Dairy News Australia - August 2018 by Dairy News Australia

Powercor pole sparked St Patrick’s Day fires PAGE 3 DOUBLE DRY MATTER

Shift in irrigation timing. PAGE 11

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AUGUST, 2018 ISSUE 94 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

THE BIG DRY Drought creeps further south . PAGE 6

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NEWS // 3

Pole caused fire Powercor’s inspection regime failed to identify that the pole was compromised. ESV will now determine whether regulatory breaches have occurred. The pole was on the farm of Jack and Better Kenna who said the pole was “rotten as a chop”. “It was strapped up with steel supports several years ago so Powercor could get more life out of a pole instead of putting a new one in which could have prevented the heartache and pain that many of us have had to endure. “That pole should have been replaced years ago. They checked that pole last November. We assume they’re doing their job just as we’re doing ours. “If we did what Powercor did, it would be classed as arson.” Mr Kenna was grateful no lives were lost. “If the wind had changed a little bit, Terang could have been wiped out. They need to be held accountable.” A Powercor spokeswoman said the organisation was reviewing the report into the Garvoc fire. ■■

STEPHEN COOKE

A TERMITE-RIDDEN Powercor pole instigated the St Patrick’s Day fire at Garvoc in western Victoria in March, while the electricity company has also been implicated in the nearby Terang fire. The safety regulator released its findings into the fires, which members of the CFA said were the worst conditions they have battled. No lives were lost as a result of the fires but farmers were burnt out and livestock was lost. The Sisters fire was caused by a snapped Powercor pole. In regards to the pole snapping ESV has concluded that: ■■ At around 9 pm the pole snapped and the high voltage conductor hit the ground and ignited vegetation ■■ The pole had a sizeable internal cavity caused by decay and termite infestation which reduced its capacity to withstand the wind conditions

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“Given there are legal proceedings under way, we are unable to make further comment,” she said. “Powercor should get on national television and apologise. But we know that’s not going to happen,” Mr Kenna said. Mr Kenna questioned how many other power poles in the district and across Victoria were in a similar condition. While ESV investigations are continuing in the Garvoc and Terang fires, the case has been closed on St Patrick’s Day fires sparked at Gazette, Minjah, Gnotuk and Laang. All were found to be caused by trees or branches hitting powerlines in high wind. “ESV has concluded that in all four fires, the trees that hit the powerlines were outside the minimum clearance space required by electric line clearance regulations,” the report said. “ESV will not be investigating these incidents further.”

August ABV release. PG.26

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4 // NEWS

Bega buys Koroit from Saputo BEGA CHEESE has purchased Saputo’s Koroit

factory for $250 million. Saputo will supply 300 million litres of milk each year until June 30, 2020, under the deal. The transaction is subject to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approval. The ACCC would only permit Saputo to purchase Murray Goulburn if it sold Koroit. The Koroit facility currently processes about 300 m litres of milk into bulk and retail butter, commodity and retail milk powders and baby formula. Bega CEO Paul van Heerwaarden said the Koroit facility would provide Bega with "a significant presence in Western Victoria and operational flexibility with our other milk processing sites". He said it would enable Bega to provide an expanded range of products for the domestic and export market. Bega Executive Chairman Barry Irvin said Bega

has been collecting milk in western Victoria for almost 10 years. "The opportunity to acquire such significant and quality infrastructure will cement our presence in one of the strongest dairy regions in Australia. "As always, we will look to work closely with dairy farmers to grow supply to the Koroit facility." Mr Irvin expects the Koroit facility to generate an annual EBITDA of $20 m assuming the current annual intake of 300 m litres. He said there is potential upside from increased milk intake including milk Bega already collects in the region. The Koroit facility will be integrated into Bega’s broad network of milk processing facilities. Roma Britnell, Victorian MP for South West Coast, said the purchase was "good news for Koroit, for the south-west dairy industry and the entire region".

The former Murray Goulburn factory at Koroit.

"Bega is a great Australian company that is going through significant growth and has become a major player in the Australian dairy industry. The

company having a greater presence in the country’s largest dairy producing region makes perfect sense.”

Farmers unite to form co-operative SOPHIE BALDWIN

UNITED WE Stand farmers are in the process of legally forming their own co-operative after receiving overwhelming support from the dairying community. The group has formally elected a committee, which includes chair Marshall Jacobs (Rochester), secretary Cheryl Hawken (Bamawm), spokesman Steve Hawken (Bamawm) and directors Scott Somerville (Timmering), Chris Gamble (Bamawm) and Dehne Vinnicombe (Calivil). Mr Hawken said it was evident from discussions UWS has had with both processors and dairy farmers in the past three months, that the group needed to formalise its position. “We have had so much support from the dairy farming community but we now have to do our due diligence and formalise things so we can be taken seriously,” he said.

“This isn’t a fly-by-night thing — we are committed to the future of the industry. “We are offering a glimmer of hope. We are not here for shortterm gain — we are in this for the long-term and are setting ourselves up accordingly.” Three months ago the group called for expressions of interest from dairy suppliers interested in pooling their milk, and the organising committee’s phones have not stopped ringing since. Calls have been received from farmers right across the country milking anything from 50 cows up to large herds. UWS representatives have even spoken to a large group of farmers at Korumburra in south Gippsland. “It has become evident to us that it doesn’t matter if you are milking 50 cows or 500, everyone has the same problem and that is we need to be paid what our product is worth,” Mr Hawken said. He said they had all had calls from farmers

worried about financially being able to pay for the grain and hay they were currently feeding their cows, let alone making it to the first irrigation in spring. He said milk volumes were in real danger of decreasing even further this year. “Processors should beware they may not get the milk volumes they are expecting — especially if conditions stay the way they are, production could be down 10 to 20 per cent.” Mr Hawken said the Murray Goulburn debacle in 2016 had been a real catalyst for change. “Processors in Australia have a proven history of paying their suppliers as little as possible for as long as they can. “Shifting processors will not change the price but the hole in the factory we leave behind will. “As farmers we need to remember we do have some power — without milk going through their stainless steel, processors don’t have a business.” Fonterra managing director Rene´ Dedoncker said the success of the co-op would come down

to money. “I would always encourage entrepreneurship and if there’s a smarter way to keep us all on our toes, that’s good,” he said. “It clearly depends on all the details (whether Fonterra would process the group’s milk). “What we know is that you need all the elements of the value chain in place to give yourself certainty, so for this group it’s one thing to have control over making it, it does need to be processed consistently and then it needs a destination. “Where does it go? They need to almost think back from market to say what is the opportunity we are targeting with this, and is it just a powder mix, is it a cheese mix, what is it? “The economics will determine who’s interested. “If the economics stack up and there’s value in it for everyone, they should attract interest — but we shouldn’t underestimate the difficulty in the economics beyond the next three to six months.”

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

NEWS // 5

Index does not go ‘far enough’ STATE DAIRY farmer groups have claimed the federal Government’s new national Milk Price Index lacks vital information on processing costs. The index was launched last month and aims to help farmers make decisions about their businesses. Australian Dairy Farmers President, Terry Richardson, said the index was developed so that farmers have a more comprehensive understanding and are able to better interpret price signals. The index will be supported by a one-year forecast of prices that will be updated quarterly, along with regular global, national and regional commentary. A Regional, Retrospective Farmgate Milk Price Index will accompany the index, with farmers urged to provide price data via an online form.

“The purpose of the retrospective index is to help build a marker of actual prices received in each dairy region,” Mr Richardson said. The Milk Price Index is being managed by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, with economic modelling and analysis conducted by Deloitte Access Economics. Education material is being produced by RM Consulting Group, which will be delivered to farmers at dairy industry events. However, NSW lobby group, Dairy Connect, called the Index ‘half-baked’, because it provides only a snapshot of dairy farm production data and not analysis of the farm-gate impact of the costs of processing. CEO Shaugn Morgan said while the industry welcomed the initiative launched on July 6, the market analysis value of the Milk Price Index was diminished by what it did not deliver. “Producers need transparency around pro-

cessor manufacturing costs and their impact at the farm gate,” he said. “Right now, we simply don’t have that information.” United Dairyfarmers of Victoria President, Adam Jenkins, said the Index didn’t go far enough. “With the index, we’ll have information about the world market and farm gate prices, but we’re still lacking transparency into manufacturing costs and their impact at the farm gate. “UDV advocates for transparency throughout the entire supply chain and we are disappointed the milk price index does not achieve this. “As an outcome of the Federal Government’s review of the index, we would like to see analysis of manufacturing costs to give farmers a clear idea of how the world price translates into

farm gate milk prices.” Fonterra Managing Director, Rene´ Dedoncker, is not surprised about the criticism, saying he believes it centres around the complexities of determining one milk price. “On the index, it’s always valuable to have another perspective,” he said. “I think the challenge is, everyone’s realising that this is not easy. “If we had some magic, or a black box, that told us what the price should be, everyone would have it and I think the government has realised there’s a number of indicators that contribute to it but all they do is give you a range, a corridor where it should sit. “So I think the reason people are disappointed is because it hasn’t unlocked it. I suspect we will find that it’s not something easy to unlock so I’m not surprised and I’m also not surprised at the reaction.”

Saputo, Fonterra clash on code of conduct RODNEY WOODS

FONTERRA AUSTRALIA and Saputo Dairy Australia have different views on whether a voluntary or mandatory code of conduct is the best way forward for the dairy industry. Fonterra’s managing director Rene´ Dedoncker has called for patience when it comes to any changes to the current dairy code. “We absolutely support the voluntary code and we just think it needs time to be tested,” he said. “We need to give it space, give it an amount of time so we know it works before they move to a mandatory code. “A mandatory code is a step too far, too soon, and will have unintended consequences that will make everyone risk-averse and potentially make more costs.” Despite costs also being an issue for Saputo chair Lino Saputo, he is in favour of the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s recommendations.

“We continue to support the 11 points listed in the voluntary code of conduct put forth by ADIC, and believe this code should be mandatory for all processors — big and small,” Mr Saputo said. “We believe that a mandatory code of conduct should be managed by dairy industry bodies and the supplier community. “Our only concern in regards to a mandatory code of conduct is cost. “We want to ensure its regulation/ enforcement isn’t onerous on the system. “We are ready and willing to support its implementation in any way we can.” Mr Saputo even provided a recommendation of his own. “We would also like to add a provision stating that step-downs (and claw-backs) should be illegal.” Australian Dairy Farmers President, Terry Richardson, says “there has been ongoing agitation around which direction the industry should head, which is only distracting us from achieving genuine reform."

Mr Richardson said the ADF recognised and supported the need for enforceable measures to protect farmers. He said the extensive consultation process, as part of the 12-month review of the voluntary code, would consider feedback from milk suppliers. A stronger dairy industry Code of Practice would include a formal dispute resolution mechanism and penalties procedure to solve conflicts between farmers and processors, he said. "We absolutely want to achieve the best outcome for farmers, which is why we are taking a thorough approach to strengthening the industry Code of Practice and presenting this to industry for consideration," he said. The Australian Dairy Industry Council (the umbrella group for the ADF and processors) has engaged legal counsel to provide technical advice to be incorporated into a second version of the Code. "We are extremely aware that the industry is waiting for an outcome of this review, but we must ensure all reasonable steps are taken

to address the issues identified by the ACCC report in a way that assists farmers," Mr Richardson said. “Whatever decision is made, this will be a significant step with long-term ramifications for the industry, so we must get it right. "The review will determine how effective the Voluntary Code has been and whether it is necessary to adopt a different approach. This could be a Prescribed Voluntary Code, Mandatory Code or another mechanism altogether." Farmer Power executive officer Garry Kerr agreed with Mr Saputo. “With more and more evidence of contracting practices that are exploitive of dairy farmers, some possibly illegal, it is clear that the existing voluntary code is not working,” Mr Kerr said. “A mandatory code is needed to put some fairness back into the industry.” As part of its 18-month review into the industry, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission also called for the code to be mandatory.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

6 // NEWS

Drought hurting more NSW farmers RICK BAYNE

FARMERS ARE digging in to survive as the drought in NSW worsens. But with the vast majority of the state’s farming land in drought conditions and feed and water prices hitting record levels, some farmers are considering their future in the industry. NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Combined Drought Indicator shows 15.3 per cent of the state is in intense drought, 36.4 per cent is experiencing drought and 48.1 per cent is drought affected. Only 0.1 per cent of the state is described as non-drought and 0.1 per cent as recovering. Chair of NSW Farmers Dairy Committee and owner of Little Big Dairy Co in Dubbo, Erika Chesworth, said the big dry from Queensland was making its way south. “The dry area is expanding and there’s big pressure on the dairy industry,” she said. Despite the difficulties and gloomy outlook, Mrs Chesworth urged farmers to maintain their social ties, seek financial counselling and “spend to prevent disaster”. “It comes back to basic stuff, do the little things properly — don’t carry unproductive animals, look at your reproduction, teat spray, vaccinate. “I encourage farmers to consider employing

a consultant, look at your budget, know your costs and be sociable, that really helps. Have people around and take weekends away; try to keep a balance. “Some can cope with these pressures better than others. It can depend on what cycle your business is in but generally farmers are negative at the moment.” While her farm at Dubbo locked into good grain prices at harvest, Mrs Chesworth admitted feed costs were getting “out of control”. “I’ve heard crazy quotes like $700 a tonne for Lucerne hay; $600 for barley. It’s really gone off the scale.” There will be crops grown south of West Wyalong this season but farms that don’t have irrigation and aren’t getting rain are under an incredible amount of stress, Mrs Chesworth said. “A month ago, we were still hopeful of getting late winter rain in this region, not so much now.” Mrs Chesworth welcomed new government initiatives to help farmers but said they didn’t always go far enough. “They’ve just put out a freight subsidy on fodder and we’re grateful to everyone who advocated for that, but the cap of $20 000 is a laughable amount; that’s what we were getting 20 years ago. I’m not going to say it’s not helpful but dairies are much larger than they were 20 years ago and there’s a greater dependence

on purchased feed.” The DPI’s Rural Assistance Fund has announced a series of measures to support struggling farmers, including financial counsellors and interest-free loans. But Mrs Chesworth is under no illusion that most farmers ae doing it tough. “It snuck up on us. Our farm is a one-in-20 year dry. It’s worse than 2006 and that’s quite surprising.” Finley farmer Neville Kydd said farmers in the area had been going okay “but it’s starting to get to the pointy end”. “It’s getting to the irrigation season and there’s no irrigation water available and if you go to the trading market they’re indicating 350 a megalitre and rising. Realistically there’s no money in it for dairy farmers at the moment.” The Kydds have good supplies of silage but Mr Kydd added “that’s not endless”. “Last time the drought was for three years; we’re at stage one. We’ve got silage on hand but if it’s another three years the reserves will be gone.” In the 2006 drought the Kydds used palm kernels but they are no longer being imported. “It’s not everything and nutritionists don’t like it, but it sustains animals and extends what you’ve got quite well. It saved our arse last time; we used about 4500 tonnes of it.” Mr Kydd predicts farmers will be forced to leave the industry. “It’s not just us; it’s everywhere. The dry is

heading further and further south. It needs to rain and rain substantially to put water in the dams but as it looks, that’s unlikely to happen. “Everybody north of the divide is getting very concerned. Come the middle or later spring, if it doesn’t improve dramatically a lot of people are just going to pull the pin and shut down. “Quite a few are doing that already.” NSW Farmers’ Drought Network has launched a page to provide service information, links to assistance and services to those impacted by drought conditions. NSW Farmers’ President James Jackson welcomed the Government’s additional $500 million in support as ‘generous’ but stressed the importance of the package being easily accessible to all farmers across the state battling drought. “It’s not only the big costs that affect farm business cash flow. It is the small, ongoing commitments that add up. The commitment to provide relief through deferring LLS rate payments, water licenses and Agricultural Vehicle Registration will benefit local communities and contractors, not only farmers. “As farmers continue to make tough decisions, we call on the NSW Government to make it equitable and as easy as possible for them to access relief,” Mr Jackson said.

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NEWS // 7

Power bills could fall 26 per cent DAIRY FARMERS and processors could see

electricity costs fall by 26 per cent according to the corporate watchdog. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has told the Federal Government the sector needs reform to bring down prices and restore confidence. The ACCC made 56 recommendations on how to fix the national electricity market, outlined in its final Retail Electricity Pricing Inquiry report, released last month. The Inquiry, which commenced in March 2017, began by identifying the root causes of high electricity prices across the entire electricity supply chain, and has now made 56 recommendations detailing ways to fix the National Electricity Market. The ACCC inquiry was commissioned in March 2017 by Treasurer Scott Morrison. ACCC Chair, Rod Sims, said there were many reasons behind rising prices, including: ■ Wholesale and retail markets are too concentrated. ■ Regulation and poorly designed policy adding significant costs to electricity bills. ■ Retailers’ marketing of discounts are inconsistent and confusing to consumers and have left many consumers on excessively high ‘standing’ offers. Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said the Government would carefully consider the report’s 56 recommendations in consultation with state and territory governments.

The Australian Energy Council blamed a ‘decade of energy policy uncertainty’ from Government that has has an adverse effect on ‘much needed’ investment in the energy sector. “We encourage the Government to consult on the detail of the ACCC recommendations to avoid any unintended consequences, especially on those recommendations that involve market interventions. “Such proposals must not unintentionally undermine the commercial functioning of the wholesale market, which can put taxpayer funds at risk and deter future private investment.” The Queensland Farmers Federation said the ACCC report “largely tells farmers what they already know”. QFF President Stuart Armitage said farmers want to know what is going to change and when they will see affordable energy prices. “There has been no real or demonstrable decrease in Queensland’s farmers’ electricity bills,” Mr Armitage said. He said some farmers have seen electricity cost rises of more htan 200 per cent in ten years, against a CPI rise of 24 per cent in the same period. “And based on current State Government policy and tariff offerings, many regional customers face further bill increases in excess of 50 per cent when they are forced on to standard business demand-based tariffs in less than two years.” Mr Armitage welcomed some of the recommendations but said the report needs teeth and

support from state Governments. NSW dairy farmer group, Dairy Connect, called for a Royal Commission into electricity prices and contractual relationships. CEO Shaughn Morgan said the impact of energy prices was analysed closely in a dairy farm energy cost case-study that formed part of an Australia Consumer and Competition Commission report. “The ACCC report clearly enumerated how dairy farmers were paying twice for energy cost hikes. “They pay once at the dairy shed and again at the farm gate in the form of price cuts for their fresh nutritious milk.” Dairy Australia has estimated that the total cost of energy for dairy processors was about $160 million a year. The dairy industry ‘market failure’ argument was supported by Cameron Quin, the national business director of commercial solar operator Solar Bay. He said Solar Bay had been working as an ‘honest broker’ for dairy farmers in unravelling complex commercial transactions between producers and energy retailers. “Quite often debts claimed for energy consumption are just plain wrong and dramatically overblown,” he said. “We’ve found some number of dairy farmers who had not received an energy bill for around six months and, when a bill did arrive, it could be up to three times the relevant network tariff.”

Key recommendations • The Australian Energy Regulator should be given more powers to target market manipulation. • Discounts are misleading and need to be made fairer. • Customers should be able to compare discounts from a default or benchmark rate set by the regulator. • Customer transfer process should be speeded up so customers can move to new offers quickly. • Special conditions, like pay on time discounts, should not operate like harsh late penalties. • Third-party comparator sites should declare commissions. • Government support to underpin long-term contracts for large commercial and industrial users that brings on new dispatchable power for new generators. • A cap on any further merger or acquisition of a company with more than 20 per cent market share of generation (excluding companies building new generation).

“One producer paid an incorrect embedded network tariff bill for $7000, an amount that still hasn’t been repaid. “Retailers make it really difficult with some of the world’s most complex invoice and anti-competitive clauses.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

8 // NEWS

Visa changes hurting farmers RICK BAYNE

DAIRY FARMERS struggling to find locals willing to work for them are now struggling to find visa holders to fill the gaps. Federal Government changes to visa regulations have left some farmers campaigning for longer placement opportunities and pathways for permanent residency. Finley, NSW farmer Ruth Kydd, who backed Dairy Connect’s concerns last year about the sudden cancellation of the skilled 457 Visa foreign worker program, says she’s still having trouble with the system, although there are some positive developments. The Kydds had been using 408 training visas, including IAEA and CAEP programs, that allowed them to bring mostly agriculture students into Australia for up to 12 months. In reciprocation, Australians can do practical work overseas. However, the Government has changed the rules and now they can only come to Australia for six months on a backpacker visa. “We like them to come for 12 months because we’re a seasonal herd,” Mrs Kidd said. “In the first six months they’re just trying to get their head around the work — they learn a lot in the

last six months and it gives them opportunities to get better jobs at home.” The shorter period is impacting on interest. “I’ve been trying this year to get an extra person to come on a training visa but CAEP couldn’t get anyone because they’d only be here for a short period of time,” Mrs Kydd said. “It’s not worth paying the fee.” Another problem is that the Kydds were hiring people from places that don’t have backpacker visa allowances, like the Philippines. “That rules out a lot of people we could have previously accessed,” Mrs Kydd said. “We want more permanent staff who want to stay.” The Kydds have recently employed had two people through the 457 Visa dairy labour agreement. This gives them four years in Australia, as opposed to two years on a straight 457 visa. “The next step is a pathway to permanency so after their four years they can stay,” Mrs Kydd added. “We know they are good. They have qualifications in agriculture and animal science, they have experience and the right attitude and they’re keen to stay and work on the farm. “It’s definitely better value if they are here longer.” One of the visas took 11 months to get

approved, the other two months and the system for paying tax has also presented problems. Mrs Kydd said the farm relied on skilled visa workers for roles that can’t be filled locally. “People locally aren’t that interested. It’s

hard to get people who want to do the work.” Along with Mrs Kydd, her husband Neville and sons Daniel and Steven, the farm has four full-time staff and five part-timers. Six of the staff are on visas.

Ruth Kydd and her family have six staff on visas on their Finley, NSW, farm.

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DO NOT BUY YOUR NEXT MASTITIS TREATMENT WITHOUT ASKING YOUR VET THESE THREE VITAL QUESTIONS Jurox Animal Health urges farmers to talk to their vets about mastitis so they can assist in recommending the right mastitis control for farmers’ businesses. 1.What pathogens are causing clinical mastitis in my herd?

2. What is the treatment time for this antibiotic?

3. What is the length of withholding period for this antibiotic?

Knowing what pathogens are causing mastitis in your herd assists vets in prescribing appropriate treatment. Although most lactating cow mastitis antibiotics control a broad range of pathogens, some are more eﬀective against certain pathogens than others. Furthermore, your vet can assist in identifying critical control points — where, how and when infection is most likely to occur and suggest management practices to minimise mastitis infection.

Each antibiotic has an individual treatment regime required in order to reach an industry standard level of effectiveness. These regimes range from short therapy treatment (one tube every 12 hours for three treatments) to long therapy treatment (one tube every 48 hours for three treatments). Depending on the antibiotic used, the difference in treatment period alone can have a huge impact on the amount of milk wasted during treatment. The difference between the longest and shortest antibiotic treatments can result in up to 84 litres or $34 in discarded milk per cow (14 L per milking at a milk price of 40¢/L).

Withholding periods are the required length of time for milk to be able to be added to the vat post antibiotic treatment. Similar to the length of treatment regimes, the cost of discarded milk during post treatment milk withholding periods accounts for a signiﬁcant proportion of the overall cost of mastitis in dairy businesses. Milk withholding periods range from 48 hours (4 milkings) to 168 hours (14 milkings), with the most common milk withholding period being 72 hours (6 milkings). In some cases where long withholding periods are required, up to 196 litres of milk (28 litres per day) will be discarded per cow over a sevenday period, costing farmers around $78 per cow.

According to Dairy Australia, “Your herd has a significant problem if there are more than five clinical cases per 100 cows in the first month of lactation, or two clinical cases per 100 cows in subsequent months.” If this is the case for you, ask your vet about introducing a mastitis management plan that is tailored to your business. Furthermore, ask your vet about calculating the true cost of different mastitis treatments using Jurox’s back in the vat calculator. For more information and to learn more about the true cost of mastitis treatment, visit mastitis.jurox.com.au

Intramammaries with short treatment regimens have easy to follow treatment protocol of one tube every milking for three successive milkings. In comparison, longer acting products can be complicated to follow, as the time between applications and number of applications can add an element of confusion over a drawn-out treatment period. This can signiﬁcantly increase the risk of oﬀ label use and the chance of residue violations in the milk. Short acting antibiotics also get the cow back to full health quickly, rapidly alleviating pain and stress, and reducing the chance of udder scarring and other mastitis related animal health issues.

On the positive side, significant cost savings can be gained by treating early with effective, rapid acting products with shorter withholding periods, minimising waste and getting saleable milk back into the market sooner. Some of the most effective short acting antibiotics enable a swift recovery and have milk ready for sale in four-and-a-half days, saving the farmer 165 litres of milk (28 litres per day) or $66 per cow compared to products with longer treatment and withholding periods.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

10 // DAIRY RESEARCH FOUNDATION SYMPOSIUM

Farmers must extract more value from existing tech RICK BAYNE

AUSTRALIAN DAIRY farmers are starting

to embrace technology but aren’t necessarily getting its full benefits, according to a leading researcher. Speaking at the Dairy Research Foundation’s 2018 Symposium at the University of Sydney, Dr Sabrina Lomax said Australian farmers were behind their European counterparts in using emerging technology but were starting to see its benefits, especially for repetitive tasks. Dr Lomax is a research fellow in the Dairy Science Group at Sydney University and is involved in the ‘Enhancing the profitability and productivity of livestock farming through virtual herding technology’ project. “Technology is creating a lot of data but farmers don’t necessarily use all that data,” Dr Lomax said. From drone technologies for pastures to robotic dairies and automated milking systems with in-built sensors for measuring milk quality and animal health, farmers have multiple tools at their disposal. “Farmers are using technology and it will continue to blossom, the problem is there’s no integration between these technologies,” Dr Lomax said. “The challenge for the industry is to extract value from these technologies that aren’t being

accessed as yet,” she said. “The technology is not that complex but we’re not using them as well as we can.” The Dairy Science Group aims to connect with industry and farmers to find out what problems technology could address and then work with commercial partners who develop technology to solve those problems. “Technology is supposed to make life easier or create more time for farmers to think about business management or how they can be more innovative, rather than doing the repetitive tasks they have traditionally done,” she said. Dr Lomax said there had been a huge takeup of technology in Europe and there’s a trend towards that in Australia. “Increasing farm sizes, decreasing numbers of farms, problems finding labour and an ageing workforce means we’re going to start relying more on technology to help us do our jobs rather than people,” she said. “Technology will never replace what the brain does in terms of being creative and managing the business, but it can make repetitive tasks simpler and take them out of our hands so we can spend more time using the creative part of our brain.” Dr Lomax said both younger and older farmers were turning to technology. “It’s not about creating new technologies; we need to use what technologies and data we to make us more efficient,” she said. “Extracting value from existing and emerging technologies is the missing link at the moment.”

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DAIRY RESEARCH FOUNDATION SYMPOSIUM // 11

Dry matter doubled after changing irrigation schedule RICK BAYNE

FARMERS COULD double their pasture pro-

duction by getting their irrigation timing right and avoiding a “green drought”, a dairy research symposium has been told. Speaking at the Dairy Research Foundation’s 2018 Symposium at the University of Sydney, senior research fellow Dr James Hills from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture said the Smarter Irrigation for Profit project showed farmers were experiencing significant losses through inefficient use of irrigation. The project monitored five dairy farms over three years and in one case a Cressy farmer was able to boost his average pasture growth rate over the irrigation season from 34 kg DM per hectare per day to 69 kg DM primarily as a result of modifying his irrigation scheduling practice. “We found their production was typically half of what they could potentially be producing,” Dr Hills said. “There were significant issues with their irrigation practices and a massive opportunity for improvement.”

“

The Cressy farm had a 117-hectare pivot. In the 2015–16 irrigation season they used 6.2 megalitres of irrigation per hectare but because their irrigation scheduling wasn’t right and they weren’t producing optimal pastures, they had to buy in grain, which the farmer calculated as more than $70 000 in unnecessary feed cost. Dr Hills said the farmers in the study were allowing soil moisture to dry to below the refill point. “They need to make sure there is enough moisture in the soil so the pasture can easily use it; between the refill point and the field capacity,” he said. “If you starting dropping below that zone you’re going to stress the plants and you’re not going to get good growth.” Dr Hills said farmers were typically delaying irrigation start-up too long after a major rain event, leading to soil moisture dropping below the refill point; then their irrigation system wasn’t putting enough in to lift soil moisture back into the readily available water zone. “They need to start their irrigator a lot earlier after rain and keep it going. If they allow the soil to dry too much and then put the irrigator on, in the middle of summer they’re often only

Dr James Hills.

replacing what they’re losing in evapotranspiration and never catching up. “Irrigating when in deficit below the refill point will keep the pasture green but won’t allow it to grow to its maximum potential. We call it the green drought and we’ve noticed it again and again.” Dr Hills said the project had shown farmers that poor watering can be costly because they’re not allowing pasture to grow to potential.

“Typically, you can grow 80 kg DM per hectare per day but if you get into the green drought scenario you tend to halve that production. “We were able to show that if you keep water in your readily available water zone you can significantly increase pasture production, simply by improving scheduling.” Dr Hills said farmers don’t need to use more irrigation; they just have to get the timing right. “Keeping the bucket topped up is key.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

12 // NEWS

Sam milks it for all it’s worth FORMER AFL footballer and current ‘Lam-

bassador’ Sam Kekovich was in Shepparton last week to create awareness of the dairy industry’s current sit-uation. Mr Kekovich is the face of a Farmer Power cam-paign that has travelled to Bairnsdale, Warrnambool, Geelong, Bendigo, Albury and Shepparton. The farm lobby group’s executive chair Garry Kerr said Mr Kekovich had been “incredible”. “He’s certainly lifted the profile of what we are try-ing to achieve,” he said. Mr Kerr explained what the roadshow was all about. “We’ve started this pub-lic awareness campaign to raise the awareness of the plight of our dairy farm-ers,” he said. “We want to treat the cause not the symptoms. “Money has been thrown at all the charities to help dairy farmers.

“We’d be better putting that money into stopping the problem in the first place.” Mr Kerr is in favour of a mandatory code for the industry, as reported in last week’s Country News. “If we can get this man-datory code of conduct in, a mandatory code brings about transparency and fairness in the dealings between the processors and the dairy farmers.” When asked about com-ments from Fonterra man-aging director Rene´ Ded-oncker about the costs of a mandatory code, Mr Kerr did not hold back. “You want to know why it’s costly? It’s costly on the processors not the dairy farmers, that’s why. “Once we get this equity into the industry, the price of milk should, I won’t say will, increase and contracts will be fair between dairy farmers and processors.” Mr Kekovich, a former North Melbourne pre-

mier-ship player, said his work as Lambassador went hand-in-hand with the work he was doing on this tour. “This is all related,” he said. “We’re a unique com-munity, we’re country folk and the lamb community, dairy community — we’re all one and the same.” When asked about his favourite dairy product, Mr Kekovich said he enjoyed them all. “They’re all my favourites. We’re Australian mate, we all eat cheeses, we drink milk, we have cups of tea, we have cereal in the morning right across the board. “But unless we do some-thing now we’ll be eating all those imported foods that we don’t know where they’ve come from, what they do and that’s why it’s an imperative that we buy Australian and we do some-thing to rescue the dairy industry.” APCO service stations sponsored the event.

Shepparton Men’s Shed members Gary Grey and Kevin Watson took time out to cook the barbecue.

Drinking up the attention . . . Sam Kekovich supports the dairy industry by downing a carton of milk.

Senator Derryn Hinch made a surprise appearance at the Shepparton event.

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14 // NEWS

‘Humble bloke’ mourned AN UNASSUMING man, Kevin Kelly was most

at home out in the paddock and preferred a field day to an office conference. Mr Kelly, 62, a senior research scientist, collapsed and died at the Ellinbank National Centre for Dairy Research and Development in Gippsland on Tuesday, July 10, while working with colleagues. He had spent many years working at the former research institute at Kyabram and later at the Tatura office of Agriculture Victoria. Kyabram farmer Terry Hehir recalled Mr Kelly was passionate about plants and pastures and was respected for his considerable knowledge. “He didn’t speak a great deal but when he did you could be sure it was really well grounded and backed by good evidence,” Mr Hehir said. Kevin Bernard Kelly was born in 1955 in Euroa. Mr Kelly graduated from University of Melbourne in 1977 with a Bachelor of Agricultural

Science with honours and started work in 1977 in the Department of Agriculture’s district office in Hamilton, in western Victoria. He was mentored by senior research staff for two years before moving to the Kyabram Research Farm in 1979. He worked under manager Murray Martin as a plant scientist and developed a core expertise in pasture agronomy, crop water requirements and irrigation scheduling, and in 1983 (the year he married Naomi) he completed a masters degree from University of Melbourne on productivity of annual pastures under irrigation in northern Victoria. Colleagues said Mr Kelly’s knowledge of irrigated and annual perennial pastures would have been second to none in Australia. One of his real strengths was he always knew you had to apply research and assistance in context, and understood grazing pressure on pro-

Genetics Australia sells farm GENETICS AUSTRALIA has sold its 125-hectare property at Parwan Park South near Bacchus Marsh for $14.65 million to a property developer. The property was purchased by GA in 1986 and has been used as a quarantine facility for bulls prior to their admission to the co-op’s main

collection and EU facility, Parwan Park. GA CEO Anthony Shelly said 98.5 per cent of responding shareholders voted in favour of the sale and that proceeds from the sale would be invested in new technology and research. “This opportunity to reinvest in research and

duction, utilisation and persistence of different pasture species. Mr Kelly was an integral part of the research groups at Kyabram that transformed the centre from a research farm to the Kyabram Dairy Centre when it was managed by Bruce Cockroft and Warren Mason. Mr Kelly was passionate about the centre, fought hard to keep it open and was devastated by its closure. A former manager, Peter Doyle, who managed the centre between 1994 and about 2006, described Mr Kelly as trusted and trusting, humble, dedicated, a good confidant and a good friend. “He would go the extra mile for his team,” Mr Doyle said. “He was a humble bloke who never promoted himself.

“He sometimes presented with folded arms — but this was just his way. “Out in the paddock with farmers, he was more relaxed — and they listened. “I have watched numerous times out in the field, and seen him get more questions than anyone else.” Mr Kelly understood the close connection with farmers and he always had farmer and extension officers on reference groups on his projects. He leaves his wife Naomi, sons David, Aaron and Cameron, daughter Louise and grandchildren Emma and James.

technology will set a positive path for the next two decades,” Mr Shelly said. “It will allow the Co-operative to invest in developing the next generation of the best bulls and genetics to deliver profitability for our farming family members.” A five-year settlement will enable GA to plan its transition from the site.

Mr Shelly said GA had capability on its remaining properties to cover the loss of Parwan Park South while it evaluates other options over the next five years. “We can manage long-term without that property but we need to transition those activities to either our Birregurra property or potentially a new greenfield site,” he said.

Scientist Kevin Kelly addressing farmers.

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NEWS // 15

Winter champions crowned SOPHIE BALDWIN

THE FIFTH annual National Herd Development Winter Fair has come and gone, with four-yearold Cairnsdale Sid Anastasia owned by the Gardiner family, from Five Ways in Cardinia, crowned Supreme Senior Cham-pion. Despite tough times in the in-dustry, organisers were pleased with the crowd and quality of cattle on show at Bendigo last week. Associate judge Henry Bevan said the fair had been an amazing experience. “To stand alongside someone like Justin Burdette and judge this type of quality cattle is outstand-ing,” he said. “It really is a great facility and a real credit to the organisers — this is the first time judging an event like this and it is something I am very proud of.” Kim and Brent Mitchell, from Bamawm, were delighted with their four-year-old Mitch Aftershock Irene taking out Re-serve Senior Champion. Mr Mitchell said she continued to impress. “Irene hasn’t done too much wrong by us and

Jane and Murray Polson travelled from Taree in NSW and won Supreme Junior Champion with Mario Park Solomon Midas.

we are pleased she looks so well after calving,” he said. “She is just an outstanding cow. “She has given us a Chill heifer calf and an ET heifer in our autumn drop and we are looking forward to continuing to develop from her.” Jane and Murray Polson trav-elled 13 hours from Taree in NSW for the show with a team of two cows and three heifers.

WINTER FAIR WINNERS Supreme Senior Champion: Cairnsdale Sid Anastasia, JH and CJ Gardiner.

Supreme Junior Champion: Mario Park Solomon Midas, MD and JE Polson.

Reserve Senior Champion: Mitch Aftershock Irene, Mitch Holstein.

Reserve Junior Champion: Paringa Solomon Applepie, Pam Malcolm.

Red Senior Champion: Willow Crossing Contender Sallie Red, RJ’s Holsteins.

Red Junior Champion: Eclipse BC Red August Red, Eclipse Genetics and Bluechip Genetics.

Reserve Red Senior Champion: Bluechip EV Sweet Apple Imp ET Red, C. Hallyburton, B. Salmon and J. & J. Jennings.

Reserve Red Junior Champion: Sun Vale Awesome Jodie Red, B. and J. Gavenlock.

Supreme Senior Udder: Cairnsdale Sid Anastasia, JH and CJ Gardiner.

Youth Junior Champion: Hawova Solomon Tamie, Shaw, Clarke and Sieben.

Supreme Intermediate Champion: Fairvale Bradnick Josie 118, Bluechip Genetics and Fairvale Holsteins.

Reserve Youth Junior Champion: Wyena Bmac Caboose, Cally O’Shannassy.

Reserve Intermediate Champion: Mario Park Atwood Midas, MD and JE Polson.

Premier Breeder: Bluechip Genetics.

Red Intermediate Champion: Budgeree AA Jodie ET Red, JH and CJ Gardiner.

Junior judging overall winner: Katie Anderson.

Judges Henry Bevan and Justin Burdette with Supreme Senior Champion Cow Cairnsdale Sid Anastasia, owned by John and Cherrie Gardiner, from Five Ways Cardinia, and leader Nicola Paulger.

They left with Reserve Inter-mediate Champion and Supreme Junior Champion. “We came down for the fair two years ago and did well, so we decided to come again this year,” Mr Polson said. “We love the concept of the show and it is a good time of the year to show cattle.” Mr Polson said it was important during hard times to get off the farm. “It was a tough year two years ago and we travelled down to the winter fair and it ended up

being a real highlight of the year for us,” he said. “This is a real love for us and it is our hobby. This is always a great, well-run show.” The winter fair will be back in 2019 and organiser Clare Modra said it would continue to be tweaked. “Our numbers were consistent and, as always, we had a very strong junior show,” she said. “The quality through the milk-ers was excellent and there was a lot of online interest in the sale. It has been another good show for us.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

16 // OPINION RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

Know you’re not alone

MILKING IT... Circle the wagons We always listen when regular columnist Jo Bills has something to say and didn’t she hit the nail on the head again this month (page 18). Australian advocates want lawmakers to follow the USA’s lead and ban the term milk being used for plant juice (almonds, soy beans etc.). We’ve thought for some time that fighting this battle is akin to circling the wagons, instead of heading out to find and create new opportunities. “It’s innovation that is lacking for a category that has been taken for granted and is under siege,” Jo says. “It’s innovation that will keep ‘real milk’ relevant for many consumers now and in the future — not regulation of the name. “Even if this battle is won, dairy needs to stay focussed on the war.” We agree. We can’t use all our energy on one fight.

Who’s game?

Muddy Buns

Who wants to follow in the footsteps of Gerry Harvey? No, we don’t mean selling whitegoods, but buying Coomboona Holdings after business partners Gerry Harvey and Alex Arena called in administrators in March. Expressions of interest in the big Undera dairy are due this month. Although the business lost $2.71 m in 2015–16 and almost $6 m the following financial year, the facilities and potential must be too much to resist for some.

When we first head the expression ‘muddy buns’ the first thing that came to mind was a paddock full of cow pats. Turns out they are the latest craze in China (think a chocolate croissant) with people queuing for hours to get their fix. It’s having an impact on the other side of the world too, with Fonterra commissioning a new butter line at one its NZ factories, which has increased production from 4500 metric tonnes to 7000 metric tonnes to help Chinese bakeries meet demand. Long may this sticky cow pat craze continue, or at the very least be replaced with another dairy-based concoction.

Advertising James MacGibbon

Another Brexit calamity Half the UK population’s middle finger to the EU continues to take its toll, with price hikes expected for butter, cheese and yoghurt next March. A new report commissioned by Arla Foods reveals the UK will face severe dairy shortages if a Brexit trade deal with the EU is not secured. Of course, pro-Brexit politicians are actively fighting to prevent any deal occurring. Britain is a net importer of dairy produce and depends on supplies primarily from Ireland, Denmark, Holland, Germany and France. The report reveals tariffs of between 41 per cent and 74 per cent will be imposed on dairy produce if EU-UK trade reverts to WTO rules. Arla says butter, yoghurts, cheese and infant formula could become “occasional luxuries” and that it would take UK-based processors three to four years to fill any supply shortfall.

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james.macgibbon@dairynewsaustralia.com.au Editor Stephen Cooke 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.

The drought in NSW and the associated hardship it creates for farmers and rural and regional communities is receiving widespread attention from media and politicians, including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The severe drought is relatively easy for the everexpanding city population to understand, and their support is welcomed. But it remains bloody brutal for those experiencing it. There are many areas throughout the country not officially in drought, but they are certainly doing it tough too. Unfortunately, it usually takes an extreme weather event for the mainstream media — and therefore the city-dwellers — for anyone to notice just how tough farming can be. In Victoria, a poor autumn was followed by some rain, but only in some parts. A lot hinges on spring, and feed prices continue to rise to frightening levels. People on Victorian roads may drive past some green pasture and assume all is well, unaware that after two years recovering from the processor-driven price crash, and an insipid opening price recently, many farmers are still hurting. The dairy farming community is tight knit and will often help others before asking for help themselves. The March bushfire provided the perfect example. Farmers that were completely burnt out did not put their hands up for donated fodder because they assumed someone else was more deserving. At times like these, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded to reach out to neighbours, and to trust your judgement if you think somebody is not doing well, even if they say (perhaps unconvincingly) that they’re OK. The past two years have taken a great toll on many and a chat, an invitation to a barbecue or an act of kindness in the shape of a casserole, can be vitally important. We also recommend utilising resources like www. BeyondBlue.org.au (1300 224 636) if you want to talk confidentially, or to seek advice on how to help others. For families with young people doing it tough, www. headspace.org.au (1800 650 890) also offers a free service. The Prime Minister said this week that it was resilience that would get our farmers through tough times like the current NSW drought. We know our farming communities are extremely resilient, but when the weather and other factors seem to throw up a greater number of challenges, it’s important to know you’re not always expected to bounce back and that no-one is in this alone. Knowing you’re not alone can be a great help.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

OPINION // 17

Will Nation herald new era for Queensland R&D? BRIAN TESSMANN

FOR QUEENSLAND dairy, it is hoped that

the appointment of David Nation as Dairy Australia CEO, replacing Ian Halliday, may be a catalyst to change the emphasis regarding research and development for the sub-tropical dairy region. David is a known figure to Dairy Australia, being a co-director of Dairy Bio and Dairy Feedbase and was also the former Dairy Futures CRC Chief Executive. QDO has identified several areas that need addressing, namely more digestible perennial tropical pastures, long-term financial advice, managing and eradicating cattle ticks and combating acaricide resistance.

THERE’S ONE question all Australians need to answer before it’s too late. Which country do you want your food to come from that will feed your grandchildren? If it’s from Australia then tell our politicians and get them to start putting the future of Australia first and demand the food security of our grandchildren. I have no doubt that without government intervention we will see the demise of the dairy industry in our lifetime. When buying power is used as a mechanism to artificially drive down the price by those acting as the middle man, as supermarkets do, the concept of free market fails. Supermarkets and others exploit buying power and they are doing it out of self interest. They drive the price they want to pay the manufacturers who in turn drive down the price they want to pay the farmers. In addition, global markets becomes floored when there are different concepts of standards of living, when there is corruption within foreign governments, when the value of life is cheaper in some countries, when markets can be flooded with excess product, and, disappointingly, consecutive government failure to give the future of Australia any consideration. This lack of foresight will be the price our grandchildren pay. The effect of globalisation has created two groups in society, those who want it all and those who won’t have it all. Those who want it all: ■■ Expect the highest return for their labour with the least amount of effort ■■ Want to sell their investments for the highest price and purchase at the lowest ■■ Want the highest return from their investments

In recent decades the focus of RDE development to find better species with considerable productivity gains has been on temperate grass species only. This work has assisted farmers in temperate regions to increase production while reducing costs but has been without benefit to northern regions. The three quality pastures most important to Queensland dairying namely the Kikuyu, Seteria, and Panic grass species have been overlooked. It will be a watching brief to see what Dairy Australia plans in this area. Similarly, a lot of work has been done in Queensland on ensuring that the dairy industry is resilient to climate and market forces. Recent workshops undertaken by QDO have

highlighted that our farmers need improved financial analysis and planning advice. If we are to ensure that dairy farming in Queensland can be sustained long term, we need to continue to back these ventures. Funding to ensure we can continue these workshops will be high on our agenda with David at the first opportunity. Another, uniquely Queensland issue are cattle ticks. The tick infected zone comprises the coastal area east of the Great Dividing Range and north of the Great Northern Rail line in Queensland. Ticks are well recognised as a major threat to the Queensland dairy industry, but currently, there are no national programs looking to address this. There are a considerable number of acaricides

Don’t get me wrong, the ones who won’t have it all still want the same, but their reality is different: ■■ Their labour return is the lowest for the greatest amount of effort ■■ Their investment, the product they produce, receives the lowest price possible based on the needs of the manufacturers

Establish the cost of production on a per unit basis, and then add a mark-up to ensure viability. ■■ No imports while same product is available in Australia. ■■ If imports are needed then they are to be valued at same price per unit. ■■ Assistance for young people to enter the industry. I know that if farmers are profitable there is a positive impact on their community, they will

Dairy farmers fall into this second group. The retail sector and successive governments have educated the public that they have the right to cheap commodities. Conversely the financial sector and the successive governments have educated the public that they have the right to the highest return on their investments. This confliction can never work as one sector produces the commodity that’s also their investment. It’s impossible to get the highest return when you’re offered the lowest price. Australia’s milk production runs the risk of shrinking to the volume that only supports the whole milk market to the detriment of our export markets. When the global financial crisis rocked the world Kevin Rudd used bottom up economics as a stimulus package. It worked and we avoided recession unlike most of the rest of the world. We have a unique position in this world where our agricultural lands are extensive enough that not only can we produce our own needs, but we can produce for the world as well. But to do this it must be profitable for the farmers. I believe there is a better approach, a system of bottom up economics for the agricultural sector. We need: ■■ A business model where food is declared an essential service, simply, without food we die.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR THERE ARE many ways we who are involved in dairying could help improve consumption and hopefully the price of milk to the producer. Nutritious flavoured milk comes in a range of flavours, some fat free. Flavoured milk could be offer at children’s birthday parties as opposed to sugary soft drink that have no health benefits. As parents we should encourage flavoured milk being available at school and pre-school canteens, sporting functions, cubs and scouts

and any youth activities. We should all tell our city friends and relatives about the above, as well as the importance of only buying brand quality assured milk and not supermarket brands. We could also encourage coffee shops and vendors to only buy branded. Ken Tyrrell Waterloo WA

approved for use in the beef industry but are not registered for dairy particularly lactating dairy cows with few new ones in the pipeline. The cattle tick is an economically serious external parasite. It is one of the most economically important diseases of cattle in northern Australia. If left unchecked, cattle tick can significantly reduce cattle live-weight gain and milk production. It is hoped that a concerted effort is put into issues that are specific to dairying in the northern regions. A better partnership with Dairy Australia will mean a brighter future for the dairy industry in Queensland. • Brian Tessmann is Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation President.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

■■

spend, they will reduce debt, they will employ more people and country towns will grow. Kevin Ashworth Koroit, Victoria

Maximising your investment in the Holstein Breed Our own data, along with that from Holstein Association USA, Holstein Canada and Holstein UK shows that registration is the first step to maximising your investment in the breed. • Maximum production • More lifetime profit per cow • Informed breeding decisions • Higher sale returns Find out how to take that first step by contacting Holstein Australia.

(03) 9835 7600 www.holstein.com.au

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

18 // MARKETS

What’s the alternative? THERE’S BEEN lots of discussion lately about

alternative — or non-dairy — milks and whether they should be allowed to use the word “milk” at all. A lot people in the dairy sector are getting pretty excited about the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considering how it will enforce the definition of milk on beverage companies that use the word on products that don’t come from a cow or any other animal. As is the case here in Australia, FDA regulations already specify that milk is a lacteal or mammary secretion of milking animals. The issue is these standards of identity haven’t been enforced, and FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb is considering whether they should be. "An almond doesn’t lactate," has been the widely reported quote from Gottlieb. Similarly to the industry here, the US dairy sector is keen to have these standards of identity enforced for milk and other dairy terms. The National Milk Producers Federation

Between 2012 and 2017 US sales of non-dairy milk increased 61% in the US to an estimated US$2.11 billion according to Mintel, while dairy milk sales have fallen 9%. (NMPF) believes using dairy terms including milk for plant-based alternatives is misleading consumers. While no one would argue that consumers encountering a pack of soy milk are confused about whether the product comes from a cow, there could be some confusion about the nutritional value being offered. While plant-based milks are alternatives for usage, they are not exact substitutes for nutrition. To support its claims, the NMPF conducted a survey of 244 plant-based beverages from the Washington DC area and found that none delivered equivalent nutrition to real milk. One dairy global processor — Danone — has come out in favour of the status quo regarding

Danone, like many processors, has evolved to follow the diverse demand trends and markets both dairy and plant-based beverages and products.

product names. According to Danone, dairy and plant-based products are clearly labelled with nutrition facts so people can choose the one that suits their dietary needs and preferences. Of course, like many other processors, Danone has evolved to follow the diverse demand trends and markets both dairy and plant-based beverages and products. It is galling for many in the dairy industry, and perhaps farmers in particular, that plantbased competitors use words like milk and cheese to convey — to most consumers — an aura of health, nurturing and familiarity. Particularly as these alternatives continue to erode the market for the real thing. In the US, the dairy industry has an unlikely ally in the fight for milkTM! PETA also thinks plant-based beverages deserve to be distinguished from “udder secretions”. To PETA milk is a “four letter word” …. nothing gets past these people!! A new Morning Consult/Politico poll in the US suggests some consumer support for enforcing the definition of milk, with 46 per cent of surveyed adults saying the term shouldn’t be used to describe non-dairy beverages. The poll of 2203 people found support for not using milk on plant-based beverages was highest in the 65 plus age group at 66 per cent, but lowest in the 18 to 29 grouping at 39 per cent. Which group do you think is more likely to purchase plant-based beverages? Between 2012 and 2017 US sales of non-dairy milk increased 61 per cent in the US to an estimated US$2.11 billion according to Mintel, while dairy milk sales have fallen 9 per cent. The Mintel researchers found one in five

Drinking milk sales – year-on-year change 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% -0.0% -2.0% -4.0% -6.0%

Aust

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FRESH AGENDA JO BILLS

US consumers were consuming less dairy for health reasons — a concern for an industry that has positioned itself on a nutrition platform. The other interesting finding was that 90 per cent of plant-based milk consumers also purchase dairy, so choices may not be quite as binary as we would imagine. It’s debatable whether removing the word milk from these products would prevent the march of plant-based beverages. As well as health concerns, consumers are turning to plant-based beverages that they believe are more ethical, better for the environment, and because of lactose intolerance — whether that’s real or perceived. Innovation is another driver, while almond, coconut and soy remain the most popular milk alternatives, hardly a month goes by before something else gets “milked” — pecan, quinoa, hazelnut and flax are recent examples! It has almost become a point of hipster pride to be consuming the latest obscure milk from a macadamia or Himalayan goji berry. Some of the perceptions around the environmental credentials of plant-based alternatives are questionable — especially almonds — and could be challenged. Dairy also has to keep its own sustainability house in order, and tell the story effectively. The ethical issues for hard-core vegan types will never be addressed. Milk has been a staple for centuries because of its health benefits — a nutritional package designed by nature. This often gets lost with the waves of new “superfoods” on the block. It’s innovation that is lacking for a category that has been taken for granted and is under siege. It’s innovation that will keep “real milk” relevant for many consumers now and in the future — not regulation of the name. Even if this battle is won, dairy needs to stay focussed on the war. • Jo Bills is a Director of www.freshagenda.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

MARKETS // 19

World wheat crop, fodder supplies declining

Hay prices

430 380

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Australia isn’t the only country struggling In Russia this season’s grain harvest is set to be much smaller than last year and the United with dry conditions. In Europe a hot and dry summer continStates revised their wheat output downwards ues to cause headaches for dairy farmers. The this month. Global wheat consumption has increased remarkably cold winter delayed pasture growth and wheat stocks are set to decrease for the and resulted in cows being housed for longer. Hay prices Fodder shortages developed in Ireland and first time in six years. 430 Trade tension between the United States and caused significant financial stress. 380 remains a pressing issue for grain trade Following the cold winter an exceptionally China hot and dry summer emerged. The hot weather and is making many nervous. 330 Meanwhile in Australia many growers are has affected the fodder and grain outlook and 280 holding onto grain due to the lack of rainfall Europe looks set to produce the smallest grain over the past six months. The current weather harvest for six years. 230 Sustained fodder shortages in several key outlook remains grim; and if realised prices are 180 producing countries could restrict milk proexpected to end the year higher. After six months of limited rain and high duction if current conditions continue, offer130 feed80prices, culling rates have increased while ing some hope of higher milk price here. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts raincull cow prices fell below the five year average. In the first six months of 2018 culling rates fall will be well below average in August across most of the country and below average in eastincreased 2.1 per cent compared to last year. Although it is difficult to determine exactly ern Australia for the next three months. Continued dry conditions are likely to push how many dairy cows have been culled this year, data from the National Livestock Reporting Ser- fodder and grain prices even higher and risk gains from stronger global dairy vice indicate that in July close to 7000 June –18 cowsJul offsetting –18 5Yany average passed through saleyards, an increase of 14 per markets. Substantial rainfall is set to remain at the top cent compared to last year. Despite the slight increase in culling rates of wish lists across regional Australia. • Sofia Omstedt is an industry analyst with overall slaughter was down 19 per cent in 2017– Dairy Australia. 18 on last year’s figure.

At he

all but sold out and fodder has been freighted increasingly large distances to satisfy demand. Trucks have been a common sight on all main highways, delivering feed to regions in need. The price impact has been dramatic. In southeast South Australia hay prices have increased 127 per cent over the past two months, in Gippsland 73 per cent, in central South Australia 52 per cent and in the Goulburn/Murray Valley 48 per cent. Compared to the five year average, prices are elevated in all regions except for northwest Tasmania and the Atherton Tableland. As winter continues, pasture growth is slow and hay demand is forecast to remain strong. This may add further pressure to already constrained cash balances this season. At the same time as hay demand surged, grain prices continued to edge upwards. Dry conditions in major exporting countries have resulted in downwards revisions for this year’s wheat crop which in turn led to global price growth.

WE ARE now more than halfway through winter, and more than halfway through a year that has so far been unseasonably warm and dry. Rainfall for the year to date has been well below average in most of southern and eastern Australia and across the country in July. The Murray-Darling Basin has experienced the driest January-June in 32 years and most of New South Wales is declared in drought. As a result soil moisture is very much below average across most of mainland Australia. The dry weather continues to make access to feed difficult and expensive, putting serious strain on balance sheets as the season unfolds. Last time this column checked in on the hay market, demand had increased after the exceptionally dry autumn; however prices remained fairly steady due to large supplies in southern states. Since the start of winter continued dry conditions have resulted in a surge in demand and hay prices have consistently been ticking upwards all across the country. Inventories of hay from previous seasons are

GLOBAL IMPACT SOFIA OMSTEDT

330

Wheat prices

280

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180

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130

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Vi c

250

Hay prices are based on cereal hay prices in all regions except for Atherton Tablelands (pasture hay)

Wheat prices 450 400 350

300 250

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

20 // MANAGEMENT

Gold plaque just reward for team approach COORIEMUNGLE DAIRY farmer Andy Powell has been named in the Top 100 dairy suppliers nationally in the Dairy Australia 2018 Milk Quality Awards. The annual awards recognise farms which have achieved the best milk quality based on annual average bulk milk cell count (BMCC) across Australia’s milk processing companies.

“The easier I can make the milking process for staff to milk, the easier it is for me,” Andy implements simple but effective processes to ensure issues can be dealt with quickly when they arise. Solid processes have been implemented in terms of dairy maintenance and dairy checks are conducted weekly. "We really saw the benefits. We found we were retaining more cows and reducing mastitis," Andy said For Andy, the most important thing is the health of the herd and looking after the cows. "We don’t aim for low cell count milk — we

aim for healthier cows," he said. Andy said the farm was focusing on preventing mastitis from occurring in the first place. "You need to have a team approach; everyone needs to be on board," he said. "Everyone on our farm knows about the importance of milk quality; everyone is here to learn how to be a dairy farmer and to learn best practice. "Cups On Cups Off is a part of that." Dairy Australia’s Cups on Cups Off courses are two-day accredited training courses delivered by Registered Training Providers in conjunction with Regional Development Programs. The courses provide the most up to date, evidence based information about minimising mastitis and help dairy farmers achieve best practice in milk harvesting, with emphasis on the detection, treatment and prevention of clinical mastitis. Andrew currently employs four staff members and encourages his team to take Dairy Australia’s Cups On Cups Off courses. "I’ve been in the industry all my life and I send all my staff to do Cups On Cups Off courses as part of their induction and trainee-

ship," Andrew said. Cows are milked in a 42-year-old rotary dairy — probably one of the oldest in Australia — but it’s well maintained and has been updated with modern technology. “We’re always looking at new opportunities and technologies,” Andy said. “It’s a one-man dairy so we need technology to back that up; we’ve got ACRs, auto draft, yield and cell count meters that create automatic health alerts for cows with high cell counts.” Most recently they’ve added the CowManager activity monitor sensor system, which identifies sick cows and cows on heat. It then reports to the auto draft system and drafts these cows out. “I have found it is an incredible nutritional tool. The easier I can make the milking process for staff to milk, the easier it is for me,” Andy said. "That’s where milk quality comes in. We’ve had issues in the past, but through better management, putting systems in place and making sure everyone is on the same page, we’ve been able to improve that."

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

MANAGEMENT // 21

Subsurface drainage keeps farm on top FARMING SUCCESS all starts underground for Cooriemungle’s Andy Powell. His farm, just 15 km inland from the iconic Port Campbell National Park, receives about 750 mm of rain every year but, with subsurface drainage covering 98 per cent of the land, he’s strong on controlling the wet soil as part of a stringent pasture management program. “Subsurface drainage is one of the management tools — it doesn’t solve wet pastures; you’ve still got to manage it, but it has transformed how we can farm the land,” Andy said. “We can drive a tractor on the farm 365 days of the year and 24 hours after a rain event we can get on the paddock and spread fertiliser.” Andy’s dad Ross started the subsurface drainage system about 25 years ago and quickly realised the benefits and spread it across the farm. They have interceptor drains in the gullies and re-mole about 25 per cent of their paddocks each year, creating a shaft in the heavy clay soil to remove further water. The farm has three main dams and is completely rainfall reliant with no irrigation. “The drainage allows us to push up our stocking rates to get more out of the land, plus we get the benefits of less sick and lame cows and better soil health,” Andy said.

The pastures are old — most of them sown before 30-year-old Andy was on the scene — but they continue to perform with yields of more than eight tonnes a year. Andy spends about three hours every week scoring every paddock, and makes sure they are grazed and stimulated. “We monitor growth rates to get the best utilisation,” he said. “A lot of farmers are good at growing grass but because of the wet soils they can’t utilise it. With the drainage we can utilise it and not damage pastures. It all comes back to monitoring, recording and analysing. Our Excel spreadsheets make it easy.” In spring they keep post-grazing residuals at 1650 to 1750 kg dry matter. If the pasture gets outside this range they take paddocks out for silage and have shortened the rotation down to as little as 12 days. They aim to cut as much silage as possible to reduce risk. “If we have a bad year we’ve got the silage. That bad drought a few years ago we were able to sell silage to farms in the district because we had excess feed,” Andy said. Because of the good drainage system they are able start silage very early, which allows an extra couple of cuts. — Rick Bayne

Andy Powell milks his herd of 500 cows in a 42-year-old rotary dairy. Although the oldest in Australia, it has been updated with the latest technology.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

22 // HAY & SILAGE

Tom puts cows on notice RICK BAYNE

ROCHESTER DAIRY farmer Tom Acocks reckons his cows need to start giving him more milk now that they’re eating award-winning hay. In his first year entering the Feed Central National Hay Quality competition, Tom’s Lucerne crop won the state and national best visual analysis award. The success took Tom by surprise. Normally he’s buying feed, not selling, but on the back of an exceptionally good season he entered the selling market for the first time. “It’s not a bad effort for a dairy cocky from northern Victoria,” he laughs. “I’m going to tell all the cows they’re going to have to give me another five litres because they’re eating awardwinning hay.” Tom is the fourth generation to the farm in northern Victoria. The family has been on the current Riversdale Dairy since the mid-1980s. They now produce about eight million litres of milk a year from 850–900 mostly Holstein cows. He also runs a cropping business that grows fodder for the dairy. “The principle exercise is growing feed for cows and keeping our young stock at home so we don’t have to agist many cattle,” Tom said “Most years we’re buying feed but it just so happened this season I had a lot of excess feed and we sold a bit. “We had a pretty good spring. Our main source of feed is dryland vetch which is quality protein feed and this year it yielded quite well, which we used as chopped silage. Our preference would be to feed that over Lucerne hay as it’s easier to process and mix into feed and easier to store.” The cropping part of the farm enterprise is a mixed system. Tom grows 450 hectares of vetch a year and 450 hectares of wheat, and has irrigated Lucerne and maize, usually for silage. He grazes some cows on pasture but most are fed on a total mixed ration, 75–80 per cent from home-grown feed. Although in the selling market last season, the previous year the farm bought in feed, mainly grain, canola meal or cotton that they can’t grow. More than 400 ha of the 1250 ha farm is on irrigation and they milk year-round. The successful Lucerne crop was grown on

140 hectares under centre pivot irrigation. Some was made to silage and the rest to hay that was sold. “The key message is whether you’re growing it to sell or to feed your own cows, you’ve got to make sure you’ve got a good product. I’d be happy feeding it to my cows.” Tom says during a hot spell in summer they cut the Lucerne with a mower conditioner, sealed rollers, and raked it into a big windrow while cutting it to hold in the leaf. “You get a nice tight windrow and if the weather is hot enough you can cure it quite quickly even in a big windrow which keeps the colour in the product and it will retain a lot of leaf as well. “The main thing they’re looking for is good and even colour, a lot of retained leaf and a softer, more palatable product.” Tom is willing to put in the hard yards to get a good product. “Sometimes with Lucerne it’s a tricky crop,” he said. “It goes from too wet to bale to too dry to bale in a matter of an hour. The timing is important. When you’re sitting out in the paddock at one o’clock in the morning waiting for dew, it’s not the most operator-friendly crop to be baling.” His successful crop won on its visual appearance but it also had good feed analysis, recording about 20 crude protein, high 30s to low 40s NDF, and 10–11 ME. Despite the award success, Tom admitted the Lucerne isn’t being fed to his cows at the moment. “We’re not actually feeding it to them yet in the ration,” he said. “We’re sitting on a bit of surplus fodder at the moment and waiting and watching to see what the season does. We’re an inch of rain away from a really good season and then two weeks from it turning ordinary.” The previous year they baled and fed all of the Lucerne hay because of a poor result with vetch. Although he has no long-term plans to keep selling hay, Tom said it would remain an option if there was excess feed. Tom was one of three Victorian farmers to earn national recognition in the 2018 Feed Central National Hay Quality competition. Josh Lanyon of Boort and Col Radcliffe of Kerang also won national titles in the competition which recognise and encourage growers

Tom Acocks won an award for his lucerne crop.

to aim for high quality hay. Josh had the best visual appearance vetch hay crop in Australia and also won the Victorian titles for the best cereal visual appearance and feed analysis. Col, of Tyisha Pastoral Company Kerang, was named national winner for the best vetch feed analysis crop. He also had Victoria’s best Lucerne feed analysis test. The Feed Central National Hay Quality awards cover the 2017–18 season and more than 400 lots were judged across Australia. Feed Central Managing Director Tim Ford said the overall quality had returned to normal following a low-quality season the previous year. Mr Ford said the awards were designed to encourage all producers to make the best possible hay and to honour the best in the business. “The quality of hay has a direct impact on the performance of livestock and it’s always more profitable to eat good quality hay,” he said. “With dairy cattle in particular, good quality hay will have a dramatic improvement in milk production and beef cattle also respond better. Good quality hay makes money for the end user.” “It’s important as an industry that we

His successful crop won on its visual appearance but it also had good feed analysis, recording about 20 crude protein, high 30s to low 40s NDF, and 10–11 ME.

improve the quality of hay.” Mr Ford said Feed Central National Hay Quality competition was the only one of its type based on commercial quantities and qualities. The feed test category is based on energy and protein analysis. Hay listed with Feed Central in preparation for sale is inspected on-farm by a certified Feed Central inspector and is eligible for entry in the competition. More details can be found at www.feedcentral.com.au

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

HAY & SILAGE // 23

Benefits from morning mowing

Silage strips nutrients so be wary

FRANK MICKAN

NEIL GRIFFITHS

ASSUMING YOU are after high quality silage

SILAGE REMOVES large amounts of nutrients including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) which must be allowed for and monitored using soil tests. It can be a great way to reduce nutrient build-up in effluent disposal areas provided withholding periods are observed to minimise animal health risks. In preparing for spring silage, nitrogen and potassium will need to be managed to ensure good growth and yield as well as feed quality and high quality silage.

(>9.8 MJ ME/kg DM), then you will need to harvest perennial rye-grass/white clover pastures two to five weeks before normally harvesting hay. This early in the season, the ground may be damp, air temperature cool to warm, and the skies often overcast. Try to harvest at the desired dry matter percentage but if rain is coming, get into it! To harvest high quality silage, where soil types allow, may require extra machinery and some management changes in fodder conservation. The rewards are worth it. Consider such things as working in with neighbours who have machinery that you do not have, using contractors or buying a crucial piece of machinery. Forward planning — machinery serviced, fences cut, holes filled, tracks graded, tree and holes marked, harrows moved out of paddock, plastic seal on site — and communicating with others involved assists greatly. AM v PM mowing It is true that the plant sugars are highest in the plant by mid-afternoon. However, I believe that the extra wilting gained by earlier mowing, albeit at a lower sugar content level in the plants, is more than offset by the disadvantages of mowing mid-afternoon. A crop cut in the afternoon will be higher in

energy (sugars) but will undergo a much shorter wilt before nightfall. These plants with higher moisture content, fuelled by the dew, will have increased quality losses overnight due to their greater respiration rates. It is also highly possible that an extra day’s wilting may be required to reach the desired dry matter content. Ensiling at lower dry matter contents than desirable will result in a less favourable fermentation with some loss of quality and reduced palatability. • Frank Mickan is a senior dairy extension officer (pasture and fodder conservation specialist) with Agriculture Victoria.

Deficiencies will limit yield but excess can also be a problem. If potassium is needed, and it often is if silage or hay is regularly taken from a paddock, then split applications early in spring to allow growth and again after silage harvest to replace nutrients will reduce the risk of luxury uptake. This is where the plant absorbs more K than it needs meaning you lose fertiliser while the silage has excess K with possible associated feed quality issues. Nitrogen also needs to be applied sensibly. Top-dressing early in spring to ensure good growth is usually essential but excess N can interfere with silage fermentation and nitrate poisoning is a risk. Both are unusual in Australian silage but should be considered. Top-dressing rates for rye-grass will depend on if you take a grazing management priority and harvest at three leaves or want to optimise your yield of high quality silage and harvest at the boot or early head emergence stage of growth. One guide to how much fertiliser should be applied after the grazing prior to silage harvest is to allow for the nutrients removed in the silage, which would be 30 kg N/tonne DM (dry matter) if the silage was 19 per cent crude protein with about 25 kg K/tonne DM. We often underestimate how much N and K is removed in silage and hay. Weed management is also a major consideration in paddock selection, both from

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a silage quality and weed control perspective. Using silage for weed control is highly effective and becoming more important as increasing herbicide resistance issues affect more farmers. Silage will help reduce weeds in two ways. Early harvest compared to hay means that often the weed seed is not fully developed and also the silage fermentation process will significantly reduce weed seed viability if there is any mature seed harvested. From a silage quality perspective, grass weeds may not be a big issue but broadleaf weeds can affect silage quality. Another question which sometimes influences paddock selection is disease or insect damage. This especially applies to rust where the general advice is to make a decision early and avoid badly infested crops because the rust on leaves is dead material, which could have a negative affect on fermentation and feed quality similar to any dead matter that is mixed in with silage. Having said that, the winner of the 2010 NSW Hay and Silage Feed Quality Awards was a silage made from a stripe rust-infested wheat crop from Forbes where the decision was made early and the crop cut for silage in the boot stage, testing 11.0 MJME/kg DM and 19 per cent crude protein. • Neil Griffiths is a pasture production technical specialist with NSW DPI.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

24 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Is off-label drug use off-limits? THE OFF-LABEL use of veterinary medicines on dairy farms is surprisingly common. This article discusses the safe use of veterinary medicines and scenarios where these medicines are unintentionally used off-label. There are many definitions associated with the safe use of veterinary medicines. The following are adapted from the APVMA and Dairy Australia websites:

With-holding period (WHP): The minimum time period between last administration of a veterinary medicine and the slaughter, collection, harvesting or use of the animal commodity for human consumption. WHPs are mandatory for domestic slaughter and are on the label of every registered product. In the dairy industry, WHPs apply to milk or milk products intended for human consumption and meat from bobby

calves or mature animals. Withholding periods are set to ensure that when a drug is used in accordance with the directions on the label, no residues will exceed relevant Australian Maximum Residue Limits. Maximum Residue Limit (MRL): The maximum concentration of a veterinary medicine that is permitted in food (for dairy farms this means milk or meat from cows or calves).

I reckon if they could talk, they’d ask for it by name.

APIAM ANIMAL HEALTH GEMMA CHUCK

Minimum Dry Period (MDP): The time period that must elapse between treatment of a cow with Dry Cow Therapy and her calving date. The WHP for milk is the time period after calving before a cow’s milk can go for human or bobby calf consumption, provided the specified Minimum Dry Period has occurred. Export Slaughter Interval (ESI): The period following treatment when cattle are unsuitable for processing for some export markets. We need to be familiar with these definitions in order to use veterinary medicines safely and avoid drug violations in food products intended for human consumption. However, there have been recent reports of positive drug residues found in milk attributable to the use of off-label antibiotics, mainly lactating cow mastitis therapy. Oﬀ-label use of veterinary medicines refers to situations when a registered veterinary medicine is used in a manner that is not speciﬁed on the individual product label.

What is unintentional off-label drug use?

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Unintentional off-label dug use occurs when the farmer may believe that he or she is using the veterinary medicine as prescribed by the manufacturer or in accordance with veterinary advice. It is worth re-checking the dose rate, route of administration and duration of treatment for all veterinary medicines administered to cows and calves. Veterinary clinics sometimes have to switch to a different brand of a drug with the same active ingredient and this can result in a change in with-holding period. Any changes will be recorded on the drug label but if you don’t check, you may not notice it. If you are in any doubt please discuss this with your veterinarian prior to any treatment. An inaccurate assessment of the animal’s body weight can lead to incorrect dosing of a veterinary medicine. Consequently, the animal may receive a completely inappropriate dose which will affect any with-holding periods. This commonly happens in calves who, in my experience, can receive up to three times the recommended dose rate for a given drug. This is not only inappropriate and unsafe use of veterinary medicines but may actually cause harm to the individual if the toxic dose is exceeded. Weigh tapes and scales can help estimate body weight to allow more accurate dosing. Some drugs are designed to be administered by only one route. This means that if a veterinary medicine is prescribed to be given by the intramuscular route, then the with-holding period has been defined for this route only. If the same drug is given subcutaneously, then the withholding period may be affected. It is also worth noting that some drugs are irritant if given by a route that is off-label. The duration of treatment should be followed as prescribed. Extended treatments are considered ‘off-label’ and will affect milk and meat with-holding periods. Continued page 25 >

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

ANIMAL HEALTH // 25

Every picture tells a story

ing periods. Likewise, two brands of injectable antibiotic, both containing oxytetracycline as the active ingredient can have differing dose rates, route of administration and with-holding periods. Remembering all the different withholding periods for all the different veterinary medicines is almost impossible. Written treatment protocols for all veterinary medicines used in dairy animals will help avoid the need to recall this information from memory. These protocols also help train new staff and provide a written record of prescription and treatment practices during processor audits. Speak with your veterinarian to help you develop treatment protocols for the various disease conditions and potential treatments that can affect your cows and calves. • Dr Gemma Chuck is an adviser with Apiam Animal Health.

further at the Dairy Focus website (www.dairyfocus.com.au). Because every picture tells a story! • Rod Dyson is a veterinary surgeon and mastitis adviser at www.dairyfocus.com.au

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Always discuss extended treatments with your veterinarian beforehand and establish written with-holding periods for both milk and meat. If you are in doubt about a with-holding period, milk can be tested for drug violations prior to contributing to saleable milk. With-holding periods are defined for a specific drug, made by a particular pharmaceutical company in a specific formulation. They are not interchangeable between pharmaceutical companies. They have been defined for the recommended dose rate provided by the manufacturer, to be administered in the described way and for the recommended duration of treatment. Thus two different brands of lactating cow mastitis treatment, both containing cloxacillin at the same dose can have different instructions for administration and very different with-hold-

How do you, or your ACR’s choose the “endpoint” of milking? What if she was a freshly calved heifer? Clearly, this image unlocks a host of possible scenarios, and for those who are interested, we have expanded and explored these scenarios

HERN

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< Continued from page 24

Taken just before cups off, the image shows a narrow stream of milk dribbling down the wall of the claw bowl from each of the two quarters that we can see. This clearly shows what we call a “dribble finish” to milking, and a dribble finish is NOT normal!

T S

factors that we identify, and also the dairy shed layout — it helps us to quickly and easily recall the details later. But as the collection of images has got larger, finding a specific image has got harder and harder! So the slow and laborious task of collating and tagging all of these images into a digital photo album has begun. Stepping through these images, I have been amazed at how many of them carry a story — and often multiple stories. The accompanying image looks simple enough — in fact, it is a common sight during milking in many Australian dairies. Taken just before cups off, the image shows a narrow stream of milk dribbling down the wall of the claw bowl from each of the two quarters that we can see. This clearly shows what we call a “dribble finish” to milking, and a dribble finish is NOT normal! There is usually a slight natural restriction at the point where the teat cistern meets the udder cistern. Thus, excessive congestion and swelling in this area leads to a restriction of milk flow, commonly causing a dribble finish and/or incomplete milk out. Also, if teats have extended far enough into the liner, it may lead to an increased risk of teat end damage. The most common cause of this phenomenon is a failure of the cow to “let down” prior to cups on. Let’s review the “let down” process. A cow’s milk is not sitting in a large “tank” inside her udder, just waiting for you to put cups on and milk it out — the cow actually has to let her milk down for us to be able to extract it. When a cow decides to let her milk down, commonly in response to familiar stimuli (such as feed arriving in the bail), her brain sends a message to the pituitary gland to release the hormone, oxytocin. Oxytocin travels in the bloodstream to the

AT OUR farm visits, we often take photos of key

udder where it causes all of the tiny milk producing alveoli to contract, squeezing the milk out into the ducts, from where it flows down into the udder cistern, then the teat cistern, and it can then be removed by the vacuum of our milking system. To put it really simply — if there is no squeeze, you get no milk! If cups go onto teats before the cow has let down, the lack of milk flow causes the vacuum she experiences at the teat end to be higher than when milk flow is occurring. With no milk flow and high vacuum, she is likely to experience “cup crawl” at the start of milking — cups will crawl high on the teat at the start of milking, and congestion and swelling at the base of the teat is then quite likely. Research has clearly shown that at the end of a “normal” milking, milk flow from each quarter stops independently and quite abruptly — they do not generally “dribble”! So it is highly likely that the cow in the image did not “let down” properly prior to cups on. At the individual cow level, if this happens repeatedly, the individual cow is at a significant risk of teat end damage and increased risk of mastitis. At the herd level, if this is happening in a significant number of cows, then the overall milking will be slower and the herd level risk of mastitis will be higher. If there is then a degree of over milking before cups come off, the risk of teat damage and the consequent risk of mastitis becomes even higher! Hence, one of the key observations during a milking time assessment is to assess the level of “failure to let down” prior to cups on, as well as the degree of over milking. But what other stories might this image be telling us? Why didn’t she let down? What would cause a significant number of cows not to let down? What if she did “let down” properly before cups on? Are there other factors that could be causing the “dribble finish”? How does this relate to “rings” at the base of teats when cups come off? Do these “rings” make cup removal difficult? Should the cups have already come off this cow? At what point should cups be removed?

ROD DYSON

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

AUSTRALIAN BREEDING VALUES – AUGUST 2018

26 //

Racing ahead through genomic testing RICK BAYNE

RHIANNON PARRY hopes genomic testing will sling-shot her young herd into a brighter future. Rhiannon farms with her partner Cameron Schellekens and sons Blake and Luke near Wonthaggi in Victoria and says that genomic testing and herd testing are vital for today’s farmers. “Even if you don’t go down the avenue of genomic testing, herd testing is a valuable tool,” she said. “To improve the accuracy of the ABVs, we need to encourage more farmers to herd record and herd test”. “ Without the quality and quantity of data coming from herd testing centres, it makes the ABVs less accurate. For such a strong advocate, Rhiannon is a relatively new concert to dairying. Coming from a beef background, Rhiannon started her connection nine years ago with the dairy industry as a herd tester for herd improve-

ment and genetics co-operative HICO. “I knew the animal side of it but I knew nothing about dairy,” she admitted. “Herd testing was an unknown area but I had an opportunity to start from scratch. I like to learn and saw it as a challenge so I grabbed it with both hands.” Four years ago, Rhiannon and Cameron took over one of his family’s farms and after having children she has now returned to work part-time at HICO in herd testing and genomics. Along with the interaction and bouncing ideas with fellow farmers, Rhiannon says she gets to practice what she preaches on the family herd. “I’m always looking for new ideas to bring home to our farm,” she said. Rhiannon and Cameron have started to introduce genomics to their 240-strong mostly Holstein herd with some Jersey crosses. The split-calving farm each autumn and spring is about to do their fourth lot of genomic testing in their second year of using the system. “Genomic testing predicts the values and genetic merits of an animal.

It gives you a prediction of what the animal is going to produce, not just for milking but will help make smarter decisions for the cow’s offspring,” Rhiannon said. “If you do it as a calf, you get to know whether that calf is going to be worth holding on to as a breeder and select genetics to accommodate that animal’s traits or whether it might be better suited to another person’s farm.” It’s too early to tell what impact it might have on Rhiannon and Cameron’s farm, which is building up a young herd, but they believe the testing will have a significant and positive influence. So far, they have kept everything that has been genomically-tested. “We’re still building our herd,” Rhiannon said. “It’s enabled us to select their joinings and to select certain sires to improve the genomictested heifer’s traits.” They are mainly looking to improve fertility and temperament. “If an animal isn’t going to get in calf it isn’t going to be of value to the dairy industry and with temperament you have to be able to put cups on

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them,” Rhiannon said. “They are the main things we want target first and then we look at milking speed, mastitis resistance and muzzle width. If they’ve got a good muzzle on them they can get a good munch of grass; and a good muzzle leads to good body stature.” “They are main things we want and then we look at milking speed, mastitis resistance and muzzle width. If they’ve got a good muzzle on them they can get a good munch of grass; if they have a tiny muzzle they’re not going to eat much.” “Hopefully with next year’s calves we will start to see improvements.”

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

AUSTRALIAN BREEDING VALUES // 27 – AUGUST 2018 Rhiannon believes genomic testing will “sling-shot us years in advance” in improving the quality of the herd. “By genomic testing, you’re getting the equivalent of seven years of herd testing data. Realistically, without it they’re 10-years-old before you’re aware of what the animal is giving you.” In her dual roles, Rhiannon sees a definite push to genomics and gathering more precise data. “It’s the way the industry is going,” she said. “From the HICO side of things, the amount of interest in genomics has jumped out of control this year. Once farmers understand the data they’re receiving back from genomic testing, and by getting the ABVs, it’s a no-brainer.” In February Rhiannon went to New Zealand on a Gardiner Foundation-funded United Dairyfarmers of Victoria study tour. She found their technology is more advanced than Australia, although they might be reaching their capacity due to biosecurity and nitrogen leaching issues. “They’re slightly advanced than us when it comes to genomics and a lot of farmers will do their whole herd. We’re only just starting to get farmers doing whole herds or whole batches of calves.” On their farm, Rhiannon and Cameron plan to genomically test all calves this spring, after previously only doing seasonal heifers. “Because of the cost we only did the heifers coming in for a start but this next calving when all the calves hit the ground they will be genomic tested,” Rhiannon said. “That’s how important we think it is.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

28 // AUGUST ABVS

Good Bulls Guide for Holstein - Balanced Performance Index (BPI)

Indices

Proudction Traits

No. Dtrs BPI 1st Over Rel HWI TWI Cntry Type

Bull ID

Bull Name

Australian Genomics Proven or BPI Included International $

29HO18698

ABS JERONIMO-P-ET

407 58

346

14HO07328

COASTAL-VIEW MOOKIE

385 83

298 382

0250HO01118

DELABERGE PEPPER

375

285

372

60 313

CHAIRMAN

ST GEN DIRECTOR CHAIRMAN-ET g

364 60 296

316

011HO12161

PEAK ALTAAROLDIS-ET

356 58

287

338 203

7HO11395

S-S-I SHAMROCK MYSTIC

356 74

307

305 143

011HO12163

PEAK ALTAANCHOR-ET

300 325

GGIHOTSPOT WIL HOTSPOT P

BPI BPI Rel HWI TWI $

354 59

NZGBBVECTR BUSY BROOK WTP VECTOR S3F

351

0200HO10777 WESTCOAST PERSEUS

349 64

284

7HO14174

OCD ALLTIME LATROBE-ET

348 59

29HO18794

BOMAZ ACCOLADE-ET

WOOKIE

WILARA ROOKIE JO

KADE

WILARA HERO KADE-ET

29HO17747

COOCKIECUTTER HARPER

Conformation Traits

358 200 72

Mam Syst

Type Rel

Dtr Fert

Rel

Source

102

120

ABS

105

107

110

WWS

403

110

112

109

WWS

242

405 226

330 184

102

103

113

GAC

200 75

100

102

115

AGR

103

108

ALT

580

101

102

120

WWS

167

188

300 189

288 300 181

346 61

268 310

344 62

261

Daughter Fertility

101

103

112

ALT

100

115

LIC

101

104

116

SEM

100

104

115

WWS

203

103

101

116

ABS

240 313

269

100

102

GAC

344 61

267

317

181

104

103

115

GAC

342 69

271

296 218

99*

102*

110

ABS

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

AUGUST ABVSâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; // 29

Good Bulls Guide for Jersey - Balanced Performance Index (BPI)

Bull ID

Bull Name

Indices

Proudction Traits

Australian Genomics Proven or BPI Included International $

BPI BPI Rel HWI TWI $ 84

0200JE00183

SUNSET CANYON DAVID

351

PUBLICAN

WHITE STAR PATRICK

325 52

NZGCRESMISTY CRESCENT EXCELL MISTY ET

318

NZGLARSON

EVLEEN INTEGRITY LARSON

DOBSON

WHITE STAR DOORMAN

Conformation Traits

No. Dtrs BPI 1st Over Rel HWI TWI Cntry Type

Mam Syst

Type Rel

Daughter Fertility

Dtr Fert

Rel

Source

286 405 178

130

112

114

101

SEM

246

349 220

107

109

102

AGR

60 210

315

215

100

101

LIC

305 66 174

239

282

LIC

298 54

317

179

106

107

102

GAC

236

DOUGGAN

WHITE STAR DOUGLAS

296 56

230

290 178

102

104

GAC

011JE01152

AHLEM VALENTINO REGAL

294 72

205

333

192

2994 109

109

102

ALT

29JE3830

SUNSET CANYON DAZZLER-ET

290 70

275

328

696

106

107

ABS

CRVWALKER

PUKEROA GUN WALKER JG

289 54

209 259

215

100

CRV

VIKJHJORT

VJ HJORT

288 67

226

272

159

1019

CRDIVIDEND

SUNSET CANYON DIVIDEND - ET g

279 77

243

334

104

3304 111

CRVTRIPLSTAR

BRAEDENE PAS TRIPLESTAR

275

180

263

238

NZGBELFLOYD

BELLS OI FLOYD S3J

272

165

257

212

CRVKINGPIN

ROMA MURMUR KINGPIN S3J

272

195

268 192

SANDBANK

ARALUEN PARK HATMAN SANDBANK

272

198

286 185

Good Bulls Guide for Red breeds - Balanced Performance Index (BPI)

Bull ID

BPI Rel HWI TWI ASI

A22

VFOSKE

A22

VIKRNIKI

VR NIKI

AXBBLACKWOOD ARBABBOTT

KRISTOFF AD AD 260x92-1.indd 1

A12

103

VIK

110

AGR

100

101

CRV

100

LIC

101

100

CRV

107

106

102

GAC

Conformation Traits

Proudction Traits

Australian Genetic Proven or BPI Breed Codes International $

Bull Name JOHVILLE PARK SCAREBEAR BLACKWOOD PARK BLACKWOOD BEAULANDS ABBOTT V FOSKE

ARBSCAREBEAR

Indices

1797

100

Daughter Fertility

ASI No. Rel Dtrs

No. Dtrs No. 1st Over Mam Type Dtr Herds Cntry Type Syst Rel Fert

Rel Source

274

228

221

171

101

105

GAC

273

242

253

161

108

101

AXB

272

189

230 274

GAC

1542

128

268

201

259

162

240

66 182

234

123

1731

104

105

VIK

101

100

106

VIK

10/8/18 9:35 am

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

30 // AUGUST ABVS

Good Bulls on a budget WITH SEASONAL conditions and higher feed costs hitting hard in many areas, dairy farmers will be looking for value for money in bulls listed in DataGene’s August release of Australian Breeding Values (ABVs). The good news is it’s possible to buy semen on a budget without compromising genetic gain. Michelle Axford from DataGene recently reviewed the relationship between genetic merit,

based on Balanced Performance Index (BPI) and the recommended retail price of straws. It included more than 500 Holstein bulls with easily accessible recommended prices in April 2018*. While the elite BPI bulls (BPI >300) were more expensive on average ($31/straw), the average price of the remaining bulls is $27/straw, regardless of BPI (see table).

“Higher BPI bulls don’t always cost more. Even among the top 100 BPI bulls, the price ranged from $14 to $150 a straw,” she said. Michelle said a simple and effective approach was to look for bulls in your price range that carry the Good Bulls logo and meet your breeding priorities. “Talk to your service provider about packages that include Good Bulls. By using Good Bulls to

Michelle Axford from DataGene says higher BPI bulls don’t always cost more. Even among the top 100 BPI bulls, the price ranged from $14 to $150 a straw.

breed replacements, you can be confident they will improve the Balanced Performance Index of your herd,” she said. Bulls that carry the Good Bulls logo meet DataGene’s minimum criteria for BPI and reliability and are available for purchase. “There is a wide range of Good Bulls, giving farmers plenty of choice for Good Bulls that meet their priorities for specific traits, budget and company preferences,” she said.

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WITH AUTUMN-CALVED heifers well settled into the dairy, now is the time for farmers to send in their workability reports. Whether she’s a kicker, a slow milker or a delight to have in the dairy, DataGene wants to know. This information is vital for the calculation of Milking Speed, Temperament and Likability Australian Breeding Values (ABVs), and is also included in the three indices — Balanced Performance Index (BPI), Health Weighted Index (HWI) and Type Weighted Index (TWI). The HerdData App is an easy way for farmers to report workabilities. But workability can also be recorded in Easy Dairy, Mistro Farm or sent to the herd test centre on paper or a spreadsheet. Sharon and Darren Parrish from Bodalla, NSW have recorded workability traits for more than 20 years. “We calve 50–60 heifers at a time, twice a year, so we will have two batches that need to be recorded as they come through the shed. “Our on-farm software program makes it really straight forward,” Sharon said. “Once a heifer’s calving date is recorded in the system, 30 days later Easy Dairy automatically flags that the heifer needs to be assessed for the workability traits. “The heifers’ milking speed, temperament and likeability records are automatically sent to our herd recording service. “It might seem like extra work but recording Workability and Calving Ease traits gives us information on our herd, while contributing data back on the bulls we have used, which improves the reliability of their ABVs. The figures also mean we can see the genetic progress we are making in our herd because we have accurate, objective data on our cows,” Sharon said.

Sharon and Darren Parrish record workability reports on their heifers through their on farm software.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

AUGUST ABVS // 31

Jeronimo holds top spot EARLIER THIS year ABS introduced the highest ever ABV sire to Australia, 29HO18698 ABS Jeronimo P. He has improved on his April gBPI$ and still remains as the only sire over 400 gBPI$ at 407 gBPI$. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest in this sire and we’re equally excited that our breeding program bred his dam, ABS 7726 Jazlyn-P,” ABS National Sales Manager, Paul Quinlan, said. “While we knew he was something special we couldn’t imagine the keen interest from genetic enthusiasts and the general dairying community. “He exemplifies our aim to deliver profitable genetics to Australian dairy breeders and reflects what we stand for as a company — Profit From Genetic Progress.”

GENOMIC ‘HOTSHOTS’ MAKE BPI DEBUT The August ABV run has seen the emergence of several new genomic “hotshots” from Genetics Australia, according to CEO Anthony Shelly. New genomic sires, Wookie, Superdave, Kade, Terraine and Bookdream, make their debut on top of the BPI list. “With an ASI of 269, Wookie is an elite A22 production sire with extreme deviations,” Mr Shelly said. “This Rookie son is an ideal choice to restore the production balance. “Kade is a Superhero son from a Silver dam and is an excellent choice to improve daughter fertility with his rating of 115. Solid production, very good genomic type, strong survival and cell count, round out his complete package. “Terraine is an Alltime son from a Supersire dam and is a protein specialist at 28 kilograms. When this protein rating is combined with 111 for fertility, 108 for survival and positive feed conversion efficiency, Kade becomes one of the breed’s more unique sires. “ These three bulls were bred by Trevor Henry and family of Wilara Holsteins in Tinamba, Victoria. “Superdave was bred by David and Trudy Fiebig of Mt Gambier and is our highest BPI newcomer. Superdave comes from the same family that produced breed great Donor. Superdave transmits superior fat and protein, fertility and cell count. “Bookdream, bred by John and Vicki Lillico of Smithton, Tasmania, is a son of the popular sire Royalman and is a great production transmitter. Just as important are his positive ratings for pin set, teat length and daughter fertility. These five new diverse genomic sires represent the best of Australian breeding.” • Article supplied by Genetics Australia.

Wilara Rookie Jo.

Still holding down the number one Holstein genomic sire position and highest sire to ever come into Australia, Jeronimo P offers A2A2 and polled (heterozygous) genes. ABS has the available number one Holstein Australian daughter proven and genomic sires and still maintains five of the top 10 proven Holstein sires with a strong line up of genomic sires coming through as well. They include brothers 29HO16714 De-Su

11 236 Balisto in the number four position and 29HO16667 De-Su 11 228 TOPSY at number six. “High ranking 29HO17747 Cookiecutter Harper received his first daughter proof in North America this month and clearly demonstrates genetics don’t have to cost the earth, when you look at the company he shares among the top 20 TPI bulls.” Harper sits on the Australian Interbull list at number five and 342 BPI$. His daughters will start calving in Australia over the next twelve months

A daughter of the number one Australian proven sire 29HO16888 Seagull-Bay MVP, owned by Purnim Holsteins.

and local breeders are keen to see how they perform here. • Article supplied by ABS.

Calving Ease Sire Calving Ease (SCE) is the percentage of a sire's calves born during difficult calvings.

SexedULTRA

is Calving Ease’s best friend!

Calving Ease leads to Healthier Cows Easier calving lessens the probabilities for:

Cows delivering female calves suffer fewer birthing complications than those delivering males.

Milk Fever DA (Displaced Abomasum)

Cows that birthed two consecutive females in their first two lactations produce 981 lbs more milk than those calving two males or a male and a female. (Hinde, K et al., 2014)

RP (Retained Placenta) Metritis Healthier cows mean increased milk production, better fertility and greater longevity.

Healthier Calves from Easier Calving: Decreases rates of stillbirth Lowers risks of respiratory disease Speeds up weight and growth

Name Delta-Gamma Samite Lancaster Bill Goodwhone Milo Revival-Red High Noon Ledoux Neal Dyson Hoorah Aladdin Red Dynamo Hondo Kings Reserve

A2A2 A2A2 A2A2 A2A2 A2A2

BPI 234 227 266 221 196 218 241 187 225

A2A2 A2A2

230 229 155

Australia

Replacement of stillborn calves is a substantial cost to the dairy industry at more than $125.3 million per year.

Leads to earlier productive life; conceive younger at 1st service as heifers Heifers born without assistance will become higher producing animals

TPI 2656 2620 2488 2469 2260 1899 2511 2770 2590 2742 2597 2638 2435 2849 2556 2619

Milk 1290 687 412 172 -456 -478 181 1238 769 1259 1405 872 483 2131 1496 532

SCS 2.70 2.81 2.80 2.46 2.80 2.83 2.68 2.83 2.91 2.58 2.83 2.85 2.55 2.76 2.87 2.89

Ph: 02 60 404 373

PL 6.5 4.2 7.0 5.1 3.1 1.2 5.6 7.2 5.0 7.4 6.3 5.2 5.0 5.9 3.0 5.3

Source 2001 (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11233037)

DPR 2.9 2.8 6.6 1.1 1.0 0.7 3.0 4.5 4.1 3.5 1.3 4.2 3.2 1.7 2.6 2.4

TYPE 1.89 3.11 0.76 1.59 1.52 0.02 1.25 1.74 2.20 1.59 1.34 2.59 1.23 1.87 1.90 2.27

UDC 2.40 2.99 1.33 1.24 2.34 0.62 1.56 1.67 2.51 2.02 1.81 2.92 2.52 2.11 1.94 2.33

psemmens@stgen.com

SCE 4.1 4.9 5.0 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.3 5.4 5.4 5.7 5.7 5.8 5.9 6.0 6.0 6.0

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

32 // AUGUST ABVS

The quest for the most profitable cow TOM AND Bev Phelan, in parternership with their son, Leo, run Dalmore Dairy in Tasmania.

They began purchasing genetics through Viking in 2006 with Bev saying they were

inspired by crossbreeding consultant Steve Snowdon to consider three-way cross breeding

Ava ila

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1 st O

ctob

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018

Wilara Rookie Jo

WOOKIE Rookie x Canbee a2

+344 BPI

+269 ASI

+72

Combined Fat & Protein

www.genaust.com.au 2LIA 01TRA 201TRA 8 AUS 8N AGUE 2018 AUS ULIA STNRA DSIR ALO DAI E CAT AIR EYCAT LIAN DAIRY SIRRY SIRALO DS GUE BREE

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and using red genetics. “We were experiencing fertility challenges in our mainly Friesian seasonal calving herd so improved fertility was the carrot,” Mrs Phelan said. “Hybrid vigor, feed conversion efficiency, and similar production (kilograms/milk solids) also appealed.” Their breeding strategy has evolved over time. “I have been sidetracked by Red/Fresian Cross, Monty Cross and pure Reds. Now I am settled on the three-way cross using Friesian, Reds and Jersey. “However, given my passion for Reds, I do put some of my best Red-crosses back to Reds. “The three-way cross gives me a cow that suits our system and drives profit — medium frame and benefits of hybrid vigor, particularly in the early years. “With cross breeding, the kg/ms per cow may have dropped slightly compared to our straight Friesians, but they don’t need as much feed and the “Not in Calf ” (NIC) rates are significantly better. “A few years ago, I broke down our 14 per cent NIC rate and found the Friesians contributed 28 per cent and the Red Cross contributed only 5 per cent.” This season the milking herd is 30 per cent by Viking sires. The breed breakdown is 40 per cent Red, 36 per cent Jersey, 22 per cent Friesian and 2 per cent Monties. The three-way cross now make up a third of their herd. “With the focus on the three-way cross in recent years, I have found Viking bulls from each breed — Red, Friesian and Jersey — to suit my needs.” Until two years ago, the Phelans individually matched each cow with a particular bull to correct faults in the cows, including frame, high pins, udder and components. “Although time-consuming, it has been worthwhile as we now have a more even herd (even though they are crossbred), with sound health status who are great producers. We have also corrected high pins, tall narrow cows, and similar related traits.” “Now with over 1000 cows, and for staff well-being at joining, I choose less bulls and have a ‘Bull of the Day’ in each breed, but still match around 60 of my ‘best Reds’ to individual bulls. “I also individually match around 20 other cows if a fault needs to be corrected. Involving staff in the process, whether it be bull selection or their feedback on the herd, adds value to the breeding process. “Leo and staff have identified the need to prioritise udders in bull selection of late.” Mrs Phelan said cross-breeding continues to be a challenge. “Some of our lovely Foske cows and heifers are larger than I would like in our herd, but they are performing. “The majority of our 3-way cross is based on using a bull of the breed that, on paper, the cow should be joined to. “Occasionally I may put a cow that isn’t of typical size for her breed back to another breed of bull.”

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

AUGUST ABVS // 33

Lessons learnt • Be generous in your budget for bulls. “The majority of bulls I have used over the years have been the top proven bulls. It may seem like a lot of money at the time, but it represents true value for money if you get the results you want.” • Focus on your farm system, and develop a herd to optimize the

29HO16888

system. • Consider your cows (on paper and in the paddock) and which bulls they need to improve their progeny and create or maintain a cow and herd for your system. • Learn from others, including staff and the A.I. reseller. “As a breeding novice, I have found the willingness to share information

and knowledge amongst the ‘Red’ and ‘Cross breed’ fraternity an incredible support.” • Do your homework. “Study your herd/cow records and statistics. It can be boring, and averages can be deceiving, but it’s an important part of the planning process. “

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Bev Phelan with her crossbred herd.

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Mrs Phelan said they still talk about Viking calves born in 2009 from Peterslund, OBrolin, Bjurist, Krejstad and Torp. “I have followed this group through the seasons, comparing them to non-Viking sired cows also born in 2009. Their percentages each year, relating to deaths, culls, treatments, fertility and production, has always been significantly better than ‘the rest’,” she said. Looking at these “900s by Viking” in the herd today, Mrs Phelan said 27 per cent are milking (20 out of the 75 that calved down in 2011); 15 of these are in calf for Spring this year, beginning their seventh lactation; with herd testing stats (February 2018) of 26 litres milk, 3.7 per cent Protein, 5.5 per cent Fat, and 158 cell count. • Article supplied by Viking Genetics

DAM: AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA-ET EX-92 (photos: Beth Herges)

29HO18698

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TR Auzred XB’s AXBBlackwood (ARBBonjovi X FynAks) has climbed the Red Breeds BPI chart. The bull debuted in the April 2018 Red Breeds List with a BPI of 257 and with a BPI of 273 in the August release has climbed to the number two position. Auzred XB Breeding Specialist, Steve Snowdon, chose Blackwood from one of the highest genetic merit cow families in Australia, the Aussie Red herd of Jan Raleigh, of Scotts Creek in South West Victoria. “AXBBlackwood’s dam is one of the breed’s best and the most production efficient used to date as a maternal bull dam,” he said. AXBBlackwood’s BPI at 273 lifts his reliability to 65 per cent. “What is really exciting is that his Health Weight Index (HWI) has lifted from 225 in April to 242 and his Type Weight Index (TWI) is at 253. “It makes AXBBlackwood ‘s ranking in the Red Breeds list for HWI number one,. Number 2 for BPI and number three for TWI.” He is also super strong on mammary with a score of 108 and highly efficient with Feed Saved at 111. Visit www.auzredxb.com.au • Auzred XB supplied this article.

%BK

DAM: ABS 7726 JAZLYN P 4TH DAM: COYNE-FARMS FREDDI JEVEN-ET VG-87 (photo Beth Herges) TPI & TPIg are servicemarks of Holstein Association USA Inc 25%

Calving Ease

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

34 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Weigh and go without woe MARK DANIEL

THE HIGH cost of fertiliser makes it important to understand how well a spreader performs — in the quantity applied and the spread pattern. Quantity is taken care of by calibration, to compare set rates with actual weights, and spread pattern is usually done by driving over test trays to get a result known as the co-efficient of variation. German spreading and seeding specialist Amazone looks to have made the task a little easier with its recently launched EasyCheck system that combines the power of a mobile phone app with a set of drive-over rubber mats, rather than the more traditional tray system. In use, 16 purple rubber mats are placed in four rows across the paddock at pre-determined distances from the tramlines. Passing down the tramline the operator spreads over the mats then photographs each mat with a smartphone; from there the app calculates the amount of fertiliser and analyses the spread pattern. Where the spread pattern is incorrect or

uneven the app will suggest areas to look at such as disc speed, shutter opening, drop point or spreading vane positions, dependent on machine. The mats are light enough to be carried by one person; placement takes a few minutes and should provide a more workable option than the more typical bulky plastic or cardboard trays. The purple colour of the mats is said to allow easier testing of light or dark coloured products, although the manufacturer says the smartphone will need a camera with good resolution. EasyCheck can be found at your nearest Claas Harvest Centre.

Wrangler makes hoof work easy THE WRANGLER dairy crush, popular

in New Zealand dairy sheds, is now available in Australia through De Wit Trading. “I had a farmer ask if I could import one in for him. I looked into it and thought this is brilliant and just what is needed here,” Laurens De Wit said. The Wrangler was developed by farmers to enable them to trim hooves safely and easily. “Not only is it safe for both the cow and farmer, it is quick and easy for just one person to operate and solid enough to last for years”, Mr De Wit said. A key concept of the Wrangler is its double belly straps, which immobilise and relax the animal. The back hoof is then winched to a supporting bar while the front hoof is winched onto a wooden cradle and held securely with a second rope. Mr De Wit said although designed for lame cow treatment, the Wrangler can be used for a range of husbandry tasks including calving, dehorning, and caesareans. The range includes road registered Pro models for veterinarians, Race units for at the cowshed, and Premier Wranglers for mobile paddock or run off use.

“The Premier is especially popular as an in-paddock calving pen during spring, and a hoof and general crush during the milking season. The Wrangler’s winch can be used as a calving jack for use with difficult calvings,” he said. Mr De Wit said the Wrangler was well received when exhibited at AgFest Tasmania, Farm World Warragul, and International Dairy Week in Shepparton. It will be exhibited at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo. Contact 0475 757 720 or visit www.thewrangler.net

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 35

GRUBNT JOHN DROPPERT

The toy for big boys

ONE OF my favourite toys as a child growing up was a 1:16 scale Case 580D backhoe, a proper, quality Ertl piece made to withstand the rigours of childhood play, and last. I wore the paint off that thing not only carpet farming indoors, but sandpit farming outdoors and in various adventures across all manner of terrain in between. Upon reaching the appropriate age to operate the real thing, I drove its full scale JCB and New Holland cousins, which was every bit as much fun.

You’d have to be pretty talented to bog it somewhere you couldn’t escape from; which in fact can generate risky levels of confidence. When it came to investing in the real thing, regular readers of this column will recall that financial realities led to the relatively disappointing (if authentic) Chamberlain granddaddy of backhoes showing up at my front gate. You may also recall that halfway through digging a big hole, I was stranded with something less resembling a tool, and more a navigational hazard. A half-finished dam is not what one wants in one’s field of vision every morning putting the kettle on, so something had to be done. As it happened, the solution was to revisit the Case backhoe series at what many suggest is its pinnacle. The 580M machines were the last in the

roughly 50 year lineage that largely ended when the Case product (at least in Australia) finally gave way to re-branded New Holland machines, a consequence of the 1999 merger. There’s nothing wrong with New Holland backhoes, but the Case machines are pretty special. They have the same bulletproof Cummins B series engines as the Maxxum tractors, and are generally built like tanks. The unique crowding mechanism for the loader gives them a huge range of bucket angles and the way the hoe leans forward over the pivot point for transport makes them very well balanced for transport. They’re also French, rather than Italian, for whatever that’s worth. And they look good; again, not important. I’ve been driving a 580 Super M, which benefits from a turbocharger and other bells and whistles like ride control (loader suspension) and the telescoping ‘extendahoe’ for extra reach. All the things you ‘don’t need’ when you’re looking at machines but end up using every time you turn the key. Before you start to think I’ve gone all soft, I hasten to add that the air conditioner is not connected. It may be comfy, but on a 40 degree day (or indeed a still 25 degree day) it can quickly become a machine for enthusiasts only. It’s also done no less than 14 000 hours, about twice what general consensus would consider ‘well loved’. But having been immaculately maintained through those hours and fully functioning, it is nothing short of a beast.

The 580 Super M benefits from a turbocharger and other bells and whistles like ride control (loader suspension) and the telescoping ‘extendahoe’ for extra reach.

The thing moves dirt at a jaw dropping pace, and when pushing the loader you’ll run out of grip long before you lose power. You’d have to be pretty talented to bog it somewhere you couldn’t escape from; which in fact can generate risky levels of confidence. When you’re done, you can tear off down the road in supreme comfort, with only the slightest inclination to the sort of rocking horse behaviour that most backhoes I’ve previously driven

are prone to. Like the best dreams though, I can’t afford it, and it won’t be hanging around for too much longer. At least I’ve still got the toy. • John Droppert has no mechanical qualifications whatsoever, but has been passionate about tractors since before he could talk and has operated many different makes and models in a variety of roles for both profit and fun.

Lemken moves to Australia MARK DANIEL

AFTER TWO decades of using local distributors in Australia and New Zealand, the cultivation, seeding and crop care machinery maker

Lemken has formed a down-under subsidiary under its own name. Lemken Australia & New Zealand Pty began operations on June 1, based in Melbourne and led by managing director and sales manager Robert Wensing. Lemken ANZ is the 26th

overseas subsidiary for the German firm. It and NZ. Australia's biggest vertical The product range for Australia and NZ will has subsidiaries in the US and Canada. mixer dealer The seventh-generation family company chiefly be soil cultivation machinery and seed has at least 1400 employees and has been 230 drills made in Germany and adapted to the soil conditions, crops and farm sizes in the years in the business. A dealer network is planned for Australia local markets.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

36 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Durability wins the day HAVING OWNED Krone machinery for nearly

a quarter of a century, Undera’s Bart van Ruiswyk says he would not have it any other way. Mr van Ruiswyk, who milks between 450 and 500 Friesian and Friesian/Jersey cross cows, explained why Krone was the machinery for him. “It’s good, well-built, durable machinery and it doesn’t shatter into bits,” he said. “The rake has an electric height control on the rotors which are controlled by in-cab controls and the mowers have hydraulic ﬂ oats. “It does a clean cut and raking — you don’t want to leave too much. “It’s like if you’re mowing the lawn and it leaves half there — you better get a new mower or sharpen the blades.” To keep his machinery up-to-standard, Mr van Ruiswyk said he traded it regularly. “We get rid of our mowers every four years,” he said. “Not so much the tedder because we don’t use that as much.” Mr van Ruiswyk said he would cut between 242 ha and 404 ha of hay and silage a year, depending on the season.

“We have a lot of silage on hand at the moment. There’s a fair bit of reserve around, which is handy. “Our normal start is late September/early October because of the heavy ground we have here, but it depends on the weather. “In the drought years, we did silage in August. You had to or there was nothing left.”

Undera’s Bart van Ruiswyk has been using Krone silage machinery for nearly 25 years.

Tractor lives up to expectations JOHN ALLEN’S career as a diesel mechanic and hay contractor has put him behind the wheel of a lot of tractors, but his latest purchase has impressed him like few others have. Last year, as his business continued to grow, he was in the market to add to his fleet of six tractors and went looking for a new machine with the power and versatility to tackle a range of jobs in the most efficient way possible. His search ended with the Case IH Optum CVT, delivered last September, and already a tractor Mr Allen couldn’t imagine being without. “It’s proven to be so versatile —you end up doing things with it you didn’t think you would,” he said. “It definitely doesn’t feel like you’re driving a 300 horsepower tractor.” The Optum CVT was released by Case IH in February 2017, with a dynamic modern styling that introduced the future look for the company’s tractors, and was heralded as a machine that created its own category by combining the versatility and manoeuvrability of a Puma with the power of a Magnum. One of the features highlighted in the new Optum at the time it was released was the front linkage with 5821 kg maximum lifting power at the ball ends, “perfect for triple

mowers” — something Mr Allen has proven 100 per cent correct. This was one of his main considerations when shopping around for a new tractor, with mowing a big part of the Allen Agricultural Services business and the competitor-model tractor Mr Allen was looking at replacing just not up to the job. With fuel savings Mr Allen describes as “just ridiculous”, the ability to run a front and two side mowers allowing him to cover a lot more ground with each sweep, and only needing one, rather than two tractors, to finish a job, Mr Allen estimates his business is a long way in front. “It’s unbelievable,” Mr Allen from Cowwarr, 182 km east of Melbourne, said. “When I first got it I thought it would be the equivalent of running three tractors with mowers out the side, but it’s every bit as quick as four tractors and mowers, using a fraction of the fuel and one wage.” Along with fuel savings, Mr Allen said the continuously variable transmission (CVT) lived up to its reputation. To find out more about the Optum CVT, see your local Case IH dealer or visit: www.caseih.com

BECAUSE YOUR COWS

ARE WORTH IT!!!

John Allen’s Case IH Optum CVT tractor with mowers attached.

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NEW CLAAS Disco Move 3600 and 3200 mowers, with mowing widths of 3.4 and 3 m respectively, are designed for 1 m of vertical travel and 30 degrees lateral movement, allowing efficiency and safety in rough paddocks. And a highly manoeuvrable headstock allows the mower to move independently of the tractor front linkage. Likely to appeal to contractors, the Move has 600 mm of travel upwards and 400 mm down, making it ideal for uneven fields; and it can pivot up to 30 degrees laterally to better follow contours or swing backwards to avoid obstacles. The headstock includes several proven features found on existing Disco models, including Active Float integrated hydraulic suspension and the low pivot point from the Profil range. Active Float eliminates the need for suspension spring coupling points on the tractor and suspension pressure can be adjusted during operation using a singleacting hydraulic service. Coupled directly to the tractor front linkage or by using an

a-frame, the front linkage remains fixed during operation, with the mower raised and lowered by integrated hydraulics. Convenient Kennfixx hydraulic couplings are fitted as standard on the left or right-hand side of the headstock to suit the tractor, and the suspension pressure gauge can be mounted similarly for optimum visibility. The Disco Move 3600 and 3200 units can be configured as mower only with a tine conditioner, or as a roller conditioner. The mowers will be available in Australia next year, with prices yet to be determined. Visit claasharvestcentre.com

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 37

Jaylor specialists talk nutrition with farmers JAYLOR SPECIALISTS have been visiting

Australian farms to further their knowledge of the local dairy and beef industries, and discuss feed techniques with farmers. International Business Development Manager for Jaylor mixer wagons, Marty Philippi, and Ruminant Nutritionist, Dr Alan S Vaage Ph.D. have visited farms in southern Australia, and will hold workshops for Jaylor dealers and farmers in Victoria and Tasmania this month. PFG Australia’s Kawl Gawlick said the men will address feed issues with the intention of improving dairy and beef nutrition and productivity. Jaylor has been a major mixer-feeder brand in the Australian market for more than 15 years. “Recognizing that the beef and dairy markets have been changing rapidly and become more challenging in recent years, Mr Philippi and Dr Vaage came to find out exactly how Jaylor mixerfeeders continue to fit into the mix, and how they can assist in that process,” Mr Gawlick said. “Their aim is to help Australian farmers realize the potential of feeding superior rations to both beef and dairy cattle using Jaylor feedermixers.”

Mr Philippi said Dr Vaage joined Jaylor in 2010 and since that time has been involved with the development of the Jaylor mixer wagons. “Since then, we consider the mix characteristics that we require before designing the machine.” “The industry is in transition. We now consider the environment in which the animals are being reared, the technology that we use to provide the best possible environment, and the exact constitution of feed, the total mixed ration (TMR) and the availability of its components.” “Alan’s nutritional expertise is employed across the board from the development of our machines to demonstrating the increase in productivity that can be gained through TMR feeding.” Dr Vaage has been a Ruminant Nutritionist for 30 years and specializes in digestive physiology, rumen function, and forage utilization. He has worked extensively with both beef and dairy producers and is recognized as an expert in both dairy and beef nutrition. “With his wide ranging experience in all types of beef and dairy production systems, including large North American dairy and beef feed-

Farmer advice is critical when designing new Jaylor feed wagons.

lot operations, Dr Vaage is uniquely qualified to identify potential opportunities for improving production and profitability of livestock operations in Australia, through the use of Total Mixed Ration (TMR) technology,” Mr Philippi said. “Previously we’ve talked about the effectiveness of machinery per-se, and its research and development.

“Now we are not just talking machinery, we are talking techniques, troubleshooting and high quality nutrition in order to maximize the value the farmer gets from owning a Jaylor mixerfeeder.” For more information on the Jaylor range, visit www.pfgaustralia.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

38 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Agroplow releases new seed drill AGROWPLOW TEAM has worked closely with farmers and contractors from across the country to develop a drill engineered to meet the demands of Australian conditions. It has released its new AD730 seed drill. Agrowplow principal, Shannon McNab, said

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the company began work on the new model in late 2017. “The idea was to develop a machine with a more rugged design and increased accuracy in seed metering for medium and large-scale farms,” Mr McNab said. Mr McNab said the AD730 has been designed to handle a range of tasks, including sowing cereal crops and establishing and restoring pasture. “It has the features needed to achieve this and ensure efficient sowing and minimal topsoil disturbance. “The AD730 has already proven itself in the field, sowing wheat in NSW’s Central West. “Early users have praised its accuracy, durability, and reliability, and are impressed with how easy it is to direct drill into hard dry soils,” he said. A number of configurations are available for the AD730. It is available in 18- and 22-run versions at 225 mm spacings or with 20, 24 or 28 runs at 175 mm spacings. It has four tool bars and a robust 100 x 100 x 6 RHS welded frame, which gives the drill the strength to handle Australian conditions while maintaining reliability and productivity. “The extra-large capacity of the hoppers means you can keep sowing for longer, and the dog clutch system engages when lowered and disengages when raised, so there is one less worry when turning while sowing.” The AD730 features high flotation tyres, while the 550 mm underframe clearance and heavy-duty spring release tynes provide maximum trash handling capability. Shaft rotator indicators provide farmers with visual assurance that the seed metering system is functioning, and windows in the front of the seed boxes help ensure simple cleaning and calibration. Optional features to increase the versatility of the drill include disc undercarriage, small seeds box, coulters, press wheels, spring harrows, rubber tyre rollers and trailing flexi-rollers. With these options, farmers and contractors can benefit from Agrowplow’s proven track record in developing high quality equipment and ensure the drill performs to meet their specific requirements. “The predecessor of the new Agrowplow AD730 was the AD720 range, and many of these drills have seen substantial use on countless farms across Australia. Dealers and farmers alike still praise its rugged design and reliable operation. “With the AD730, Agrowplow has built on this success, offering growers the benefits of the company’s 30 plus years of experience developing products for effective, sustainable agriculture.” Visit www.agrowplow.com.au

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