BUILDING BETTER PASTURE
A paddock of chicory oversown with rye-grass at Ellinbank SmartFarm. It’s part of Dr Anna Thomson’s research into how multispecies pastures can fill grazing needs year-round on dairy farms. Page 14.
Bega Cobram Cohuna Colac Corryong Dumbalk Eskdale Finley Foster Heywood Howlong Katunga
Kiewa Koroit Korumburra
Leongatha Maffra Numurkah
Orbost Rochester Simpson
Swan Hill Timboon Wangaratta Warragul Wonthaggi Yarram
Chair’s message
Plenty to think about
BY SARAH O'BRIEN
WE’VE JUST tipped another inch of rain out of the gauge this morning. That makes two inches in the last few days as I write this mid-July.
It’s getting difficult to find the next best paddock for the cows at the moment.
This time of year always makes me long for sunshine and warmth, and certainly reminds me of how tough cows really are.
Being a spring calving farm, we’re waiting for the first calf of the season and asking the question: Do we have enough time to start another project before calving really hits? Nothing worse than starting a project and not being able to get it finished!
Ellinbank SmartFarm recently hosted a Gippsland Discussion Group with Irish farm consultant John McCabe.
It was a great turnout of farmers and service providers, with some fantastic discussions around current research, pasture utilisation and nitrogen use.
It was followed by a farm walk to check out the interesting
pasture trials currently taking place at the SmartFarm.
During John’s presentation to the group, he highlighted that a strength for farmers was the focus on centralised data of individual farms. This data is helping to drive profitability for the whole of Ireland, and is helping the decision makers on-farm to drive profitability and efficiencies.
On a whole industry level, this data tells an amazing story of growth coming out of Ireland. The top producing farms were impressive, fully feeding cows with a strong focus on pasture production as their cheapest form of feed.
John mentioned these farmers were constantly getting the basics right, and I would agree: Grass is king.
As we move into a year on a softer milk price than 2023-24, getting our basics right in our farm business is important. It was a good reminder to Mike and I.
On the drive home from Ellinbank we talked about what it would take to grow another tonne of feed on the farm, what it would take to reduce more instances of mastitis in the herd, what we could do to get a few more cows in
calf early, and we also talked about what it would save us if we could achieve those goals.
Farmers may not have control of setting the milk price, but we certainly have control of how we chase opportunities that will pay off this year.
Have you got some farm goals in mind for this season that you have shared with your team?
A friendly reminder that if you are looking to sharpen skills in this area, Dairy Australia has many online courses for you to consider. They can be found at: https:// enlight.dairyaustralia.com.au
DairyBase is another great resource that allows you to benchmark your farm data against similar farms, highlighting areas of strength and potential opportunities for your farm business to consider. I would encourage you to give it a go.
To register for a DairyBase account, visit: https://www. dairyaustralia.com.au/ farm-business/dairybase
The team at GippsDairy are always available to assist with accessing these, and other resources. Connect with them at info@gippsdairy.com.au or phone 5624 3900.
I’d also like to thank Professor Joe Jacobs, research director for animal production sciences at Agriculture Victoria Research, and his team at Ellinbank SmartFarm for hosting the Gippsland Discussion Group.
I look forward to more days showcasing the research that is happening.
Keep an eye out for future extension opportunities to be hosted at Ellinbank, it really is a great resource to Gippsland farmers, partially funded by our levy.
See you all on the other side of calving — I know I will be spending most of my time at the calf shed for the next few months.
I can’t wait for the first calf cuddle, and after that I’ll be down to business.
– Sarah O’Brien is the GippsDairy chair.
CBA Agribusiness executive Jacob De Klerk with Sarah and Mike O’Brien at Ellinbank.
Farm values hit record level
BY GEOFF ADAMS
FARMLAND PRICES in south and west Gippsland reached a record high of $31,000 per hectare in a review of 2023 farm land values.
The figure is higher than any other rural Victorian region.
The numbers come from the 2024 Rural Bank Australian Farmland Values Report, which records that Australian farmland values have now recorded a full decade of unbroken growth.
The Gippsland figure was 22 per cent higher than the previous year, which also followed a similar increase from 2021.
Following broader trends throughout the farmland markets, transaction numbers were down 29 per cent.
Total transaction volume in 2023 was 98, which is the lowest on record for the region and makes this the third consecutive year of declining sales volumes.
The Rural Bank report notes the growth in median price per hectare can be attributed to a significant increase in total proportion of sales in the higher ranges.
Despite a decline in transaction volumes across all price ranges aside
from the smallest range, the total proportion of higher priced transactions increased from 52 per cent to 65 per cent.
“The key drivers of farmland values look set to remain in a holding pattern in 2024,” Rural Bank head of agribusiness development Andrew Smith said.
“It is increasingly likely that the market will now see a plateau in farmland values.”
The report shows the past 10 years have seen the national median price for Australian farmland triple, rising by 201 per cent at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6 per cent. This rate of growth is well ahead of the longer-term 20-year CAGR of 8.4 per cent.
“While rural property remained very much in demand, record low supply helped push farmland values to new record highs in 2023 with many regions experiencing exceptional growth in values, particularly in Western Australia,” Mr Smith said.
Western Australia has become the national leader in farmland value growth. Median price growth of 32.6 per cent in 2023 has helped the state boast a five-year CAGR of 25.6 per cent, followed by Victoria with a CAGR of 17.2 per cent.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE
More than 70 colleagues, suppliers, former colleagues and family members recently came together to celebrate Gippsland local, Ken Lascelles, for his 50 years of service and dedication to the farming community as a Saputo Dairy Australia employee.
Ken began his career at the AG Warehouse store in Maffra, known then as Murray Goulburn Trading.
Over the next five decades, he managed several stores, including Yarram, Finley and Cobram. Ken returned to the Maffra store in 1985, where he continues to serve the community.
When asked what kept him at the company for so long, Ken said, “The people I’ve worked with and the farmers in the
community have been awesome and I’ve learned so much from them”.
“There's never a dull moment and always something going on and to be challenged all the time with different products and to solve problems, it's so motivating,” he said.
“The highlight was being able to bring my kids and family up while working at the store. All three of my girls and my wife have played a part in this business.
“I met my wife during the MG Trading days and all three of my girls have done work experience here in the store. I met my wife, Sue, when she was part of the working team.”
AG Warehouse’s head of operations (southern region) Tony Gomersall said
Ken’s work ethic, knowledge and passion contributed to him working his way up to become a true leader of the business and a mainstay of the agricultural industry.
“Businesses are built on their people, and in our case, it rings true when you look at the impact Ken has had on our employees and the broader community he serves and lives in,” Tony said.
“Ken’s stories and camaraderie have left an enduring mark on everyone who has worked with him.
“He embodies the spirit of teamwork and is a fun-loving character. These sentiments are echoed by his colleagues, past and present.”
Saputo Dairy Australia hopes to retain Ken’s expertise in a casual capacity when he returns from a well-deserved journey across Australia with his wife, Sue, after his tenure officially concludes at the end of June.
Ken Lascelles in the AG Warehouse store in Maffra.
Neil Jess Trav Gemma
Students discover pathways
BY JEANETTE SEVERS
ACCREDITED SHORT courses were part of a Dairy Learn Pathways Program in Gippsland, participated in by 34 secondary school students in term two.
The Dairy Learn Pathways Program is in its second year in Gippsland, organised by GippsDairy, and involves taking students onto dairy farms and into service industry hubs.
This year the students were from Foster Secondary College, Berry Street School in Morwell, Neerim District Secondary College in Neerim South, Bass Coast College’s FLOW campus in Wonthaggi, and Leongatha Secondary College.
Dairy industry participants included veterinarians Jamie McNeil and Andrew Perry, dairy farmers Terri Geary, Gordon Lockett, Tania and Clint Staley, Ben Vagg, Kay-Lee Bransgrove, and Sarah Kelly, and academic Dr Nicole McDonald.
The students also toured a Fonterra factory, Burra factory, Hico facility at Korumburra and Ellinbank SmartFarm.
Some of the students also attended this year’s GippsDairy Muster.
GippsDairy’s Belinda Griffin said the program, run from March to June, helped secondary students to discover career pathways in agriculture and develop skills for a career in dairy.
This year’s students were from Years 10 and 11.
The accredited courses included a two-day raising healthy calves course and the two-day Dairy Australia Cups On Cups Off course.
Lynn Grabham from Leongatha Secondary College attended the Dairy Learn Pathways Program with five students from LSC.
Lynn was involved in last year’s program and is on the steering committee for the program.
She is also a dairy farmer at Outtrim, milking 200 cows in a 16-double-up herringbone.
“This program highlights the different opportunities in the dairy industry for young people,” Lynn said.
“It’s about more than milking cows. They learn about the career opportunities that are on the farm and extend beyond the farm.”
Lynn said one of the advantages of the program was the direct interaction the students had with farmers and other industry people, giving them opportunities to ask questions and initiate conversations.
“This year, speaking with farmers, the students realised you have to be a business person to run a farm, you need to know your maths, and the role requires a lot of trade skills,” Lynn said.
“They got a real insight into the roles involved in dairy farming.”
She said a couple of her students had decided they would pursue a mechanical apprenticeship, as their pathway into the dairy industry.
Other students have taken on school-based apprenticeships and part-time work. After completing the Cups On Cups Off course, one student gained part-time work as a milker on a dairy farm.
Lynn said providing students with access to accredited courses through the program gave them an advantage when it came to finding relief milking work.
“As soon as one of the students told the farmer he had his Cups On Cups Off course, he was offered part-time work,” she said.
“An accredited and certificated course really makes a difference.
“I’m sure having a certificate that proves students have the knowledge background in rearing healthy calves will help some of them to gain employment during calving season.”
Tania and Clint Staley farm at Toora South, milking 750 cows in a 50-bale rotary dairy.
Their farm hosted the students for the day two practical session of the Cups On Cups Off course, delivered by Andrew Perry.
“Our shed is a two-person shed at Cups On, and we have automatic Cups Off and teat spray,” Tania said.
“We use GippsDairy a lot for courses to upskill ourselves and our staff.
“We got involved in the Dairy Learn Pathways Program because there’s a lack of young adults in the industry, and we want them to be able to see hands-on what the dairy industry may look like for them one day.
“If that leads them to a career in dairy, for me, that would be the best outcome for myself or any other dairy farmer involved in this program.”
The students also participated in developing a set of guidelines to adhere to for participating in the program, created smart goals, and tracked them as the sessions progressed.
Working with Dr Nicole McDonald from Central Queensland University, the students identified their personal skills and interests and learned about how these articulate into work roles.
“We aim to get students reflecting on these transferable skills, and understand pathways into dairy are not always linear,” Nicole said.
“We also focused on two key skill areas –communication and resilience.
“Students practised giving instructions in a number of ways, working in pairs to guide each other through different tasks.
“We also discussed how working in dairy will involve a lot of learning on the job.
“New entrants can’t expect to get everything right. We spoke about how we can best handle mistakes, how to receive feedback and seek advice to grow our skills and ability, and how to work through challenging situations.”
The program is funded through Dairy Australia for the second year in a row, with support from the participating tutors, farmers and service centres.
“We’re hoping we can continue beyond this year and get some more funding,” Lynn said.
“As long as the program is running, Leongatha Secondary College will be part of it. Our principal is a big supporter of it.
“Delivering it in term two meant it fitted in with school programs, and attendance from the students was good.
“Part of the funding model enables CRT teacher cover, and that makes a difference for the schools to participate.
“A big highlight for the students is the food. Every week they looked forward to the food that Belinda organised for them.”
For more pictures, go to: https://www. dairynewsaustralia.com.au/news/studentsdiscover-pathways/
One of the students participating in the accredited Cups On Cups Off course, held at the dairy farm of Tania and Clint Staley, Toora South.
Dairy Learn Pathways Program students in the dairy research laboratory at Ellinbank SmartFarm.
Photos: GippsDairy
Students learn about pasture trials at Ellinbank SmartFarm.
HAS A STORY TO
Thursday 5th September at 1pm
With the dairy industry as diverse as it is, and our dairy people being the backbone of the industry, it is no wonder there are so many personal stories out in our dairy community. Our panel members have heartwrenching and challenging stories to tell, which have shaped them into the resilient people they are today.
Join Colin Gray and Ancret Shipton and listen to what challenges have been thrown at them, and how they have adapted to their new life.
Along with Chloe Brown, podcaster and dairy farmer come along and join us to hear about the stories and challenges she holds from the people that confide in her.
Panel members: Colin Gray Dairy farmer Nilma, Ancret Shipton Dairy farmer Bega and former Nar Nar Goon Focus Farmer, Chloe Brown, Westen Victorian Dairy farmer and podcaster.
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Expo to celebrate 25 years
THE STRZELECKI Lions Club
will host the South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo at Korumburra on Wednesday and Thursday, September 4 and 5.
This year the expo celebrates 25 years of showcasing the latest innovations, products and services available to the local dairy industry.
Funds raised from the expo have helped the Strzelecki Lions Club distribute more than $600,000 back into the community and Lions projects.
Planning for the expo starts in January each year, and the committee meets monthly until the last week before the event to ensure all the plans are in place.
The committee thanks the gold sponsors for their support: Apiam Animal Health – ProDairy, Brandt, Burra Foods, Dairy Pumping Systems, Easy Dairy Automation Systems, Evans Petroleum BP/Castrol, GEA Farm Technologies Australia Pty Ltd, GippsDairy, Greenmate Agriculture Pty Ltd, Lely Center Gippsland, Metalform Ag, nbn Local Gippsland, Rabobank, Reid Stockfeeds, Saputo Dairy Australia and Vic Silos.
The committee is also grateful to silver sponsors and media partners: Poowong Dairy & Hardware, SRH Milk Haulage, South Gippsland Shire Council, Dairy News Australia, The Warragul Gazette and Sentinel-Times
Udder Truth Show Bag
Don’t miss your chance to win a share of $5000 in the Udder Truth Show Bag competition, sponsored by South East Organic Fertiliser.
Participants must be farmers and over 18 years of age. Collect a show bag at the gate (there are only 200 of them), answer 17 of the 20 questions and request your card be stamped by the corresponding exhibitor.
The first card drawn at 2.30 pm on Thursday — with 17 correct answers, with the exhibitor stamps — will win $3000. Second place will receive $1500 and $500 for third.
Sponsors include: Easy Dairy Automation Systems, Jantec Systems, Brown’s Fertiliser, Dairy Shelters Australia, MaxCare, Ridley, East Coast Generators, Travel Managers – Poowong, Burra Foods, Achmea
Insurance, Green Mate Agriculture, Redei – Renewable Energy Solutions, Entegra, Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria – Gippsland, Alltech, Reid Stockfeeds, South East Organic Fertiliser, Agriculture Victoria and GippsDairy.
Farmers share their stories
Matt Harms from OnFarm Consulting is hosting a session on Wednesday at 11am, called: ‘This is your life. Everyone has a story to tell’.
With the dairy industry as diverse as it is, and dairy people being the backbone of the industry, it is no
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DAIRY FARMING
In the ever-changing landscape of dairy farming, flexibility, cow welfare and sustainability are more critical than ever.
GEA Farm Technologies is at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative solutions that integrate seamlessly into modern farming practices.
“Our solutions are designed to meet these demands head-on,” GEA says.
“By combining advanced technology with practical farming needs, we aim to create a more efficient and sustainable future for the industry.”
Pioneering sustainable practices
“Our approach includes a comprehensive suite of technologies addressing every facet of dairy farming, including automatic milking and feeding systems, conventional milking solutions, digital herd management, and manure handling equipment,” GEA says.
GEA’s automated milking systems and conventional rotary parlours streamline operations, reduce labour, and increase throughput, benefiting farms of all sizes.
“Additionally, our herd management tools leverage the latest sensor technologies to give farmers real-time access to vital data, allowing for better decision-making and improved herd health.”
Enhancing e ciency and productivity
Efficiency is key to successful dairy farming.
“GEA ensures farms stay ahead with our DairyMilk product line, optimising the milking process for high-quality milk production and cow welfare.
“Our feeding technologies and milk cooling systems further contribute to high yields and energy savings, making the whole farming process more efficient.”
Beyond technology, GEA’s Dairy Service offerings help farmers to maintain equipment in optimal condition, maximising efficiency and cow health while minimising downtime and emergency calls.
“We also offer value to our customers through our farm design experts who will work closely with farmers to create customised layouts that enhance operational efficiency.”
GEA at the expo
The South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo is an excellent opportunity for farmers to explore GEA’s innovations first-hand.
Join GEA at the expo on September 4 and 5 to see the DairyRobot R9500, along with other technology and equipment. This is also an opportunity to consult with the GEA team and local dealership partners.
For more information, visit http:// GEA.com/dairyfarming or phone (03) 8877 9999.
wonder there are so many personal stories in the dairy community.
Panel members are: Colin Gray, a dairy farmer from Nilma; Ancret Shipton, a dairy farmer from Bega and a former Focus Farmer from Nar Nar Goon; and Chloe Brown, a western Victoria dairy farmer and podcaster Panel members have heart-wrenching and challenging stories to tell, which have shaped them into the resilient people they are today.
Colin Gray and Ancret Shipton will talk about the challenges that have been thrown at them, and how
they have adapted to their new lives. Chloe Brown will share the stories and challenges she hears from the people on her podcast.
The Gumboot Gift On Thursday at 1pm, the prestigious 120-metre gumboot footrace will take place.
It is a must-see and do event, with both male and female sections and a prize pool of $4000.
There are two new rules this year: the participants must be wearing authentic farm-type gumboots (no fitted gumboots allowed); and last year’s winners will be handicapped. The event is sponsored by: Lardner Cattle Sales, Jefferis Livestock & Transport, Walker Electrical Contracting, Countrywide Clothing, Levey Engineering, Farm Depot, Ag-Crete Industries, Nacas Truck ‘N’ Ag, Devin Hance, Carringtons at Loch, Lectaire Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning, S.G. hire & Sales, The Burra Barber, Nutrien Ag Solutions, JJ’s Waste and Recycling, Notman Pasture Seeds, Area Specialist Jack Gilchrist and T & G Mechanical Repairs.
The South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo is on Wednesday and Thursday, September 4 and 5, at the Korumburra Showgrounds, Korumburra, from 10am to 3pm each day.
Cost is $15; children under 16 years have free admission. For more information for exhibitors or visitors, phone Deanne Kennedy on 0419 878 055 or email dairyexpo@jaydee.net.au
This year will be the 25th time the South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo has showcased the latest innovations, products and services available to the local dairy industry.
Male & Female Sections - Thursday 5th September at 1pm
•Lardner Cattle Sales
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:
•Farm Depot
• The Burra Barber
•Jefferis Livestock & Transport
•Walker Electrical Contracting
•Countrywide Clothing
•Levey Engineering
WHAT IS THE GUMBOOT GIFT?
• The gumboot gift is a 120 metre foot race wearing gumboots that will be held on Thursday 5th September 2024 at 1 pm
• The prize pool is $4,000 - Male & Female categories
• There is no entry fee, participants will just need to turn up with an ‘I can win’ attitude.
•Ag-Crete Industries
•Nacas Truck ‘N’ Ag
•Devin Hance
•Carringtons At Loch
•Lectaire Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning
•S.G. Hire & Sales
•Nutrien Ag Solutions
•JJ’S Waste and Recycling
•Notman Pasture Seeds
•Area Specialist Jack Gilchrist
•T & G Mechanical Repairs
RULES OF ENTRY
Participants must:
• Arrive at the checkpoint in front of the amenities complex to receive their race number before 12.30 pm, ready for a 1.00 pm start
•Provide and wear standard knee length gumboots with no modifications
•Provide their age upon registration; handicaps will apply
Complete the race registration form prior to racing either online or at the racing checkpoint on the day. Registration forms can be found at www.dairyexpo.org.au
•Be over 18 years of age to enter the race
• Participants must not be wearing fitted gumboots. A small supply of gumboots are available; however participants will need to notify event organisers
• Last year’s first prize winners will start on their age handicap + an extra marker back.
SHOWBAG The Udder Truth!
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING EXHIBITORS FOR
• Easy Dairy Automation Systems
•Jantec Systems
•Brown’s Fertiliser
•Dairy Shelters
Australia
•MaxCare
WHAT IS THE UDDER TRUTH SHOW BAG?
• The Udder Truth Show Bag is a competition where one lucky farmer can become significantly richer
• First Prize $3,000, Second Prize $1,500, Third Prize $500
• There is no entry fee, participants will just need to turn up and collect a show bag at the gate.
• East Coast Generators
•Ridley
•Travel ManagersPoowong
•Burra Foods
•Acmea Insurance
• Redei - Renewable Energy Solutions
•Green Mate Agriculture
•Rural Financial Counselling Service
Victoria - Gippsland
RULES OF ENTRY
• Reid Stockfeeds
•Entegra
•GippsDairy
•Alltech
•Agriculture
Victoria
•South East Organic Fertilizer
• Answer 17 out of the 20 questions and request your card to be stamped to go in the draw for the $5,000 cash prize pool
• Place completed cards in the designated ‘entry box’ which can be found at any of the Dairy & Farming Expo gates
• The first three cards drawn with 17 correct answers and stamps from the corresponding companies will win $3,000, $1,500, $500 respectively
• Participants must be farmers and over 18 years of age to enter The prize will be drawn at 2.30 pm on Thursday 5th September 2024
• Registration information will be used for ‘competition purposes only’ and will be destroyed after the draw
• You do not need to be present at the Dairy & Farming Expo to win the prize money!
Food champions rewarded
BY JEANETTE SEVERS
THREE GIPPSLAND dairy farming businesses received awards at the 2024 Food and Fibre Gippsland Awards recently.
The Sustainability Award, sponsored by Bass Coast Shire Council and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, was presented to Wilandra Farms.
Wilco Droppert and Sandra Jefford, of Wilandra Farms, have established a certified organic dairy operation at Clydebank.
Wilco and Sandra have strong environmental stewardship ethics, demonstrating organic and regenerative farming practices and planting of thousands of trees for shelter and shade for their cattle.
They have also incorporated some groundbreaking irrigation and energy use changes on their property.
Dairy News Australia has previously published stories about Wilandra Farms, visit: https://www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au/ news/keeping-their-eyes-firmly-fixed-onthe-long-game/
The Young Agribusiness Leader of the Year, sponsored by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, was presented to Nicole Saunders from The Berry Dairy.
Nicole and Brendan have diversified their agribusiness, adding to their two dairy farms with a pick-your-own strawberry farm and café. The horticulture venture has added to the
destination tourism assets of Wellington Shire.
The Berry Dairy is also a food to plate education experience for community groups.
As part of her award, Nicole is eligible to complete the ARLP’s TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program.
Their story was published previously by Dairy News Australia , visit: https:// www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au/news/ dairy-takes-a-sweet-detour/
The Berry Dairy was also recently listed a finalist in the Gippsland Business Awards 2024 – Tourism Activities and Attractions category.
Ferial Zekiman from Maffra Cheese accepted the Food and Fibre Gippsland Board Award, in recognition of an outstanding, long-term
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contribution to the food and fibre industry in Gippsland.
Ferial established Maffra Cheese Company in 1991 at Tinamba, and she has taken it on to win multiple awards for hand-crafted cheddar and soft cheeses.
All cheese is made in the factory, located on the same farm as the Holstein-Friesian herd Ferial breeds and milks, making Maffra cheese a true paddock to plate product.
Maffra Cheese Co’s latest awards include two gold medals and a bronze medal at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards United Kingdom.
The gold medals were awarded to the Maffra Cheese cloth-aged cheddar (Best Australian
Cheddar Cheese category) and farmhouse brie (Best Australian Soft/Semi-soft Cheese category).
The bronze award was given to the Maffra Cheese vintage club cheddar (Best Australian Cheese – any variety category).
The Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards showcases the region’s $7 billion agricultural sector, by acknowledging, celebrating and rewarding food and fibre champions.
Ferial Zekiman, the founder of Maffra Cheese Company at Tinamba.
Wilco Droppert and Sandra Jefford from Wilandra Farms at Clydebank.
Nicole and Brendan Saunders from The Berry Dairy at Tinamba.
GippsDairy changes up roles
BY JEANETTE SEVERS
THERE HAVE been many staff movements at GippsDairy recently.
Some long-term staff have stepped into national strategic roles with Dairy Australia, one staff member has gone on maternity leave, and there are three new recruits.
Kristen Davis, previously an extension adviser with GippsDairy, has been recruited into a new role with Dairy Australia as the development and regional adaptation lead – animal health, welfare and performance.
GippsDairy extension coordinator Robyn McLean has begun a two-year secondment with Dairy Australia, leading the delivery of the Federal Government’s Carbon Farming Outreach Program across southern Australian dairy regions.
The program is part of the government’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions nationally and provides up to $17.5 million, over three years, to deliver training and advice to farmers and landholders about how to integrate low emission technologies and practices into their farming operations and land management.
Dairy farmer Kim Price, an existing GippsDairy team member and regional extension adviser, has moved into the new role of farm engagement lead, working one-on-one with farmers to help them access education programs available through Dairy Australia.
Kim will be joined by new recruit Jackie
Aveling, who has started in the other farm engagement lead role. Jackie’s experience in the dairy industry includes several roles in animal, soil and nutrition research and product management.
Shanky Sungroya is the extension adviser for the DairyFeedbase program, working with discussion groups. He brings expertise in helping dairy farmers increase the sustainability of their business, enhancing farm performance, and improving nitrogen use efficiency through climate action projects and actions.
Zoe Carter, from Lockington, is now in Gippsland and covering Jessica Russell’s maternity leave. Zoe is supporting the Young Dairy
Bioplex® trace minerals can be included at significantly lower levels than inorganic trace mineral sources while simultaneously promoting animal performance, optimising mineral utilisation and reducing environmental impact.
Network Gippsland and arranging activities for this cohort across the region, and also looking after workforce extension.
Kim Price.
Kristen Davis.
GippsDairy regional manager Karen McLennan (second from left) with new staff at GippsDairy. They are (from left) Jackie Aveling, Zoe Carter and Shanky Sungroya.
Robyn McLean.
Irish expert shares ideas
BY JEANETTE SEVERS
IRISH DAIRY expert John McCabe spoke to a room full of dairy farmers and service providers at Ellinbank SmartFarm in Gippsland in July.
His role at Teagasc, the Irish agriculture department, is to guide Irish dairy farmers in 20 discussion groups. He was in Australia as a guest of Dairy Australia.
The difference between Australian and Irish dairy farmers could not be more marked, listening to John’s presentation.
There are 15,500 dairy farms in Ireland, milking 1.5 million cows. That has grown from 1.1 million cows, five years ago, after trade changes with Europe in 2015.
In Ireland, the average farm size is 55 hectares, milking an average 93 cows per farm.
In recent years, the number of dairy farms has reduced — from 16,146 in 2020.
According to John, attrition is mostly in the form of changing to another commodity — particularly beef and horses.
At the same time, some dairy farms have increased their platform size.
Most dairy farmers buy in the fodder they need to feed out throughout the year, as well as grain.
In the dairy region that John services, the average farm size is 33.4 hectares, the average herd size is 80 cows, and the average cow is a 480kg Holstein Friesian.
“There’s money to be made in running a dairy farm of 100 cows in Ireland,” John said. Herds are dried off over winter and barnhoused to meet pasture dormancy. Calving occurs from early spring.
The typical milk production curve climbs during summer during peak pasture growth.
The grazing rotation is based on 1.5 days grazing before herd movement.
In contrast, in Australia, 4163 dairy farms support an average-sized dairy herd of 305 cows. From 2019 to 2023, the number of dairy farms in Australia has reduced from 5213 to 4163.
The majority of dairy farms grow a considerable portion of their harvested fodder requirements; on some dairy farms in Australia, no fodder is brought in.
Calving can be seasonal or split. In a small proportion of the industry, calving is almost year round.
The majority of the Australian dairy herd grazes fresh pasture outside year round. During lactation, that often leads to a fresh paddock after each milking.
The difference between the two industries that was barely mentioned is the subsidies paid to Irish dairy farmers.
According to Teagasc data, in 2021, the basic public income support payment — paid based on per hectare of land used for farming — accounted for 80 per cent of payments to Ireland’s dairy farms.
There are also grants and subsidies available to modernise the Irish farm and make it more sustainable — similar to Australia.
One of the issues Irish dairy farmers are taking on board is using genetics to improve their breeding for selected values. One of the first values was fertility.
“In recent years, we’ve had a great uptake of breeding values,” John said.
He said the industry started testing Irishbred bulls in 2005, and in 2008 leading dairy
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farmers started testing their heifers.
In 2009, the leading 10 per cent of farmers introduced genetic testing at the farm level.
That has now led to a government-introduced program of data recording, that includes genetic evaluation of markers including fertility, milk production and calving data.
“Sexed dairy semen has been used on an upward curve since 2019, and that’s accelerated since 2021,” John said.
“As the use of conventional dairy semen has reduced since 2021, the use of beef semen has accelerated in similar proportion.”
That has seen the development and growth of the Dairy Beef Index value in Ireland in recent years. It enables the selection of beef bulls that throw calves that mature earlier.
“As a result, we’ve seen better beef calves coming off the dairy farms,” John said.
Carbon emissions is a developing issue on Irish dairy farms, and cow health and productivity indexes are expected to be part of the accounting equation — cow fertility, lactation length, maturity and health of the cow.
At the same time, farmers are growing more clover in pasture to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, to reduce nitrogen use on the farm.
Nitrogen as synthetic fertiliser is applied in granular form 99 per cent of the time, and one per cent of the time as foliar spray.
John said increased reliance of clover on farms had its own issues — increased risk of bloat being one of them.
“When the fertiliser cost was much higher, the economics showed the main profit driver was still the amount of grass eaten per hectare.”
A challenge for the Irish dairy industry going forward is to improve nitrogen use efficiency in an environment that relies on grazing spring and summer pasture, and imported silage for autumn and winter feeding.
John said this required changes in dairy farming practices — including changing when to spread nitrogen, and how much to spread for optimising pasture growth.
At the same time, farmers were being encouraged to reduce the amount of imported fodder they bought.
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In the previous year, rainfall doubled, and this resulted in slow pasture growth and slow fixing of nitrogen in pastures.
In comparison, more recently, periods of soil moisture deficits also saw a reduction in the amount of grass grown.
“The main driver of profit on Ireland’s dairy farms is the amount of grass eaten,” John said.
“This remained the same even as more grain was fed in 2022.
One of the drivers of increased fodder imports — and therefore cost — was increased stocking rates. This was having a negative flowon effect to farm profit.
John said the increased cost of farming in Ireland was connected to the choice of cow bred on the farm.
“Don’t hold on to a poor performing cow just because she was a good milking cow 10 years ago.”
The choice of cow was also going to be accounted for as the interest grew in accounting for a reduced carbon footprint on the farm.
At Ellinbank Smartfarm were GippsDairy’s Sarah O’Brien, Karen McLennan, Zoe Carter, Shanky Sungroya and Jackie Aveling, with John McCabe from Ireland (third from left).
John McCabe, the Farm Profitability Programme coordinator at Teagasc in Ireland, was in Australia as a guest of Dairy Australia.
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Building a better pasture
BY JEANETTE SEVERS
A NEW five-year trial is under way at Ellinbank SmartFarm, comparing the growth, volume, dry matter and regrowth after grazing of perennial multispecies pastures.
Ellinbank SmartFarm, the Victorian Government’s dairy research farm in West Gippsland, is a commercial dairy farm. This enables pasture, animal health and technology research to be undertaken in real-time comparison.
Funded through the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund, the aim of the latest trial is to identify how to fill pasture grazing needs year-round on the farm.
Research has indicated a linear increase in operating profit of $250/hectare from each additional tonne/ha of dry matter consumed by milking cows.
Twenty plots have been allocated, sown in autumn 2023 with 12 species mixes, growing on the side of a hill as a dryland crop on the 180ha research farm.
The plots were sprayed out twice pre-sowing.
Varieties sown include cocksfoot, fescue, clovers, chicory, plantain and yarrow, among others.
Depending on the weight of each seed type, they were sown using power harrows and air seeding at a rate of 20-40kg/ha, targeting an outcome of 750 plants/square metre.
Nitrogen was applied eight times across most of the plots, mostly in spring and autumn — initially 200 units of N on the rye=grass, 100 units N on the mixed species, and no N treatment on the legume-heavy plots. There was a 20 per cent stepdown in application of N going forward.
Dr Anna Thomson, research scientist at the Ellinbank research farm, hosted a tour of the trial on July 5.
The current trial plot builds on a previous trial that analysed the growth, volume, dry matter and regrowth after grazing of ryegrass pasture varieties.
Anna said she was also researching how the root systems of multispecies varieties affected soil type and health; what is the optimal percentage of legumes in pasture; and the effect of varieties on perennial ryegrass growth and volume.
“We didn’t want to be too limited in diversity of pasture species,” she said.
“Over the year, some mixtures outperformed the perennial rye-grass.
“In summer, herb heavy pasture continued
to grow compared with rye-grass.
“The role of herbs is to fill feed gaps in summer.”
A report on the first year’s growth is due by the end of this year.
In spring this year, an economic analysis of milk production will be added to this pasture research study.
“We’ll be measuring milk production and milk solids and hoping to see a slight increase in milk yield and improvements in milk quality,” Anna said.
“We hope to compare pasture growth with seasonal changes in milk production, metabolisable energy changes, and changes in plant growth compared with the weather.”
Some of the key indicators they are already measuring includes fibre, carbohydrates, protein and energy levels in the pasture.
“We’re finding there’s lower fibre in the multispecies compared to rye-grass,” Anna said.
The SmartFarm also uses technology in the dairy to collect methane emissions from cows, during milking, twice a day.
“We should be able to measure any change in methane output and compare it to what the cows are grazing,” Anna said.
Anna said the trial plots will be managed to reduce seeding by the pasture and a weed management strategy is in place.
“During the establishment phase, the plots were mowed a couple of times,” she said.
is currently seeking expressions of interest from dairy farmers interested in allowing on farm trials on their properties, to be established in autumn 2025.
Dr Anna Thomson talks to dairy farmers about the pasture research under way at Ellinbank SmartFarm.
Some of the trial plots in the pasture research program.
She
Samantha and Brian Moore, Mirboo North.
Andrew McCormack from Maffra and Benn Thexton, Gormandale.
Doug McLaren of Leongatha North with Zoe Carter, GippsDairy.
David Dunlop and Leesa Wade, HiCo, Korumburra.
Tim Morley and Rob Jennings from Gormandale with Paul Battersby, Gibsons’ Ground Spreads.
Anthea Day and Cody Mathews from Shady Creek, with Dr Joe Jacobs from Ellinbank SmartFarm.
From Lely Center Gippsland were Andrea Meerworth and Ruby Pratt.
Focus on the basics
BY JEANETTE SEVERS
MAXIMISING HOME-GROWN feed was the topic of on-farm sessions in the Gippsland and Murray regions in June.
Nutritional fundamentals was a two-day course, held in Milawa by Murray Dairy staff, to help dairy farmers increase their understanding about how to use home-grown feed — either grazed or conserved — in the shoulder growing periods, when feed gaps are more prevalent.
In Gippsland, three dairy farms were recruited for a Pasture 101 series of farm walks — the one-day courses were replicated in the Macalister Irrigation District, West Gippsland and South Gippsland.
The workshops were held in response to a perceived need in both regions.
Some farmers were looking for opportunities to refresh their knowledge about growing pasture and optimising nutrition for their cows and calves.
Other farmers were looking for courses to help develop their knowledge.
“We noticed participants came along to do our Feeding Pasture For Profit course, and they may not have had prior experience or knowledge that made it hard for them to follow the learning,” GippsDairy’s Veronica McLeod said.
“Bec Wyper from Murray Dairy had seen the same need in northern Victoria.”
The two teams collaborated to develop a starter course.
“Participants would learn enough to be able to go back to their farms and put the knowledge into practice,” Veronica said.
“We hope they then return to complete the full Feeding Pasture For Profit course, at a future time.”
The pilot programs in each region were very successful.
“We hope we can now develop full extension materials for each short course,” Veronica said.
Participants learned about ruminant digestion, factors that limit feed intake, condition scoring, how to calculate the cost of rearing young cattle, growing pasture, grazing management, managing residuals, creating a feed wedge, feed budgeting and how to balance the cows’ diet, and comparing the cost of nutrients.
The three one-day workshops across Gippsland were attended by 76 people.
• Full range of granular fertiliser
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Dairy farmers learned about growing pasture, feed budgeting and nutrition essentials in on-farm workshops in Gippsland in June.
Participants get down to ground level to discuss pasture in the Macalister Irrigation District. Participants got to the root of the issues at the workshop.
Starting to build her dream
BY JEANETTE SEVERS
HELENA BROWN recently purchased a nucleus herd of Jersey cows and heifers at a herd dispersal.
It is a step forward in her plan to be a sharefarmer one day.
Helena is working as a farm manager on a dairy farm at Jindivick, for Steve and Bec Ronalds.
Helena has been in this role for six months, managing the health, welfare and safety of the cattle and people.
“My role as farm manager means making sure all the animals are happy and healthy, making sure the farm runs smoothly, managing staff and allocating jobs,” she said.
Prior to this, Helena progressed into the role of farm manager on the dairy farm of Trish and Mark Hammond, at Labertouche.
Helena’s pathway into the dairy industry has included an apprenticeship, formal courses and mentoring.
“I grew up on a dairy farm at Loch. Dad was a sharefarmer and I helped him, but I never really understood what was going on,” Helena said.
After finishing Year 12, she gained a dairy apprenticeship role.
“I was a dairy apprentice on the farm of Evan and Sinead de Gooyer, at Korumburra,” Helena said.
“I completed the certificate III and certificate IV in agriculture over two years while I was working with them.”
She then took a break for a couple of years: “I wanted to try a few different things.”
Finding her way back into the dairy industry, Helena started working for Trish and Mark Hammond, at Labertouche, where she studied a number of Dairy
Australia’s short courses and was promoted to farm manager.
“Trish offered to mentor me in the role of farm manager,” Helena said.
“They wanted to give me the opportunity to step up to a new chapter, and supported me to learn the new role.
“Trish helped me to develop the interpersonal skills needed for a management role.”
After two-and-a-half years, Helena moved into the farm manager role on the Ronald’s farm at Jindivick at the start of this year.
Her recent purchase of 13 in-calf Jersey cows at a dispersal sale, and six in-calf Jersey heifers in a private sale, will be added to the Ronald’s herd on the farm Helena manages at Jindivick.
By the end of October, with most of the cows and heifers calving down to sexed semen, Helena will effectively have doubled her herd equity.
“I want to be a sharefarmer one day,” Helena said.
“Sharefarming is attractive to me, because I can be my own boss.
“I’m starting off by getting and growing my milking herd now.”
Helena’s partner, Damian Crawford, works full-time for Barry Coster, a dairy farmer at Riverbrook.
“He’s also gaining further knowledge to bring back to the table for when we start our own thing,” she said.
The couple has resisted buying equipment and machinery.
“Equipment and machinery depreciates so quickly,” Helena said.
“We’re better to add those assets when we’re ready to start working as dairy farmers.
“In the meantime, we’re building our milking herd.”
Helena Brown, who works on a dairy farm at Jindivick, has started building her own dairy herd.