of the extra seed.

Not only does Dash produce for longer into summer, it also holds its forage quality for longer, as it remains in vegetative state rather than producing a seed head which is of lower nutritive value.

In spring, often two to three cuts of quality silage are possible in good seasons or on irrigation.

So sowing a modern, high performance grass such as Dash annual rye-grass will benefit your farm’s bottom line and help lessen your stress at the same time.

Dash tetraploid annual rye-grass is a ryegrass from the highly successful Cropmark Seeds plant breeding program — which has delivered Zoom, Sonik and Matrix amongst others — and is available through leading seed stores.

Contact your local Cropmark Seeds regional manager for more information.

Contributed by Cropmark Seeds.

The high yielding persistent Italian ryegrass Appeal Italian ryegrass is a very persistent and very high yielding diploid Italian ryegrass.

Appeal has shown consistently high yield performance in trials with fast establishment, high winter, early spring production, and an ability to hold on well over the summer, even under moderate insect pressure.

Being late heading, Appeal will maintain forage quality for longer into summer.

Appeal produces high quality forage, of high nutritive value, high digestibility and high palatability. In addition, it has strong disease resistance including against rust, resulting in improved animal acceptance.

And unlike some Italian ryegrasses, Appeal will not cause grass staggers.

For further information on Appeal contact our regional agronomists: EASTERN VICTORIA, NORTHERN NSW & QUEENSLAND ADAM SHEEDY Ph: 0428 132 096 NORTHERN VICTORIA & SOUTHERN NSW SVEN KOLJO Ph: 0429 375 452 WESTERN DISTRICTS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, TASMANIA BRUCE HUME Ph: 0427 607 375

APPEAL IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL SEED MERCHANT OR FARM MERCHANDISE OUTLET

Cropmark Seeds Australia Pty Ltd Freephone: 1800 889 039 Freefax: 1800 889 037 www.cropmarkseeds.com

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

26 // PASTURE IMPROVEMENT

Research gets to the root of soils

The $7 million DairySoil project is under way in Victoria.

A NEW million-dollar research program aims

Setting new benchmarks for late season quality in Annual ryegrass

Dash annual ryegrass is fast establishing, high yielding, high quality and very palatable.

Being later heading, higher pasture quality will be maintained for longer into spring, translating into higher stock performance during this critical period.

If you are looking for an 8-10 month winter feed, then add Dash to your stock’s diet.

DASH IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL SEED MERCHANT OR FARM MERCHANDISE OUTLET

It is a great feed and makes great silage and hay.

For further information on Dash contact our regional agronomists: EASTERN VICTORIA, NORTHERN NSW & QUEENSLAND ADAM SHEEDY Ph: 0428 132 096 NORTHERN VICTORIA & SOUTHERN NSW SVEN KOLJO Ph: 0429 375 452 WESTERN DISTRICTS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, TASMANIA BRUCE HUME Ph: 0427 607 375

Cropmark Seeds Australia Pty Ltd Freephone: 1800 889 039 Freefax: 1800 889 037 www.cropmarkseeds.com

to improve soil health in the dairy industry.

The $7 million DairySoil project was launched at Fiskville on December 5, coinciding with World Soil Day celebrations.

The DairySoil project will introduce cutting-edge farming practices to help reduce the industry’s use of synthetic fertiliser, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and increase productivity and resilience to climate change.

This program will utilise state-of-art sensors to measure, map, retain and recover the moisture and nutrient levels needed to produce reliable and sustainable soil.

In partnership with the Victorian Government, Dairy Australia and the Gardiner Foundation, DairySoil is spearheading the initiative as part of the $42.5 million DairyFeedbase23-28 program.

The DairyFeedbase23-28 project is supporting transformational programs across soils, forages and animal nutrition over the next five years.

From researching soil health and pasture composition changes, to measuring and reducing methane emissions, the DairyFeedbase program will aim to increase the profitability and productivity of dairy farms while minimising their impact on the environment.

The projects will also link to other national research under way and make the most of facilities at Agriculture Victoria’s Ellinbank and Hamilton SmartFarms and the AgriBio Centre for AgriBiosciences in Bundoora.

Dairy Australia managing director David Nation the DairySoil program was the cornerstone investment in soil research for Dairy Australia and the DairyFeedbase program.

“It recognises the important role soil health plays in farm profitably and sustainability. The outcome will help farmers get more from their soil,” Dr Nation said.

Gardiner Foundation chief executive officer Allan Cameron said including soils in the DairyFeedbase program for the first time would provide valuable insights on how to create healthier soils for dairy farms.

“Gardiner Foundation is proud to support this important research which seeks to improve the productivity and sustainability of the Victorian dairy industry,” he said.

2 For more information visit, https://dairyfeedbase.com.au/

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

PASTURE IMPROVEMENT // 27

Using summer forages

BY ANDREW ALLSOP

SPRING AND early summer paddock ren-

ovation provides an opportunity to establish home-grown feed for summer, autumn and — if intended — winter forage.

Spring and summer-sown forage can be used for a variety of reasons, but the main reasons are to form part of your annual pasture renovation program and the other to produce valuable feed at key times when permanent pastures are of low quality and quantity.

There are a number and broad range of cultivars available; the type and variety that suits your needs will depend upon a number factors, including: ɋ At what stage is the paddock in your renovation program? This will influence ­ whether you use a grass base or a brassica-based crop. ɋ Weed status and soil fertility will also determine whether an annual crop or a perennial such as a Chico Chicory, Puna Chicory or Oracle Plantain are suitable. ɋ Planting times will determine whether a brassica, herb-based crop is sown or a C4 grass — such as millet, sorghum or maizebased — is sown. Brassicas can be sown a lot earlier in spring. ɋ Stock needs and water availability will determine whether a grazing or silage/hay crop is sown. ɋ It’s important to feed budget (a rough rule of thumb is to crop 10 to 15 per cent of the grazing platform). ɋ Situations that influence their use include: ɋ Poor fertility and weed burden in paddock. ɋ Pasture density (normally brought about by winter pugging). ɋ Environmental factors such as drought, or insect pressure such as cockchafer, army worm, African black beetle or root aphids. ɋ Supplementary feed costs. ɋ Calving program. ɋ Key benefits of summer crops: ɋ Provide a cheap source of dry matter when compared to bought-in feed. ɋ Break the perennial weed cycle using non-­ selective herbicides, that is, the use of glyphosate and dicamba as knock-downs and pre-emergent before sowing. ɋ Potential to grow large quantities of feed for a relatively low cost of production. ɋ Successful crops are based on: ɋ Good agronomic advice. ɋ High-quality seed (purity and germination). ɋ Control of weeds in knock-down spray-out. ɋ Well-cultivated seed bed with a clump size smaller than 50mm. ɋ Addressing soil fertility issues. ɋ Apply NPKS fertiliser before sowing, plus DAP or MAP after germination. ɋ Monitor for pests and take action if problems occur. ɋ Introduce stock slowly to enable rumen to adapt. ɋ Andrew Allsop is a member of Notman ­Pasture Seeds’ western Victoria pasture team.

Spring and summer-sown forage can produce valuable feed at key times when permanent pastures are of low quality and quantity.

Consider planting a pasture forage crop for home-grown feed.

The benchmark for production and performance

Proven, reliable, persistent and high performing.

Matrix® Enhanced perennial ryegrass truly is the benchmark for production and performance on Victorian dairy farms. It is thoroughly proven, reliable, persistent and high performing.

Many farmers would argue that there is simply no better perennial ryegrass.

The cows won’t argue with that either.

They find it very palatable and eat it readily.

Farmers tell us the milk production lifts when the cows are grazing Matrix.

Matrix is suitable for all pasture renovation, including over-sowing and is great value for money.

For further information on Matrix contact our regional agronomists: EASTERN VICTORIA, NORTHERN NSW & QUEENSLAND ADAM SHEEDY Ph: 0428 132 096 NORTHERN VICTORIA & SOUTHERN NSW SVEN KOLJO Ph: 0429 375 452 WESTERN DISTRICTS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, TASMANIA BRUCE HUME Ph: 0427 607 375

MATRIX IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL SEED MERCHANT OR FARM MERCHANDISE OUTLET

Cropmark Seeds Australia Pty Ltd Freephone: 1800 889 039 Freefax: 1800 889 037 www.cropmarkseeds.com

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

28 // PASTURE IMPROVEMENT

Hubris harms our humus One of the key roles of humus is in soil water retention — frequently it is described as a sponge-like compound.

BY DR LES SANDLES

IN THIS article I want to explore a little further

the importance of maintaining soil structure.

Zoom – the king of annual ryegrasses TM

ZoomTM is a specialist winter feed. An ideal break crop between maize and other crops, it is very quick to establish and shows exceptional autumn/winter growth and rapid re-growth.

ZoomTM offers the advantages of excellent palatability and high metabolisable energy content.

ZoomTM can provide multiple grazings over autumn and winter before being shut up for high quality silage in the spring.

For further information on Zoom contact our regional agronomists: EASTERN VICTORIA, NORTHERN NSW & QUEENSLAND ADAM SHEEDY Ph: 0428 132 096 NORTHERN VICTORIA & SOUTHERN NSW SVEN KOLJO Ph: 0429 375 452 WESTERN DISTRICTS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, TASMANIA BRUCE HUME Ph: 0427 607 375

ZOOMTM IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL SEED MERCHANT OR FARM MERCHANDISE OUTLET

Cropmark Seeds Australia Pty Ltd Freephone: 1800 889 039 Freefax: 1800 889 037 www.cropmarkseeds.com

I previously described how the ratio of Ca to Mg influences soil pore size which, in turn, determines how the air and water interact to deliver maximum dissolved oxygen (not O2) to the roots and their microbiome (the rhizosphere).

The Ca:Mg ratio also controls the behaviour of another key soil component in humus — the one per cent organic component that has a huge influence on the way soil water behaves.

Humus is a key part of the soil’s organic matter. It is a product of decomposition of plant residues, but specifically residues of fungal activity.

If you have cultivated a paddock in the recent past, or nuked it with glyphosate, the humus production brigade has been decimated and a vital part of your soil, and its functionality, has been lost.

Our hubris — thinking we know better than nature — harms the humus!

One of the key roles of humus is in soil water retention — frequently it is described as a sponge-like compound — actually a very good analogy. (Indeed, it does resemble that floppy kitchen thingy visually, structurally and functionally.)

The water holding capacity of humus is often misquoted as the organic matter’s holding capacity, which is 80 yo 90 per cent of its weight.

Humus itself can hold four to seven times its weight in water when provided the right conditions. That is, all of the soil water held by organic matter is held in the humus fraction, which is typically about 20 per cent of the organic matter.

To realise its full water holding potential, humus requires the space to expand, and as we have discussed, this space is controlled by the Ca:Mg ratio — precisely the same mechanism that controls soil pore size.

Now, the fact that the soil responds in an identical way to humus with every incremental change in the Ca:Mg ratio means that we have a double-whammy on both sides of optimum.

That is, relatively small changes in soil chemistry create big shifts in the water holding capacity of your soil.

To be clear, every time a tanker load of milk goes out the gate, the Ca:Mg ratio gets a little smaller. As a result, the soil gets a tiny bit tighter, and the space for humus to expand into is compromised, reducing its ability to hold water.

In effect, the humus-sponge is scrunched up a bit preventing it sucking up and retaining more water.

On the other hand, a high Ca:Mg, as it might be in sandy soil, or in limestone-rich soils, stretches the humic sponge such that some pores become too large and let their water go.

To maximise soil humus production, we need to find ways to get to five per cent soil organic matter, and have the fungal component of the soil’s microbiome thriving.

This is achieved by finding ways to avoid cultivation and chemicals, adding organic matter directly, managing soil chemistry and making sure your pasture mix contains species that promote mycorrhizal and other fungi.

If we work with nature rather than try to beat it, we can rapidly restore our soils.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2024

30 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Tractor was a labour of love AS 2023 drew to a close, so too did

the centenary celebrations for the Case IH Farmall tractor.

One of the focal points for the centenary has been a historic 1940s restored Farmall that has been on the field day circuit promoting the milestone and providing an insight into the proud history of this tractor model.

The fully restored 1949 Farmall was purchased by Case IH during 2023 to help showcase the celebrations, and was displayed at the AgQuip, Henty and Yorke Peninsula field days throughout the year.

The tractor was bought from Kerang, in northern Victoria. Where it had been restored by passionate collector Cedric Sheaf, who passed away early in 2023 at the age of 91.

Cedric’s family wanted to ensure his tractor collection went to new owners who would appreciate them as much as their father and grandfather.

“Dad was so passionate when it came to restoring the tractors he collected, he was very meticulous and took a lot of pride in doing it right,” said Barbara Lawson, one of Cedric’s daughters.

“When he died, the tractors were left to various family members, but

The tractor purchased by Case IH on show at AgQuip 2023.

without the room to store them properly, we then looked to passing them onto collectors as dedicated as Dad was, who would really appreciate them and the history around them.”

Case IH tractor product specialist Scott Jericho said it was important to the company to invest in its own vintage Farmall tractor to promote the centenary at a variety of events through 2023.

When he saw the 1949 Farmall Super A advertised by Cedric’s family, he knew it was the right one.

“The fact the tractor was fully

restored was very appealing because we wanted to be able to use it immediately, and Cedric had done such a beautiful job with it,” Scott said.

“It’s such a great example of a classic Farmall and it’s attracted a lot of attention and comments throughout the year.”

Cedric and wife Inez were farmers near Kerang before retiring into the town in the late 1990s.

Barbara said he had a Farmall tractor on the farm for many years, so once retired, he started to collect old Farmalls, all in reasonably poor condition.

Cedric Sheaf on the Farmall Super A in a parade in Kerang.

For Cedric, it became a labour of love restoring the tractors to their former glory.

The 1949 Farmall Super A purchased by Case IH was bought

by Cedric from Trentham Cliffs, Mildura, in June 2001, where it had been sitting in a paddock for 13 years.

His collection ended up totalling six Farmalls, which were kept in a shed in the couple’s backyard.

Cedric enjoyed showing them off at vintage tractor events and driving them in local parades. The Farmall Super A won a number of ‘Best

Restored Tractor’ awards at vintage machinery club days.

“Dad would have been so thrilled to know one of his Farmalls was actually purchased by Case IH to help celebrate the Farmall’s centenary year,” Barbara said.

“When my sister and I knew one of Dad’s tractors was going to the company, we were really emotional.

It meant such a lot and would have meant a lot to him.”

The Farmall Super A is currently on display to the public at Case IH dealership Larwoods Ag at Kadina in South Australia.

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