Dairy News Australia - November 2019

Dairy saleyard in limbo PAGE 4

MODERNISING THE MANAGEMENT OF BOBBY CALVES: PAGE 28

NOVEMBER, 2019 ISSUE 109 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

NEWS // 3

Plan starts to take shape RICK BAYNE

AUSTRALIA’S NEW Dairy Plan is moving

Feed pad tips. PG.10

Eight robots go into Tassie farm. PG.17

Debate over Warragul yards future. PG.4

NEWS .................................................... 3 – 26 OPINION ....................................................... 6 DAIRY PLAN ..............................................14 ANIMAL HEALTH .......................... 27 – 28 MACHINERY....................................29– 34

closer to reality, with a Joint Transition Team set to deliver recommendations on a new industry structure and advocacy.

A progress report from the JTT and a key directions statement were expected by the end of October, with a draft Dairy Plan due a month later.

Officials are reluctant to divulge details at this stage, but some farmers are concerned about the prospect of processors joining farmers in an industry leadership group, although Australian Dairy Plan Committee chair John Brumby thinks that would benefit the industry.

More than 20 consultation workshops around Australia identified industry structure arrangements and advocacy as major problems facing the industry, leading to formation of the JTT to develop new options.

Mr Brumby said he was happy with progress of the review but he stressed the need to get it right.

“This is a plan for the next five years and beyond. For all those who invest and work in the industry and regional Australians who depend so much on dairy, it is crucial to get this right,” he said.

Mr Brumby said the JTT was on track to produce a progress report which will feed into the overall Dairy Plan.

The committee is also on track to produce a key directions document by the end of October which will summarise the key themes from consultation workshops and the positive directions and initiatives which could be included in the Dairy Plan.

A draft plan is expected at the end of November but Mr Brumby said there would be further opportunity for feedback.

“We’ve given more consideration and think there should be a period of further consultation with industry before we finalise the Dairy Plan,” he said.

“The consultation process we put in place has been a real strength of what we’re doing but I understand people want to see results.

“During Australia Dairy Week we hope to

have finalised the draft, then we may need further consultation or a further national workshop following its release.”

Mr Brumby said there had been a huge amount of input during workshops.

“That process has driven the issues we’re considering in the Dairy Plan and in turn drove the establishment of the JTT, because the number one issue that came out was industry structure and advocacy arrangements,” Mr Brumby said.

He said the eight-member JTT had a lot of experience in dairy, industry and corporate restructure and its members were well linked to their local communities and dairy industry.

“They will consider formal submissions but much of the purpose of establishing the JTT was to utilise their informal links which will feed into the work they are doing.

“It’s not an easy task. Many agricultural industries have been looking at their structures and it’s always a complex process, particularly when you’re trying to streamline, modernise and make more effective the structure that you’ve got.

“I’m hopeful by the end of November there will be a much firmer set of recommendations from the JTT.” When asked about the potential makeup of industry representative bodies, including the possibility of farmers and processors working together, Mr Brumby said it was “a matter for the JTT to look at”.

“I’m not going to pre-empt the work of the JTT and I’m aware there are a range of views on that issue,” he said. “But my personal view is that the long-term interests of this industry would be best progressed when farmers and processors are able to work together with a common set of interests.

“I know not everybody agrees with that view but if we can find more common ground, build trust and confidence and share long-term objectives for the industry, then I think the industry’s interests and Australia’s interests are better served by farmers and processors being able to work together.”

Mr Brumby said the JTT was looking at the best industry structures and would consider formal and informal submissions and report

its view to the chair’s group of the Australian Dairy Plan Committee.

“That committee, which I chair, will make the final decisions about what is in the Dairy Plan,” Mr Brumby said.

He said he was confident of developing a plan that addressed the key issues of profitability, industry confidence and cohesiveness but added: “I’m also a realist and know the current environment is very challenging. There are no silver bullets or quick solutions.”

While unable to elaborate on the transition team’s progress, JTT chair Shirley Harlock said it had received and reviewed several stakeholder submissions and a wide range of relevant information.

Mrs Harlock said the team remained focused on responding to expectations for transformational change and creating a more unified industry and had explored a number of possible structural models.

She said the team was on track to deliver a future directions paper to the Dairy Chairs Committee by the end of October.

“The issues of policy development and advocacy and whole-of-industry interests are a high priority,” she said.

Dairy Australia chair Jeff Odgers said the key future directions paper would be out at the end of October but he couldn’t comment further at this stage.

Australian Dairy Farmers president Terry Richardson has been on leave and couldn’t comment on recent updates, and UDV president Paul Mumford didn’t respond to calls.

The Wannon branch of the UDV confirmed it had lodged a submission with the JTT. President Bruce Knowles said the submission was based around a restructure to unite dairy advocacy under one body, calling for more accountability and pooling resources.

“We want to maintain a relationship with the processors but initially it has to be a farmer-led structure to set up the organisation and its rules and governance, then bring in the processors at an appropriate time.

“It’s with the JTT and I can’t say a lot more about it, but I can say the feedback is very encouraging.”

Further stories, see page 14

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

4 // NEWS

Warragul saleyards for dairy cattle in limbo JEANETTE SEVERS

HUNDREDS OF dairy farmers attended a

meeting at Darnum in early October to discuss why the Warragul saleyards − a specialist dairy cattle selling facility − was closing at the end of this year.

Also on the table was the potential for two separate consortiums to build a new saleyards facility, at Longwarry and between Warragul and Morwell. Only the second facility, to be built

by Victorian Livestock Exchange potentially between Warragul and Morwell, was discussed.

However, two livestock agencies that operate at Warragul saleyards recently approached Lardner Park, to hold dairy cow and heifer sales in the facility there in 2020.

Neil Darby, of Alex Scott & Staff, confirmed he and some colleagues had approached Lardner Park management.

Lardner Park board chairman Ian Cougle, confirmed with Dairy News Australia that Alex Scott & Staff and Elders agents had made an inquiry; and he had asked them to submit a written business case prior to the board’s meeting in late October.

“I asked them for a written proposal and, if we approve it, dairy sales would have to be fitted in with our normal calendar of events; and they would need to provide a temporary extension to the existing holding yards,” Mr Cougle, a local dairy farmer, said.

Mr Darby is also one of the consortia behind development of a saleyards facility at Longwarry.

He and other livestock agents, along with farmers and other business people, bought the land

The curfew for Warragul saleyards is the morning of the sale, which means cows can be milked before they leave the farm and are standing minimal time in the outdoor pens prior to sale.

early last year, after they became aware the Pakenham saleyards would close in the next couple of years. Their plans have been hastened with the closure of Warragul saleyards.

“We’re certainly pushing on with Longwarry.

We’re currently putting together the planning application and will put that into Baw Baw Council by the end of this year,” Mr Darby said.

“Alex Scott & Staff and Elders will be selling dairy cows in the fortnightly dairy sale in the new year at Lardner Park. They have a very good selling ring and we’ll probably have to add a few more pens.

“Unfortunately, calf sales will be limited by infrastructure.”

Lardner Park is set up to handle large volumes of cattle. It has a long running history of steer trials; the grass based steer trial has been operating for 45 years.

While cow, heifer and vealer sales would cease at Warragul saleyards just prior to Christmas, calf sales will continue into 2020 — but with no definitive date.

There were concerns expressed by a number of people about where calves could be sold, given biosecurity and animal welfare issues; the Pakenham facility has sheep pens but no calf pens. Lardner Park has no facilities for calf sales.

VLE director, Graham Osborn, assured attendees the calf sales at Warragul would remain into the new year. About 10 000 to 12 000 calves are sold through Warragul saleyards annually.

“Animal rights activists and social media have made calf sales a problem to administer,” Mr Osborn said.

Speakers at the public meeting at Darnum, to discuss closure and replacement of Warragul saleyards: MC Peter Kostos, truck driver Trevor Bramstedt, dairy farmer Noel Campbell, livestock agents Michael Savage, Neil Darby and Darryl Adams, dairy farmer Grant Williams and VLE director Graham Osborn.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

NEWS // 5

Economic arguments at public meeting JEANETTE SEVERS

AMONG THE speakers at the public meeting

at Darnum were owner representative Graham Osborn, dairy farmers Noel Campbell and Grant Williams, truck driver Trevor Bramstedt and livestock agents Michael Savage, Neil Darby and Darryl Adams.

Mr Adams described Warragul saleyards as Victoria’s premier dairy selling centre and best vealer market. Several dairy farmers and cattle traders have described it as key to setting a floor in the price of dairy cattle.

The day after the public meeting, the top price paid for a dairy cow sold through Warragul saleyards was $3300.

A lot of the arguments from the presenters at the public meeting were economic.

Mr Osborn argued the Victorian Livestock Exchange was rationalising efficiencies with the closure and indicated the success of VLE’s Koonwarra saleyards.

“Leongatha district dairy farmers are our biggest business,” he said.

He said VLE’s mission was to realise better competition and higher returns to farmers selling cattle, and that was unlikely at Warragul, in comparison to VLE’s Pakenham and Koonwarra saleyard facilities.

VLE also had plans to build a new saleyard facility in a few years time, to replace the Pakenham yards eventually, which are hemmed in by development.

Mr Osborn said the throughput at Warragul was largely dairy cattle from across Gippsland — 64 per cent — but 31 per cent of cows sold came from northern and western Victoria. Pakenham was a closer facility for those suppliers.

“Our core belief is providing a modern, softfloor facility,” he said.

“We are closing Warragul to offer Pakenham prices for farmers. We want a bigger, more sustainable market; buyers want to choose from bigger consignments.

“Between Warragul, Pakenham and Koonwarra, Warragul is the weakest economic unit.”

While the Pakenham saleyards will remain open for the next couple of years, VLE intends to replace it with a facility closer to Warragul and outside potential urban zones.

Selling the Warragul saleyards, located centrally in the industrial zone, would part-fund the purchase of land and cost of building a new facility, Mr Osborn said.

Livestock transport company operator, Trevor Bramstedt, said the cost of transporting cows would double, carrying them to Pakenham saleyards. He quoted $60 per cow as the increased cost. He also pointed out he would have to provide holding facilities to make transport more efficient and effective for dairy farmers.

“We’re building an extension to our place to rationalise transportation of cows,” Mr Bramstedt said.

“They’ll arrive in small trucks and we’ll bring the cows together and transport them further on bigger trucks.

“Farmers will also have to build their own

holding paddock to put their cow in while she waits to be picked up.”

According to NLIS guidelines, offloading the cattle temporarily will probably require an extra transfer of the PIC number into and out of Mr Bramstedt’s yards.

Elders livestock agent Darryl Adams said Warragul saleyards was a well used facility — with five agencies operating out of the facility weekly, along with invited agents — and the auction system was transparent and ensured a valued return to farmers; his view was endorsed by Mr Campbell and Mr Williams and other dairy farmers. Mr Adams said closing Warragul created a massive problem for the dairy industry.

“There are more than 36 dairy cow sales annually, using the selling ring every fortnight.

Every month, on the first and third Friday, we sell herds, part-herds, lines and springers at Warragul,” he said.

There are 10 abattoirs within a 100 km dis- Noel Campbell and Grant Williams are among a number of dairy farmers concerned about the lack of competition for dairy cattle and calves when tance of the Warragul saleyards.

Warragul saleyards closes this year. They asked for the Warragul saleyards to “Warragul puts the floor in the dairy cow remain open for another couple of years, until the new saleyards is open. price,” Mr Adams said.

“All farmers need a commercial outlet and going to auction is where you get your premium clients know they will receive a premium price. price. The success of Warragul as a saleyards “At the most recent two sales, we sold 340 is because it is surrounded by a strong dairy and 300 cows out of northern Victoria,” he said. region. Buyers are often farmers looking for “Warragul is a competitive market for calves. milk inflow.”

All these people who raise calves will not be able All farmers and livestock agents spoken to to purchase them from dairy farmers. It’ll create

by Dairy News Australia are against the closure a monopoly for those who buy over the scales of Warragul saleyards, while there is no replace- and only pay $50 to $60 for a calf. On-farm sales ment facility in the region. The milking out facil- lacks competition.” ity is seen as an advantage at Warragul, although Mr Boulton, who also owns a dairy farm, said it was recently closed down.

20 per cent of his purchases at Warragul saleGrant Williams, who milks 600 cows at two yards would be dairy cows, heifers and calves dairy farms at Athlone, said he used the chopper for his own use. market, buys cows in milk at the dairy sale and Livestock agent and key driver behind the appreciates the transparency of the calf sales, potential Longwarry saleyards facility, Neil compared to selling direct to the abattoir.

Darby, was scathing about VLE’s decision to Buln Buln dairy farmer Geoff Hewson relies close Warragul saleyards. on selling chopper cows through the Warragul “I don’t think the VLE have thought this saleyards. through,” he told Dairy News Australia.

Anthony Boulton, who milks 1800 cows “A lot of dairy cows and calves come over across three dairy farms in the Sale district, here from south and west Gippsland, and VLE regularly buys at Warragul saleyards. He attends are not supporting the farmers of Baw Baw Shire.

Neil Darby is an owner of land at the cow market on Friday, the chopper market I think their motive is to undermine Longwarry. Longwarry and part of a group planning on Thursday and the Monday calf market. About to build a new saleyards facility.

90 per cent of the Friesian heifers he buys are exported for the heifer market.

“I put the floor in the price for dairy heifers,” he said.

“And 70 to 80 per cent of my dairy cows come out of Warragul. Some days at the Warragul saleyards, I’ll buy 90 per cent of the cattle for sale.

“VLE are destroying the calf market — the saleyards sets the benchmark for the market and dairy heifer calves sell for $400 there.

“Why should a farmer be forced to accept $50 over the scales [at the farm gate]?”

Mr Boulton said there were significant advantages for the wellbeing of farmers to attend the Warragul saleyards, beyond selling and buying cattle. It is something he has experienced himself.

“I love going to Warragul. Beyond the business side of it, it’s a gathering place for people to get together,” he said.

Wellington Livestock buyer Steven Boulton regularly brings dairy cows and heifers out of Buln Buln dairy farmer, Geoff Hewson relies on the Warragul northern Victoria to sell at Warragul, where his saleyards to sell his chopper cows for a competitive price

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

6 // OPINION

EDITORIAL

Industry advocacy faces a balancing act

One hump or two?

The Victorian camel milk industry will now be under the control of Dairy Food Safety Victoria.

Camel milk was the only milk not listed on Dairy Food Safety Victoria, and was previously regulated by local council under health regulations.

Kyabram’s Camel Milk Co assistant manager Tee Rowe said she was excited for the change.

“Not being under Dairy Food Safety Victoria has been costly for us because we have to get a special exemption,” she said.

“We have three different licensing bodies we have to answer to and pay to do an audit, which costs us a lot more money.

“Time gets wasted proving to overseas countries that we have a licence.”

Camel Milk Co has been lobbying for the change after being told in January last year that it would pass in March.

Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum pushed the Federal Agriculture Department

to develop a plan to improve the camel milk industry’s export process.

“Dairy Food Safety will do our exporting for us, we already follow Dairy Food Safety Victoria guidelines anyway so it’s just fine tuning now,” Ms Rowe said.

Advertising Max Hyde 0408 558 938 max.hyde@dairynewsaustralia.com.au Editor Geoff Adams (03) 5820 3229 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

Industry advocacy is rising to the surface as the industry moves closer to adopting a new national dairy plan, but the sensitive nature of the beast reared its head last month.

In all the workshops held around the country, dairy farmers have been saying they want better advocacy to represent them.

This is a challenging issue and one that the old hands will say: “We’ve heard it all before − farmers want more informed, aggressive representation, but they want someone else to do it, and they don’t want to pay for it through industry memberships.”

Well, the issue is coming to a head now, and it will soon be time to put the cards on the table, as the Joint Transition Team is expected to recommend an advocacy model by the end of November.

What do farmers want their representation to look like, and who will do it?

Will they simply want a tougher approach, or will they accept a consultative model based on agreement and negotiation?

Terry Richardson who heads the peak industry body, the Australian Dairy Farmers, got something of a lashing when he made a statement about supporting the MurrayDarling Basin Plan, and the ferocity of the response indicated just how delicate the balance in representing an industry can be.

The ADF and many other industry bodies actually support the goals of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan which attempts to restore the balance of environmental and consumptive demands. Most people probably would, but it is becoming clearer that the outworking of the plan is causing major headaches for irrigating dairy farmers, some of whom have experienced the ridiculous situation of seeing their back-paddocks flooded from environmental flows, during a drought, while they can’t get an irrigation allocation.

And they also witness the hundreds of gigalitres going downstream to prop up a freshwater lake in South Australia, when science has already raised a question over whether the lake is actually more estuarine, than fresh.

And the Victorians are wondering why every drop taken from a river or channel has to be measured when some irrigators in other states don’t have metering.

So, when a dairy leader talks about supporting the basin plan, there is an inevitable fiery response, indicating just how delicate the balance can be, between leadership, and representation.

Between now and next year, dairy farmers will have to give some solid thought to how they want to be represented, and what kind of leadership they want.

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

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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.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

NEWS // 7

ADF hit on water claim A CLAIM by a leading dairy lobby group that

drought is responsible for high irrigation water prices has angered many Murray Valley irrigators.

Australian Dairy Farmers president Terry Richardson made the claim in an opinion article supporting the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

“Ultimately it is the devastating impact of drought that is most responsible for rising water prices,” Mr Richardson said.

He quoted a report by consultants but the consultants are challenging his interpretation of their report.

“Water policy experts, including Aither, have found the market to be working effectively and that high prices are the result of high demand and low supply caused by persistently dry conditions and below-average rainfall,” Mr Richardson said.

Since the statement was published, the consultants, Aither, said Commonwealth water entitlement purchases had also contributed to the rise in the price of temporary water.

“In Aither’s 2016 report for the Commonwealth Department of the Environment we concluded that Commonwealth water entitlement purchases had increased water allocation prices. We estimated that government purchases increased water allocation prices by 27 per cent in 2014–15.”

The UDV has also issued a statement saying the ADF commentary does not reflect the views of the UDV or farmers.

The UDV has called on the ADF to “clarify its opinion”, saying farmers feel let down by the commentary and the lack of consultation.

The UDV says the basin plan has had a huge impact on the northern Victoria dairy industry and local communities, with farmers feeling stressed and frustrated.

“The UDV believes the basin plan must strike a balance on the impacts it is having in regional communities.”

Mr Richardson was referring to high prices for temporary irrigation water. Prices in northern Victoria peaked around $500/Ml last year, but the region was not in drought.

Aither said Commonwealth purchases played a role in pricing because whenever there was an increase in demand or a reduction in supply, prices were likely to increase.

“While the current drought will end at some point, Aither is of the view that market participants need to be prepared for a new normal. While there will always be seasonal fluctuations, compared to historical prices, higher long term allocation prices are expected to be driven by a mix of increased irrigation demand, new development, and water recovery from the consumptive pool.”

Blighty farmer Lachlan Marshall said his initial reaction to the comments by the ADF was extreme anger followed by disappointment.

“It is difficult to comprehend how the leader of a national organisation could have such a poor understanding of the impact the failing basin plan is having on the industry they are representing.

“For the benefit of Mr Richardson and his ADF colleagues, please take note: The plan is failing your industry. It is not protecting the environment. The science on which it was based is flawed and our communities are suffering.”

Southern Riverina Irrigtors chairman Chris Brooks said Mr Richardson needs to get out on the ground and talk to his dairy farmers.

“Terry Richardson doesn’t realise 50 per cent of cattle farmers have walked off the farm,” he said.

Cobram East dairy farmer and Murray Valley irrigator Paul Mundy said the remarks were illinformed and missed the point that the the basin plan was creating completely unnatural flows.

Mr Mundy said it was becoming clear that the basin plan was fundamentally flawed.

Farmers are complaining that the environmental water released under the Murray-Darling Basin plan is flooding their properties while they can’t get access to irrigation water.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

8 // NEWS

Agonising decisions for Deni couple SOPHIE BALDWIN

BARRY AND Rosey Warburton have always

gone quietly about the business of dairy farming on their Deniliquin property — until recently when they featured on the SBS documentary Struggle Street.

The documentary highlighted the southern Riverina couple’s journey during summer 2018–19 as they battled to feed their Illawarra herd while they faced another year with zero water allocation.

The couple has allowed the Australian public onto their farm and given them a no-holdsbarred look at their life on the land.

The couple was approached by SBS after receiving help from the charity Aussie Helpers.

It is fair to say Rosey was reluctant to participate from the very beginning, and on the first day the camera appeared she took off with their two children, Lincoln, 6, and Anabella, 2.

“I didn’t want the cameras here. Putting ourselves out there was just too confronting for me, but Barry agreed instantly because he wanted city people to see first-hand what is happening to our farmers,” she said.

The SBS crew consisted of one man who did all the filming and asked all the questions. He fitted seamlessly into their lives and made the process relaxing for the family, so much so that Rosey returned and ended up featuring prominently in the documentary.

During the four-part series we see the Warburtons struggle with the impact of being unable to feed their cows properly over a long and hot summer, the breaking down of their bore and the heartbreaking decision to sell part of their herd.

We get a glimpse of Barry’s love for showing cows at the Deniliquin Show and Lincoln’s first time in the show ring.

The couple relives the terrible moment Lincoln got stuck in the rotary and the possibility he might have suffered irreversible damage.

There are tears (mostly from Barry) and not too many joyous moments during the period of filming, but the couple makes it through.

“Somehow we survived, but I am not sure how and I still can’t believe how bad it really

NEW

Deniliquin dairy farmers Barry and Rosey Warburton with daughter Anabella from Deniliquin.

was,” Barry said.

They have found the documentary stressful to watch, especially the part about Lincoln.

“We both cried when we watched that. I don’t think we had time to grieve at the time and that was very hard to watch,” Rosey said.

It has also helped the couple make the hardest decision of all, to sell Barry’s beloved herd and move interstate.

“We decided we can’t go through that ever again, and even though circumstances were different last year with a lower milk price combined with exorbitant feed cost, we just don’t know how much longer this drought will go on for,” Barry said.

“There are no drought clauses in the MurrayDarling Basin Plan to alleviate water pressure

and the Federal Government aren’t doing anything to help either, and it is just too stressful and hard.”

The Warburtons have had a lot of support from the public and people have been grateful they shared their story.

They even received a card in the mail from two pensioners with $20, addressed to: Barry and Rosey (SBS Doco) dairy farmers Deniliquin, thanking them for producing food for the country.

“I think Struggle Street brings home to people just how tough it has been — and with this season shaping up to be the same, we have decided to exit and start again somewhere else,” Barry said.

It won’t quite be the end of dairying though, as Barry is planning on taking a few of his favourite Illawarras with him in the hope he can still

share the joy of showing cows with his young family in the future.

Struggle Street is available to stream on SBS On Demand.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

10 // NEWS

Spotlight on feed-pad needs MANY FARMERS are looking to transition

their herd to a temporary or permanent feed-pad type system this summer as reliance of bought-in fodder becomes a key part of management — a $14 000 load of hay with wastage of 25 per cent will cost the farmer $3 500.

Reducing wastage is a key focus for many of our country’s farmers.

Agriculture Victoria’s Paul Wallace was guest speaker at a recent Murray Dairy workshop talking everything feed-pad related to a crowd of about 20 at Katunga.

He said when it came to setting up an area, key issues to be considered included: ■ Odour − wet manure near troughs and stockpiles, spoilt feed, by-product storage areas.

■ Dust − topsoil losses from heavily trafficked areas (cows and machinery).

■ Noise − feed mixing and delivery equipment.

■ Flies — attraction and/or breeding in wet manure, spoilt feed, by-product storage area.

■ Runoff − containing manure (nutrients and pathogens) rainfall runoff transporting

manure beyond the property boundary and/ or into a waterway.

Mr Wallace said it was important to consider short- and long-term goals and not allowing minimising feed wastage be the only driver, as wastage can vary — feeding out on the ground greater than 30 per cent, hay ring and conveyor belting 20 per cent, concrete trough 12 per cent and concrete pad or barn less than five per cent.

Establishing a construction type depends on type of fodder or supplements fed, the frequency of use and time on area, ability to manage different stock groups, opportunity to reduce travel to pasture further away, designated stand-off areas to reduce pugging and laneway damage, and shade and shelter during summer.

Common issues to consider include: ■ Wear and tear across feed face and around stock troughs.

■ Machinery traction and slippery surface for cattle.

■ Congestion and bottle necks reducing cow flow and cows cast in troughs.

Feed -pads come in all different shapes and sizes and are becoming an increasing part of day to day management in the Australian dairy industry.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

NEWS // 11

Need to remove spoilt feed in and around rings and troughs.

■■ Surface water pooling and loafing area causing pugging and odour.

■■ Damage to module rings and feeders with a need to brace and anchor.

■■ Rainwater seeping underneath modules and troughs and damaging feed and ease of removal of damaged feed.

■■ Trough height.

■■ Poor tension on cables and wires allowing cows to access feed.

■■ Herd shelters may be misinterpreted as dairy barns which require an intensive permit.

Mr Wallace said building permit requirements varied between different councils but a general rule of thumb was if you pour concrete you need a permit.

“Engage early with the shire if you are looking to build a more permanent structure,” Mr Wallace said.

He said it was a good idea to position the ■■

structure away from busy roads and waterways.

“Goulburn-Murray Water infrastructure is not classified as a waterway but ideally build 60 m away to better control rain events and nutrient runoff. Systems can get boggy in winter so consider orientation to maximise sun as well.”

Feed-pad access to water is important along with making sure there are enough troughs along with good water delivery.

Placing troughs a short distance away from the feeding area helps stop cows contaminating the water source with feed.

It also important to remember to place the structure in a central position; somewhere where you can view the cows often and keep an eye on things if they go wrong.

“They can get smelly in wet conditions and bring flies so ideally not close to a house.”

Murray Dairy also touched on feed budgeting and pointed to the Dairy Australia Feed Tools — a web-based program that uses regional data to assist with planning and tracking of farm feed requirements.

Understanding common issues Usually less planning means more issues √

Wear and tear across feed-face and around stock water troughs

√

Machinery traction and slippery surface for cattle

Why introduce feeding infrastructure?

√

Congestion and bottle necks reducing cow flow causing injury

√

Cows cast in troughs

What is the intended purpose?

What do you want to achieve (short and long term)?

1.

√ Need to constantly remove spoilt feed in and around rings and troughs √ Surface water pooling and loafing area causing pugging and odour √ Damage to module rings and feeders, with a need to brace and anchor

Minimise feed wastage — (Don’t let this be the only driver).

Feeding on ground — >30 per cent, hay ring and conveyer belting — 20 per cent, concrete troughs — 12 per cent, concrete pad/barn — <5 per cent 2.

Depends on type of fodder or supplements fed

3. Frequency of use and time on area to supply fodder or supplements

√ Rainwater seeping underneath modules and in troughs damaging feed

4.

Ability to manage different stock groups

√

Trough height too low for feeding or too high for mixer wagons

5.

Opportunity to reduce travel to pastures further away

√

Poor tension on cables and wires allowing cows to access feed

6. Designated stand off to minimise pasture pugging and laneway damage

√ Herd shelters may be misinterpreted as dairy barns — Intensive permits

7.

Shade and shelter area during Summer Source: Agriculture Victoria

Source: Agriculture Victoria

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12 // NEWS

Feedback urged on dairy plan THREE DAIRY farmer representative bodies

have urged their farmers to give feedback on the draft mandatory dairy code.

The Federal Government has sought feedback on the third and final round of consultations for the code, which will be open until 2 pm on Friday, November 22.

The code has been pushed six months ahead of schedule, to start in January 2020, which Federal Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie said was a result of advocacy from her National Party.

"We are keen to make sure that all of industry has an opportunity to provide final comment on the drafted mandatory code because dairy farming is quite a different enterprise in Western Australia compared with Victoria — and that goes for all the states," Senator McKenzie said.

The code of conduct will aim to provide an increased level of transparency in dealings between processors and farmers.

One Nation’s Pauline Hanson placed public pressure on moving the date forward but Senator McKenzie said it didn’t impact the decision to alter the date.

NSW Farmers Dairy Committee chair Colin Thompson said the mandatory code was a result of the government wanting to assist farmers during challenging times.

"Personally I don’t see any benefit in it being brought forward, so to introduce it mid-way through a contract period is odd," Mr Thompson said.

Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation president Brian Tessmann said the code would make it difficult for farmers to switch processors.

"Some contracts are on a calendar year basis and some are on financial year basis, which can create a limbo for farmers," Mr Tessmann said.

"Farmers in Queensland sign contracts for up to five years but prices aren’t stated for over one year."

The mandatory code will introduce a resolution process and UDV president Paul Mumford said it would have a cost for the service to run.

"At some point the cost on the processing side will eventually be borne out in milk price for farmers," Mr Mumford said.

“I really want to emphasise farmers’ feedback into the final document to make sure it’s fit for

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Victorian farmers within their businesses."

Key points of the code include: ■■ Milk supply agreements must have written records of supply and price from a set date and be published on processors’ websites.

■■ Milk supply agreements must not provide for exclusive supply, tier pricing and withholding loyalty payments.

■■ Price step downs will be prevented.

■■ A cooling-off period for milk supply agreements will apply.

■■ A dispute resolution process will be implemented.

■■ Breaches of the code will be investigated by

the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The mandatory code was an outcome of the April 2018 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s report into the dairy sector.

The first round of consultations started on October 31, 2018 and the second on January 15, 2019.

For more information and to provide feedback on the code, go to: haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

14 // DAIRY PLAN

Push for united body A UNITED national organisation called Dairy

Farmers Australia is being proposed as a solution to the industry’s advocacy issues.

The proposal, seen by Dairy News Australia, aims to bring policy, industry advocacy and R&D together.

The 48-page proposal outlines a structure to strengthen the voice of dairy farmers advocating with cross commodities, industries and government. It is understood the extensive PowerPoint proposal has been submitted to the Joint Transition Team.

It seeks a new independent governance structure that focuses specifically on the dairy industry and integrates Australian Dairy Farmers, Dairy Australia, Gardiner Dairy Foundation and state advocacy bodies.

The Dairy Farmers Australia national governance structure would encompass state representation and R&D, with the president and vice president to be elected at a national conference by regional branch delegates.

The regional governance structure would encompass adequate administration and strong farmer representation.

Its mission would be to create a new national dairy advocacy structure, unifying and securing available resources to achieve beneficial outcomes for members. Its vision would be to create an advocacy structure that encompasses accountable, transparent representational networking and governance.

The proposal details how the DFA would actively interact with core groups such as the National Farmers Federation, governments, processors and research bodies.

It says government will hear farmers’ voice on what impacts on-farm through a united DFA representative body.

Policy initiatives will be advocated with a powerful single industry voice benefiting farmers and the industry, and relevant dairy issues will at grassroots be debated, addressed and actioned, with outcomes that will make a difference to farmers and community.

The proposal says the voice of farmers has been eroded due to the fragmented governing bodies, resulting in ineffective policy outcomes and administrative inefficiencies for the dairy industry and leaving farmers disenchanted.

FARMER WANTS TO GO IT ALONE Any prospect of dairy farmers and processors joining forces for industry advocacy and representation is being flatly rejected by at least one farmer.

Cobram East farmer Paul Mundy said he feared the Australian Dairy Plan review was on a pre-determined path that would bring together processors and farmers to advocate for the industry.

While he agrees there are times both should work together, he is adamant farmers should be in charge of their own destiny.

“I’m a bit of a sceptic,” Mr Mundy said.

“In most cases these things don’t happen without a pre-determined channel you want to corral people down.”

He said while he did not know what the outcome would be, he did not believe there would be “as much restructuring as people want or believe should happen”.

“My worry is that their meaning of industry restructure is going to be a 50:50 joint partnership between dairy farmers and processors,” Mr Mundy said.

“Dairy Australia is not an advocacy body; advocacy is the equivalent of our union, which is the UDV in Victoria. I’ve never seen a union that represents the employer and employee equally; it cannot work but that seems to be what they’re doing.

“It is not possible to go forward half and half sitting around a campfire singing Kumbaya with the processors, especially when a lot of them are no longer Australianowned.”

While Mr Mundy agrees advocacy and industry structure are big issues, he is worried farmers attending the workshops may have misunderstood some of the questions.

Mr Mundy said he did not go to the local workshops because he did not think the plan was what the industry needed. However, he did attend the main workshop in Melbourne to voice why he thought the process was wrong, raising fears of a predetermined outcome and objections to John Brumby’s appointment.

He also questioned the creation of a Joint Transition Team and said it needed more current grassroots farmers who know the issues.

“There needs to be massive structural change but it must be us, the dairy farmers, in complete control,” he said.

“There will be some times when we go to government with the processors, but I’d have zero acceptance of any form of united structure of advocacy and representation.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

16 // NEWS

Ban on milking label gains support DAIRY FARMERS have gained crucial politi-

cal support to reclaim the word “milk”, with the Nationals voting at the September Federal Council meeting to push for a ban on alternative and plant-based products using the term in labelling and marketing.

Peak dairy farmer group Australian Dairy Farmers praised the move as a vote of confidence in the industry’s efforts to ensure honest product labelling.

“We are pleased to see that the Nationals are

on our side in wanting to ensure more transparency in food labelling,” ADF president Terry Richardson said.

“The dairy industry has long been fighting against the dishonest labelling and marketing of plant-based alternatives that are co-opting the look and feel of dairy and giving the misleading impression that these products are nutritionally equal to dairy.”

A 2017 survey by Dairy Australia showed 54 per cent of respondents bought plant-based milk

alternatives because they perceived them to be healthier than dairy milk, while market research firm IBISWorld estimates Australia’s plant-based “milk” product industry has grown at an annualised rate of 4.1 per cent over the five years to 2018–19, to $165.8 million today.

ADF previously wrote to Nationals deputy leader and Federal Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie, arguing for a review of the Food Standards Australia-New Zealand and the development of regulations to prevent plant-based

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alternatives from ‘evoking’ the qualities and values of dairy.

“We are calling for changes to the food standards so that consumers trying to make a healthy choice at the supermarket have the benefit of transparent and accurate product labelling,” Mr Richardson said.

“We’re pleased Minister McKenzie has expressed an interest in attending November’s meeting of the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation to receive and consider advice on how terms could be better defined or enforced.”

A ban on plant-based products using the “milk” label would bring Australia into line with other countries, after the European Court of Justice in 2017 mandated that dairy terms could not be used on plant-based products, even with clarifying terms.

A petition by the dairy farmer group has also gained more than 2000 signatures. The survey is still active and can be signed at http://farmers.org.au/campaign/reclaimmilk/

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The NSW Department of Primary Industries is encouraging young farmers and fishers to book their spot at the inaugural Young Farmer Business Program Conference, with tickets now available to purchase online.

To be held in Dubbo on Friday, February 7 next year, the conference will include a day of expert speakers with an evening networking event, with an optional farm and business tour the day before the conference.

Young Farmer Business Program team leader Alex Hicks said the conference will provide greater access to the skills and knowledge required to enable the next generation of primary producers to be successful.

“Participants will have an opportunity to learn critical business, communication and planning skills while being inspired and motivated by speakers and the passion of other young people,” Ms Hicks said.

“We’ve lined up an exciting array of speakers for the event, including the headline presentation from business magnate Mark Bouris, star of television shows The Mentor and The Apprentice Australia.

“Other speakers include former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock AM, and best-selling author Chris Helder.

“There will also be a wide range of trade exhibitors on hand to answer questions, a panel session with young farmers sharing their stories and insights, and an opportunity to network and share experiences with around 200 other participants.”

An early bird discount for the conference is available, with tickets for the conference and evening networking event only costing $99 instead of the $149 full price.

The optional Orana region farm and business tours on Thursday, February 6 will cost an extra $49.

To purchase tickets, go to www.bit.ly/yfbpconference2020

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

NEWS // 17

Robotic technology embedded in farm’s future TASMANIA’S DORNAUF Dairies has suc-

cessfully transitioned its Gala Farm to the latest generation of voluntary milking technology following the installation of eight DeLaval VMS V300 milking robots.

Farm owners Nick and Rebekah Dornauf say the robots are well suited to their pasture-based system, and fit with their ongoing commitment to adopt proven technology that will help ensure the future health of the Australian dairy industry.

“We’ve been robotic farming for the best part of 10 years now and we’ve been impressed with the significant recent advances in robotic technology, so this is the next step forward for us,” Mr Dornauf said.

Gala Farm has a herd of 600 cows grazing on pasture year-round.

The farm relies on voluntary cow movement from grazing paddocks into the dairy, where cows are milked according to individual schedules.

“The V300 robots are really well suited to pasture-based dairy farming with high levels of grazed pasture as part of the diet,” Mr Dornauf said.

“It’s obvious they’ve been designed with cow comfort in mind and it’s been amazing to watch how readily our cows have adapted.”

The Gala Farm herd calves seasonally, meaning up to 25 new cows and heifers need to be

Nick and Rebekah Dornauf

trained into the milking robots each day postcalving. It’s a job that workers at Gala Farm can now do remotely thanks to Insight Vision system for highly accurate cup attachment.

“The camera technology on the DeLaval VMS V300 robots really is a game-changer,” Mr Dornauf said.

“Introducing fresh cows to the robot can be easily done by someone with an iPhone managing five or so cows at a time.

“Robotic milking isn’t a ticket to dairy utopia, but it gives you an amazing tool to change how you operate as a dairy farmer.”

The eight VMS V300 robotic milk stations were installed in a re-fit of the existing dairy

which had previously pioneered the DeLaval AMR rotary system, which also utilised voluntary cow traffic.

Farm manager Rebekah Dornauf says the impact over time of a voluntary milking system on cow health is measurable.

“We can compare our cows that live on the robot farm to our conventional farm, and I have an older average herd age on the robotic system,” she said.

“We’ve got some 11-year-old cows here that have been robot cows for most of their milking life so it definitely increases their lifespan, with how relaxed they are, how happy they are,” she said.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

20 // NEWS

High costs offset high prices — DA DAIRY AUSTRALIA’S October Situation and

Outlook report for the first quarter of the season shows record high farm gate milk prices continue to be weighed down by high input costs and a dry weather outlook.

Dairy Australia pointed to another warm and dry winter which has impacted feed cost and availability, while the cost of irrigation water has continued to increase for farmers in the Murray region.

Feed supply is forecast to remain tight with a dry outlook for the remainder of the year and drought conditions persisting in some regions, according to the report.

Australian milk production declined 6.9 per cent in the season to August as a result of cost pressures, low rainfall in some regions and reductions in herd numbers. Dairy Australia

retains its forecast of a 3–5 per cent decrease in national milk production to 8.3–8.5 billion litres for the full season.

“Australian dairy farmers have entered a season of record farm gate milk prices, however milk production has continued to contract due to ongoing high production costs and dry conditions in many areas,” Dairy Australia senior industry analyst John Droppert said.

“There is a mixed picture across the country.

For many farmers in southern Australia, good early season rainfall has provided a head start on pasture growth and fodder conservation, but those in drought affected areas further north are facing a second season with few palatable options.”

Strong farm gate milk pricing is supported by buoyant international commodity prices (with

subdued milk production in key dairy exporting regions and robust global demand) and intense competition for milk supply among processors due to reduced Australian milk production.

Higher retail prices have delivered value growth for all major dairy products in Australian supermarkets, mainly in private label and branded milk but also dairy spreads. Premium priced speciality products like health-style yoghurts and deli-cheeses have also experienced sales growth.

“This season’s farm gate milk price will provide some farmers with the chance to make up some ground financially, however, high costs of feed and water and ongoing drought will

continue to hold back profitability. Whilst these challenges persist, milk production is likely to remain subdued,” Mr Droppert said.

Dairy Australia managing director David Nation said the dry weather outlook for the remainder of the season was concerning: “The outlook for continued dry conditions is likely to see ongoing pressure on feed costs.

Conditions are favourable in some areas, but we’re urging all farmers to monitor their feed plans and use the resources available via Dairy Australia’s website to make informed decisions.”

Feed planning resources are available via Dairy Australia’s website http://feed.dairyaustralia.com.au/

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

NEWS // 21 Inputs Inputs Cows Cows

HayHay andand grain prices grain prices Australian dairydairy regions Australian regions

%

↓

-23 ↓ $340 ↑

1

South-west WA

$268

2

Central districts SA

$290 ↓

3

South-east SA

$315 ↓

-23

4 South-west Victoria

$382 ↓

5

Goulburn/Murray Valley

6 7

1

2

South-west WA Central districts SA

$268

+58 $340 ↑

-23

-24 $440 ↑ +6 $290 ↓ -24 $440 ↑

↑

+21

-8

$337 ↑

+4

$352 ↓

-17

$350 ↓

-13

Gippsland*

$427 ↓

-6

$500 ↑

+24

North-west Tasmania

$442

-8

$240

3

South-east SA

4 South-west Victoria

$315 ↓

$425

$382 ↓

-8

5

Goulburn/Murray Valley

$352 ↓

6

Gippsland*

↓ $427 ↓

7

North-west Tasmania

-23

%

473 c/kg473 c/kg +26% LY ↑ +26% LY +10% 5Y +6↑

+58↑

↑

+21Dairy cattle exports

$337 ↑

+4

-17

$350 ↓

-6

↑ $500 ↑ +4

-12

9 Central west NSW 10 North coast NSW

↓ $458 -10 ↓ $447-20↓ ↓ -9 $423 $358

-21

10 North coast NSW 11 Darling Downs

↓ ↓ -14 $405 $423

11 Darling Downs * 12 Atherton Tablelands

↓ $383 ↓ -12 -14 $425 $405

$452

-12

↓ ↓ -9 $458 $475 -14 ↑ $475 +10↓

* ↓ -12 $383 $425product 12 Atherton Tablelands Sedded cereal hay: mid-range without

↑

weather damage, of good quality and colour

Sedded cereal hay: mid-range product without

The relevant available a region weatherstockfeed damage,wheat of good qualityinand colour (ASW, AGP, SFW1 or FED1)

0% 5Y

↑

+40% 5Y

and ABS 5-year (5Y) averages.

Source: NLRS,

↓ -16 ↓ ↓ ↓ -10 $447 $452 -21 $358 $397

-16

102,042 head

-

+113% LY ↑ +113% LY +40% 5Y

Price is August 2019 average, compared to August last year (LY) and -13 5-year (5Y)Price August averages. of head is last 12 is August 2019Number average, compared tomonths, Augustcull lastcows year (LY) and and dairy 5-year cattle exports to August 2019, compared year earlier (5Y) August averages.

Number oftohead is last (LY) 12 months, cull cows and 5-year (5Y)dairy averages. +24 and cattle exports to August 2019, compared to year earlier (LY)

8 Bega Valley 9 Central west NSW

$397

84,639 head 84,639 head ↑ +16% LY ↑ +16% LY 0% 5Y

↑ Dairy cattle exports 102,042 head ↑

+4

Bega Valley

-8

+10% 5Y

$425 ↑

↑ $240 ↓

8

↓ $442 ↓

Cull cowsCull cows

%

%

Source: NLRS, ABS

Water

Water -20Northern Victoria Risk management strategies were used Murray Irrigation System

to manage the 447 conditions across Victoria, $/ML Murray Irrigation System including: ↑ +220% LY ↑ +197% LY 468 $/ML 447 $/ML +10 • Lowering exposure to the5Y fodder market; ↑ +128% 5Y ↑ +178% ↑ +220% LY ↑ +197% LY 2,034,835 84,213 ML ↑ •+128% Having source of water (if5Y possible); ↑ ML 5Y a reliable +178% -14468 $/ML Northern Victoria

The relevant stockfeed wheat available in a region Prices are estimates at September average 2019. Compared to (ASW, AGP, SFW1 or FED1)

↓ ↑

-6% LY ↓ -54% LY 2,034,835 ML feed inventory from 84,213 ML profitable • Growing more +2% 5Y years; and ↓ -45% 5Y

↓

-6% LY

↓

-54% LY

September average 2018.

Price of water traded is 12 month average and volume of water is 12 month *Note that are all regions otheratthan Athertonaverage Tablelands and 5Y ↓ the -45% 5Y5 in both to August, 2019, andeffi compare to year earlier (LY) and last • +2% General ciency across business Prices estimates September 2019.

Compared tototal, both ↑ years (5Y).

Gippsland is cereal hay. Atherton variable and overhead costs.

September average 2018. Tablelands and Gippsland is Price of water traded is 12 month average and volume of water is 12 month pasture hay.

Source: Victorian Water Register, Murray Irrigation Ltd

*Note that all regions other than Atherton Tablelands and Gippsland is cereal hay. Atherton Tablelands and Gippsland is Source: AFIA, Profarmer pasture hay.

total, both to August, 2019, and compare to year earlier (LY) and last 5 years (5Y).

Source: Victorian Water Register, Murray Irrigation Ltd

Source: AFIA, Profarmer

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263 US$/t 293 US$/t 266 US$/t Urea DAP MOP ↑ (granular +1% LYBlack Sea) ↓ -28% LY ↑ +23% LY Vancouver) (US Gulf) (granular ↑ 263 +1% 5Y ↓ -23% 5Y ↑ +5% 5Y US$/t 293 US$/t 266 US$/t

Price↑ is August 2019LY average, compared to the 2018 +1% ↓ -28% LY August ↑ average +23%(LY)LY and 5-year (5Y) August average.

↑ World+1% Source: Bank5Y

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of Dairy Australia) is based on information available to Dairy Australia at the time of preparation. Dairy Australia does not guarantee that the content is free from inadvertent errors or omissions and accepts no liability for your use of or reliance on this document. You should always make your own inquiries and obtain professional before relying on the information provided in this publication, Phone 0458 590advice 766 • Fax 03 using 5859 or 1137 www.tama-australia.com.au as that information has not been prepared with your specific circumstances in mind and may not be current after the date of publication. rsgarth@hotmail.com www.baleupfeeders.com © Dairy Australia Limited 2019. All rights reserved.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

NEWS // 23

Work programs funded to ease drought pressure JEANETTE SEVERS

Farmers in the Goulburn Broken region will be able to apply for work programs, similar to those already under way in Gippsland, under drought assistance funding announced in early October by the Victorian Government.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Regional Development and Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes announced a $31 million package of support for East and Central Gippsland, the Millewa region in north-west Victoria and the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District.

The package includes $5.24 million in support payments to East Gippsland, Wellington and Mildura Rural shires, with the councils taking responsibility for how they will spend that money. Wellington Shire gets the largest portion of that funding.

The Catchment Management Authority Drought Employment Program, already under way in Gippsland, will now be available in the Millewa and GMID. A $4.6 million investment will extend the program in East Gippsland and Wellington shires, under the auspices of West Gippsland, East Gippsland and North East CMAs; and Goulburn Broken CMA is now funded for this program.

Workways Australia is delivering the employment program; so far 46 men and women have participated in Wellington and East Gippsland shires, variously in part- and full-time roles depending on their availability.

“We are matching the crews and works to be close as possible to areas from where people have applied to the program … with crews established in Sale/Maffra district, Omeo and Bairnsdale areas,” EGCMA chief executive Graeme Dear said.

“Projects have been scheduled with many agencies and groups such as East Gippsland

Shire Council, the East Gippsland Rail Trail committee, Land Care, Parks Victoria, East Gippsland Water, Wellington Shire Council, Southern Rural Water and Trust for Nature.

“Works are mostly weed control — both spraying and manual removal, fencing, track and park maintenance and clean-up of areas.”

The work crews have been allocated to public areas that included Sale Common, Heart Morass, Livingstone Park and Livingstone Creek in Omeo, East Gippsland Rail Trail, Boole Poole Peninsula and Nyerimilang Reserve. Employees have participated in accredited first aid and chemical handling courses, and undertaken training in workplace safety and fencing.

Across more than 28 sites, participants have completed upwards of 150 ha of weed control, 5 km of fencing, 40 km of track maintenance and planted 5000 native seedlings.

“The program is open to new applicants involved in farm businesses, or agriculturerelated industries. They should apply by contacting Workways,” Mr Dear said.

In extending drought assistance funding further across Victoria, the government has allocated an additional $2.3 million in farm business management and planning support, $2 million for mental health services and $1.25 million for local projects and events.

Along with a $15 million Farmers Drought Fund, the total package of assistance is worth $31.64 million.

“Vouchers will also be provided to farm businesses in the Millewa region to maintain essential on-farm machinery and equipment,” Mr Andrews said.

The Federal government has also announced changes to the guidelines for how Farm Household Allowance will be granted.

The guidelines and detail of these funding promises where still being worked out when Dairy News Australia went to print.

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MILK2MARKET LAUNCHES DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN Australian independent milk services company Milk2Market has officially launched the Milk Exchange (MX) — in an attempt to create a transparent, digital supply chain for Australian milk buyers and milk suppliers.

The Milk Exchange is intended to create the first digital platform to buy and sell raw Australian milk.

The Milk Exchange establishes a market for milk, where both milk sellers and milk buyers participate in an open trading environment.

Milk2Market commercial development manager Richard Lange said barriers and challenges were being deeply and acutely felt by the Australian dairy industry.

“We believe that anything that creates a more equitable, transparent market is a critical building block to ensuring a more sustainable, future-fit industry.”

Mr Lange said many of these key issues were recently identified by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, including bargaining power imbalance and information asymmetry in farmer-

processor relationships.

The new mandatory industry code of conduct proposal, announced by the Federal Government in May 2019, aims to deliver measures such as ending restrictive exclusive contracts, and banning midseason or retrospective price cuts.

“The Mandatory Code legislation is yet to be finalised and will be subject to a round of consultation with industry. Many of these issues are ones that the Milk Exchange seeks to address,” Mr Lange said.

He said the platform sets a traded transparent price, giving farmers choice to increase value for their milk and supporting the management of their risk. In March 2019, Milk2Market published the Milk Price Calculator as a first step in providing simplified price comparisons through publishing comparable pricing.

Anyone seeking more information can attend a free online webinar to learn how the platform works and to ask questions. Register for the event at MilkExchangeWebinar.eventbrite.com

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

24 // NEWS

Young farmers give new life to former research farm SIMONE SMITH

TERANG FARMER Paul Moloney bought a

former research farm in February 2018 and at the start of last season Liam Allan took the reins sharefarming.

For Paul, the 162 ha property was perfectly located − nice and close to his out-block and dairy farm − but it also provided a chance to build the career of a young farmer.

“It is a secure way for both of us to get ahead,” Paul said. “(Sharefarming) doesn’t suit everybody but it would go a long way to help (the next generation). For example, in our discussion group there are a lot of young people and all they need is an opportunity. They need someone to give them an opportunity and they will run with it.”

Paul said he started dairy farming with “nothing” and took the opportunity to buy a paddock where the vendor was able to leave half his money in the asset for six years. This form of vendor finance gave Paul the start he needed to build assets.

Like this experience years ago, Paul said his former DemoDAIRY farm was providing a base for Liam to build his assets; a “win, win” for both.

DemoDAIRY was established in the early 1990s and operated as a research and demonstration farm, run by a local co-operative. Two years, following the changing nature of on-farm industry research, the decision was made to close the facility and sell the property.

Liam was one of 10 people who applied for the sharefarming position with Paul, and he moved to Terang from nearby Panmure where he had also been sharefarming.

Prior to this, the 23-year-old had been relief milking and completed a traineeship as well as Certificate II, III and IV in Agriculture.

He owns 20 cross-bred cows which form part of the autumn-calving herd of 240 as well as some machinery and is on a 23 per cent share.

“Hopefully one day I will get to a 50:50 share with Paul, build my herd up,” Liam said.

Liam didn’t grow-up on a dairy farm, but his grandparents were dairy farmers and this is where he got a passion for the industry.

It wasn’t until he had worked in the industry that he realised that it was an opportunity to grow wealth.

“It really is just the opportunity to expand, if you get that opportunity for a start,” Liam said.

“To grow assets through a farm and have that lifestyle and be your own boss, for a young person it is a pretty good thing.”

Liam Allan (right) and Paul Moloney refurbished the 18-a-side herringbone dairy at Terang and made changes including installing a new feed system.

Liam Allan (left) and Paul Moloney say a good relationship is key to a successful sharefarming partnership.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

NEWS // 25 Running a “simple” pasture-based operation, both Paul and Liam adjust grain feeding with the season and the farm gate milk price.

For example, last season due to wet winter conditions and a shortage of hay and silage, they fed more in the bale. With the prices at the time this was “just to get them in calf ” but this year they believe there will be a profitable margin over feed costs. Grain feeding ranges from 900 kg to 1.2 tonnes/cow/lactation.

The herd at the former DemoDAIRY farm is 60 per cent Friesian with Paul’s heifers and purchased animals making-up the bulk.

A young herd, they are reaping the benefits of a low cell count and a 95 per cent in-calf rate.

No track-work was required when Paul and Liam started farming the property, however, they “gutted” the entire 18-a-side swing-over dairy and “started again”.

“We lifted the pipework, so now it is up over 6 foot 4 inches (1.95m) so we can now walk under it without hitting our heads,” Paul said.

A new feed system, automatic cup-removers, gates at the end of the rows of cows and an artificial insemination race were also added to the dairy.

In early October 109 solar panels were added to the roof of the machinery shed in a bid to mitigate rising electricity costs.

Future development includes a multi-purpose calf/hay/machinery shed. There’s no plan to increase the size of the herd due to the size of the dairy.

Buildings at the front of the property, which previously housed the Dairy Australia western Victorian regional arm called WestVic Dairy, are now used by local training provider Rural Industries Skill Training.

Liam said students at RIST would occasionally come and look at the cows as part of their studies.

Mid-October silage making had just kickedoff after a wet winter. When Dairy News visited 12 ha had been cut for silage with another threequarters of the farm also set aside for fodder production.

Average rainfall at the property sits between 800 m to 850 mm/year and this winter was especially wet. It has boded well for spring, so far, and Liam and Paul are anticipating a better harvest than last year.

Already, herd milk production is up 1000 litres on the same time last year.

Liam will start his pasture renovation plan in mid-October, with 10 ha of rape to be sown for summer feed. This will be sown back to perennial rye-grass next year. The clay-loam farm doesn’t have irrigation.

The farm operates with a school-based trainee two days a week and a part-time milker.

Settling into the second season on-farm, Liam said his initial plans were to bed-down all the systems before he personally tries to build his own herd numbers.

Following this, he would consider looking at investing off-farm with either an out-block or house.

Dismissing the suggestion there’s no young people in farming, Liam said there were not only a lot of people involved in dairying his age, he had a supportive community.

He credited those at his football club, Panmure, for their assistance getting him into sharefarming initially and the constant support.

“I’m lucky enough to have a lot of family and friends involved in dairy,” he said.

“So down there (at football) we would talk about all sorts of things, including what is going on at their farm, which has been good.”

Paul Moloney and Liam Allan started cutting silage in early October at the former DemoDAIRY property at Terang.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

26 // NEWS

Cards a shot in the arm for local economy JEANETTE SEVERS

FARMERS IN Victoria’s Wellington Shire have

benefited from $700 pre-loaded debit cards, to spend as they will in their local communities this year.

Wellington Shire Council is using the initiative to encourage spending at local businesses, supporting the broader community after three years of drought.

The council allocated $1 million out of its budget for direct financial support to farmers; key stakeholders including council’s Agriculture Industry Reference Group, which has local farmers as members, advised where the money should be spent.

The criteria set for eligibility included registration with the Australian Taxation Office as a primary producer and farming on a property greater than 40 ha size. Farmers leasing property were also eligible to apply.

“The card can be used at any outlet accepting

Mastercard and is for you to use on any purpose, whether that’s purchasing groceries, paying for livestock feed, school fees, going out for a meal; however you choose to spend it,” Mayor Alan Hall said.

Clare, Trevor, Jono and Terry Porter, a dairy farming family near Yarram, received one of the cards and promptly spent it in a local business to purchase fencing material.

“We put it towards fixing fencing on Nioka Ridge,” Mrs Porter said.

“White ants have eaten the old posts. We

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bought new fence posts in our local town, which supported the retailer and the Alberton treatment mill.”

They were able to buy 60 pine posts and 12 strainer posts, to repair about 1200 m of dairy fencing.

“The debit card was the quickest and easiest grant to access and use. We spent it with the local retailer, who employs 10 locals; and the local mill employs more than 20 local people,” Mrs Porter said.

“When the paddocks get bare again, it’ll stop the cows from escaping.”

Mrs Porter said she recently joined a group of other farmers to celebrate a birthday and the debit card was a topic of conversation.

“The project has lifted farming community spirit and got people out and smiling,” she said.

Ash Mezenberg, who farms with wife Lisa at Dennison, said he intended to access the debit card offer.

“We’ve been calving flat out and as a dairy farmer, you’re pretty busy. It’s just one of those things on my to-do list.

“Lisa’s filled in the paperwork and I just have to take it in to Sale,” Mr Mezenberg said.

Hans van Wees, a dairy farmer at Tinamba, said he didn’t access the debit card offer, because although he was eligible, he farms in an irrigation district.

“The last year hasn’t been a bad year, we’ve done okay, so I didn’t think it was necessary,” he said.

Applicants had to complete and sign a statutory declaration that they were farmers, to receive the debit card.

Wellington Shire continues to provide a 20 per cent differential on the farming rate, compared to the general rate; and this year has been deferring yard fees at the Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange and waiving fees for roadside grazing permits.

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Australia’s dairy industry is urging Canberra to pass amendments to gene technology regulations as planned to ensure the recommendations of the sciencebased Australian Gene Technology Regulator are implemented across the country.

Peak dairy farmer group Australian Dairy Farmers criticised any attempt to disallow a motion in the Senate which would deregulate certain gene editing techniques. The federation sees any move to do this as an attempt to weaken the dairy industry’s profitability.

The federation says the process has been given a thorough risk assessment by the Australian Gene Technology Regulator.

“The dairy industry sees significant opportunities from the use of new gene editing techniques to improve the pasture-based dairy production system,” ADF president Terry Richardson said.

“The gene edit ‘delete’ technique used by plant breeders in our industry, carries no risk to humans or the environment because it mimics natural mutations.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

ANIMAL HEALTH // 27

Too hot to handle AS SUMMER approaches and much of Australia prepares for the long hot months ahead, it is time to reflect on the effect of heat stress in our dairy calves.

The effect of heat stress in the milking herd is well known with farmers using strategies such as provision of shade and sprinkler systems to reduce the impact of heat stress on milk production. However, the effect of high ambient temperatures on dairy calves is often not considered.

The calf comfort zone The ‘normal’ core body temperature of a young calf is 38.6°C (range 38.5 to 39.5°C).

There is an ambient temperature range at which a calf is comfortable and does not require any additional energy to actively warm or cool its body.

This zone is called the thermoneutral zone and for a newborn dairy calf is between 10 and 25°C: the zone changes as a calf grows due to the production of heat from fermentation in the rumen. For example, the thermoneutral zone for a one-month-old dairy calf is 0°C to 25°C. Calves tolerate higher ambient temperatures better than adult cows: their larger body surface to live-weight ratio allows better dissipation of heat.

The exact ambient temperature at which calves start to show signs of heat stress is not clearly defined. However, clinical signs arise when there is increased ambient temperature (outside the thermoneutral zone), increased relative humidity and increased time of exposure.

Ambient temperatures greater than 25°C with relative humidity of ~80 per cent pose an increased risk of heat stress to young calves.

When high daily temperatures are followed by cooler nights, calves (and cows) are able to

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dissipate accumulated body heat. Thus, calves are at highest risk of heat stress when there are high ambient temperatures on consecutive days, with no drop in temperature overnight.

The impact of heat stress Research from North America has shown that calves born in summer have reduced daily weight gains compared to calves born at other times of the year. This is due to an increased energy demand to maintain body temperature and decreased grain intake during hot weather.

In periods of cold-stress, calves greater than three weeks of age will often compensate for the increased energy demand to regulate body temperature by consuming more starter (grain). This is not the case for calves enduring heat-stress starter consumption is often reduced.

Combined with the fact that more energy is directed towards maintaining body temperature through evaporative cooling (sweating and panting), the result is a reduction in average daily weight gain.

Reduced starter intake can slow rumen development, increasing the risk of a slump in growth post-weaning.

Additionally, heat stress can also compromise immunity rendering heat-stressed calves more susceptible to disease.

Signs of heat stress Reluctance to move/lie down Reduced feed (milk and grain) intake Increased water consumption Seeking shade Standing/splashing water Increased respiratory rate Panting/open-mouth breathing High rectal temperature (if >41.5°C then high risk of death)

Strategies to manage heat stress Environment The aim is to reduce the ambient temperature to within the thermoneutral zone so that calves are utilising less energy to regulate their body temperature.

Provision of enough shade is essential to help achieve this, along with assessing and modifying shed design to improve ventilation.

Side-wall vents, open-pitched roofs and whirlybirds can be utilised in passive ventilation systems. Fans and positive pressure ventilation tubes are not widely used in calf sheds in Australia but have been successful in North America in active ventilation systems.

One of the aims of calf bedding is to create an environment within the thermoneutral zone.

Some types of bedding retain more heat than others and the season should be considered when making the bedding choice.

Straw retains heat well during winter months but sand, sawdust and woodchips will dissipate heat better during summer months.

Regardless of the bedding choice, the priority is to provide a dry, clean area for calves to lie and rest.

Nutrition Calves must have access to ad lib clean, fresh water from birth.

A healthy calf suffering heat stress may consume between five to 10 litres of water per day, to replace the water losses from increased breathing and sweating. A calf that is already sick and dehydrated (for example, suffering diarrhoea) and suffering heat stress may consume up to 18 litres of water per day.

Automated water troughs should be checked daily and cleaned at least once weekly, as they often become contaminated with manure and bedding.

In non-automated systems, it is better to have multiple small buckets of water which can be replaced daily rather than one large trough, which can become very contaminated.

Starter consumption should be encouraged by providing clean, fresh starter daily in troughs that allow easy access to all calves.

Considering starter consumption is often reduced in hot weather, it is worth considering increasing the plane of nutrition of the milkdiet during the summer months to help maintain live-weight gains. Options for this include increased frequency of feeding, increased volume fed per day or feeding milk fortified with calf milk replacer. It is advisable to discuss this further with your veterinarian.

The routine feeding of electrolytes to all calves during the summer months helps replace lost water and essential salts. This

can easily be achieved in non-automated systems using the same feeding equipment as for milk.

If calves are fed milk once daily in the morning, a routine electrolyte feed to all calves in the afternoon can help reduce the effects of heat stress.

In twice daily milk feeding systems, the routine electrolyte feed would need to be two to three hours before and after a milk feed, for example at midday.

Management It is recommended that routine management tasks such as disbudding, vaccinating and transportation are carried out early in the morning when the ambient temperature is at its coolest and when a calf’s body temperature is at the lowest point.

These activities are stressful for calves and should not be carried out when the risk of heat stress is high.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

28 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Modernising the management of bobby calves – Nuffield Scholar COMMON DAIRY sector practices for the

management of non-replacement calves are falling out of step with consumer values, and the maintenance of the industry’s social licence to operate depends on the realignment of these practices with public expectations.

That’s according to a report released recently by 2018 Nuffield Scholar and veterinarian Sarah Bolton.

The report looks at the practices of earlylife processing and at-birth euthanasia of nonreplacement dairy calves, the issue of cow-calf separation and explores profitable opportunities to bring practices into line with shifting public expectations.

Supported by Dairy Australia and the Australian Dairy Conference, Dr Bolton’s research was motivated by the challenges of managing non-replacement Jersey and crossbred calves on the 300-cow dairy farm that she and her partner were managing in northern NSW.

“From the public’s perspective, dismissing surplus dairy calves as a waste product is troubling, while rearing them for beef can be a highrisk exercise for producers unless prices are particularly favourable,” Dr Bolton said.

“This led me to focus on looking for profitable options for producers that maintain public trust by prioritising animal welfare and value.”

Across 17 weeks, Dr Bolton travelled throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, South America and New Zealand, researching how the livestock sector can manage non-replacement dairy calves in a way that maintains social licence while being profitable at every stage of the value chain.

Her research explores conventional mechanisms to grow the market for dairy beef, like producer incentive schemes and the use of sexed semen combined with targeted beef over dairy crossbreeding. It also examines more novel approaches to the issue including the marketing

of Jersey beef as a premium product based on eating quality.

In Denmark, Dr Bolton visited suppliers of Thise & Ko, a branded Jersey beef product. As part of the business model, dairy producers are connected with organic arable farmers looking to reintegrate livestock into their cropping rotation to improve soil fertility.

“Non-replacement Jersey calves are reared through to weaning on the dairy farms, before being grown out and finished on the arable farms. Organic grain grown on farm is fed to the calves, while the composted bedding from winter housing is used as organic soil ameliorants,” Dr Bolton said.

“The resulting scheme sees the Jersey beef product marketed based on taste, tenderness and marbling, and retails for a higher price per kilogram than conventional beef, assuring profitability.

“The model also provides a low risk option for arable farmers looking to diversify into livestock, requiring no investment in breeding stock and offering a guaranteed price for the product, as well as the ability to destock quickly if seasonal conditions deteriorate.”

The issue of cow-calf separation is also explored in Dr Bolton’s report.

“From a social licence perspective, public

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Nuffield scholar, Sarah Bolton

concerns relating to the management of bobby calves are as much about early-life processing as they are about separating the calves from the cows,” Dr Bolton said.

Visiting seven dairy farms in the United Kingdom, she observed novel approaches to rearing calves on their mothers.

“As a vet I was initially quite sceptical about this model, having concerns around colostrum management as well as disease transmission and increased stress caused by delaying separation.

However, the growth rate and body condition of the calves was remarkable,” Dr Bolton said.

“While rearing dairy calves on cows is not a perfect solution for every dairy producer, it is a practice deserving of more consideration and will be an exciting area for further scientific research.”

Ultimately, Dr Bolton’s report finds that preservation of the dairy industry’s social licence relies on meaningful communication with the public and ensuring that practices align with their expectations.

“In order to move forward, solutions must satisfy community expectations, prioritise animal welfare and be profitable at every stage of the value chain. While there is no ‘silver bullet’, the solution may lie in shifting perspectives and thinking outside the box,” Dr Bolton said.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

MACHINERY // 29

New tractor family from John Deere on the way FOR MODEL year 2020, John Deere has

Seven models of John Deere 8R Wheel Tractors are offered from 230 to 410 horsepower including the 8R 410 shown here.

Each new 8R, 8RT and 8RX Tractor comes standard equipped with an integrated Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter display, StarFire 6000 integrated receiver and AutoTrac activation.

Additional premium or automation activations are available so customers can upgrade and choose the level of accuracy they prefer.

A full suite of John Deere technology is included for the seamless integration of automation, documentation and connectivity through the John Deere Operations Center.

“This Precision Ag Intelligence package includes JDLink with five years of service, John Deere Connected Support, Expert Alerts, Remote

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seeding and manage fertiliser prescriptions, all at up to 16 km/h (10 mph),” Lee said.

Every tractor in the 8 Family also received an all-new, larger cab, the largest John Deere has ever offered. With an extra 5cm of headroom and a 24 percent wider entry path it’s easier to enter and egress.

An automotive-inspired interior surrounds the operator and provides wide-open access to a new control layout. Customers can choose from three Comfort and Convenience cab packages that include Select, Premium or Ultimate.

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Display Access and Wireless Data Transfer — all backed by the industry’s best dealer network,” Ms Lee said.

The new StarFire 6000 integrated receiver requires no calibration of the Terrain Compensation Module (TCM), is more accurate than previous models and is less vulnerable to theft according to Ms Lee. “Coupled with the guidance system enhancements that were made, operators will be up and running with even greater accuracy in less time.

Regardless of the model a customer chooses, each 8 Family Tractor is precision-ag equipped to prepare precise seedbeds, handle variable-rate

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introduced a new 8 Family Tractor line-up that includes 8R wheel tractors, 8RT two-track tractors and the industry’s first fixed-frame fourtrack tractors, the all-new 8RX. These new tractors come standard equipped with the latest precision ag technology and allow customers to choose the machine configuration, options and horsepower to best fit their operation.

“New 8RX Tractors offer all the benefits of tracks and provide a driving experience more like a wheel tractor,” said Tammy Lee, marketing manager, production agriculture for John Deere.

“They represent the next leap forward in tractor innovation and have everything customers like about 8R wheel tractors with the addition of four independent tracks and a new fully suspended cab that makes them more comfortable to operate. This new machine form delivers unmatched flotation, traction and ride quality.”

With the turning characteristics of wheel tractors, 8RX Tractors deliver the pulling performance of tracks by providing more surface area of contact, less ground pressure and less slip than wheel tractors.

“We didn’t just add tracks to an 8R Tractor.

This is a fully engineered John Deere four-track solution, not a bolt-on aftermarket product,” Ms Lee said.

“A key component is the John Deere 1700 pivoting beam axle, specifically designed for a fourtrack tractor to provide the necessary strength and enable adjustability of tread spacings to fit grower needs.”

John Deere offers a wide range of track and axle configurations for 8RX Tractors.

Every 8 Family Tractor also leaves the factory fully integrated, fully capable and fully supported with the latest technology.

“For model Year 2020, we made numerous precision ag technology updates that make it easy for customers to remotely monitor and manage tractor and field operations and to enable more timely transfer of prescriptions and data,” Ms Lee said.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

30 // MACHINERY

Remote sensor for groundwater A NEW groundwater sensor system developed

by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will make environmental monitoring faster, more reliable and less labour intensive for the resources industry.

SENSEI is an advanced in-situ sensor system that gives mining operators and water managers real-time data to monitor and manage

groundwater impacts efficiently and faster than ever before.

Replacing labour-intensive manual monitoring techniques, SENSEI is a multi-sensor system capable of simultaneously collecting data on pH, reduction potential, temperature and conductivity.

CSIRO research leader, Dr Kathie McGregor,

More grass More MILK

said the SENSEI system offers a revolutionary solution to groundwater monitoring methods currently used.

“SENSEI is an automated system which delivers reliable groundwater data in real time, saving companies time and money on labour from traditional manual monitoring approaches,” Dr McGregor said.

TOW AND FERT: ONE VERSATILE MACHINE ALL YEAR ROUND

Above: Alan Marx with his Tow and Fert Multi 4000 applying his brew in Taranaki. The Tow and Fert’s versatility is one of the many benefits on farm allowing for multiple products to be applied to pasture in one pass.

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DO THINGS YOU HAVE NEVER DONE ON THE FARM BEFORE WITH A TOW AND FERT. Once upon a time there was a separate machine for everything. A bulky spreader for your solid fert, a liquid spray machine for foliar applications like weed spray, and a seed spreader for overseeding your pasture. Farmers would make three trips out onto the farm for the application of these products.

As a specialist liquid spray machine, the Tow and Fert has been designed to enable farmers to dissolve their N fertiliser in the tank in minutes, suspend UFP solid fertilisers in the liquid, spray small round seeds such as chicory, plaintain, clover and swedes, and even apply weed spray when required, all while using effluent as a base liquid.

The revolution in farm machinery technology has continued to make farmers more efficient and the Tow and Fert is at the forefront of this change. Tow and Fert’s patented liquid spray technology means that farmers can now use one machine for all three of the above applications on their farm.

Tow and Fert is not only revolutionising the application of fertiliser for dairy farmers, it is also saving them money by significantly reducing capital fertiliser inputs and helping to increase milk production.

The solid-state multi-sensor array features CSIRO’s patented pH sensor and reference electrode innovation based on advanced sensor chemistry and materials.

The robust sensor unit can be embedded into groundwater wells and aquifers and deliver continuous data for months without the need for manual calibration or maintenance.

Third-party sensors can also be integrated into the systems attached to the solid-state multi-sensor array.

With real-time analytical capability, SENSEI can provide early alerts so companies can mitigate environmental issues arising in groundwater management.

“Because data can be accessed immediately on-site or remotely via the cloud, the user has the ability to detect any anomalies quickly and take action as soon as possible,” Dr McGregor said.

SENSEI has been built to withstand extreme environments and has already been successfully trialled at Heathgate Resources’ Four Mile West mine in South Australia.

“We’ve been able to test SENSEI’s performance in a real-world setting and are pleased to report the system is still operational after almost 12 months of testing in the field,” Dr McGregor said.

SENSEI has been designed and tested for use in groundwater monitoring but could be adapted for other applications which need chemical and physical monitoring in extreme environments.

SENSEI helps solve challenges associated with environmental monitoring and resource performance through innovative science and technology.

CSIRO is now looking for partners to bring the technology to market.

Tow and Fert is a machine that you will quickly come to realise is an indispensable part of your farming system.

“IT’S A MAGIC WAY TO UTILISE ONE MACHINE TO DO A BROAD SPECTRUM OF JOBS ON THE FARM.” Alan Marx on his Tow and Fert Multi 4000 Beneath the shadow of Mt Egmont in Taranaki, Alan Marx is farming 330 cross breed LIC cows on 120 hectares. Running a conventional style dairy farm, Alan was looking for a better way to do things when he came across the Tow and Fert.

“I spoke to a contractor who was spraying fert with a Tow and Fert for a friend in Southland. I realised that the machine could do a lot of things that I wanted to do other than urea. This is a very versatile machine and it’s ticked a lot boxes for me in terms of its versatility.”

Alan’s farm nutrition system includes a number of different products such as molasses, lime flour, urea, magnesium sulphate and seaweed extract and selenium.

“The other thing I’ve done is spread my small seeds, I’m talking about clover, chicory and plaintain. The Multi 4000 has a 6 tonne payload, so half of that is water and the other half is product. I’ll chuck in 40kgs of plantain seed and 40kgs of red or

white clover at the same time. There is no extra labour, no extra machinery costs and the strike through the seed being broadcast through the Tow and Fert is absolutely unbelievable.”

Alan Marx

And as for the results on the farm, “One of the things we’ve noticed on farm is how even the grass is growing and the grass sward is very, very thick.

We have got a lot greater plant density since we’ve been using the Tow and Fert. I’ve described the grass to a lot of people as carpet grass, it’s as even as the pile on a carpet.”

And when it comes to milk production in the VAT “The results of the improved grass growing are that we are producing more milk.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

MACHINERY // 31

Magnum, a flexible workhorse IN THE current agricultural landscape, it’s

becoming increasingly evident the best performing farmers are the ones willing to adopt new technologies and challenge themselves in an industry where what could have only been imagined a few decades ago is now a reality.

South Australian farmer Sam Holman is an example of a producer who’s not only embraced the technology that’s now readily available through the machinery he operates and the systems he runs but is already looking to — and preparing for — what comes next.

Mr Holman owns and leases more than 1400 ha on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula and at just 21 years of age is part of a generation of farmers who has grown up with increasingly sophisticated technological innovations and solutions.

Hay is a significant part of the business, with all the hay and straw they bale exported to Japan and Taiwan.

With a new Case IH LB434 XL baler and threeyear-old Case IH Magnum 380 Rowtrac, they produced about 5500 bales last year for Martinella

Farms and for a number of contracting clients.

“The baler is brilliant. If you want one that gets great weight and is easy to operate, reasonably quick and cheaper to maintain, then it’s a great baler,” he said.

“We average 65 to 70 bales an hour with it which we’re happy with, averaging 670 kg up to 700 kg this year.

“Straw’s anywhere from 360 kg to 480 kg depending on conditions and the length of the straw.”

Similarly, the Magnum has proved a reliable — and versatile — workhorse for the business.

“Gone are the days when you purchased a high horsepower tractor and only used it to pull an air seeder for a month,” Mr Holman said.

“Ours pulls the air seeder, runs spreader in crop, runs the baler, chaser bins — it lends itself to a lot of different jobs rather than having a lot of different tractors.”

With such a demanding cropping schedule Sam also relies heavily on the Case IH Axial-Flow 8240 that was purchased at the same time as the baler and was one of the first in Australia to come

Sam Holman with his Case IH Magnum 380 Rowtrac on his property on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.

with a factory-fitted X-tra Chop residue system (integral chopper + Redekop MAV chopper).

“It’s brilliant, increasing the spreading width of the machine, spreading straw residue evenly

out the back of the header and doing a better job of chopping material as well.”

CNH BUYS COWRA BUSINESS CNH Industrial has announced the acquisition of Australian agricultural equipment manufacturer K-Line Ag in a move that enhances the global crop production portfolio of CNHI’s agriculture brands Case IH and New Holland.

Based in Cowra, NSW, K-Line Ag founded in 1993 as an agricultural implement business by Richard Larsen after he saw an opening in the market for a broader, more efficient range of tillage machinery.

Since then K-Line Ag has pioneered the production of high-performance tillage and residue management equipment such as the company’s revolutionary Speedtiller a dual-purpose disc-tillage machine praised for

its soil conditioning capabilities with superior penetration.

CNH Industrial managing director, Brandon Stannett said this was an exciting opportunity for Australian and New Zealand customers, with K-Line Ag known for innovative soil management solutions.

“As a company, we’re increasingly focused on tillage and seeding methods that promote sustainability and soil protection, and the suite of products that K-Line Ag has developed fits perfectly with this direction. Their commitment to innovation, reliability and efficiency also aligns with the qualities that underpin Case IH and New Holland, providing a synergy that can only mean important opportunities for us and our customers.”

Mr Stannett said K-Line Ag products would continue to be sold under that name in Australia and New Zealand through existing Case IH, New Holland and selected independent dealers, and will be re-branded as Case IH in the North American market, where K-Line Ag equipment has been sold since 2013.

The manufacturing of K-Line Ag products like the Speedtiller will remain in Cowra, with plans to ramp up production and increase the number of units produced each month, which may mean the need for more staff in the future. The Larsen family will also remain heavily involved in strategy and day to day management of the business.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

32 // MACHINERY

Machinery checks urged THERE ARE five simple questions that you

should ask your contractor before they drive onto your paddocks this harvest which can stop the spread of diseases, pests and weeds.

The movement of equipment and personnel during the harvest period can transfer soil and plant matter between properties if equipment is not cleaned properly when exiting and entering each property.

Vectors can be readily spread on soil and plant matter found on contaminated vehicles, machinery and grain handling equipment.

“Harvest contractors provide valuable services and are very professional in the way they go about their business,” Agriculture Victoria grains biosecurity officer Jim Moran said.

“However, farmers must be aware of the biosecurity risks posed by the movement of

equipment and personnel from farm to farm and must mitigate those risks with diligent investigation and action,” he said.

“With these five simple questions, you can identify potential issues and help put a plan in place to manage the risks.”

Where did you last harvest?

Knowing where the contractor last worked can help you identify and manage any biosecurity risks to your property. Certain issues and risks may be known to occur in one area but may be absent on your property.

Contractor paperwork that documents their movements such as arrivals, departures and clean-down times, is valuable information in preventing the spread of pests onto your property.

PERFORMANCE, SIMPLICITY AND RELIABILITY

MACHINERY // 33 Did the last property you visited have any hard-to-kill or herbicide-resistant weeds?

Ask if the contractor noticed any specific threats present on the previous property, such as any hard-to-kill or herbicide-resistant weeds, outbreaks of disease, or insect damage.

By asking what the potential risks are, you can insist on a thorough clean before commencing operations on your property. It will also alert you to look out for anything unusual appearing in your paddocks if something gets through.

Vigilant surveillance of paddocks will support efforts for quick and determined eradication of any new pest, disease or weed.

What was the last crop that you harvested?

If the contractor was harvesting the same crop type, or a crop similar to yours, they could be accidentally carrying pests into your crop on their vehicles and equipment.

Alternatively, if they were harvesting a different crop, you don’t want other grain types to contaminate your harvest.

When, how and where did you clean down?

Once you have ascertained what the potential problems might be, it is also important to check what disinfestation has been undertaken to remove all plant and soil residues from the previous property.

Insist that your contractor cleans their vehicle and equipment before they arrive on your property.

Soil and plant material can carry weed seeds and pests when left on tyres, radiator grills, wheel arches, floor mats and work boots.

Make sure you check any machinery or vehicles that are going to be working on your farm upon arrival, and remember that if you are not satisfied with their cleanliness, you can direct the contractor to your vehicle clean-down station, or another designated area, where cleandown can be performed and monitored.

ENGINEERED TO PERFORM MANUFACTURED TO LAST

Did you use a desiccant dust to eliminate stored grain pests?

Even a small amount of grain residue left behind in equipment between harvests can allow insects to breed and go on to infest freshly harvested grain.

As it is difficult and time consuming to remove all grain residue from harvest equipment without a major overhaul, it is recommended to run a diatomaceous earth or other chemical structural treatment through the harvester and grain handling equipment.

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Stay informed For more farm biosecurity information, free biosecurity gate signs, and farm biosecurity booklets, please contact Jim Moran at Agriculture Victoria on (03) 5430 4479.

Please remember to ‘Look. Be alert’ and call an expert at the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 if you see anything suspicious.

Please also visit www.farmbiosecurity. com.au and www.agriculture.vic.gov.au

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2019

34 // MACHINERY

Fire threat to hay and machinery DRY CONDITIONS in some parts of Australia

similar to those seen last year have led to a warning to all farmers to exercise extreme caution with the cutting, baling and storage of hay.

Victorian Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Steve Warrington said firefighters responded to a record number of haystack fires last fire season.

“Over the previous fire season CFA crews responded to close to 90 haystack fires — more than any season before," he said.

“North-West Victoria was a hot spot last fire season and remains a concern for CFA. "Dry conditions have meant some crops have failed with farmers having to cut crops for hay raising the potential risk of haystack fires.

“It is important for farmers when you’re preparing your property for the fire season that your haystacks are prepared, put away and stored safely.”

Mr Warrington emphasised that haystacks can pose a great danger and occupy crucial firefighting resources for days during a potentially extreme fire season.

“What people don’t realise is that when a haystack catches fire, it continues to smoulder over a long period and CFA crews need to continue monitoring it for several days to make sure it doesn’t spread and get out of control," he said.

“Haystack fires can start quite easily from lightning, equipment and machinery, but another major source is spontaneous combustion.”

Spontaneous combustion can occur when hay is either not properly cured before baling, or not stored to protect it from rain or damp conditions, which means moisture content in the bales is higher than the recommended level.

They are then stored in environments with high temperatures and little airflow which triggers a chemical reaction that leads to fire. This can happen to any bale regardless of size.

“The advice is clear and simple; cure your hay properly and then store it in multiple locations and away from assets to avoid large losses if a fire occurs,” Mr Warrington said.

“If you’re storing hay in a shed, make sure air can circulate around the haystacks, monitor stacks on a regular basis, check for heat levels and avoid walking on stacks in case they collapse due to internal heating.

"Please make sure to keep your haystacks out of the rain to avoid fluctuating moisture content.

“Since 2008, CFA has responded to more than 1500 haystack fires.

"By storing your haystacks properly, you can avoid adding to those statistics and save yourself from the costly impact of a fire.”

Fire can threaten not only fodder reserves, but machinery as well.

Important tips ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

■■

■■

■■ ■■

■■

■■

It is important to ensure hay is well cured before baling.

Know the history of the hay you purchase.

Keep haystacks to a limited size.

Monitor moisture and temperature of your hay regularly.

Watch for unusual odours such as pipe tobacco, caramel, burning or musty smells.

Store hay in separate stacks or sheds away from farm equipment and other buildings.

Keep your hay dry. Protect it from rain, leaking rooves or spouts, and runoff. Cover stacks with tarps or hay caps.

Don’t stack hay right to the top of a hay shed. Allow some air to circulate at the top — this helps to carry away moisture.

Temperature Guide — what to do when your hay is overheating. Use a thermometer in a probe or insert a crowbar into the middle of the stack for two hours Less than 50°C (can handle bar without discomfort): Check temperature daily.

50°C — 60°C (can only handle crowbar for short time): Check temperature twice daily.

Remove machinery from shed.

60°C — 70°C (can touch bar only briefly): Check temperature every two to four hours.

Move hay to improve air flow.

Over 70 °C (bar is too hot to hold): Potential for fire. Call 000 immediately. Avoid walking on top of haystack.

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