Dairy News Australia June 2021

Milk prices announced PAGE 3 CALF REARING FEATURE Passionate calf rearer shares tips.

PAGE 27

HEIFER BREAKS RECORD

A Jersey cow has set a new record for an Australian-bred Jersey heifer.

PAGE 11

JUNE, 2021 ISSUE 128 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

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NEWS // 3 NEWS

Milk prices open higher MILK PRICES have lifted across the board as the major processors filed

Coles chases direct supply. PG.05

their opening prices by June 1 under the national Dairy Code of Conduct.

Of the larger companies, Bega Cheese appears to be in front with a volume weighted average opening for southern Victoria and south-east South Australia of $6.80/kg milk solids, and for northern Victoria and the southern Riverina a price of $7/kg MS. Saputo Dairy Australia is offering $6.55/kg for suppliers in the Southern Milk Region.

Bega executive chairman Barry Irvin said these opening milk prices represented a welcome increase in milk prices from the 2020–21 average price.

Mr Irvin said traditional Bega suppliers were receiving a strong increase in price and Bega’s new Lions Dairy and Drinks suppliers were getting a modest increase, reflecting improving international and stable domestic market returns.

“Depending on supplier size and supply profile, most of our suppliers will receive an opening milk price in the range of $6.50 per kg milk solids to $7.05 per kg milk solids for our southern Victoria and southeast South Australian suppliers, and $6.70 per kg milk solids to $7.15 per kg milk solids for our northern Victoria and Riverina suppliers,” he said.

Saputo Dairy Australia said in addition to the minimum prices in the milk supply agreements, the company would continue additional payments to suppliers, including the monthly milk quality bonus, productivity payment and off-peak payment.

“Together, the minimum prices and additional payments result in the weighted average farm gate milk price,” Saputo said.

“While the code allows prospective step-downs in limited circumstances, SDA has again committed to no price step-downs in any circumstances during the year, which honours our ongoing promise to suppliers.”

See where some processors opened at below.

Processor

Average opening milk price

ACM

$6.85/kg MS, northern suppliers $7/kg MS

ACM (organic)

$8.60/kg MS

ACM (a2)

$7.15/kg MS

ADFC

$7/kg MS

Saputo – Southern Milk Region

$6.65/kg MS

Fonterra

$6.55 /kg MS

Bega (southern Victoria and south-east South Australia)

$6.80/kg MS

Bega (Northern Victoria and Riverina)

$7/kg MS

Bulla

$6.40 to $6.90/kg MS

Coles (Victoria)

$7.19/kg MS

Burra

$6.40 to $6.80/kg MS

OPINION ..................................................... 6

Norco

56¢/litre to 58¢/litre, depending on region

MARKETS ................................................. 12

KyValley

40.7¢/litre (base price)

Lactalis Australia (Victoria, southern Riverina and Tasmania)

$6.95/kg MS

Linking excess calves with beef industry. PG.21

Write-off scheme extended. PG.37

NEWS .....................................................3-25

CALF REARING ............................... 27-32 ANIMAL HEALTH .......................... 33-34 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS ......................................35-39

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

4 // NEWS

NSW dairy on brink A REPORT into the ailing NSW dairy industry

has found no significant progress has been made since the last inquiry three years ago, prompting calls for an independent advocate for the sector.

A NSW upper house committee report looking into the long-term sustainability of the state’s dairy industry was tabled in parliament on May 13.

It found recent drought and bushfires, along with the supermarket price wars, were pushing the dairy industry towards unviability.

“Despite more favourable seasonal conditions over recent months, we are still losing our local, family-run dairy farms at a concerning rate and it is difficult for new dairy farmers to enter the industry,” committee chair and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Mark Banasiak wrote in the report.

“Many of the concerns raised by stakeholders in the first inquiry conducted in 2018, are much the same in this inquiry, begging the question as

to whether recent government actions are making enough of an impact on the viability of the dairy industry.”

The bipartisan committee made eight recommendations, including that the Department of Primary Industries and its Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate investigate whether a dairy floor price — a minimum legal price paid to producers for their product — could be implemented.

It also recommended the DPI investigate whether a similar mechanism that would set the price of milk in relation to fluctuating production costs, called a milk to feed price ratio, would help farmers keep their heads above water.

Among the other recommendations were that dairy workers have improved pathways to enter the industry and transition out of it.

However, committee members were split on a call to scrap the position of the NSW Fresh Milk

and Dairy Advocate and replace it with an independent Commissioner for Dairy.

NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay and Mr Banasiak have both hit out at the Coalition committee members who blocked the inclusion of such a recommendation in the report.

“These amendments are further proof of the Nationals betrayal of our dairy farmers,” Mr Banasiak said.

He said the government had “killed” the Upper Hunter’s dairy industry.

“We had thousands of dairy farms in the past and we are down to 92,” he said.

NSW Labor will introduce two bills to establish a full-time independent Agriculture Commissioner and a full-time independent Dairy and Fresh Food Commissioner in NSW with expanded powers.

Both would need government support to pass.

Odgers praised for his contribution THE CONTRIBUTION of Victorian dairy leader, Jeff Odgers, to the industry was acknowledged at a Murray Dairy conference in May. Mr Odgers has stepped down from many of his industry leadership roles since the tragic death of his son, Johno, on the family farm in March last year.

In 2001 the Odgers family moved from northwest Tasmania to Ardmona in northern Victoria.

Murray Dairy chair Andrew Tyler remarked on Mr Odgers’ achievements at dinner during the organisation’s annual conference.

“In the early days of farming in the Goulburn Valley, whilst busy developing your dairy property and juggling the demands of a young family amid a personal health scare, you were still able to make time to take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the issues of the region,” Mr Tyler said.

Mr Odgers was appointed chair of Murray Dairy in 2008 and finished two, three-year terms with the regional development body in 2012.

The challenges during his time in the governance role included uncertainty around water reforms, low rainfall and below average water allocations, the implementation of the Foodbowl Modernisation Project, the 2011 floods, and the

closure of the Kyabram Dairy Centre and focusing on how research and development would be addressed.

Mr Odgers’ strong interest in water has involved him serving on a Goulburn-Murray Water water services committee and also on the ADIC water taskforce.

In 2009, Mr Odgers joined the Tatura Milk Industries board and continued as a director of Bega from 2011 until June 2020.

He was elected to the Dairy Australia board in 2013 and served as chair from 2017 until 2020, and retired as a director only recently.

Mr Tyler recalled a seminal moment in leadership for Mr Odgers when he gave a passionate and honest speech in October 2018, in his role as chair of Dairy Australia.

“I recall it started with ‘we are in a spot of trouble’,” Mr Tyler said.

“Strong leadership and courage were certainly on display, Jeff, as you encouraged the industry to take a good hard look at where it was at and to develop a path forward.

“Progress since then may not have been as fast or to the extent that some may have wished but importantly discussions have started.”

Dairy leader Jeff Odgers has been acknowledged for his work in the industry.

Mr Tyler noted the hallmarks of Mr Odgers’ engagement with Dairy Australia included his passion for encouraging adaption of technology, and being a strong advocate of providing tools for farmers to strengthen their businesses.

INPUT SOUGHT FOR CODE REVIEW Submissions will be invited from farmers and industry leaders in the first review of the Dairy Code of Conduct.

The Federal Government has announced the review will be open from July 5 to August 15.

The government is also establishing a dairy code review reference group to support the first review.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the government would seek input from the dairy reference group, dairy farmers, processors and industry groups.

“The Dairy Code of Conduct was introduced on January 1, 2020 to even out market imbalances in the dairy industry,” Mr Littleproud said.

“It was a recommendation of the ACCC’s 2018 inquiry into the dairy industry, which found significant imbalances in bargaining power at each level of the dairy supply chain.

“This review is critical to assessing whether it is operating as intended and delivering the outcomes the dairy industry needs.

“I’m pleased to say that initial feedback on the code has been quite positive but we are open to hearing how it could be improved.

“We will listen closely to industry’s experiences and hear how the code’s requirements are being met, the impact on business relationships and outcomes.”

Further information on the review will be available on the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment’s website in coming weeks.

In December 2020, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission published initial observations on the operation of the code, which indicated it was making a difference to market transparency in the industry.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

NEWS // 5

Coles chases milk supply

VAN DAIRY SELLS HALF ITS FARMS

GEOFF ADAMS

GIANT FOOD retailer Coles is chasing more direct suppliers to make its own cheese products and ramping up the pressure on milk processors by announcing minimum price contracts at the top end of the market.

The big national chain wants more milk from south-eastern Australia to make its cheese products at Cobram and Allansford, and announced its prices the week prior to the final deadline on June 1 for processors to set prices under the Dairy Code of Conduct.

Coles opened the 2022 financial year with a full season average price of $7.19.

Coles doesn’t own or operate milk processing factories but out-sources the supply to established milk processors.

The company already has about 60 suppliers and is seeking up to 100.

The supermarket giant launched its direct sourcing model in Victoria and southern and central NSW in 2019, contracting directly with local farmers to supply milk for Coles Brand fresh white milk in those markets.

Coles Brand Australian cheese is currently sourced from dairy processors who purchase milk from farmers, under contracts that allow the processor rather than Coles to set the farm gate price.

Coles general manager for dairy Charlotte Rhodes said the success of direct sourcing for Coles Brand milk and positive feedback from dairy farmers had prompted the expansion of the model to Coles Brand Australian cheese.

“Every time we have been to market looking to buy milk directly from farmers the response has been very positive, and we really value the relationships we have been able to build with our dairy farmer suppliers,” she said.

Dairy News Australia put a series of questions to Coles about how its drive to engage more suppliers will work.

Here are the company’s answers: Will the price offered for supply to cheese production be different?

Coles: No, we are offering the same prices for each solid regardless of how we use the milk — however it’s important to note that as we have separate prices for protein and butterfat the amount received by farmers will vary depending on their production. We provide an income esti-

mate for farmers who are interested in supplying us, based on their production data.

Under the direct purchasing arrangement, does the farmer have any relationship with the processing factory?

Coles: No, the farmer does not have a relationship with the processing factory. The farmer has a relationship with Coles and its Milk Management Service Provider Milk Department.

Does Coles provide any supplier support in terms of professional development, guidance for issues like high somatic cell counts or seasonal issues?

Coles: Yes, farmers supplying Coles do receive extension support and guidance on issues mentioned above from Coles’ Milk Management Service Provider Milk Department, whose team have dairy expertise. In addition, farmers supplying Coles join the Coles Sustainability Dairy Development Group, which works with farmers on sustainability and development initiatives.

How many direct suppliers does Coles currently have?

Coles: Just over 60. We expect this to grow to about 100 this year as we recruit the additional volume.

Do the direct purchasing agreements include rise and fall provisions for prices?

Coles: No. However farmers who have signed contracts with Coles have told us that locking in a long-term minimum price gives them the confidence they need to plan for the future.

What is the advantage for Coles in having direct agreements?

Coles: We get to work directly with our farmers to help grow our businesses together, and support the sustainability of the Australian dairy sector. Purchasing directly from farmers rather than through a processor enables Coles to deter-

“Make it quick, easy, & safe & staff will happily do hooves.”

mine the farm gate price it offers to farmers.

Is this working in other food purchasing

by Coles?

Coles: We have direct relationships with thousands of Australian farmers across the beef and livestock industry (as an example, we work directly with more than 1000 Australian beef cattle farmers, and have signed up 30 since the start of the year), eggs and fresh produce, as well as packaged food and grocery.

What other support does Coles provide directly-contracted dairy farmers?

Coles: When a farmer contracts directly with Coles they also join the Coles Sustainable Dairy Development Group, through which Coles invests directly in on-farm sustainability projects in consultation with dairy farmers.

We’ve been providing farmers with: • Mastatest machines.

• A defibrillator for the farm.

• Regular market reports and insights such as hay and grain market updates.

• We provide support to ensure our farmers have a COVID-safe business plan, and provide masks and sanitiser.

We also have a number of trials running with our contracted farmers, including the below. The majority of these ideas come from our farmers: • A trial using new technology to mitigate heat stress.

• A trial group looking at on-farm safety through independent assessments.

• Working with university partners and Dairy Australia to assess new diagnostic tools for mastitis.

• We are setting up a trial of remote monitoring for milk vats.

Melbourne investment company Prime Value has purchased 11 dairy farms from Van Dairy Limited (VDL), the biggest dairy farm conglomerate in Australia.

The purchase of the north-west Tasmanian properties, including about 4000 cows and young stock on 2100 hectares, from Chinese businessman Lu Xianfeng follows controversy around slipping standards on VDL’s 23 farms.

Most of the board governing the Van Dairy properties resigned in 2018 over differences in opinion.

The 11 farms were purchased for an undisclosed amount by Prime Value — but guesses can be made considering Mr Lu spent $280 million to acquire VDL in 2016 (then called Van Diemen’s Land Company).

The 11 farms will be added to Prime Value’s small portfolio of large-scale dairy farms in south-west Victoria and north-west Tasmania.

Prime Value Dairy Trusts portfolio manager Elizabeth Blackhurst said the group was attracted to the Circular Head region because it offered some of the best farmland in the nation.

“We also believe by focusing on our environmental and social responsibilities, and the welfare of our animals, we can create a farming portfolio that delivers long term benefits to the community and strong, consistent returns for our investors, many of which are self-funded retirees and SMSFs (self-managed super funds),” Ms Blackhurst said.

Prime Value lists its objectives as acquiring water-secure properties for pasture-based farming and absorbing dairies geared for climate change.

“Inexpensive and plentiful water is the key to successful dairy farming,” the company’s website said.

“To meet this requirement for water, our farming assets will be strategically located in the high rainfall regions of south-west Victoria and Tasmania.”

Prime Value’s existing Tarkine Farm comprises 327ha, of which 311 ha is grazing land with 55 ha of irrigation.

The dairy has a 60-unit rotary system with automatic cup removers, automatic teat spray and autodrafting.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

6 // NEWS

EDITORIAL

Can a good milk price repair years of distrust The race for milk supply is on, with dairy processors coming out of the gate quickly in a bid to secure suppliers.

For the second year running, the mandatory code of conduct meant all suppliers had to show their hands by 2 pm on June 1.

But some were happy to tip their cards a little early, with a flurry of milk announcements coming in the week before the June deadline.

No sales on auction platform NO SUCCESSFUL trades were made on the new national milk auction platform on May 19, but

the gap between bids and offers has been closing in Victoria.

Suppliers were offering Victorian milk at $7.40/kg, while bids from milk buyers ranged from $6.70 to 7.15/kg, at an average of $6.94/kg.

This was up 26¢/kg from the last auction on May 5.

The total volume of milk offered was 118.2 million litres, up 16 per cent compared to the last auction, and equivalent to about $69 million value.

The Milk2Market company, which runs the auctions, noted there was a 16 per cent increase in volumes offered in both NSW and Victoria at the latest auction.

“With more opening price announcements from dairy companies, there was a narrowing of the gap between milk suppliers and milk buyers’ offers by 13¢/kg,” the company said.

“However, the spread (gap) between offer prices and bid prices remains a barrier to ­settlement of milk contracts for the new season.”

More attention may be focused on the outcome of the next auction on June 2, which is likely to follow the announcement of opening milk prices.

Here’s hoping it’s a sign of things to come and means processors will continue to be confident enough with their price to come out early and strong, rather than test the waters.

Fonterra Australia went out ahead of its New Zealand parent company for the first time, while Bulla set the pace for milk prices very early, coming out a full six weeks before June 1.

This time around it’s not just your typical processors — Saputo, Bega, Fonterra, Norco — putting their best price forward to get suppliers, there’s another quickly joining the ranks.

And it will be interesting to see the uptake.

Coles has come out strongly, offering a full season price of about $7.19/kg milk solids.

But the question is, can the price be enough to overcome the general industry feeling about one of the big supermarkets?

Coles was famously a trailblazer of $1-a-litre milk.

An initiative that drove down the perceived value of milk in the eyes of the consumer and caused endless pain for the dairy industry.

Even a tokenistic raise to $1.10-a-litre milk in a time of drought hasn’t seen anyone forget.

The aggressive milk price from Coles is a result of the company seeking more direct suppliers to make its cheese products, which are also cost-controlled.

While Coles won’t process the milk itself, instead outsourcing the processing, it will work with suppliers directly.

And with 60 suppliers already on the books, the company is looking to grow up to 100.

The way Coles tells it, every time it has engaged directly with dairy farmers, the response has been “positive”.

So, is a good price enough to forgive and forget $1-a-litre milk?

Time will tell.

The gap between offers and bids is closing on the milk auction platform.

Advertising Max Hyde 0408 558 938 max.hyde@dairynewsaustralia.com.au Editor Alana Christensen (03) 5820 3237 editor@dairynewsaustralia.com.au 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.

Regional editor news@dairynewsaustralia.com.au

Publisher Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd Printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd Head Office 7940 Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton, VIC 3630 Phone (03) 5831 2312 Postal address PO Box 204 Shepparton, Victoria 3632 Australia

WWW.DAIRYNEWSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

Dairy News Australia welcomes contributions from stakeholders in the dairy industry, and particularly from organisations wishing to advance the industry.

Contributions and photos can be sent to: editor@dairynewsaustralia.com.au Letters to the editor on topical issues are also welcome.

Letters should be concise and carry the name and town address of the author, as well as a contact phone number, not for publication.

We believe that milk price communications should be fair. We have asked the Supreme Court of Victoria to declare that the May 2016 clawback that reversed months of milk price announcements was unlawful, and to order that Fonterra must repay farmers for the losses suffered as a result.

A class action has been brought seeking compensation for farmers who suffered because of Fonterra’s late season step down. Farmers do not need to contribute any upfront costs to participate (costs will only be deducted on success). If the action is successful, participating farmers are likely to receive financial compensation.

The process is Court supervised for fairness.

Visit fonterraclassaction.com.au to find out more and to register.

Take 30 seconds to register your claim and make a stand.

Registration is free and does not require any commitment. *May 2016

ABDL0001_FonterraClassAction_374x260_FA.indd 1

13/1/21 3:55 pm

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

8 // NEWS

Cows return to the show ring SOPHIE BALDWIN

ORGANISERS OF this year’s National Herd Development Winter Fair are looking forward to a few great days of dairy cattle showing at the Bendigo Showgrounds on June 30 and July 1.

The Victorian dairy show was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 and organiser Clare Modra said they were expecting 2021 to be a big one.

“Everyone is desperate to show their cows and, providing there are no restrictions or COVID outbreaks, everything is looking good to go ahead,” Clare said.

National Herd Development has once again jumped on board as the major sponsor, along with Bega Cheese who will be supporting the Youth Show, and Elders the Red Show.

COVID-19 has certainly hit the showing community hard, and the Winter Fair will be the first major opportunity for the majority of local exhibitors to show their cattle, after International Dairy Week was cancelled earlier this year.

“There has certainly been a lot of interest and The 2019 Winter Fair Supreme Junior Champion, Cherrylock Chassity Innocence Imp ET, is owned by Brad and Jess Gavenlock from Tallygaroopna we are expecting 2021 to be our biggest Winter (pictured right) with judges Matt Templeton and Jo Holloway (far left). The Gavenlocks will compete at the 2021 event.

Fair yet,” Clare said.

“We missed IDW this year and while it was “I really missed the show last year and I am definitely looking forward to catching up with nice to have a break, we are happy to be back into it again with the Winter Fair.” everyone.”

The northern Victorian breeders might have The event will follow the usual format, including the incorporation of a youth section missed out on IDW, but they were busy in March and the awarding of Junior Champion Youth and April attending the Sydney Royal and the Show, Junior Champion Red Show and Supreme Gippsland Jersey Fair.

Junior Exhibit.

“I love getting cows ready to show especially Supreme Intermediate Udder, Red Intermedi- in the cooler weather,” Brad said. ate Champion and Supreme Intermediate Exhibit “The Winter Fair is the prefect show and the peralong with Supreme Senior Udder, Red Senior fect venue — held in one shed and under one roof.

Champion and Supreme Senior Exhibit will be “It is very social show, and everyone gets held on July 1. together which makes it really enjoyable and The return of the fair is great news for Tal- unlike other shows (like the Royals), the Winter National Herd Development Winter Fair organiser Clare Modra is looking forward to the return lygaroopna’s Brad and Jess Gavenlock from Fair is easy to get around and the organising of the event.

Cherrylock Cattle Co. committee know cows and are very easy to The Gavenlocks have just finished listing their work with.”

“We are lucky to have Brian Leslie as our Patrick manages his parents’ King Vista Jersey entries and are currently preparing a team of Brad said there was plenty of talk around the lead judge and Patrick Anderson as our associ- Stud, milking 200 cows through a fully robotic 20, which includes eight red and white animals, fair and everyone who normally shows was pretty ate judge this year,” Clare said. dairy, while also operating his own Kings Veldt half a dozen in-milk cows and a bunch of heif- keen to get there this year.

Brian’s career as a judge and auctioneer has Jersey stud and a small Holstein stud. ers. They will be taking a mixture of Victorian The event is COVID-safe and the size of the taken him across the globe and he has officiHe has judged at numerous venues across and NSW cattle owned by other exhibitors along venue means 1200 people can attend. ated at many prestigious dairy shows around ­Victoria and also presided over the On Farm with some of their own.

In order to give the fair the best possible the world including in Canada, United King- Challenge in southern NSW. “We have a real soft spot for the red and chance of going ahead, the committee decided dom, New Zealand and the United States, while Entry forms can be downloaded from the website whites and the Winter Fair is the perfect place to appoint two Victorian judges on the off-chance ­Patrick is a young, up-and-coming judge with a victorianwinterfair.webs.com and more informato show them,” Brad said. great future. border lockdowns came into effect. tion can be found on Facebook Victorian Winter Fair.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

10 // NEWS

Nuffield applications open APPLICATIONS ARE now open for scholarships that give Australian farmers and fishers a global perspective to learn, grow and remain competitive.

Nuffield Australia Scholarships let producers see leading and innovative businesses across the globe, to find ideas and forge connections that can improve value chains.

Each scholarship is valued at $30,000 and Nuffield Australia will award up to 20 scholarships this year.

Nuffield Australia chief executive officer and 2013 Nuffield Scholar Jodie Redcliffe said bringing home the new best practices, ideas and resources helped Australian agriculture navigate the turbulent global marketplace and seize opportunities.

“Building capacity in agriculture, horticulture and fishing is more important than ever, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and trade tensions,” Ms Redcliffe said.

“There has never been a better time to research how the world has changed, and how agricultural sectors can adapt to complex food supply chains, trade restrictions and changing consumer behaviour going forward.”

Nuffield Scholarships are open to farmers, fishers and those in associated industries aged between 28 and 45, and no tertiary education qualifications are required.

Each scholar receives a $30,000 bursary to spend 14 weeks of travel over 18 months to study a topic important to the industry.

Ms Redcliffe said this year’s program had been especially tailored to allow recipients to navigate the global uncertainty and make the most of being part of the world’s most influential agricultural network.

“We’re offering greater access to online learning than ever before, including virtual connections to the global alumni network — 485-strong in Australia and 1850 worldwide — as well as other agribusiness leaders.

“If COVID-19 travel restrictions continue we will reschedule or roll over to extended timelines for the travel component.

“We are committed to delivering the same high-quality and valued program as we have for the past 70 years.”

Western Queensland beef producer and 2019 scholar Bec Burnham said her Nuffield Scholarship had been an incredible personal and professional development opportunity.

Ms Burnham was able to travel to the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, New Zealand and Europe in 2019 and early 2020 before international travel was restricted.

“The Nuffield Scholarship’s point of difference is that you learn not only from within

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

NEWS // 11

Jersey heifer breaks record A JERSEY cow jointly owned by a Tennyson family has topped an auction sale and set a new record for an Australianbred Jersey heifer.

The sale at Drouin West on May 23 set a new Australian record average of $8178.

The top price of $20,000 was achieved

by Brookbora PGRS Chrome Love Lies, sold by Rob, Sandra and Daniel Bacon of Brookbora Jerseys, Parrabel Genetics, Rockstar Cows and Aspire Jerseys.

“We didn’t have any expectations but we’re ecstatic with that price,” Daniel Bacon said.

“The overall sale was good for the breed and it was good to see a few Holstein breeders getting into the market.”

The top price cow was bought by Declan Patten on behalf of Melbournebased thoroughbred breeders looking to move into dairy cattle.

“She’s the highest-priced Australianbred Jersey heifer of all time which gives an indication of her quality,” Mr Patten said.

“She ticks a lot of boxes and she will be a great investment. The investors see there are great opportunities in agriculture and Jerseys are at the forefront of that in the dairy industry.”

It has been a big year for the Tennyson stud, in north-central Victoria, having achieved the number one ranking on the Australian Breeding Value list in the April release.

Jersey Australia chair Chris MacKenzie described the auction result as exceptional and said it reflected confidence in the industry and demand for Jersey cows.

The sale, at Kings Ville Jerseys in Drouin West, marked the start of Jersey Australia’s annual four-day conference.

The live auction was conducted by Brian Leslie of Dairy Livestock Services and online by Elite Livestock Auctions.

The cows weren’t on site but were presented in photos, a concept Mr MacKenzie said worked very well.

“Interest was very strong and the range of buyers was very impressive,” he said.

“We had top animals and a top sale, and we got a top price, and it augers very well for the industry.”

Mr MacKenzie said he expected the virtual sale concept to be used in the future.

“It means vendors don’t have to go to the trouble and cost of transporting and preparing their lots, but buyers still

have access to all the relevant information and photos.”

Mr Leslie said he believed the $8178 average was a new Australian record for Jerseys.

“I thought it was the best catalogue we’ve put together,” he said.

“The industry is in good shape and the Jersey breed is rolling along very well, but it still exceeded all expectations.

“The top price of $20,000 was very high but there was strong demand all the way through for a total clearance.”

The conference was organised by the Central Gippsland Club and president Reece Attenborough said the sale produced an amazing result.

“We have to thank all the vendors for putting their best lots forward,” he said.

Second top price of $13,500 was achieved by Araluen Park and Stonyrun Jerseys with a pick of the herd offer.

Vendors Trevor Saunders and Anthea Day were pleased with the result.

“We’re incredibly happy with the result,” Mr Saunders said.

“It was a bit of a gamble to do it this way, but we would have been happy with anything over $10,000.

“Overall, the sale was amazing.”

Sandra, Daniel and Rob Bacon along with former Jersey Australia president and life member Peter Ness.

Brookbora PGRS Chrome Love Lies, which sold for $20,000 at Drouin West.

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12 // MARKETS

Strong odds for new season ELIZA REDFERN INDUSTRY ANALYST

THE PAST few months have felt like a quick

acceleration towards the June 30 finish line, and all eyes are now on the starting line for the upcoming season.

With 2020–21 being labelled one of the best in recent history for many, dairy markets have managed to speed through COVID-19 challenges and end up in an advantageous starting position.

Given supportive fundamentals at play — as discussed in Dairy Australia’s June Situation and Outlook report, due for release on June 30 — odds are strong for when the light turns green for the new year.

Global demand for dairy remains strong and the end of lockdowns in several markets has generated an uptick in overall purchases, with China remaining the key price driver.

Chinese demand has consistently strengthened in the 12 months to March, with imports of whole milk powder (WMP), whey powder and cheese surging compared to last year.

Over the same period, skim milk powder (SMP) and butter imports also increased 27 per cent and 42 per cent respectively.

Close to record milk price prices, an appreciating Chinese yuan and increased domestic consumption continue to drive this demand push.

As global demand has picked up speed, shipping challenges continue to create headaches for anyone looking to export products.

Between container shortages and supply chain bottlenecks, many market participants have built up surplus inventory to cover for shipping delays.

Dairy sales have increased, which saw commodity prices grow — particularly for milkfat products, like butter and cream.

Powder prices have also increased consistently since the start of 2021, supported by strong demand from China and South-East Asia.

While demand from foodservice sectors across the world has far from recovered, the easing of restrictions, combined with an uptick in retail demand, has had a significant impact on the market’s current position.

In the other lane, global milk supply remains relatively stable.

The United States continues to produce more milk than previous years, on the back of favourable operating conditions and an increase in the domestic herd.

Despite a declining national herd in New Zealand, milk production is forecast to grow modestly this season, up 1.2 per cent, according to the latest USDA estimate.

However, slowing production in other countries has kept the current balance in check.

High feed costs in the European Union have curbed milk flows, incentivised culling, and smaller herds in Europe’s key producing countries place further constraints to any significant production expansions.

Closer to home, operating conditions have been favourable after a wet and cool summer in Australia, supporting pasture growth and feed production.

This has seen feed and water costs ease, as demand for these inputs remains muted.

However, the legacy of a challenging few years, together with high beef prices and strong competition for land in key regions, have increased farm exits and constrained milk flows.

Year-to-date milk production in March is up by 0.7 per cent, and Australia’s milk pool is expected to be relatively unchanged this season.

A detailed forecast for the upcoming 2021–22 season will be released in Dairy Australia’s upcoming June Situation and Outlook report.

When the chequered flag is waved on June 30, many factors support a strong start for the new season.

At the time of writing, three processors had released opening prices for 2021–22, all coming in higher than last year.

Global demand remains well supported and commodity prices have increased.

As underlying market fundamentals look more favourable, improved farm profitability has also lifted sentiment, hopefully leading to a smooth ride ahead.

With good seasonal conditions and strong global demand, the outlook is good for the dairy industry.

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NEWS // 13

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR OUTGOING PRESIDENT Outgoing Jersey Australia president Chris MacKenzie is leaving with a special honour — a life membership.

While describing it as humbling, Mr MacKenzie said he never entered the industry looking for accolades — he just wanted to do his bit for his favourite cow.

“It’s because of my passion for the cow that I am involved,” he said.

“I didn’t do it for an award; I did it for the cow and the members.”

Mr Mackenzie joined the former Victorian Jersey Society committee in 2004 and progressed to the newly formed Jersey Australia Board when it was formed in 2008.

He has been president for the past four years before standing down at last month’s annual general meeting.

At 65, Mr MacKenzie has stepped away from the Jersey Australia board but has no plans to stop farming with his Jireh stud at Cooriemungle in south-west Victoria.

“There are things I still want to accomplish in breeding cows,” he said.

He’s also willing to help where he can to educate farmers about the value of Jerseys.

“I will continue to work for anyone who breeds a Jersey cow because I believe they are the best,” he said.

“I’m old enough to remember when we had bottles of milk at school; 70 per cent of it was Jersey milk and people were fitter and healthier.”

“The milk that our cows provide is of value to everyone.”

Mr MacKenzie encouraged younger farmers to consider nominating for the Jersey Australia board.

“There are still many things to do for the Jersey cow,” he said.

“We all need encouragement and support. My family made it possible and supported me from the first meeting I attended.”

Vice president Lisa Broad said Mr MacKenzie’s passion for the Jersey cow and his commitment and dedication to Jersey Australia made him a worthy recipient of a life membership.

“The passion for the Jersey cow is the most important thing for someone to become a life member, along with their dedication, leadership and investment in the organisation,” she said.

“There’s no doubt Chris shows all those qualities.”

Ms Broad said Mr MacKenzie had driven research and development, judged numerous shows and on-farm challenges and successfully exhibited at many shows, winning the Great Southern Challenge in 2019.

“His drive and determination to see the Jersey cow stay at the forefront of the industry and steer much-needed research projects has given us the data that shows the industry the Jersey cow is the best cow,” she said.

Mr MacKenzie was due to retire at last months’s AGM but the meeting was deferred due to COVID-19.

National milk production up NATIONAL YEAR-TO-DATE milk production

is currently sitting 0.7 per cent higher compared to 2019–20, according to the latest Rural Bank outlook.

Average to below average rainfall prevailed in April across much of southern Australia, with the improved winter rainfall outlook showing a 60 to 75 per cent chance of exceeding median rainfall across most dairying regions.

“While a wet winter can present its own problems, most within the industry will take it

as a positive, especially if it means good levels of soil moisture ahead of spring,” the update said.

“South-west Victoria has experienced a drier spell compared to other dairying regions over the past three months. Latest figures show milk supply for the region declined by 8.2 per cent in March.”

It comes as global dairy prices remain stuck in a pattern of plateau which began in April.

“Northern Hemisphere supply has increased in the past month which has put pressure on

cheddar prices. Cheddar prices decreased by 3.3 per cent at the first auction of May, while skim milk powder prices increased by 2.4 per cent driven by a smaller offering,” the update said.

According to the report the supply of cheddar is likely to increase in May driven by supply from Europe keeping downward pressure on prices.

In contrast, supply of skim milk powder is expected to tail off as buying activity retreats for winter, with prices likely to remain flat.

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14 // NEWS

Colostrum products take off JEANETTE SEVERS

NEIL AND Shelley Walker sold their dairy farm

in May. One half of South Gippsland Dairy, they want to dedicate more time to their expanding dairy processing company.

Part of that expansion capability is being led by export markets for their Bio Colostrum products.

Neil and Shelley Walker, of Korumburra, and Campbell and Krista Evans, from nearby Ruby, thought they would build a liquid milk processing facility, supplying the domestic market.

Neil is a third-generation dairy farmer and Shelley is a third-generation farmer, so they were used to managing an agribusiness and monitoring quality control.

Campbell’s career has been in manufacturing and designing dairy plants, dairy product and process research development, while Krista’s work history is in understanding retail processes and product development.

After analysing a business case for processing liquid milk, the quartet decided to manufacture a shelf-stable colostrum product for the biopharmaceutical and health markets.

South Gippsland Dairy (SGD) was formed and three years of research and development began.

The Walkers’ dairy farm was the company’s first supplier, which made it easy to establish, test and modify quality control measures; that could then be extrapolated onto other dairy farm suppliers.

The new owners of the Walkers’ dairy farm are interested in continuing to supply SGD. During the research and development phase, SGD’s principals helped regulators develop quality assurance and regulatory changes to enable them to process the dairy colostrum, sourced from pasture-raised cows milked on Australian farms, into a 100 per cent pure, Australian-made product.

“We decided to build a small pilot plant and ran some batches through,” Shelley said.

“CSIRO then tested the product, the immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, the healthy bacteria levels, protein, fats and sugars.”

Within the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, Australian Dairy Food Safety Victoria requires dairy products are tested to ensure bacteria levels of listeria, escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus and salmonella, among other

pathogens, meet the regulatory requirements of domestic and international markets. SGD is audited every six months by Dairy Food Safety Victoria.

SGD’s Bio Colostrum products were launched into the market on September 1, 2019.

The colostrum products are tested throughout the manufacturing process to confirm healthy bacterial activity is within the components.

“Dairy cows make litres of colostrum, more than their calves use,” Shelley said.

“It’s packed with antibodies for disease resistance, glucose for energy, vitamins and minerals for strength and vitality, and growth hormones.

“It’s also acclaimed as a superfood, and global sales of colostrum products for human health are about $1.5 billion annually.”

SGD’s colostrum is frozen straight from the dairy, processed as a dry substance, then turned into a powder or chewable tablet, for consuming as a dietary supplement.

Neil sprinkles some of the powder on his breakfast cereal every morning. Shelley and Neil each chew a couple of the naturally vanillaflavoured tablets mid-afternoon for an energy boost. A local artisan makes soap using colostrum supplied by SGD. During their three-year research and development phase, SGD’s founders sought out key partners for the supply chain.

It’s a decision that spread their risk and has proven effective. These manufacturing chain partners are all licensed under Dairy Food Safety Victoria; except the soap maker who doesn’t need to be.

Each farmer who supplies colostrum receives a freezer from SGD, so the raw material is sampled and frozen on the day it is harvested. That colostrum is picked up on farm and transported to the Leongatha factory for pasteurisation, or to a bulk frozen storage facility at Pakenham.

Freezing the colostrum means it is available year-round, but as they recruit dairy farm suppliers, Neil and Shelley work with farmers to ensure a diversified supply timeline.

From the Leongatha factory’s pasteurisation process, the colostrum is transported to Bio Tech Freeze Drying, at Knoxfield. Here the colostrum is freeze-dried at -50°C. It is then transported to Propharma Australia, to mill the product and pack the dry powder — either into its retail packaging or in bulk for further processing.

Neil and Shelley Walker sold their dairy farm at the end of May to concentrate their time and energy on their processing company, South Gippsland Dairy.

South Gippsland Dairy has four supplier farms (including the recently sold Walker farm) and is looking to double the number of suppliers this year.

Neil Walker, of SGD, with Mick Dyer, of Nerrena, one of the farmers who supplies the processor with colostrum.

Bluegum Pharmaceuticals, in Sydney, is licensed by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration to contract manufacture complementary healthcare medicines. It is here the shelf-stable colostrum tablets and capsules are manufactured from the freeze-dried raw product.

“Every batch is tested for Australian and New Zealand standards,” Shelley said.

Shelley and Krista used Facebook as the company’s initial selling platform, then expanded to

an online retail presence, to sell direct to customers across Australia and internationally.

Last year, SGD began exporting to Vietnam through a third party, operating with the support of the Victorian Government.

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NEWS // 15 with South Gippsland Dairy to export their Bio Colostrum powders and tablets — the first shipment was exported to Vietnam in October ­­last year.

“Vietnamese people have strong confidence in made-in-Australia health products,” Chau said.

Recently, South Gippsland Dairy’s principals signed a two-year contract to supply colostrum to a pet food manufacturer in Australia.

They are also looking at diversifying the markets and products.

“We have a customer base in France and the USA, and we are looking for opportunities to expand,” Shelley said.

“We are supplying liquid colostrum to another food processor who exports their product.

“We are starting trials for a sugar-free chewable colostrum tablet.

“There is also potential for making cosmetic skincare products.

“And there are opportunities for developing an organic range. Most of our processors already have organic status, or can adapt their manufacturing to be accredited.

“Then we’d be looking for colostrum milk from organic farm suppliers.”

There are four farms supplying colostrum to SGD, all within 30 km of Korumburra.

Shelley and Neil are looking to double the number of suppliers in the next 12 months.

Gippsland provenance for their product is a primary marketing tool.

“We don’t want to be the biggest, we want to be the best,” Shelley said.

“Our product is designed just for the consumer as a boutique wholefood product.”

Processing the colostrum.

Neil and Shelley Walker with Chau Tran and Catherine Ho, after signing the contract to export and distribute South Gippsland Dairy’s Bio Colostrum products in Vietnam.

Neil and Shelley Walker sold their dairy farm at the end of May to concentrate their time and energy on their processing company, South Gippsland Dairy.

Measuring the brix level of the solids in the colostrum as part of quality assurance. This colostrum is graded Tier 2.

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16 // NEWS

Genomic testing on the rise GENOMIC TESTING of Australian dairy heifers

has increased more than 60 per cent in the past year, according to DataGene figures, as farmers seek data to make more informed decisions about which replacements to keep, which ones to sell and how to make best use of sexed and beef semen.

Genomic testing analyses an animal’s DNA from a sample, such as an ear tissue notch or tail hair, to predict its future performance.

The results provide farmers with reliable pedigree information and can be used to rank animals on their Balanced Performance Index (BPI) as well as compare Australian Breeding Values (ABVs) for 50 traits, including fertility, mastitis resistance, longevity and heat tolerance.

The testing is currently available for Holsteins, Jerseys and Holstein-Jersey cross animals.

The reliability of genomic breeding values is the equivalent of having seven lactations of data, according to DataGene — more than double those based on pedigree alone.

DataGene accelerating genomics project leader Michelle Axford said collecting samples was easy and the information had multiple uses.

“Farmers could save money on heifer rearing costs because the genomic information enables them to identify the animals that are most unlikely to perform and these could be sold,” she said.

“It costs between $1300 and $2500 to rear a heifer to two years old and genomic testing costs

about $50 a sample, so making early decisions about these heifers can really save farmers money.”

Mrs Axford said many dairy farmers also use genomic testing data to make more informed decisions about which animals to join to sexed or beef semen from their very first joining, meaning next year’s calves are always from the best animals in the herd.

Genomic testing of heifers can significantly fast-track genetic improvement with traits of importance, such as fertility, longevity, mastitis resistance, heat tolerance, type or A2/A2.

Mrs Axford said genomic testing was also the easiest and most cost-efficient way to correct pedigree errors.

“About 20 per cent of Australia’s dairy calves are incorrectly identified at birth, and it becomes a bigger challenge in large herds with intense calving periods,” she said.

“Testing is also a straightforward way to establish pedigrees in herds that do not have adequate records or do not have time to construct pedigrees.”

Genomic testing was developed by world class Australian scientists from DairyBio with data from Australian farms and cows.

Results are independently generated by DataGene scientists and regularly validated. Farmers can access genomic testing via a genomic service provider.

Those operating in Australia include: ABS Global Australia, Holstein Australia, Jersey Australia, Neogen, Semex, ST Genetics Australia, Total Livestock Genetics

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For further information, visit: www.dairyaustralia.com.au/genomics

DataGene accelerating genomics project leader Michelle Axford says there’s been a jump in the use of genomic testing.

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NEWS // 17

New fresh milk processor WESTERN DISTRICT farmers are supplying a new dairy processing factory selling into the Geelong market.

The Kyvalley Dairy Group is behind the launch of Geelong Dairy, now selling whole milk and light milk into Coles and Woolworths outlets in the Geelong and Surf Coast regions in southern Victoria.

The company is the only Geelong dairy processor and is using the factory formerly owned by Organic Dairy Farmers of Australia, which went out of business last year.

The new Geelong business has been established

by The Remarkable Milk Company, which is owned by the Kyvalley Dairy Group and is sourcing milk from four suppliers in the Western District.

Remarkable Milk chief executive officer Alastair McCredden said the business had found suppliers for the factory in the Western District through advertising and using their established networks.

“It’s been a pretty good season for most Victorian dairy regions, with milk production rising,” he said.

“We’re a dairy business with a long family history, which makes us a bit different to other dairy processors.

“We’ve always paid a fair price with an emphasis on stability.

“The family knows that dealing with big fluctuations is not sustainable.”

The Geelong factory is producing full-cream and light milk varieties in one-, two- and three-litre packs, as well as 250 gram packs of organic butter.

Mr McCredden said they were on the brink of moving into production of an organic milk pack under the ‘True Organic’ label.

Although national demand for organic milk had recently been flat, he said they believed a strong local brand with a reputation for quality could make

some gains in the area.

The Geelong factory, in Cowie St, employs about 34 people.

Mr McCredden said the factory was operating at about 40 per cent of capacity so they were looking to increase throughput as demand increased.

He said the brand had been in development for more than 12 months and was driven by the Kyvalley Dairy Group, which has a long history in dairying.

“We are a family-owned dairy business that has been operating in regional communities for over 160 years.

“We see the Geelong Dairy brand, that is processed and packed by our passionate team in Geelong, as a real opportunity to connect with the Geelong region.

“Strategically the factory is a really important asset to the business, one we hope to see thrive, expand and offer an exciting new career choice to the workers of Geelong, all while bringing quality local products to market.”

The parent company, Kyvalley Dairy Group, is owned by the Mulcahy family and processes more than one million litres of milk annually at Kyabram (in northern Victoria) and Geelong, with a range of whole milk products including A2, A1 and organic.

Kyvalley Dairy Group has announced an opening milk price for the 2021–22 season of 40.7 ¢/litre.

The company has been exporting fresh milk to China for years via air freight and using a specialised chilling process.

“Through our partnerships in China we have developed an enviable reputation for supplying sustainable, safe, high-quality fresh milk,” Mr McCredden said.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

18 // NEWS

EPA issues effluent pond fine ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION Authority Victoria has fined a farming company for setting up a dairy effluent pond in the bed of an existing waterway where it could overflow into Fish Creek.

EPA Gippsland regional manager Jessica Bandiera said the company had been ordered to fix the problem and clean up any effluent already in the pond.

“EPA officers inspected the property after a pollution report from the public. They found there were three effluent ponds, including one that has been constructed in the bed of an unnamed waterway that runs into Fish Creek,” Ms Bandiera said.

“The waterway had been diverted around the new effluent pond, but with the two ponds further uphill already full and the third taking in dairy effluent that was flowing down a farm track, any rain event would have sent the overflow straight into the waterway, and from there into Fish Creek.”

Dairy effluent flowing into a creek can harm fish and other aquatic life, and it can make the water harmful to people and animals, due to increased risk from waterborne pathogens.

“Dairy effluent can be valuable fertiliser on the farm, but in a waterway it is a hazard to the environment and people’s health; the creek and native wildlife don’t need it, and your neighbours and their stock downstream don’t need it,” Ms Bandiera said.

EPA issued the company with a legally enforceable Pollution Abatement Notice (PAN) requiring controls to be put in place to prevent dairy effluent entering surface waters, and a Clean Up Notice (CUN) requiring the removal of all dairy effluent and contaminated water from the lowest pond.

EPA has fined Takcarm Pty Ltd, of Harding Lawson Rd, Fish Creek, $8261 for depositing industrial waste in a place that is not licensed to accept it.

Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2006, the company has the right to have the decision to issue the infringement notice reviewed or alternatively to have the matter heard and determined by a court.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

MANAGEMENT // 19

Store tyres safely on-farm RECENT FIRES across Australia have highlighted the need to ensure that tyres are stored and used safely on-farm, and state environment protection authorities are turning their focus to ensure that this happens.

In Victoria, a new Victorian Environmental Protection Act and underpinning regulations are coming into force on July 1.

The new act and regulations represent a significant change in environmental management across Victoria, with a move from prosecution to prevention of environmental damage.

Currently, a permit is required for storage of more than 5000 tyres in Victoria. Arrangements for farms that use and store more than 5000 tyres are still being developed and it is not yet clear what the requirement of a licensing system will be.

Tyres on dairy farms Dairy Australia has launched a guide into the safe use of tyres on dairy farms.

Waste tyres can be a useful material on-farm, in particular for the production of conserved fodder.

Production of silage is a convenient and costeffective way to conserve fodder and ensure it’s available as needed year-round.

It’s important all dairy farms follow published guidance to ensure safe practice and compliance.

This advice provides a brief overview of silage production, with links to best-practice resources, as well as links to all jurisdiction’s regulators, so that dairy businesses are adequately considering their risks and can ensure their own practices are meeting requirements.

Use of conserved forage Conserved forage is required on the vast majority of dairy farms at various stages of the year and is considered standard practice both in Australia and in many regions around the world.

Conserved forage is used in grazing systems, where there are periods of time when there is insufficient grazed pasture available to meet herd demand, as well as in more intensive systems such as Total and Partial Mixed Ration systems, to ensure sufficient levels of forage in animal diets throughout the year.

Most of the conserved forage used on Australian dairy farms is ensiled, with crops like ryegrass and maize particularly popular as silage options. An anaerobic environment where there is total elimination of air is a critical requirement

to conserve fodder as silage.

While some rye-grass silage can be conserved in round bales sealed with plastic wrapping, many farmers also use stacks or pits to conserve fodder under a sealed plastic cover.

Your state regulator will be able to provide more information on local requirements to ensure your tyres are stored safely and in compliance with local regulations.

If unsure, contact your local authority directly for advice.

Sealing the stack There are several industry best-practice recommendations around sealing of silage stacks in Australia.

These best management practices are based around significant cross-sector and interstate research collaborations over several years, and are summarised collectively in the Successful Silage manual, which can be found through the Dairy Australia website.

The guidelines consistently emphasise the importance of compaction when sealing a silage pit/ stack. For many years in Australia, the use of tyres on top of silage stacks to weigh down the plastic covering has been widespread and common.

It is current industry best practice to minimise the amount of air seeping underneath the plastic to optimise fermentation and prevent deterioration.

Waste tyres are a key component of an efficient fodder conservation system where silage stacks are used. Tyres are normally reused for many years, provided they are stored and handled correctly.

National Tyre Stewardship Australia: tyrestewardship.org.au Victoria EPA Victoria: www.epa.vic.gov.au/ for-business/find-a-topic/manageindustrial-waste/waste-tyres NSW NSW EPA: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/yourenvironment/waste/industrial-waste/ tyres Fire and Rescue NSW: www.fire.nsw. gov.au/gallery/files/pdf/guidelines/ rubber_tyres.pdf

South Australia EPA SA: www.epa.sa.gov.au/ files/4771416_guide_tyres.pdf South Australia Fire Authorities: www.mfs.sa.gov.au/public/ download/?id=71013 Tasmania EPA Tasmania: epa.tas.gov. au/Documents/Approved per cent20Management per cent20Method per cent20for per cent20the per cent20Storage per cent20and per cent20Reuse per cent20of per cent20Waste per cent20Tyres.pdf Western Australia Waste Authority: www.wasteauthority. wa.gov.au/publications/view/ miscellaneous/tyres-used-and-waste Queensland Department of Environment and Science: environment.des.qld.gov.au/__data/ assets/pdf_file/0027/103887/wr-eowcapproved-tyres.pdf

Safe storage of tyres Tyres need to be stored for a period (usually a few months) while the silage stack is opened and used, and before being reused the next time a silage stack/pit is created on the farm.

It is important to ensure that tyres are stored safely to manage risks. Each state’s fire authorities has guidelines for the safe storage of tyres.

These guidelines generally include the following: ■ Tyres should be stored on a level site away from surface watercourses, flood zones and groundwater recharge points.

■ Ensure that the fire risk is minimised by removing any vegetation on the storage site via mowing or spraying the site prior to storage and maintain this practice regularly when storing tyres during summer months when the fire risk is greater.

■ Maintain a clear distance of at least 5 m to 10 m around the tyre storage site from all directions to minimise the risk of any potential fire spreading. Avoid storing tyres directly against an area of bush/overgrowth where possible.

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Tyres are routinely used to hold down silage covers, but environment protection authorities are focused on ensuring they're stored safely.

■

Do not store tyres under electric power lines, or near any other potential sources of ignition that may be present on the farm, such as flammable or combustible liquids or other sources of heat or ignition.

■

■

The tyre storage site should be securely fenced and have access gates wide enough to allow the entry of emergency vehicles.

Do not stack tyres too high in a storage pile — it can be unstable and create a safety hazard for farm workers and visitors.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

20 // NEWS

Linking excess calves with beef industry NIAMH SCHOFIELD

BOBBY CALVES have never been worth more.

The beef industry has been overwhelmed with a fever for the feeder market, and even non-replacement dairy animals are in high demand.

Prices for beef across the east have skyrocketed by more than 40 per cent in some cases, with prices smashing records from previous years out of the park.

The explosion has taken some pundits by surprise. But not Calflink, which has been banking on the change since 2015 when the idea around Calflink was created.

The company has found a market in low value or excess calves that would normally be disposed of by farmers.

They are brought to the Elmore facility in northern Victoria and ethically raised until they meet the requirements for feedlotters.

The non-replacement dairy calf rearing company has the capacity for more than 5500 animals, and supply to date comes from more than 50 farms throughout the country.

Calflink co-owner and operator Cam Renshaw, originally from Benalla, said Calflink started as a solution to one of dairy’s oldest problems.

“I was running a dairy heifer agistment company called Heiferlink, and we also had to get heifers in calf.

“From that, we were seeing there was a whole lot of wastage.

“We’d use Jersey bulls, and we’d get Jersey cross calves that had no value.

“So we started, in 2015, to transition to using Angus bulls as backup bulls, so the calf had some kind of value to it.

“At the same time, I was approached by some guys dealing in agriculture, looking from an investment point of view, to understand how to get a constant supply of beef animals.

“They wanted to know if there was any scope to do that out of the capacities of the female dairy herd.”

These investors became pivotal backers of the innovative Calflink business. Together they capitalised on a problem shared by the beef and dairy markets, and turned it into something inspirational. “It was pretty clear back then that the US and the UK had already adopted beef semen into dairy herd non-replacement animals, instead of creating a black and white Holstein calf that has no value.

“We knew, because of the economics and the animal welfare pressure, the Australian industry would be forced to have some level of beef program in it.

“One of the fundamentals Australia doesn’t have the large capacity to do, is commercially rear calves.”

As well as being arguably the largest commercial calf rearer on the continent, Calflink boasts high production standards and quality results.

Calves will come to Calflink at one week old, from suppliers around the nation. They stay at the Elmore facility until they have reached sufficient weights to be sold to feedlots, about 160 kg.

“The whole supply chain from semen to feedlot is a true supply chain at the minute,” Cam said.

“I work across a very large network from South Australia to northern NSW, and I’m yet to find anyone who’s running a full standalone commercial unit with the scope we have.”

The rearing methods have significantly improved mortality rates in the calves. The CSIRO estimates the overall calf mortality average in Australia is potentially as high as 41 per cent, but at Calflink it’s a meagre three per cent.

Cam credits this to Calflink’s rigorous ethical standards, and investment in genetics.

Calflink’s dedication to welfare was one of the qualities that truly set it apart from other operations, Cam said.

Team leader Louise Barnard boasts a Masters in Animal Welfare, and Calflink follow intense standard operating procedures (SOP).

Each individual calf has its own SOP, which is regularly reviewed and individually tailored.

Clear key performance indicators are used to measure mortality and growth rates, and ensure the comfort levels of the calves are as high as possible.

“Animal welfare for us is paramount,” Cam said.

“It’s personally a really big driver of mine.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

NEWS // 21 NEWS “I crossed paths with the guys from the RSPCA within this animal standards space, and I’ve been working with the RSPCA through all their review processes.

“As the RSPCA started to understand beef on dairy supply chains more with us, we started to help and work closely with these guys about what a beef on dairy standard would look like.

“We’ve established our operation pretty much in step with what those standards are going to look like.”

Calflink obtains a significant proportion of its calves through its alignment program with Semex, which Cam said was fundamental to operations remaining ethical.

Semex works with farmers to join their dairy cattle, and ensures that quality beef stud genetics are used for non-replacement dairy animals.

Excess calves are signed over to Calflink through Semex.

The superior genetic backgrounds of these calves meant that animal welfare was achievable from the start, Cam said.

“Nowhere else in Australia have we seen a global semen company align themselves with a calf rearing operation like ours, to be able to roll out commercially viable and sustainable beef on dairy programs.

“The animal welfare starts with the semen.

“It breeds calves with high immunity traits: calves that have calving ability. All of this stuff adds up to the animal welfare.”

Cam believes increasing animal welfare standards will push most dairy farmers to beef on dairy programs eventually, placing their suppliers ahead of the national curve.

“We’re already starting to see a lot more dialogue and lot more execution of these programs in dairy,” he said.

“If economics don’t drive dairy farmers to be thinking more about a beef on dairy program, animal welfare issues will.”

The Elmore facility employs 10 staff to keep up with these standards. As demand grows, the company intends to expand into other dairy regions.

“One of the really positive stories of Calflink is our staff,” Cam said.

“We are a business that started with an idea and now been operational for three-and-a-half years which now employs 10 people from the local community. It’s great.

“It’s sometimes a challenge running 10 people in this type of operation, but it’s a good thing for agriculture.

“We’ve had staff come and go, but we’re still employing people today who have been with us from day one.

“I’ve been able to watch these people grow, and change, week after week, and consistently change as the business has been growing.

“It’s been really good to employ local people who start at the ground level, and they are an integral part of our decision-making process day to day.

“Once Elmore’s facility is at capacity, we will then look at building another facility in another area important to the dairy industry.

“Long term, we could see facilities in every major area within the southern dairy basin.

“It’s an ambitious target, but we’ve got a very good handle on what’s required.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

22 // NEWS

Monitor crops for insect pest FOLLOWING THE first detection of fall army-

worm in forage sorghum in NSW, North Coast Local Land Services (LLS) and NSW Department of Primary Industries are urging producers to monitor crops for signs of the pest.

In NSW, fall armyworm (FAW) had previously only been seen in maize crops, but has recently been found in forage sorghum in the Cudgen area.

North Coast LLS officer Donna Cuthel said while pheromone traps had been set up across the region to monitor populations, producers should be on the lookout for damage to crops.

“Landholders should be looking for windowing of leaves where larvae have hatched and small shot holes as leaves expand, caused by larvae feeding in the developing leaf whorl,” Ms Cuthel said.

“Small larvae are difficult to identify, so we recommend growers keep suspect larvae on host crop leaves and grow them out for a few days until they can be more easily identified through photographs.”

In NSW, maize has been the preferred food source for FAW since it was detected last year.

However, as maize crops are harvested, other crop species — such as sorghum, pulses, winter cereals, sugar cane, rice and cotton — will become more susceptible.

NSW DPI research entomologist Lisa Bird said results from moth trapping activities show

Fall armyworm larvae have been detected in a number of states. Photo: EPA/Aaron Ufumeli

FAW populations are persisting in some locations on the NSW north coast.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and this will help us understand host preference of FAW during the winter cropping cycle in this region,” Dr Bird said.

“We encourage growers to conduct regular monitoring of forage crops. If sprays are war-

ranted, the use of chemical rotation will reduce the risk of resistance development and optimise the cost of insecticide applications.”

The best way to notify of suspected cases and get assistance with identification is to email clear photos, along with your name, location and phone number to: fallarmyworm@dpi.nsw.gov.au

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has issued FAW control permits.

More information on identification, treatment options and resistance management is available on DPI and LLS websites.

Farmers should contact LLS staff for advice on FAW management.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

NEWS // 23

Farm values keep rising in all states AUSTRALIAN FARMLAND values continue to soar with an almost 13 per cent increase in 2020, marking the seventh consecutive year of growth.

Rural Bank’s 2021 Australian Farmland Values report shows a 12.9 per cent rise nationally in 2020, taking the median price to $5907 a hectare.

Tasmania pushed further into record growth territory with a 25.3 per cent rise, followed by Western Australia where values grew 19.3 per cent.

Farmland values were up 15.6 per cent in NSW, 11.8 per cent in Queensland, 10.9 per cent in South Australia and 6.9 per cent in Victoria.

All states demonstrated growth for the first time in 15 years.

The massive increases came despite a 14.5 per cent rise in transactions, which bounced back from historic lows in 2019, when drought ­ravaged swathes of Australia.

More than eight million hectares of land, worth $10 billion, was bought and sold in 2020.

Rural Bank found Australian farmland had delivered an average compound annual growth rate of 7.6 over the past 20 years.

The bank expects values will continue to rise because of demand for agricultural assets, increasing farm profitability, low interest rates and strong commodity prices.

Rural Bank chief executive Alexandra ­Gartmann said the report reflected the underlying strength of the sector.

“Farmland values have risen strongly in every state of Australia and in many cases to levels not seen before,” she said on May 4.

“Low interest rates and consistent commodity prices, coupled with exceptional seasonal ­conditions throughout 2020, have provided farmers with capital and an incentive to invest.

“The report found an increased gap between commodity prices and farmland values with many farmers seeking to expand.”

Ms Gartmann said farmers buying more land in a smaller pool of sellers had resulted in strong competition for property.

She said rising farmland values were no guarantee agriculture would continually prosper.

Climate change and changing consumer preferences could temper growing domestic markets, strong commodity prices and export demand.

“Experienced buyers with clear heads and an eye on the longer-term will also weigh up geopolitical risks and their potential impact on ­commodity prices,” Ms Gartmann said.

“But even with these risks in mind, it appears that high values for quality farmland will continue to be supported in the short to medium term.”

“Larger parcels of land in cropping areas such as the Mallee and north-central (districts of ­Victoria) were highly sought after,” Andrew Smith from the Rural Bank found.

“While smaller high value grazing properties were met with strong demand in reliable rainfall regions of the south-west and northeast (of Victoria). Gippsland saw strong demand for larger parcels of grazing land which altered the transaction mix in the region in 2020,” Mr Smith said.

Farm values are rising across Australia.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

24 // NEWS

Never too late to upskill FRANK MANINTVELD has always had a pas-

sion for farming and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

A love for being outside and working with animals made him the perfect fit for dairy — a job he’s loved doing for many years.

Currently living on a 69.6 ha dairy farm just outside Warragul in southern Victoria, Frank tends to the 180 Jersey cows that call the farm home.

Originally from Holland, Frank made the move to Australia in 1960 when he was in his early 20s.

He has lived on his farm since 1963 with his late wife Margaret, carrying on her family’s business.

He only retired about three years ago, and still helps out a little here and there and does the books.

One of his three sons, Evan, now works the farm and continues on the family tradition.

Frank, 83, studied agriculture in Holland once he finished school, and always knew it was what he wanted to do.

“You gotta love to be a farmer to really succeed. It’s hard work,” he said.

Before he was allowed to come to Australia though, he had to enlist in the army for 18 months which is mandatory in Holland.

He was offered officer training but ultimately turned it down to be able to move to Australia.

About six years ago he decided that he wanted to improve his bookkeeping skills and at the age of 77 went back to studying.

What was supposed to be a short course turned into a six-year university degree.

In May last year Frank officially graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration Management from Laureate International Universities.

“I tried to do a bit more bookkeeping and ended up studying a whole degree,” he said.

The course was online and meant Frank went through a steep learning curve but was aided by his professors, with one taking the time on a Sunday afternoon to walk Frank through how to use their online system.

“Using the computer was the hardest part about the course,” he said.

And he is grateful he persevered.

“Anything I learned in my business degree has been applicable to our farm,” he said.

But the best advice he received wasn’t a business model but a mindset.

“You learn more from your mistakes than you do from anything else,” he said.

“If you don’t know something, ask.”

Frank’s advice to anyone who is interested in upskilling, is that it’s never too late.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

NEWS // 25

Irrigating smarter not harder TASMANIA IS known for its rich history in taking advantage of cutting edge techniques in water application, from hydro power to irrigation.

Even today, finding the best way to utilise water is a key aspect of Australian dairy farming.

Research into irrigation is a significant avenue of Dairy Australia’s innovation funding, through the Smarter Irrigation for Profit phase 2 (SIP2) program.

Working within this program is Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture PhD student Tony Kerstan, whose research into irrigation techniques and optimisation is his way of “giving something back to dairy farmers”.

Tony traded in a corporate career with Hydro Tasmania to study in the open pastures of Tasmanian dairy farms.

His research is funded by the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment (DAWE), the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and Dairy Australia.

“I grew up on a dairy farm many years ago, but never had the opportunity before to go back to the land,” Tony said.

“This had stayed in the back of my mind while I was in the corporate world and motivated me to pursue my PhD. Tony’s research is performed across a variety of dairy farm conditions.

“We’re looking at four farms, each represent-

ing different soil types, rainfall and grazing operations, as well as different pivot sizes,” he said.

The farms are located in Tunbridge (a very dry area), Cressy, Meander and Sisters Creek, all in Tasmania.

For each farm Tony conducts three days of field work, collecting data from the soil.

Tony has centred his research around increasing irrigation efficiency and effectiveness.

“I define irrigation efficiency as simply ‘how much irrigation water is going into the soil’, and irrigation effectiveness as ‘how much of that water is actually getting down to the pasture root zone’,” he explained.

“I think most people assume if you put on, say, 15 millimetres of irrigation, that must mean that the water will flow down 15 millimetres evenly — but that’s not how water actually infiltrates into the soil.”

The first goal of the project is to collect a wide variety of new information.

An innovative technique Tony has developed for his research is using dyes to visualise water infiltration.

“I’m using a purpose-built dye tracer technique which provides quite striking images of how the water is moving through the soil,” he said.

“I haven’t seen it employed anywhere else in the world, so I think I’m leading the charge.

“It visualises the movement of water throughout the soil — I apply the dye and then dig to sev-

Smarter irrigation has become the focus for Tasmanian PhD student Tony Kerstan, who grew up on a dairy farm.

eral different depths within the soil to see how the water travels and infiltrates.”

Tony’s goal is to synthesise his findings into techniques and tools for dairy farmers to aid their irrigation management, as farmers don’t always have the time necessary to implement some of the more complex systems to optimise water use.

“I want a farmer to be able to look at their soil type or irrigation issues and be able to easily

find what to do to get some quick wins. Even if it’s not the entire answer for them, it’s a start.

Getting them 80 per cent of the way there in a simple and easy to understand way would be a great outcome for my research.”

Find out more about the irrigation research Dairy Australia is investing in at: www.dairyaustralia.com.au/land-water-and-climate/water/irrigation/smarter-irrigation-for-profit

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26 // MANAGEMENT

Filling the winter feed gap ONE OF the biggest issues facing livestock producers is keeping stock fed during the winter feed gap.

Pasture depletion during cooler weather and cold soil temperatures can significantly affect farm income as a consequence of increased costs caused by supplementary feeding or reduced stocking rates.

Chris (Desi) Toohey is a senior agronomist with Elders in Albury, southern NSW, and has been recommending ProGibb SG as way to effectively increase grass growth and feed quantity during periods of reduced winter pasture production.

ProGibb SG from Sumitomo stimulates plant growth by stimulating cell expansion which results in leaf and stem elongation.

Applying ProGibb SG to freshly grazed pastures leads to rapid foliage growth.

Visual responses can often be seen in seven days although maximum dry matter production does not occur for three to four weeks.

Commercial demonstrations have shown increases in dry matter ranging from 30 to 60 per cent.

Additionally, milk processors across Australia approve the use of ProGibb SG as a farm input as no residues occur as a result of using ProGibb SG. Mr Toohey first came across ProGibb some 10 years ago after being left impressed by the trial work he had seen.

He decided to give it a go and has been recommending it ever since.

“There wasn’t a great need to recommend it last year, with lower stocking rates from the previous two years’ drought and therefore an abundance of feed from a great autumn that couldn’t all be utilised,” he said.

“We had a mild winter and reduced stocking rates in areas of our districts due to drought management.

“Now that the rains are back and producers are restocking, I can see a good fit for it over the coming winter, particularly if it’s a traditional cold one”.

Mr Toohey recommends the product for phalaris, cocksfoot and rye-grass pastures, which dominate the perennial grass pasture base in his area.

He said he was regularly seeing biomass increases of more than 20 per cent and enjoys the compatibility with a wide range of herbicides and fertilisers, allowing it to fit in well with previously planned pasture management operations.

“I had a client with a phalaris and sub-clover pasture which was planted two years ago.

“I recommended Progibb SG to help increase dry matter over winter and suggested that we leave an untreated strip in the pasture as a comparison.

“The difference was quite marked, with the treated area producing over 30 per cent more dry matter within a few weeks. That client has been using it ever since.

“It’s quite an easy discussion. When you consider the cost per hectare of ProGibb versus buying in extra feed or the potential it gives for increased stocking rates, it is a well worth it.”

Elders Albury senior agronomist Chris ‘Desi’ Toohey.

An untreated strip in middle of a paddock.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

REARING // 27 CALF REARING

Colostrum crucial for calves SOPHIE BALDWIN SOPHIE BALDWIN

CALF REARING

WHEN IT comes to rearing calves, Jessa Laws leaves noIT stone unturned.

The former WHEN comes to rearing calves, Melbourne Jessa Laws girl, who farmsunturned. at Gorae The nearformer Portland, is the leaves no stone Melbourne first to admit fornear thePortland, dairy industry girl, who farmsher at love Gorae is the and first in cows has taken by to particular admit her love forand the calves dairy industry andher in parsurprise. ticular cows and calves has taken her by surprise.

She has has spent spent the the past past 13 13 years years developing developing She and refining refining her her calf calf rearing rearing knowledge knowledge and and — — i iff and she had had one one single single piece piece of of advice advice to to anyone anyone — — i itt she would be be colostrum, colostrum, colostrum, colostrum, colostrum. colostrum. would From testing testing milk milk quality quality to to hygiene, hygiene, feeding feeding From and storage, colostrum forms the basis of everyand storage, colostrum forms the basis of everything Jessa does. thing Jessa does.

“I cannot cannot emphasise emphasise enough enough the the importance importance “I of feeding feeding quality quality colostrum colostrum to to aa calf calf within within the the of first 12 12 hours hours of of birth; birth; after after that that time time the the gut gut first decreases in in its its ability ability to to take take in in colostrum colostrum and and decreases after 24 24 hours hours the the calf calf can’t can’t get get the the required required after immunity transfer,” transfer,” Jessa Jessa said. said. immunity In an an ideal ideal scenario, scenario, Jessa Jessa would would remove remove aa In newborn calf calf from from the the cow cow within within two two hours hours of of newborn

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calving, assess the health of both the cow and calving, assess the health of both the cow and calf, milk the mum, test the colostrum, spray the calf, milk the mum, test the colostrum, spray the navel and feed the calf as much colostrum as it navel and feed the calf as much colostrum as it will drink in the first 24 hours. will drink in the first 24 hours.

“You can never measure how much colostrum “You can never measure how much colostrum a calf has had or what the quality is if the calf a calf has had or what the quality is if the calf stays on the mum, so removing them early takes stays on the mum, so removing them early takes away the risk and all the guess work, “ she said. away the risk and all the guess work, “ she said.

To illustrate her point, Jessa said she could To illustrate her point, Jessa said she could remember a time when 10 cows calved and when remember a time when 10 cows calved and when she tested the milk, three had good quality colosshe tested the milk, three had good quality colostrum, two had moderate quality and the other trum, two had moderate quality and the other five weren’t good enough. five weren’t good enough.

“If I hadn’t of tested the milk, 50 per cent of “If I hadn’t of tested the milk, 50 per cent of those calves straight up wouldn’t have received those calves straight up wouldn’t have received adequate colostrum and we wouldn’t have known adequate colostrum and we wouldn’t have known if the others had enough. if the others had enough.

“There is a huge chance of calves becoming “There is a huge chance of calves becoming sick or dying with inadequate colostrum so it was sick or dying with inadequate colostrum so it was a real eye opener for me.” a real eye opener for me.”

Jessa tests the milk with the help of a Brix refractometer (the best $60 investment she reck-

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CALF REARING // 29

Three sick dogs help calves A PUG, a rottweiler and a kelpie are responsible for Esther Luxford-Matthews finding three calf supplements that now form an integral part of the dairywoman’s daily routine.

Esther and her partner, Glen Pollock, milk 500 cows at Heyfield in Victoria’s East Gippsland region.

When three of their dogs — Dragon, Cat and Nicky respectively — accidentally found and ate some leftover calf supplement, which included a product that is toxic for dogs, they were all admitted to the vets for three days in critical care.

Esther immediately re-assessed her program for the 700 calves she rears annually.

A visit from Daviesway DASCO’s Pete Parniak gave her the solution. He powered up her operation by bringing BioBoost, BioCalf and Electro-G into the conversation.

BioBoost is a high-strength, oral probiotic paste getting rave reviews in the field.

The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract drives 70 to 80 per cent of a mammal’s immunity, and its micro-encapsulated coating allows ­probiotics to be delivered to the rumen and come to life in the lower GI tract, where they can ­outcompete pathogenic bacteria and do their best work.

It also includes yeast — which stabilises the rumen at an ideal 6.7 — and vitamin E for energy.

It is ideal for new or ‘flat’ calves.

BioCalf is BioBoost’s sister product. It’s a double-strength daily probiotic milk-additive powder for calves, which is added to the milk every day at one gram per calf.

BioCalf also includes Australia’s only all-natural coccidiostat — Yucca schidigera — which has been used in the United States for the past three decades. BioCalf maintains a strong baseline for a calf’s immunity. Both products are appropriate for organic operations.

Esther has also included a new electrolyte to the market, called Electro G. A high-performance electrolyte, it can be safely fed immediately before or after feeding milk because it doesn’t contain sodium bicarbonate as its alkalising agent (it should always be offered in a separate feed to milk).

“These autumn calves have been the best crop I’ve ever raised,” Esther said.

“The combination of those three products have made a really big difference to how my calves are going.

“Across the board, they are the fattest and shiniest calves I’ve had. My Jerseys are hitting seven weeks old now, and I could probably start to wean the tops of them.

“Usually I’d leave them on milk until they’re 12 to 13 weeks of age. But they are so fat and healthy — they’re eating enough grain — and, I’m sure that as they come off milk, they’ll just keep going forwards.”

Esther Luxford-Matthews with one of her Jersey calves who tells her ‘calf secrets every morning after brekkie’.

Protecting bought-in calves Esther buys in calves at different times of the season and she says the BioBoost paste has been a game-changer for easing the stress from ­saleyards and travel.

“If I de-horn calves or travel them from the saleyards, I always give them a dose of BioBoost before we get on the road,” she said.

“It’s easy to give and whatever it does for them, they seem happy even at the end of the stressful stuff.

Esther Luxford-Matthews rears 700 calves most years.

“I always offer electrolytes too if they are having a rough day. With the Electro-G I can now offer milk first and they can drink as much as they want, and I then I can offer the electrolytes straight afterwards.

“Most of the time they will down the electrolytes too, even if they feel a bit sick. They seem to really like it.

“By keeping them hydrated, and using the ­BioBoost (when needed) and BioCalf (every day) they seem to be really ticking along really well.

“The calves look outstanding.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

30 // CALF REARING Continued from page 27 Jessa tests the milk with the help of a Brix refractometer (the best $60 investment she reckons you will ever make on-farm) and any milk tested above 22 per cent is kept.

Ideally Jessa likes to have a 50-litre bank of colostrum either fresh or frozen on hand at any given time, and good hygiene is essential when it comes to handling and storage.

Fresh colostrum is stored in the fridge and Jessa adds potassium sorbate to help preserve the milk.

“Potassium sorbate doesn’t impact the quality of milk it just prevents bacteria growth. I will keep fresh colostrum for 24 hours in the fridge and then freeze if it hasn’t been used.”

Colostrum is frozen in colostrum management or perfect udder bags, and each packet is recorded with the dam’s identification, date, amount and the Brix percentage for easy reference when it comes time to use the milk.

It is also important to remember to defrost colostrum correctly to maintain quality.

“I use warm water I can hold my hands in and I will refresh it often — udder bags are perfect and allow for rapid defrosting enabling the milk to be ready to go within an hour.”

Newborn calves are kept separate for the first 24 hours and closely monitored before they are moved onto clean bedding in the calf shed with access to fresh water, calf meal and hay.

Jessa is a firm believer in letting the calf dictate how much milk it drinks especially in the first 24 hours. Her calves are also given access to jackets if it’s cold.

S TRA L I AN

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employing her as our consultant and it was the best thing I ever did.”

Jessa said at the time the changes implemented to the calving system weren’t that costly in the grand scheme of things, but they certainly made a huge difference.

“I don’t think you can actually put a dollar value on good calf management, especially when it sets up the animal to achieve its true genetic potential.”

Jessa has moved away from her time in com-

D

AU

“If you think about it, if a calf has a jacket on and is warm and comfortable, it can than put all its energy into growing.

“Where we are located near Portland, our summers can even be cold, so I am always constantly assessing weather conditions and will certainly put a jacket on no matter what season it is.”

The first few weeks are critical, and Jessa firmly believes the extra TLC at the start sets the animal up to reach its full genetic potential down the track.

Jessa continually monitors her calves and it is very rare for her to even lose a calf these days because she always focuses on getting the foundation right.

She remembers those early days of calf rearing back in 2008 as a horror story, where at least 50 per cent of the calves on the farm she was on at the time were either sick or dying.

“The mental anguish and impact of sick calves is just heartbreaking and it was such an awful time.

“I remember questioning the way things were done back then and I always wanted to work smarter not harder and breed strong and healthy animals.”

Jessa is the first to admit her calf rearing skills and knowledge have come a very long way from those early days and her pivotal moment came after she attended an Australian Dairy Conference with guest speaker Gemma Chuck.

“I can remember Gemma talking about rearing good calves and how important the first 12 hours of their life really is.

“In fact, I was so impressed I ended up

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mercial large-scale dairying into a more boutique style, with a future goal of producing cheese from her small but beloved Holstein herd.

However one thing that will remain constant is the care Jessa will lavish on her calves now and into the future.

“They give everything to us in their lives and we owe it to do the same for them.

“I just love my cows — they are like my babies and I couldn’t imagine a life without them.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

32 // CALF REARING

Increasing herd quality WITHIN 20 minutes the Parkinson family

have collected tissue samples from about 40 calves for genomic testing.

And that’s calves in outdoor pens, on a rainy day at Kirkstall in Western Victoria.

With a herd of up to 2500 cows — calving from February through to early August — regular sampling has become a part of the Parkinsons’ farm routine.

Xavier and Adrian Parkinson and Phil Marney take tissue samples — or notches — from the ears of their Holstein calves. The trio work together to ensure the calves’ DNA, stored in the small tube (tissue sample unit — TSU), is labelled correctly with the calf number, the calves remain calm and the job is completed efficiently.

At sampling, these calves were 2–3 weeks old, although Xavier would have preferred to have done them earlier.

“Ideally, I’d like to do it within the first two weeks of age. That way you get the data back and know which ones are most suitable for your herd and it gives you time to organise what to do with them,” he said.

Including these calves, the Parkinsons would have sent a total of about 600 ear notch tissue samples from calves born in the past two months.

Xavier, his brothers James, Vin, Adrian and Daniel and parents David and Shirley have invested in the technology to better understand their herd’s genetics, as they work to improve the quality of their stock.

Earlier in the day, Xavier, Adrian and Phil had taken samples from another 43 calves while those animals had their morning feed.

“We tipped the milk in and as soon as they were all on (the feeder) one person was taking ear notches, one was receiving and giving the new TSU and one was on the paint and reading the number out to the person in the ute who was recording it,” Xavier said.

He estimated this process took about 10–15 minutes. If he were alone, he suspected it would have required more than an hour.

“Last year we did it at disbudding; it was easy, but we are doing it this way this year to try and get the data earlier,” Xavier said.

“When you are doing it at disbudding, you still need an extra person there, so doing it like this or at disbudding, there’s a similar amount of work.”

Last year was the first time the Parkinsons had taken DNA samples from their calves. During 2020 they reared 950 calves and sold about 250 that were surplus to their replacement needs.

Due to timing of the genomic sampling and results last year, the DNA information wasn’t used to help them decide which heifers would be sold. This year will be different.

Xavier anticipates combining the heifer’s genomic data with a visual assessment to make a more informed choice about which animals to retain and sell.

Farmers can analyse their genomic results using DataGene’s web-based tool called Data-

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Vat, which provides detailed animal results and reports based on genomics and herd testing.

It’s only early days for genomic technology at the Parkinson dairy farm but Xavier wants the data to assist with herd breeding decisions once they have genotyped more animals.

One example, he suggested, included using the data to target the use of sexed dairy and beef semen.

Once a DNA sample is taken, and the calves’ herd identification is recorded, the paperwork must be completed to receive accurate genomic results.

The TSU must be sent with a record of the calves’ number, date of birth and sire.

The Parkinson family’s herd records are regularly updated by Leeanne, Adrian wife.

After learning more about the family’s computer herd recording system, Xavier said matching the data with the tissue sample had become easier.

“Once you do all this stuff once, it is like routine,” he said.

“You have your dinner and then it would be like a 10-minute job on the computer.”

He also thanked Zoetis Genetics senior sales representative for south-west Victoria Bruce Officer for his assistance with the genomic testing process.

If it wasn’t for Bruce’s support, which included a demonstration of genomic testing, Xavier said his family wouldn’t be taking samples.

Xavier Parkinson (left), Adrian Parkinson (back to camera) and Phil Marney take tissue samples at their Kirkstall dairy farm in Western Victoria

Weighing-up the cost benefit of genomics was something the Parkinsons debated, long before choosing to include the technology in their business.

“You have to be confident it is the right thing to do before you take any cost on,” Xavier said.

The confidence to pursue genomics came after a presentation from Zoetis Genetics genetic manager Daniel Abernethy and the family’s desire to remain abreast of industry developments.

“There’s been an enormous amount of money invested in mapping the genome through Dairy Australia and all that work in genetics, hopefully it’s a big success,” Xavier said.

“This is how the industry will get its return on all of that R&D, by people applying that science and getting the data and hopefully getting a more productive, healthier and lower maintenance herd.”

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

ANIMAL HEALTH // 33

Vaccinate your herd against leptospirosis LEPTOSPIROSIS CAN have a significant

impact on your dairy herd, causing economic losses through increased abortions and calf deaths.

It is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria, which can affect a range of animals including cattle and humans.

An integrated approach to prevent leptospirosis should consider: ■

vaccinating the whole herd (following directions on the vaccine label);

■

developing and implementing a farm biosecurity plan; and

considering the risk of introducing infection when bringing in stock and only purchasing animals with an animal health statement.

Agriculture Victoria and Dairy Australia have worked together to develop a biosecurity tool to assist dairy farmers to create a farm biosecurity plan tailored to their farm. Farmers can access the tool to manage their farm and herd’s risks to 14 separate diseases.

If you suspect leptospirosis, confirmation requires testing from your veterinarian. The occurrence of a severe outbreak in a herd is often due to the introduction of an infected animal to an unexposed and unvaccinated herd.

Spread can be through exposure to contaminated water, food, pastures and soil or contact with tissue or urine of infected animals.

The severity of the disease is highly dependent on the host and strain. Symptoms of the ■

­ isease depend on the infecting strain, which d means cases may pass unnoticed.

Some of the signs that could lead you to ­suspect leptospirosis in your herd include: ■ abortion or still births; ■ decline in quality and quantity of milk; ■ bloody, port wine coloured urine; ■ rough, dry coat; ■ severe fever and death in young animals.

Leptospirosis is recognised as a serious occupational health hazard for humans. The dairy is a key contact point, due to urine splashes and the close contact between dairy cows and dairy workers.

For more information on Leptospira in humans visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/ health/conditionsandtreatments/Leptospirosis To minimise the risk of leptospirosis in your herd: ■ Vaccinate. This should be given in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

■ Vaccinate calves twice (as per vaccine directions).

■ All adult cattle on the property should receive a booster annually.

■ Vaccinate pregnant cows at dry off, this allows for immunity to be passed on to the calf, which lasts 6–12 weeks, as long as they consume enough colostrum.

- Agriculture Victoria dairy extension officer Richard Smith

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

34 // ANIMAL HEALTH

We all need to play our part Salmonella Dublin is a cattle-adapted strain, rarely infecting other animals or humans.

Outbreaks occur most commonly in weaned heifers (although dairy calves of any age can be affected).

Bovine carriers are an important source of infection, often excreting the bacteria for extended periods of time (sometimes lifelong).

Not all infected animals will develop diarrhoea.

■ Salmonella Typhimurium is not host-specific, and transmission occurs more frequently between species such as birds and rodents.

Carrier animals usually shed bacteria for shorter periods of time (months), and diarrhoea is a common sign.

Regardless of the type of salmonella you’re dealing with, the fundamentals of prevention and control remain the same. Good hygiene is essential.

Reduce the risk of exposure by identifying and isolating sick animals early and minimise spread via environmental and feed contamination.

Management is multifactorial and involves stress-reduction, increasing immunity using vaccines and colostrum, and maintaining strict biosecurity across all areas of the farm operation.

Treatment of clinical cases or in the face of an outbreak with fluids, anti-inflammatories and broad-spectrum antibiotics has historically has good success, and Australian agriculture continues to have relatively low antibiotic use on a global scale.

Despite this, in recent years we have seen an alarming rise in the number of dairy farms with multi-resistant salmonella species.

This phenomenon is exacerbated by overuse and incorrect use of antibiotics on-farm.

Practically, this means that many of our traditional antibiotics are no longer effective on these farms, leaving us with limited treatment options for salmonella and — even more alarming — any resultant human infections may also be refractory to treatment.

Antimicrobial stewardship is everybody’s responsibility, but when it comes to salmonella I can’t help but be reminded of Charles Osgood’s The Responsibility Poem. Here is a condensed version: There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job.

Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody ■

LUCY COLLINS

SALMONELLA IS a genus of bacteria that can

cause severe diarrhoea in both calves and adult cows.

There are around 2500 stereotypes of salmonella, which may be further divided into strains showing different characteristics (such as antimicrobial resistance patterns).

But let’s not get too worried about the taxonomic details. The important things to know about salmonella are that it’s a common cause of disease on-farm, can result in significant calf morbidity (sickness) and mortality (death) in an outbreak situation, is zoonotic (transmissible to humans) and increasingly, is showing concerning patterns of antimicrobial resistance to many of our routine treatment options.

Clinically affected cattle can excrete large numbers of salmonella bacteria in their faeces, urine, respiratory and reproductive tract secretions, and milk.

Cattle can remain carriers and shed the bacteria intermittently throughout their lives during periods of stress.

Transmission between animals may be via direct contact with an infected animal, or via ingestion of contaminated feed or water.

Salmonella can survive for years in the environment and is often found in the semi-dried faecal splashes commonly seen on calf shed walls or trailers.

Salmonella is not always associated with diarrhoea. Infection can also manifest as depression, dehydration, fever, respiratory disease, septicaemia, swollen joints, neurological signs, abortion, and sudden death.

Typical clinical signs will often vary between serotypes, but if a salmonella outbreak is suspected on your farm, laboratory testing is usually required to confirm.

Determining which type of salmonella you’re dealing with is an important step in managing the disease.

Two of the most common salmonella types affecting cattle in Australia are Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Dublin. While both can cause disease that looks clinically similar, they differ in their epidemiology.

Dairy News columnist Lucy Collins.

Dairy News columnist Lucy Collins.

realised that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.

On that note, I hope we’ll all take heed and consider our individual responsibilities when it comes to the treatment and control of salmonella and our antimicrobial usage on-farm now, and into the future.

For further information or to discuss the spe-

cifics of salmonella in relation to your farming business, contact your local veterinarian.

Lucy Collins is a ProDairy veterinarian for Apiam Animal Health. She is also completing her Dairy Residency with The University of Melbourne, and works alongside her partner on his family’s dairy farm in south-west Victoria. Lucy is a 2021 Nuffield Scholar supported

by Gardiner Dairy Foundation.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 35

Thumbs up to pasture drill NORTHERN VICTORIAN dairy farmer

Rocky Romano has given the thumbs up to his John Shearer 3.0 m pasture drill, which he runs on his Tatura property.

The 200 ha property, which has been in the family for 55 years, is mainly dairy with a small cropping operation.

Mr Romano said they do all their own silage and hay.

“We also put in a fair bit of oats, which we use to prop up the winter feed,” he said.

“The farm is about 90 per cent irrigated. One of the things we do is rotate crops around — that’s where the seed drill comes into its own.

“There’s the pasture crop we do in summer, annuals, during autumn we’ll also plant a lot of cereals, that’s where the machine comes into play.”

After shopping around several different brands before settling on John Shearer, Mr Romano said they “haven’t looked back since”.

“We’ve got a lot of smaller paddocks and a lot of our gates are 12-feet, so this is an ideal machine to just get in and out in any paddock or scenario.

“In the end we’re very happy with the way the John Shearer looked — it’s very sturdy.

In the four years he’s had the seed drill, Mr Romano estimated it had done close to

607 ha.

The pasture drill is purpose-built for pasture renovation, featuring a 3 m transport width, 19/23 sowing rows at 155 mm/125 mm spacing.

The dual depth wheels provided consistent flotation, which the rear depth wheels are designed to maximise sowing width in relation to transport width.

The John Shearer double disc opener is built to perform in many different soil types and conditions.

The compact and unique design, ensures the press wheel is much closer to the sowing boot than most others on the market.

The opener is a true parallelogram unit and is based around two carriers.

The mounting carrier attaches the unit to the frame. The main carrier has the ground engaging coulters and press wheel attached.

The press wheel provides depth control, as well as compaction of the soil around the seed, to assist with germination.

Being a parallelogram design, the opener’s ability to follow ground contours is enhanced for a more uniform seed placement.

For more information, visit: johnshearer.com.au

The John Shearer drill’s double disc opener is built to perform in many different soil types and conditions.

A Tatura dairy farmer says he “hasn’t looked back” since purchasing a 3 m pasture drill from John Shearer.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

36 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

App improves data access GALLAGHER HAS released the

latest addition to its growing suite of technology solutions designed to provide customers with meaningful animal performance insights.

The Gallagher Animal Performance App completes the Gallagher Weighing and EID ecosystem, allowing users to access the same animal data stored on the cloud-based app from anywhere on or off the farm.

“The Gallagher Animal Performance App is cloud-based, so the beauty of it is that you can synchronise data between the smartphone app, your weigh scale or EID tag reader and the cloud,” weighing and EID business development manager Mike Hemsley said.

“It means that wherever you are you can view your animal performance data, allowing you to make quick and accurate management decisions.”

One of the obvious differences between the new Gallagher Animal Performance App and previous offerings from the company is that the customer is no longer required to run a PC program to be able to

view and update their data — they can connect their compatible weighing and EID hardware to Wi-Fi and upload data immediately to the cloud.

“You can search for a tag number either on your Weighing and EID hardware or on the app on your phone and add in notes against that particular animal which can then be synched immediately to the cloud for others to view on their own device,” Mr Hemsley said.

NLIS database transfers can also be completed on the smartphone app. In providing this feature, Gallagher has removed the need to traipse back and forth between yards and office to get real work done.

This cloud-based solution is intuitive and easy to use and remains backed by the same personalised support of the Gallagher Customer Service teams.

To get started, head to am.gallagher.com and register for an account or log in to your existing account.

For help and support, speak to the Gallagher Team on 1800 425 524.

Gallagher weighing and EID business development manager Mike Hemsley demonstrates the simple process of uploading session data to the cloud-based Gallagher Animal Performance App upon completion of weighing animals.

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3:1 FEED TEASERS Innovative teasing action of the rotors pulls apart instead of just unrolling, maximising palatability & minimising waste

TOTAL CONTROL LOADING SYSTEM Self-loading system saves time and feed

TOUGHEST CHAINS/ STRONGEST BARS 12,000lb zinc-plated chains & 40x40mm galvanised boxed section feedbars last longer and need less maintenance

CHASSIS DESIGN Fully enclosed chassis prevents rust. More ground clearance & high tensile steel keeps your machine in the field

APPLIC8R SPRAYERS

• Loads of functional extras • Massively strong • Modular design • Easy to use

CONNECT EITHER END Helps speed up and simplify operation, particularly in singleaccess barns

HYPAFLO WIPER PANEL Patented panel designed to keep feed from blocking and for easy cleaning

OPTIONAL MUDGUARDS Keep feed clean from contaminants when feeding in muddy conditions

TOUGHER DRIVE SYSTEM Rear-mounted drive system is out of harm’s way & allows for better manoevrability & sharper turning

to learn more visit hustlerequipment.com or call 1800 750 428 | 0435 371 311

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 37

Write-off scheme extended

The Instant Asset Write-off Scheme has been extended again.

A FEDERAL Government move to extend the

Instant Asset Write-off Scheme until June 30, 2023 has received the thumbs up.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano said the scheme was a “proven winner”.

The Instant Asset Write-off Scheme was expanded substantially in last year’s budget to $150,000, largely as a COVID-19 stimulus measure.

The scheme has now been extended for another year, providing a longer window of opportunity for agribusinesses to make onfarm investments.

While Tractor & Machinery Association of Australia executive director Gary Northover welcomed the news, the strong demand for machinery has caused supply issues.

“The level of demand being seen in the market continues to surprise, with many suppliers reporting buyers bringing forward purchasing plans to take advantage of the Federal Government’s financial incentives,” Mr Northover said.

“The challenges in meeting this demand are showing no signs of abating, however, with shipping and port clearance delays having a significant impact on delivery times.

“We are receiving reports of a more than doubling of shipping times being compounded by the shortage of containers and the bottlenecks being experienced at Australia’s ports.

“As a result, suppliers are having great difficulty guaranteeing delivery times, which is hampering confidence in the supply chain.

“To compensate for these delays, forward orders are now sitting at levels well above what would be considered normal posing a risk of oversupply in the event of a slowdown in demand.

“These challenges are not confined to the agricultural machinery industry, with construction and automotive likewise affected.”

In April, the association reported the past 12 months had seen in excess of 15,500 tractors sold in this country, which is 38 per cent ahead of the previous 12-month period.

The last time sales were anywhere near these levels was back in 1984.

Lending for machinery and equipment purchases has hit a seven-year high, with new data showing Australia’s agriculture sector continues to boom.

Commonwealth Bank executive general manager of regional and agribusiness Grant Cairns said the record funding was being driven by farmers investing in transport equipment, sowing and cropping equipment, tractors and harvesters.

According to the data, March 2021 was the third largest month for purchases of agriculture machinery since 2014.

Tractor purchases are up 78 per cent and harvesters up 88 per cent, compared to the same time last year.

by metalform

www.towandfert.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

38 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

CLAAS backs robot tractor MACHINERY GIANT CLAAS and a Dutch

start-up think they may have an answer to skilled labour shortages — a fully autonomous tractor expected to launch next year.

CLAAS recently acquired a minority stake in AgXeed, the start-up they hope will help develop and commercialise autonomous agricultural machines.

On announcing the partnership, CLAAS said while agriculture across the world continues to be more productive, the number of people employed is falling, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to source workers.

“The agricultural machinery industry has come up with various solutions to address these challenges, ranging from operator assistance and machine optimisation systems to precision farming technologies, and even autonomous machines in different size and performance classes,” the company said.

“For CLAAS, collaborating with and investing in AgXeed marks a logical step towards futureproof technologies.”

Netherlands-based AgXeed offers a smart, sustainable and fully autonomous system with scalable hardware, virtual planning tools and extensive data models.

And it will now be bringing its autonomous AgBot to fields, pastures and specialty crops alongside a full suite of vehicle peripherals.

The aim is for this autonomous field robot with diesel-electric drive, wheels or crawler tracks, up to 156 hp and standard three-point linkage to assist farmers with a wide range of tasks in future.

“Our involvement provides CLAAS with access to innovative technologies in a familiar market segment and complements our own expertise in autonomy and robotics,” CLAAS chief executive Thomas Böck said.

“It’s a win-win situation in our view, and one reason why we decided to invest in this start-up company, as well as the fact that the targeted AgXeed technologies are in an advanced state of development.

“This solution offers farmers and contractors concrete economic added value, and what’s more, it will soon be available.”

AgBot, together with the associated software solutions and platforms, is expected to be launched in 2022.

AgBot includes central, web-based planning and analysis tool to boost efficiency through automated, optimised route planning and machine settings.

Optional crawler tracks with belt widths from 300 to 910 mm, combined with a low maximum weight of 6.0 tonnes (without ballast) are designed to make the machine soilfriendly.

The vehicle also features an adjustable track width, load-sensing hydraulics and a linkage with a lift capacity of up to 8.0 tonnes.

An electric PTO, independent of the engine speed, and external high-voltage connections are optionally available.

The electric equipment includes all the technology required for hazard and obstacle detection, in addition to an RTK steering system.

AgBots will be launched in various sizes and performance classes with further solutions in development.

CLAAS hopes autonomous machinery will help ease labour shortages.

A Dutch start-up, backed by CLAAS, is planning to launch its AgBot in 2022.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2021

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 39

New baler packs more in DAIRY FARMERS and contractors wanting to pack more material into every hay and straw bale will welcome the benefits of the latest addition to the top of the Case IH LB4 large square baler range for 2021.

Boasting new designs and components throughout, the LB436 HD baler is capable of ­creating bales with up to 15 per cent greater ­density than the current LB434 XL model, which produces the same 120 cm x 90 cm bale size.

Features unique to the LB436 HD include a new main gearbox and mid-ship gearbox with gearshift overload protection for high power transfer and driveline safety.

In addition, the innovative new twine knotter system, TwinePRO, is carried over to boost ­productivity while eliminating field litter and bale contamination.

The LB436 HD is fully ISOBUS Class 3 compatible, meaning not only can it be controlled from an ISOBUS terminal in the tractor cab, but the baler can also control the tractor’s actions, such as increasing forward speed in light areas of swaths, to automatically boost work rates.

For Tim Slater, Case IH Australia and New Zealand hay and harvest product manager, the key benefits are the baler’s simplicity and its ability to produce higher density bales.

“More material in each bale obviously equates to fewer bales per hectare, which reduces

­andling requirements and transport costs h ­overall,” Mr Slater said.

“To be able to offer these kinds of ­efficiencies to our customers in Australia and New Zealand is very satisfying and we know they’ll like what they see.”

The LB436 HD baler has been put through its paces in Australian paddocks in recent months, and Mr Slater said it was a good fit for ­Australian operations, with local trials producing bales up to 15 per cent greater in density than previously possible.

“To be able to show, in Australian conditions, just what this baler is capable of in terms of bale density and shape is very exciting,” he said.

“Getting more weight into bales optimises truck loads, which at the end of the day creates the productivity enhancements Case IH is always seeking to bring its customers.

“And, the LB436 HD’s design is perfectly suited to the straw market, which has grown in Australia in recent years, with its ability for quick, clean crop gathering in even the most challenging of conditions.”

The baler has also been recognised with a number of high-profile awards since its ­European launch 12 months ago.

Agritechnica awarded it Machine of the Year 2020 in the hay and forage category and the American Society of Agricultural and ­Biological

The LB436 HD baler is a new addition to the Case IH baler range.

Engineers (ASABE) picked it for one of its ­prestigious 2020 AE50 Awards, which honour 50 of the year’s most innovative designs in ­engineering products and systems for the food and a­ gricultural industries.

Built around a heavy-duty frame, the c­ hassis of the LB436 HD has been constructed to withstand the loads imposed by a high-density system.

The drawbar, kept short to aid visibility and manoeuvrability, is bolted to this, and is easily adjusted for the height of different ­ tractor hitches, while the top section of the feeding chamber is an integral part.

For more information on the LB436 HD contact your nearest Case IH dealer, with orders now being taken and delivery of the first balers due by September.

SAVE! TOUGH TRIPLE

WITH OUR END OF FINANCIAL YEAR SALE

STRICTLY LIMITED NUMBERS | ABN HOLDERS ONLY

ULTIMATE FARM HAY SHED

ONLY

$52,960 INC GST

ONLY

$14,430

9M x 15M x 4.5M (30’ x 50’ x 15’) Open front shed in large 5M bays for better storage.

Skylights extra.

INC GST

15M x 40M x 5.1M (50’ x 131’ x 17’) Organise your storage with five 8M bays, perfect for hay and machinery! Zincalume Building. Colorbond extra.

SAVE AGAIN!

TRUCK STOP

ONLY

$28,770 INC GST

FLEXI FARMER

ONLY

$18,730 INC GST

ENORMOUS ACCESS

HAY MATE

ONLY

$13,650 INC GST

10M x 13.5M x 5.1M (33’ x 45’ x 17’) Open both 10M ends, perfect for hay, machinery or workshop. Add an extra bay for $3,560.

BEAT THE LATEST BLUESCOPE PRICE RISE OF UP TO 6.5% ONLY

$62,970 INC GST

GET TO KNOW US...

Now Buildings was established to provide farmers and businesses with higher quality sheds at low wholesale prices.

13M x 27M x 5.1M (43’ x 90’ x 17’) Awesome protection with drive-thru convenience.

9M x 18M x 5M (30’ x 60’ x 16’8”) Open front with two 4.5M bays and one large 9M bay. Other configurations available.

VERSATILE EXTENDABLE

COMPACT BUSINESS

INC GST

ONLY

$18,300 INC GST

15M x 22.5M x 5.1M (50’ x 75’ x 17’) You can extend with length or lean-tos or even join another shed. Add an extra bay for $4,640 or a lean-to (6M x 22.5M) for $7,970. 5.6M (18’3”) high version $28,500.

9M x 13.5M x 4.5M (30’ x 45’ x 15’) Heavy duty building with a large industrial roller door and PA door in zinc.

Add an extra $1,120 for Colorbond.

SAVE TAX!

BIG OPENINGS

INC GST

TRADIES WORKSHED

Now Buildings has been in action for 13 years and has 40 years combined industry experience. Our company is now turning over more than $20 million per year. This kind of turnover means we have massive buying power on a smart range of buildings. To maintain this type of buying power and achieve huge savings for our customers, we deal only with ABN holders. We also don’t produce small or complex sheds as this would take away from our buying power.

We are very honoured to have thousands of loyal and happy customers across the states, without their referrals or return business, we wouldn’t be the company we are today.

WITH THE INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF*

ONLY ULTIMATE VALUE $25,330 INC GST PROTECTION

HIGH & MIGHTY

ONLY

ONLY

$37,810

We had seen what was on the market and we knew we could do better, in both quality and price. We are 100% Australian, use 100% BlueScope steel and specialise in large rural & industrial sheds.

As an Australian family business, we are committed to using only Australian steel. Our sheds are manufactured in every state, which creates jobs locally and contributes to both the local & national economy.

ONLY

$26,770

20M x 40.5M x 5.4M (66’ x 135’ x 17’7”) Outstanding access at both ends. The drive-thru convenience of this shed makes it excellent for large machinery or storage.

15M x 18M x 5.1M (50’ x 60’ x 17’) Our most popular shed now with an end wall! Excellent for protecting hay and machinery from the elements.

15M x 27M x 5.1M (50’ x 90’ x 17’) Strong and functional.

Extend to 18M (60’) wide for $7,880.

ONLY

$26,210 INC GST

9M x 16M x 5M (30’ x 53’ x 16’8”) Easy workspace with plenty of height for a hoist. Colorbond walls, doors and trim.

ONLY SUPER INDUSTRIAL $70,620 INC GST

18M x 31.5M x 5.6M (60’ x 105’ x 18’5”) Plus a 4.5M (15’) roof extension, large industrial roller doors and a PA door. Makes an ideal workshop or factory. Colorbond slightly extra.

$30,350 INC GST

18M x 18M x 7M (60’ x 60’ x 23’) Excellent shed for tall machinery or stacking hay.

Open both ends. 27M (90’) long version $43,430.

FARMERS WORKSHOP

ONLY

$34,650 INC GST

EASY ACCESS

ONLY

$22,590 INC GST

13M x 22.5M x 5M (43’ x 75’ x 16’8”) Have the best of both worlds with an enclosed workshop featuring a large industrial roller door plus a PA door that leads out to the four 4.5M open front bays.

9M x 24M x 5M (30’ x 80’ x 16’8”) Four large 6M bays to suit all storage needs.

Extend to 13M (43’) wide for an extra $6,660. 5.7M (19’) high version $24,300.

MANUFACTURING HIGH GRADE SHEDS IN QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA & TAS

THE NOW BUILDINGS ADVANTAGE 100% Australian steel, 100% Australian made, 100% Australian family owned High tensile bolts & class 4 fasteners, gutters & downpipes included Site specific engineering, heavy duty connection & footing design High grade industrial strength materials and design

CALL MON–SAT 1300 559 668

TREVOR 0431 597 160

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JAMES 0413 104 820

JOHN 0437 699 111

Images are from the Now Buildings range, for illustration purposes only. Imperial measurements are approximate. Shed price only. WA & NT slightly extra. Prices are based on collection, delivery extra.

Extras pricing in bold is applicable at the shed purchase stage only. Extensions for existing sheds POA. Now Buildings will not be responsible to honour these prices once the total allocation has been sold. E&OE. Prices are Region A, Terrain cat. 2. Reg B slightly extra. *Now Buildings is not providing any financial or taxation advice, you should consult your own advisors before entering any transaction.