MURRAY REGION
Michaela Thompson’s passion for the dairy industry was rewarded when the 23-year-old won a $10,000 travel scholarship at this year’s Royal Melbourne Show.
Youthful passion for dairy industry MICHAELA THOMPSON has spent a huge
part of her life in and around the dairy industry. The 23-year-old from Rochester loves nothing more than breeding, showing, looking at and talking about cows and that dedication paid off when she won the coveted $10 000 Dairy Youth Travel Scholarship at this year’s Royal Melbourne Show. The win couldn’t have come at a better time for Ms Thompson, who has just completed a commerce degree at Federation University.
“I have always wanted to travel to Europe and see their cows because they are a lot different.” “The win is recognition for everything I have achieved in the industry over the last few years and the timing is perfect,” she said. “I wanted to travel next year, but realistically I wouldn’t have been able to afford the trip I am
now planning so it has been great. “I have always wanted to travel to Europe and see their cows because they are a lot different to Australian and North American cows. I will return to do the Winter Fair in June and then the second half of the year I will head over to North America and Canada.” Ms Thompson was quick to add she couldn’t have achieved what she had without the support of her parents. As the youngest of three daughters, she is the
one who from a very young age has loved farming life and had a passion for cows. “My sisters are proud of me but they also think I am crazy at times,” she laughed. Ms Thompson owns a small Holstein stud, Sunrise Holsteins, on a dairy farm her father manages at Rochester. She began showing cattle as a little girl — the cows may have towered over her in the ring but that did little to curb her passion, in fact it only fed it over the years. Continued page 3 >
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
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Chairman’s message Time to take stock of the past year IT’S DECEMBER already, after what can only be termed as a very significant year for many reasons in most dairy farmers’ memories. Compared to this time last year though, the season is quite different, with some experiencing a 20 to 30 per cent increase on production along with an improved milk price. This is positive and looks certainly much brighter after the year that was. Did you have the opportunity to attend the Murray Dairy Business Forum in October? Topics were varied, ranging from managing a farm business in the modern era, innovation and technology, the changing face of Australian agriculture and, importantly, the young people in dairy who
are our industry’s future. Speakers hit the mark and were of an exceptionally high standard. Murray Dairy endeavoured to include something for everyone and I believe that this was well achieved. Popular themes around decision making and people really rang true. Particularly Achieve Ag Solutions’ Nathan Scott’s comment, “data does not make money or solve problems, decisions do”. And from Mandy Johnson, “in 2017, to keep staff, the working environment needs to work well for the worker — this might include flexibility, particularly in regards to time, and actively improving the job role”.
Mike Stephens, founder of Meridian Agriculture highlighted that many farmers are in the role of CEO of the farm business and demonstrated just how complex this role can be. The day included a great range of topics and time to catch up with friends. The evening’s insight came from Peter Davidson, a rescue paramedic in the 1998 ill-fated Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Peter and the crew rescued eight lives that day, and by giving us the insights and challenges faced, really forced us to question our understanding of what a truly challenging situation might look like. His and his team’s bravery and willingness to step forward are still the highlight of the conversations
of this night. It is December and I hope that you are now able to look toward taking some time to spend with family, friends and neighbours and to possibly recharge, reflect and think a little of the next year, perhaps even some time off-farm, even just a day. It really is a great way to clear the head and re-energise. From all at Murray Dairy, have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and we look forward to working with you in the new year. • Rick Cross Murray Dairy chair
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
MURRAY REGION // 3
Young passion rewarded < Continued from page 1
She bought her first cow when she was just 14 years old. “I paid $6000 for a heifer — Donnybrook Talent Sheena. I saved up all my money from working at a café to buy her, so you could say I have had that passion from a very early age.” Ms Thompson hopes her passion for the dairy industry will extend into her working life and she plans to use her degree to bridge the gap between accountants and dairy farmers. She hopes the overseas trip will give her a worldwide perspective on the industry. The scholarship is hosted annually at Royal Melbourne Show. Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria chief executive officer Mark O’Sullivan said it provided an emerging dairy industry leader the opportunity to gain insight into global agricultural and food industries. “RASV is committed to providing and enhancing compelling opportunities for youth development and recognition for future leaders through the Royal Melbourne Show Dairy Cattle Competition and we congratulate Michaela and look forward to supporting her in her travels to international dairy regions,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
Michaela Thompson.
Freedom seeks suppliers SHEPPARTON’S OWN milk processing plant,
run by Australian company Freedom Foods, is ramping up its processing capacity and is looking to northern Victoria for more milk supply. The UHT factory exports about half of its production, with 85 per cent of exports going to China. Freedom Foods managing director Rory Macleod said last year the factory produced about 85 million litres and this financial year it is expected to be more than 150 million litres. Next year the company hopes it will produce about 200 million litres. To achieve those goals, the factory was recently upgraded and will put in further filling capability for 2018–19. The company has just finished a $30 million investment and another $10 million will be spent on further expansion in the UHT plant in the next six months, and the nutritional plant will have at least $40 million expenditure in the next 18 months. The expansion will create more employment, but the production is not labour intensive. There are 75 to 80 full-time positions at the moment,
NEW FACTORY FOR GIRGARRE Milk processing will return to the former dairy town of Girgarre after an absence of almost four decades, following a decision by ACM to build a new multi-million-dollar factory. The news has been welcomed by Girgarre residents who haven’t seen milk production in their town since Nestle shut the former Girgarre Cheese Factory site.
which will increase by up to 10 positions with this year’s expansion. The factory has been receiving 100 million litres of milk under an agreement with its former partner, ACM, and will continue with this arrangement, but will also be looking for new supply directly from farmers. One of the goals of Freedom Foods group general manager of dairy and grains, Corrie Goodwin, is to recruit new supply from the Goulburn Valley and southern Riverina. “We brought on our first direct supplier in August,” Ms Goodwin said. “New referrals have come thick and fast after that. We’re looking for farmers who have a mindset, appetite and drive to build a strategy with us.” Mr Macleod said they were looking to engage suppliers for a long-term commitment. Although he wouldn’t say what price they were paying, he said they would be concentrating on delivering a fair price with less volatility. “We would pay on average a price better than most of the commodity processors,” Mr Macleod said. “We’ve gone through in the last four months,
ACM plans to start work on the Curr Rd site in December, subject to planning approvals, with milk processing expected to start in September next year. ACM chairman Michael Auld said the factory could employ up to 35 people and process about 100 million litres of milk in the first year. Employment numbers could lift closer to 50 when cheesemaking production starts in the second year of operation and throughput increases to 200 million litres. The company may recruit some experienced staff from the Rochester
Freedom Foods managing director Rory McLeod with the company’s first direct supplier to the Shepparton site, the Marshall family from Blighty. (From left) Adam Marshall, Lachlan Marshall, Rory Macleod and Genevieve Marshall.
a fair bit of capacity expansion, with big upgrades in processing and installed extra filling capability, finished in August. “Our volumes are increasing for our customers in Australia and we are seeing a more stable customer base in China and South-East Asia.” The company is also on the brink of building a nutritional plant to produce products like sports performance foods, adult nutrition and
Murray Goulburn factory, which is shutting down soon. ACM, which has been recruiting organic dairy farmers recently, intends to install two spray dryers and a discrete processing system which will allow it to handle organic and non-organic processing concurrently. Mr Auld said the company’s focus was on establishing a milk pricing structure that removed some of the volatility for farmers and created a more stable income. Last year the company finished with $5.30/kg milk solids, and this year was
infant nutrition. “We have an ambition to be a much bigger, consumer-branded nutritional product business. This nutritional platform is a key area of growth for us,” Mr Macleod said. The Shepparton factory, in Old Dookie Rd, was built about three years ago and concentrates on mostly UHT liquid milk in full fat, low fat or skim milk.
paying $5.76/kg. “Over time we will be able to offer fixed price contracts over three years for a portion of farmer’s milk,” Mr Auld said. He said the new factory would help suppliers get access to markets in Asia and domestically with value-added products such as specialty powders, retail butter, cream and cheese. He said the company believed there was a viable future in the dairy industry if stakeholders get the model right across the supply chain.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
4 // MURRAY REGION
Forget wealth and enjoy your health Doing Dairy
with SOPHIE BALDWIN
SO IT has been another busy and exciting year
on the dairy front and who would have thought it would end in us saying goodbye to the last big Australian — Murray Goulburn. Whether you look at it as progress or not, either way it is quite a sad time for the industry. It has been a long-held belief that the industry needs an Australian-owned processor to set the price and basically keep the industry honest. The last few years, and especially 2017, have turned that theory on its ear. Will it be a good thing? Well I guess only time will tell the answer to
that question, but it really is hard to believe how quickly it has all soured. At least now suppliers have a direction to move toward and an increased milk price will always be welcome and yes, there is still the opportunity to vote with your milk supply and swap processors. I have also been excited by the development of organics in the dairy industry and while it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I think it opens up some fantastic opportunities for those willing to have a go. Some people may disagree but ‘green food’ is certainly the way of the future and more and more consumers are demanding a clean, chemical-free product. And I guess that’s part of the beauty of this industry, it’s up to you how you run your business and what sort of milk you supply whether it be organic, A2, traditional, Jersey, Friesian, Aussie Red, Brown Swiss or a combination of breeds. It has been more than two years since I milked my last cow and I still miss them every day, especially on those beautiful spring days when they
are grazing on a paddock of lush green grass. I have had numerous invitations back into the dairy but I have definitely found my way out of the early morning habit — these days I don’t like to get up at any time which has a ‘5’ in it, unless of course it’s for an event. I completed my first Olympic-distance triathlon for the 2017–18 season in Shepparton recently and, while it was far from my best race, it was still worth the 4.30 am alarm. As I lumbered my way through the swim, bike and run course I thought to myself how lucky I am to be participating in such a great sport. Triathlon is a bit like milking cows — you just never know what is going to happen on any given day, but you keep going back to it because you love it. It only seemed like yesterday that I wished all my farming friends a merry Christmas and happy new year and yes, I am about to do it again. This year, like the one before it, has flown by and similar to last year it has been another eventful year in the industry. Christmas is always a great time to stop and
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
MURRAY REGION // 5
Dairy stalwart honoured for service THERE WOULD be few in the Australian dairy
industry who have not been impacted by the work of Allan Burgess. A dairy farmer from the Goulburn Valley and former Australian Dairy Farmers president, Mr Burgess has long been well-known as a fierce advocate for farmers, leading the industry through some of its most formative decisions. Mr Burgess was honoured with the 2017 Pat Rowley Award for Outstanding Service at this year’s Australian Dairy Industry Council leaders’ breakfast. ADIC chair Terry Richardson said the award was a fitting tribute to what had been a stellar career in dairy. “This is a real celebration of Allan’s contribution. There would be few others who have worked so tirelessly, and had such a significant impact, on the long-term success of their industry,” Mr Richardson said. “For 30 years Allan led the dairy industry to understand that we can largely create our own future. He was an architect driven by strong ideas and a collaborative spirit. “Whether it’s been leading the way at a local level or tackling the complex task of building some of the industry’s foundation organisations, Allan has consistently led from the front. “His selection for this year’s award was an
easy one for the ADIC Board.” Mr Burgess first became involved in his local UDV District Council in the early 1980s. A believer in the “power of like minds with a joint vision”, over the following three decades he held numerous positions of leadership including deputy president of the UDV, board member of Australian Dairy Farmers Federation and president of Australian Dairy Farmers.
Goulburn Valley dairy farmer Allan Burgess has received the 2017 Pat Rowley Award for Outstanding Service.
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MG sale would ‘benefit’ suppliers THE EXTRA 40¢/kg of milk solids that Murray Goulburn suppliers will receive if the company is sold to Saputo Australia will lead to about $70 000 in the pockets of farmers. That is according to analysis from Rural Bank, which the company’s agribusiness general manager Andrew Smith said was “quite a benefit”. “From our analysis, the extra 40¢ a kilo of milk solids will equate to roughly $70 000, around 7.7 per cent in extra income for the average dairy farm in Victoria,” Mr Smith told ABC’s Country Hour in November. “So it’s quite a benefit when you look at what that might do to their return on assets.” Murray Goulburn suppliers have been given a step-up of 40¢/kg milk solids from November 1. If the Saputo sale goes ahead, the step-up will be paid retrospectively for milk supplied from July to October, taking the price to about $5.60/kg. An extra 40¢/kg has been promised in August next year as a loyalty payment if the sale goes through. Despite this, suppliers and politicians are disappointed at the timing of the announcement of the potential takeover. “It was extremely regrettable. The whole way along we were effectively kept in the dark,”
Cobram East dairy farmer and Murray Goulburn supplier Paul Mundy said. Victorian Agriculture Shadow Minister Peter Walsh agreed the timing of the announcement could have been better. “I’m very disappointed at the processes Murray Goulburn went through to announce it. Announcing it while they were on the way down to the AGM, was disrespectful,” Mr Walsh said. “Those I spoke to that were at the AGM were very angry about the way Murray Goulburn informed them.” In other Murray Goulburn news, northern Victorian dairy consultant Cameron Smith has left the co-operative and returned to his business. Murray Goulburn chief executive officer Ari Mervis said Mr Smith had been an important part of the Murray Goulburn team for the past 15 years through his consultancy work with suppliers on-farm. “As a member of our executive leadership team, Cameron provided excellent insight and counsel and was a great advocate for our suppliers,” Mr Mervis said. Mr Smith joined the leadership team late last year and his last day was on November 3.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
6 // MURRAY REGION
Canola meal can increase appetite and milk yield CANOLA MEAL can be an important compo-
nent of supplementary rations for grazing dairy cows and can play a role in increasing appetite, dry matter intake and milk yield compared to cows fed equivalent amounts of energy as cereal grain and conserved forage. That is one of the key messages from several experiments conducted by Agriculture Victoria researchers Martin Auldist and Bill Wales and their team at the Ellinbank Research Centre. Dr Auldist said he was confident that when relatively high amounts of supplement were fed, there was a milk production advantage to including components such as canola meal and maize grain in the ration, especially in early lactation. “When we feed less than about 8 kg DM of grain, we don’t see any advantage to feeding a mixed ration or grain mix compared to feeding straight cereal grain and forage,” Dr Auldist said. “Above that, though, we often see milk production advantages because higher producing cows have a greater requirement for nutrients other than the energy the cereal grains provide. “We’re not saying that farmers should be feeding supplements at high levels. We recognise the importance of grazed pasture as a cheap feed source. “This research is about finding better, more efficient ways to feed supplements when grass is in short supply and farmers need to, or want to, feed increased amounts of supplements, even for a short time.” As an example of the results Dr Auldist and his team have seen, he cites an experiment in which cows in early lactation were fed between 7.5 kg and 12 kg of a grain mix containing maize grain, canola meal and wheat grain, while receiving the rest of their diet as grazed pasture and conserved forage. These cows each produced up to 5 kg more milk per day than cows offered equivalent amounts of cereal grain instead of the grain mix. “Much of this milk response comes from additional dry matter intake,” Dr Auldist said. “Cows consuming a diet containing canola meal appear more inclined to eat. Not only do they eat more supplement but they also graze harder when they get back to the paddock after milking. “Canola could be having these effects because there is less propionate being produced in the rumen compared to when cereal grain is fed, which could partly remove satiety signals. “Alternatively the canola could be providing a more balanced supply of amino acids, leading to more milk and an increased appetite.” Canola probably isn’t the only component of the ration providing beneficial effects. Maize grain, in particular, is a source of starch that degrades more slowly than cereal grains such as wheat. “A more slowly degradable starch source like maize leads to less accumulation of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, and a less variable ruminal pH that doesn’t drop as low. Low ruminal pH is known to interfere with both digestion and, indirectly, milk fat synthesis,” Dr Auldist said. Despite the fact that canola and maize are more expensive supplements than cereal grain, there are times when it makes economic sense to feed them as part of a well-formulated grain mix, according to Agriculture Victoria researcher
Agriculture Victoria researchers Dr Bill Wales and Dr Martin Auldist.
Christie Ho. “Using long-term average milk and feed prices, these results show that feeding the grain mix is a profitable thing to do in early lactation, compared to feeding cereal grain at grain intakes between 7 kg and 12 kg of grain per cow per day,” Ms Ho said. All of the grazing experiments conducted by the team so far have been 28 days in duration. The next step is to extend that to a longer period. “Most of the better responses have been in cows in early lactation,” Dr Auldist said. “So we are currently running an experiment over the first 100 days of lactation to see if we can maximise the response to these kinds of grain mixes over that time. After that the cows will go back to a common diet, but we’re hoping to see a carryover effect in the rest of lactation. “That’s what studies overseas have shown and if it happens in our system it will add to the economic benefits of these rations.”
These cows at the Ellinbank Research Centre will be fed higher amounts of supplement, including canola meal, over the first 100 days of lactation.
The ration being fed to lactating cows.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
MURRAY REGION // 7
Waiting on virus outcome
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BLUETONGUE VIRUS is an arbovirus that is spread by biting midges. After biting sheep or cattle that are carrying the virus, the midge (Culicoides spp) can then inject infected blood into other ruminants and so pass on the virus. There are different serotypes of the virus that can cause varying severity of clinical disease in ruminants as seen in some overseas countries. Sheep are the most severely affected species and can show signs of depression, swollen lips, tongue, gums and face, cyanosis (blueness) of tongue, lameness, inability to stand and respiratory difficulty. Despite the fact that there are 12 serotypes found endemically in northern Australia there have not been any clinical cases in Australian livestock, with the exception of two minor incidents in sheep in Darwin in 1989 and 2001. The BTV zone in northern Australia extends from the north of Western Australia, across the Northern Territory through most of Queensland and down the north-east coast of NSW. This zoning is internationally recognised and is supported by the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP). As the virus is spread by insect vectors, the distribution of BTV can vary depending on seasonal conditions. So why is it a concern? A number of countries that import Australian livestock require that they are sourced from
a BTV-free zone and therefore animals bred within the BTV zone would be excluded from export to those countries. Unfortunately, in October some heifers on a property at Bamawm (south of Echuca) were found to be positive for BTV while undergoing routine blood tests for export. As a result, the BTV-free status of Victoria has been put in question. In response, Agriculture Victoria has established a Temporary BTV Transmission Zone within a 50 km radius of the property and a further 50 km buffer zone. While this is in place any animals within that zone are ineligible for export to countries with the requirement of originating in a BTVfree zone. The department then instigated surveillance by bleeding 2500 cattle in more than 100 mobs within that zone to establish the true prevalence of the virus. At the time of writing we are still awaiting the results of testing and the temporary zoning has been extended to December 13. The main reason for the surveillance is to safeguard Victoria’s BTV-free status, in order to keep export markets open. There is no concern about the health/production of the animals and there is no risk to humans from this virus. There is no restriction on movement of animals from this zone within Victoria or to other parts of Australia — the significance is purely for maintaining access to those export markets. Hopefully the results of the testing will show that the virus is not established in this area, which would be highly unlikely due to the lack of the required insect vectors. Once the ‘zone of possible transmission’ has been lifted animals from that area will once again be eligible for those export markets.
DEVELOP A FIRE PLAN FOR LIVESTOCK
DR JEFF CAVE DISTRICT VETERINARY OFFICER Agriculture Victoria It’s that time of year when farmers should think about the stock safety measures that need to be in place for the fire season. One of the key factors in minimising risk to stock is to identify the safest areas on the farm. The area you choose will depend on the type of livestock you are farming and their likely behaviour during a fire, as well as the likely behaviour of a fire. On days of extreme fire danger or when there is a fire alert in the area, stock should be moved into these lower risk areas. You should also listen to weather forecasts and observe your own environment to help you decide when to put your plan into action. Safe areas include paddocks with green summer crops or lucerne; bare paddocks with no dry feed; or a ploughed paddock. Areas where there are dams and swamps are also safer. Stockyards have been known to successfully hold stock during a fire. If this is your preferred option, consider using a sprinkler system as stock held together on a hot day can suffer heat stress.
Firebreaks are imperative. Bare laneways and ploughed breaks can be effective firebreaks, as can heavily grazed paddocks with low fuel levels. Horses should not be locked up in small areas or stables, but rather be moved into an open paddock with minimal vegetation so they can move freely. Horses are good at moving themselves to safe open areas and suffer minimal burns if left to do so. If equipment such as rugs, halters and flyveils remain on horses the plastic may melt and the buckles may burn the animal. However, a halter will leave a horse easier to manage. Therefore, some discretion is needed depending upon the circumstances. Do not let stock onto public roadways as in smoky conditions they will be a hazard to vehicles. Having an action plan that can be quickly established during a fire should ensure the risk to stock is minimised. Detailed information regarding fire preparation for different livestock species can be found at: http://agriculture. vic.gov.au/agriculture/emergencies/ horses-and-livestock-in-emergencies For further advice, contact the CFA, your Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
8 // MURRAY REGION
Dairy women take some time out WOMEN IN the dairy industry took time out
from their busy spring schedules recently to enjoy a day of networking and pampering. ‘Women Celebrating Dairy’ was an initiative hosted by the Central Victorian Rural Women’s Network at the Yarrawalla Hall, south of Pyramid Hill, in October. It focused on developing personal, professional and creative skills. Workshops included yoga, health, resilience and social media while creative sessions included vision boards, flower arranging and cheese and chocolate making. Serious topics included entrepreneurship, planning to farm and milk and money. Guest speakers included dairy farmers Ann Gardiner from Lockington who spoke about resilience; Di Bowles from Cohuna who spoke about #dairylove and the positive role of social media; and Sharlene Crage, a former accountant in Sydney who moved to the country and fell in love with working life on a Calivil dairy farm. Organiser Fiona Jemmett said it was the first time an event like this had been held. “We are a new network and we are very pleased with the women who have turned up in what is essentially quite a busy time on farm,”
Ms Jemmett said. She said she was pleased with the program and the quality of speakers on the day. Yarrawalla dairy farmer Shelly Matthews said it was great to be able to take some time out from the farm and participate in a day like this. “It has been a great day and the variety of the program has been fantastic. Breaking down the day into different sections was a great idea and the guest speakers were fantastic,” Mrs Matthews said.
Dairy women Sarah Lister from Calivil and Shelly Matthews from Yarrawalla.
Murray Goulburn field officers Nicole Sloper and Tara Barnes, MG suppliers Beck O’Brien, Di Bowles, Pennie Gill, MG field officer Jo Duffy and MG suppliers Sara Gale and Glenys Broad.
Chocolatier Sue Schrieber from Choclartiste Studio (left) and cheesemaker Nardia BaxterKeene from Goldfield Farmhouse Cheese facilitated some workshops.
Guest speakers Sharlene Crage from Dingee, Ann Gardiner from Lockington and Di Bowles from Cohuna.
Organisers and networkers (from left) Kaye Addlen, Fiona Jemmett, Anita Dickons, Colleen Condliffe and Jenny Hosking.
Dairy farmers Di Tuddenham and Dot Humbert.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
10 // MURRAY REGION
Family aligns beliefs with farm system MICHEAL AND Nicky Lawry are into their
second year of transitioning their dairy business to an organic enterprise. The Calivil dairy farmers are looking forward to the challenge, which they believe aligns firmly with their own beliefs. “Organics better defines what we stand for as a dairy business and a family,” Mr Lawry said. “We want to produce quality not quantity and be proud that the milk that we produce is rich in nutrients and good for our health. I am not interested in large factory farming producing a bulk product with little regard for the animal’s health.” The couple began dairying in 1998 after purchasing a 65 ha dairy farm off Mr Lawry’s parents. They moved to their current farm 10 years ago and have expanded to their current size of 465ha, 300 ha of which is irrigated. They supplied Murray Goulburn for 18 years and loved being part of the co-op structure, but disillusionment with management forced them to move to Parmalat 11 months ago. “Parmalat has been good as it has felt like we are being treated with respect, honesty and integrity again, but we will move to suppling ACM
when we are fully certified,” Mr Lawry said. The decision to turn organic hasn’t been taken lightly, and Mr Lawry said the support offered by ACM was one of the deciding factors for the transition. “They have monthly meetings and discussion days where we can bounce ideas off each other and learn what others are doing and that will be really helpful. They also offer professional, organic-specific support. “Once fully certified we have a three-year contract with a guaranteed milk price and that is also comforting to know.” The couple has made a move away from permanent pasture and decided to go with annuals sown down with lucerne. The use of irrigation is mainly to extend the natural growing season through spring and autumn. The business cuts its own silage. The herd continues to rotate around the paddocks throughout summer with the silage fed out under the electric fence lines to fill the summer feed gap. Although the cows are consuming very little pasture throughout this stage it ensures the cows are on clean ground and nutrients from manure
and silage are more evenly distributed over the farm. Due to the high cost of purchasing organic grain, Mr Lawry will use part of his irrigated land to grow organic cereal grain for his herd. “Growing crops organically will be another exciting challenge with much to learn and will hopefully be refined over the coming years.” They are very much learning as they go, and have been trialling many different fertiliser, fodder and animal health products with varied success. “I am confident that we can refine a system that works — if nothing else I will get quite good at chipping and slashing weeds,” Mr Lawry said. “We realise that some aspects of becoming organic will be more labour intensive than more common farming practices so we will need to rely more on non-family labour.” Finding labour will be a challenge. “We have always found it frustrating trying to find good staff but we have been very lucky to have found some great staff over the years,” Mr Lawry said. “We need people that fit in with our beliefs and are constructive, caring and importantly a good
Micheal Lawry is looking forward to converting his dairy business to organics. He is into the second year of conversion and he firmly believes the decision will create a sustainable future for his business and family.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
MURRAY REGION // 11
role model to our children — the reason we farm is to provide the best possible environment for our children to grow up in.” They took a chance on employing Sharlene Crage from Dingee four years ago. “It takes a lot of time to train staff and so we wanted to employ someone who lived in the area as they would be more likely to stay with us for longer and Sharlene was very enthusiastic,” Mr Lawry said. “ She didn’t have any dairy knowledge at all, but sometime it is easier to train someone rather than retrain them and she was prepared to learn so we took a chance and it has been great.” Mr Lawry said even though he had been on the current farm for a decade, every year he was improving the system and learning himself. ”When you stop learning you start dying so I hope to keep learning for a long time yet.” Once fully certified, he plans to keep herd numbers at around 300 but is flexible with the idea of reducing numbers to as few as 200 if this is required for the system to work. “We have gone above 300 cows in the past but to the detriment of the cow’s health and happiness.” When swapping to organic, herd health is probably the area that is the most challenging to work through, in particular treating cattle. “We currently have a low cell count but controlling mastitis, especially during calving, will be a concern because we currently have antibiotics to fall back on,” Mr Lawry said. “We used an organic product that worked very well for us last year but not so well this year, it will
be an evolving problem.” He said prevention was going to be critical and something that all staff members were going to require diligence with. The family has spent a lot of time refining the calf rearing system and is conscious of contamination from off-farm or calf to calf. “Once you take a calf off its mother you are solely responsible for it,” Mr Lawry said. He insists work boots and hands are washed and disinfected before setting foot among the calves and after going to the calf scales. Feeding equipment is washed thoroughly after every feed. If you wouldn’t drink out of it don’t expect the calves to. “I am a strong believer in prevention rather than cure and stopping bugs coming in is a huge focus for us.” The calves are kept in pairs in small pens for the first two weeks for close attention before moving into the calf paddocks in groups of 15. At about five weeks of age they are transitioned to once-a-day feeding while having access to high quality hay and increased grain mix up to 1 kg/day. Calves are weaned off milk and onto pasture at 12 weeks of age but continue on the same diet of hay and grain for a further 12 weeks. The cows are calved twice a year in spring and autumn and are joined for eight weeks. Mr Lawry said moving to organics had, in the end, been a natural progression for their business. “I used to hate using chemicals on the farm and I truly believe we are moving to a more sustainable future for us and our farm.
“At the moment it is a learning process but I think through organics we will be able to find our way back to sustainable profitability and a more balanced and enjoyable lifestyle.”
Sharlene Crage and Micheal Lawry.
The rotary dairy on the Calivil dairy farm of Micheal and Nicky Lawry.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
12 // MURRAY REGION
In dairying for the long haul WHO SAYS age is a barrier? Not Stephen and
Jessica Searle. The Cohuna dairy farmers are still putting the cups on a Brown Swiss-Friesian cross cow who turned 17 this year. The old girl recently calved and while she is starting to slow down, she has spent many years among the top cows in the herd, testing with an average production index of 129. “She has been an extremely good milker, she has never had mastitis and she keeps getting pregnant — she has well and truly earnt her retirement when the time comes, if she doesn’t drop dead in the yard one day,” Mr Searle said. He said she has had 12 calvings, resulting in seven daughters. “None of them have had the longevity that she has had though. One disappeared on agistment, one died, one we had to cull early and one daughter is about nine and starting to give out already. “We have 12 descendants in the herd which includes daughters, granddaughter and great granddaughters.” Mr Searle describes her as a very easygoing cow and low-fuss, who is happiest eating grass and making milk. She is not overly interested in a pat but she does like to lead the way into the dairy, but only on the right hand side. “She has milked in three sheds over the years
Stephen Searle purchased a dairy farm five years ago. He runs a mixed Friesian, Jersey and Brown Swiss herd at Cohuna.
Invitation
Free dairy seminars a u s t r a l i a
Murray Dairy is pleased to support and present two dairy industry seminars which will be held at the Tatura Tennis Clubrooms during International Dairy Week 2018. Maintaining our social licence to operate Presented by Murray Dairy
What is a social licence and why is it important for dairy farmers? While it is natural to focus within our own industry, the reality is that we operate within the wider Australian community and community and consumer perceptions matter. From health and nutrition to animal welfare and environmental sustainability, the political and regulatory environment we operate in — not to mention the market for our dairy products — are all affected by the public’s trust in dairy. But how important is this? Which issues really matter? And what can we actually do about it? Kira Goodall is Issues Management and Government Relations Manager at Dairy Australia. She will be discussing Dairy Australia’s work on understanding consumer perception in relation to social licence issues and how we can be proactive in addressing risks to our social licence to operate.
Australia Dairy Bobby Calves: Industry opportunity or threat? Insights from around the Globe Presented by Murray Dairy
Peter Havrlant, Development Officer, Dairy at NSW DPI was awarded the Jack Green Churchill Fellowship in 2016. He will provide insights from his recent travel to the USA, UK and EU and work with NSW DPI. We will explore how other countries are turning an industry threat into an opportunity by improving supply chain integrity. Join us and explore dairy and beef rearing systems contexted to consumer product and perceptions in different markets around the world.
For more information and the seminar schedule visit internationaldairyweek.com.au
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
MURRAY REGION // 13 and that has never worried her. Her feet are starting to bother her a little bit and last year she had retained membranes — that was her first piece of treatment in 13 years.” Mr Searle has been involved in the dairy industry all his life. He grew up on a dairy farm at Macorna and was able to establish his own herd by taking ownership of every third calf that hit the ground. “I was able to go and build my herd up from there. Today we have a mixed breed herd by choice but the main components are Aussie Red,
Jersey and Friesian.” Stephen and his wife Jessica purchased their own 121 ha dairy farm at Cohuna six years ago. “We wanted to be close to family and the price of this farm was reduced at the time when we were looking to buy. It is a nice farm but it was rundown,” Mr Searle said. This season the couple will milk 170 cows, not too far away from the goal of 180. The herd is 50/50 spring and autumn calving. Mr Searle said milking that number allowed them to do 90 per cent of the work themselves.
The latest heifer offspring from the 17-year-old Brown Swiss cross.
“We don’t have any employees or a mixer wagon and we find this number works well for the pasture we grow and the grass-based system we run.” Pastures consist of clovers and Italians, some lucerne and summer crops including triple SSS sorghum. The couple uses the temporary water market. “We don’t have the reliability of owning permanent water — it is a capital outlay we couldn’t afford so we are exposed to the risks of the temporary water market,” Mr Searle said.
The mixed herd on the Searle property.
“We have found the last few years financially challenging but hopefully demand will outstrip supply in the future and things will turn around.” Mr Searle said he was not really sure of the one thing he loved about dairying in particular. “I get excited about picking AI straws and the whole process of breeding cows. I am happy when the cows are milking well and eating grass and I enjoy the feeling of working in the wide open spaces. “It has always been a dream of mine to own my own farm.”
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
14 // MURRAY REGION
Backpacker experiment PETER COLLINS’ foray into employing his first backpacker on his Tennyson dairy and beef operation has been a positive experience for both him and Irish visitor Aishling O’Hara. Mr Collins runs a 270-cow dairy herd and 180 Angus breeders on 285ha. He has two full-time workers, but finding quality labour is a problem he has been grappling with for quite some time. “It is hard to find anyone willing to work the hours on a dairy farm and it is hard to find someone willing to have a go,” Mr Collins said. It may have been risky employing someone who came from a sheep farming background and no dairy experience at all, but Mr Collins said in the end it had been a positive experience and he hoped to continue to employ backpackers in the future. “Ash came with no experience but she has learnt a lot over the time and it has been a really good pleasurable experience in the end,” he said. “She has great work ethic, is willing to learn and because she had no dairy or beef knowledge I was able to teach her the way we do things. “I really wasn’t sure about going down the backpacker route because I had heard both good and bad reports, but for me it has been extremely positive.” Mr Collins said running a family operation made communication easy and he liked to treat his employees as part of the family. “I am a firm believer in the importance of communication and you get what you give back. Ash pulled her first calf the other day and I was really proud of her — she has come such a long way from where she first started.” Mr Collins said at the start she was scared of the cows and would get him to put the cups on any that moved their leg, but now she milks like a professional. Ms O’Hara laughs and said initially she was petrified of cows. “I was so afraid of cows,” she said. “I had a bad experience with one back at home at Ireland but since I have been working here on the farm I have overcome a lot of my fears — I pulled a calf and I never thought I would ever do that either,” she said. Ms O’Hara said her duties on the farm included milking, rearing calves, tractor and truck work and helping with the beef operation. “This has been a great experience for me. I have heard of some backpackers who have worked really long days and I am lucky and grateful to have had this job — I dread leaving the country to head back to the city (Sydney) in December.” Ms O’Hara said it had always been her dream to come to Australia and she is hoping to obtain residency down the track. “I love the big open sky and the weather out here, it is just beautiful,” she said. Mr Collins said the additional pair of hands around the farm has freed him up and enabled him to focus a little more on the beef side of his operation, Merridale Angus Stud. Originally a beef farmer, the business diversified into dairy about 25 years ago. “I think our diversity has allowed us to grow our business. There have been times when the dairy industry has held our business up and other times it has been the beef
Irish backpacker Aishling O’Hara has spent the past few months learning the ropes on a Tennyson dairy farm and she has been surprised by the love she now has for the job.
operation, but annual bull sales are a big part of our income,” he said The business cuts all its own silage and milking hay, and it purchases cereal requirements. Pastures consist of a mixture of permanent and annual pasture, which includes lucerne for both grazing and hay. Looking to the future Mr Collins hopes to continue to employ backpackers and he hopes Ms O’Hara will be able to recommend other backpackers to him. “If we can develop some sort of relationship and if Ash can recommend people to us then we are happy to continue down this path,” he said. A backpacker must complete 88 days of specified work in regional Australia while on their first Working Holiday (417) visa (there is no requirement to do further specified work on the second visa).
Aishling O’Hara with farm owner Peter Collins who has been impressed by her ability to learn.
Aishling O’Hara has pulled her first calf – something she thought she would never be able to do when she first started.
The calf was quite happy sleeping in the comfort of the hay ring.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
MURRAY REGION // 15
Smooth transition between seasons SPRING AT the Dookie dairy has been quite favourable. In mid-November the spring calving was well and truly complete and the artificial insemination program was under way. Pasture intake per cow was maintained at 11–13 kg dry matter/day through spring, and 50 tonnes dry matter of pasture silage was made on the milking area. About 8 ha of summer crops are about to be
1 September, 2017
Dookie Dairy Report
1 October, 2017
1 November, 2017
Cow numbers
129
151
158
Kg milk solids/cow/day
2.4
2.2
2.2
7.1
6.9
7.6*
0
0
0
Pasture (KgDM)/cow
11.1
13.8
13.2
Area in rotation
55
55
55
Average milkings/cow/day
2.4
2.2
2.5
No. of failures/day
1.5
4
2.5
No. of cows got/day
12
15
15
Litres/machine/day
1510
1670
1750
Rumination minutes/cow/day
450
450
440
Kg concentrate/cow/day Kg fodder/cow/day *12.5 MJ ME/kg DM, 16 % CP.
of 10–20 days in the period of mid-October to mid-December. Measurements of pasture mass, species composition, leaf:stem ratio of rye-grass, protein and energy contents are being made. The results of this research will inform grazing rotation practices in the transition period between spring and summer. Three students from France who are currently on placement at Dookie are doing the bulk of the work.
sown. Most of this will be forage sorghum and some will be millet. These crops will be used as part of the pasture renovation program but will also provide valuable summer feed. At this time of year, getting the grazing rotation lengths right to maintain a balance between pasture quantity and quality is important. A research experiment on the farm is investigating the differences in pasture mass and quantity between grazing rotation lengths
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16 // MURRAY REGION KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Using knowledge to improve the farming business was the main takeaway from Rabobank’s Riverina and northern Victoria regional manager Peter Evans at the recent Murray Dairy Business Forum in Shepparton. The forum’s morning session was attended by about 120 people and Mr Evans said knowledge would only get you so far. “We all know the game. It’s what we
do with the knowledge we have to create actionable foresight (that counts),” he said. When it comes to the relationship between the banker and the farmer, Mr Evans said it was evolving. “An effective banking relationship sees farmers as the drivers,” he said. Mr Evans said it was important to understand that imported money was all the same. “Debt and equity are the same, it’s all imported money. “New Zealand’s debt per kilogram of milk solids has risen from about $10 to $20/ kg MS (from 2003 to 2015). “This upward debt trend reflects rapid expansion in the industry, when improving dairy returns fuelled increasing appetite for land acquisition and appreciating dairy land values,” he said.
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Rabobank’s Riverina and northern Victoria regional manager Peter Evans discussed the relationship between farmer and banker at the Murray Dairy Business Forum.
Milk production down to around nine billion litres for the season ahead. National milk production for the 2016–17 season is expected to be down about 7.5 per cent on the previous financial year to about 8.95 billion litres. Dairy Australia managing director Ian Halliday told the Murray Dairy Business Forum in Shepparton the survey revealed profitability was at a three-year low, with about 45 per cent of farmers surveyed anticipating a profit in 2016–17. NFI by state/region ($/kg MS) Meanwhile, input costs are a more immediate bright spot. 2015/16 2016/17 Record international production Gippsland -0.4 0.0 and strong harvests in Australia have Northern Vic -0.5 -0.3 kept grain prices contained. There has been little change to the hay market Western Vic -0.6 0.4 in the past few months with subdued TAS 0.3 0.5 demand, ample supply and low prices. Most irrigation systems are SA 0.2 0.5 expected to receive a high seasonal QLD 1.1 1.1 determination in 2017–18 and temporary water prices ended the 2016–17 NSW 0.5 0.4 season well below the $100/Ml mark. WA 1.4 1.1
VICTORIAN FARMERS are planning a cau-
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tious return to higher milk production, according to the latest Situation and Outlook report released by Dairy Australia. The survey revealed a third of farmers expected to grow their herd size in the next 12 months and close to two thirds anticipated their production to increase in the next three years, which signals a modest growth in milk volume
Net farm income. Source: Dairy Australia
Estimated volume growth by state: August
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By Vic regions:
17/18 YTD
August
17/18 YTD
OLD
-0.4
0.0
Gippsland
+0.5%
+1.7%
NSW
-0.5
-0.3
Northern
+2.0%
+5.2%
VIC
-0.6
0.4
Western
-1.1%
+0.9%
SA
0.3
0.5
WA
0.2
0.5
TAS
1.1
1.1
Milk production so far this season. Source: Dairy Australia
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
MURRAY REGION // 17
Elite genetics under the hammer IT IS pretty fair to say the Gordon family was
feeling a little apprehensive just minutes before the Gorbro Holsteins Special Invitational Sale at Cohuna. Held in November, this was the first time the family — parents Janette and Ross and brothers Glen and Drew — had held an on-farm sale of their elite genetics, some of which have six generations of Excellent behind them. In the words of Glen Gordon, the sale could have “gone either way”. In September, he told Dairy News: “Quite often in Australia you have to go to a complete herd dispersal sale to buy someone’s very best. We decided it was time to put some of our finest under the hammer to give others the opportunity to continue to develop what we consider are some of our premium cow families.” Fortunately for the family, the sale exceeded all expectations, with the Gorbro cattle averaging $8100 across the 39 lots. The sale average across 53 lots was $7875 with a 100 per cent clearance. “We are absolutely stoked and the results have just blown us away. It goes to show that quality still sells, even in difficult circumstances,” Mr Gordon said. “The first four lots grossed $60 000 so that did make it a little easier to part with the cows but we really did sell some of the best genetics
in our herd, which is never an easy thing to do.” Top-priced animal was Lot 19, Gorbro Atwood Shimmer, owned by Gorbro Holsteins and Ben and Wally McInnes. The three-year-old was repurchased by Ben and Wally McInnes in a partnership with Brodie McGillvray from Cohuna for $25 250. Mr McGillivray said not much would be changing for Shimmer as she would continue to be looked after by the Gorbro team. “We are looking forward to seeing where the future takes us and of course we are hoping to get some good heifer calves on the ground to continue this great cow family,” he said. Steve and Deanne Hore from Elmar Holsteins at Leitchville sold their three-month-old Elmar Solomon Jessica-ET to Gorbro Holsteins for $18 600. This was the first time a Jessica cow has been sold in 13 years. Mr Hore said he was happy with the result. “It’s a lot of money to pay for a three-monthold heifer, but we were expecting a price somewhere around that figure,” he said. “The Gordon boys grew up helping us show her grandmother years ago, so it was fitting she has ended up with them and we couldn’t be happier because we know she will be well looked after.” Mr Hore said the sale was very well presented and went off without a hitch.
“It was a strong sale and it has created a bit of a buzz in the industry. There are few options out there now for people selling cattle moving forward and I think it has been a great thing for the industry.” Lawrie Flanagan from Flanagan Marketing Services said he was proud to be involved in the sale of such a quality line-up of cattle. “It was an amazing day and we are thankful to have been given the opportunity to run the sale; it certainly exceeded our expectations,” Mr Flanagan said. Happy purchasers Brodie McGillivray (left) with Wally and Ben McInnes and top-priced Gorbro Atwood Shimmer.
Drew Gordon was happy with the results of the sale. He is pictured with his son Darcy.
Top-priced lot Gorbro Atwood Shimmer sold for $25,250.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
18 // MURRAY REGION
Herd data is just a swipe away IN THE space of nine months, Heather Campbell
has gone from working for Genetics Australia to working on a dairy farm to becoming a partner with other members of her family in a recently purchased dairy farm at Cohuna. This busy time has been made a little easier as a result of good farm records and easy access to herd data using DataGene’s HerdData app. Ms Campbell started working for Stephen and Margot Henty at Cohuna in October last year and has been involved in milking and, more recently, in calf recording for the Hentys’ 160-cow herd. The family partnership — made up of Heather and her partner Chris, her brother Robert Campbell and his partner Joanne, and their mother Janet — purchased the neighbouring dairy farm this year and are now milking their own herd of 220 cows. The HerdData app is used in both the family’s and the Hentys’ herds as a way of allowing easy access to cow records and to streamline recording information such as animal health treatments and calving records. “I originally spotted an advertisement for the app in The Weekly Times and decided we should give it a go as a way of simplifying manging and accessing herd records,” Ms Campbell said. “The HerdData app is synchronised to the Mistro programs managing the records for both herds, allowing the most up-to-date records to be recorded and updated on the phone app.
“We’ve been very busy as a family in a very short time and using the HerdData app on a phone has made keeping track of herd information so easy. “I have a copy of the app on my phone and Robert and Joanne have copies as well. It means we all have access to the most up-to-date herd records with us all the time on our phones. As Joanne says, we are all on the same page with HerdData.” Ms Campbell and her family can also record events and treatments on their phones as they happen during the day and then synchronise the data with the home computer. “In the past I would have had to print off a paper copy of various records on the home computer then take the paper copy with me to the dairy or out in the paddock, then enter data on the home computer at the end of the day,” Ms Campbell said. “I don’t need paper lists anymore because I can access all the data I need on my phone on the spot. “We jumped in the deep end with a new herd but have been able to use the previous owner’s Mistro records and then link them to the phone app — it’s been extremely handy.” Ms Campbell has been able to upload a calving list on her phone and then use the sort function to arrange the list by the cows’ due-to-calve date. This has made it easier when drafting off
cows into groups for lead feeding or identifying cows that are overdue. Calving information has also been recorded on the phone then synchronised back to the home computer. “We had a lot of cows calving in a very short time frame — there were a lot of records we needed to check and data we needed to record. Being able to access information and record it on the HerdData app made things easier,” Ms Campbell said. The HerdData app is used to record and access animal health treatments such as dry cow treatments, vaccinations, drenches and one-off veterinary treatments for individual sick cows for both herds. The app generates a list of cows that are in withholding periods and can also list an individual cow’s treatment history. The ability to access the most recent herd test reports on the phone app also helped when making decisions on which cows to cull. Ms Campbell said the app operated well in areas where phone coverage was variable. “The phone coverage on our farm is marginal but we can still use the HerdData app to input data and access the information stored on the phone,” she said. “You need phone coverage to synchronise the data on the phone with the data on the home computer, but once the data is updated on the
DataGene’s HerdData app has given Heather Campbell and her family easy access to herd records.
phone then you can access it even if you don’t have phone reception.” The HerdData app was developed by DataGene, an initiative of Dairy Australia and the Australian herd recording sector, with the assistance of participating herd testing centres. The app is suitable for Android phones and Apple tablets or phones, and can be downloaded from IOS AppStore or GooglePlay. The annual subscription is $99 a year which includes data synchronisation and upgrades.
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The dairy industry needs to place greater emphasis on attracting young people to secure its future, a panel told this year’s Murray Dairy Business Forum. Speaking in Shepparton on November 19, Australian Farm Institute executive director Mick Keogh, Ag Consulting co-director Jeanette Long, Achieve Ag Solutions consultant Nathan Scott and Will Ryan, a dairy farm manager from Gippsland, discussed several issues about attracting young talent to the industry, including working hours, the desire of people to live in the city and stability. Mr Keogh said the industry was hung up on making management and ownership the same thing and paths to enter the industry needed to be more diverse than through family connections or marriage. He called for more mechanisms to better manage risk and allow young people with low capital to enter the industry. Yet Mr Scott said a key part of attracting more young people was
reassessing how the dairy industry presented itself. “People don’t need a job with you anymore; you need to sell yourself to them. And maybe it is allowing them to scratch that itch and go down to Melbourne and have fun because you’ve set up that system that allows them to work five days a week and they can duck down to Melbourne for the weekend,” he said. “I think the days of tying someone to a farm and expecting them to stay there seven days a week are over. It’s very different if you own the farm, you’re willing to do it, but they haven’t got any skin in the game. So why the hell are they going to bust themselves any more than they absolutely need to?” Mr Scott also urged the dairy industry not to become complacent and rest on their history. “Being proud of your tradition is just a reason to not make progress,” he said. “I’m the start of Gen Y and it’s called that for a reason, because that’s what we ask — why do we do it this way.” Ms Long said the roles young people were currently being educated for were largely yet to be created and many individuals would now be looking outside the dairy industry to gain the relevant skills as technology and careers The final panel at the 2017 Murray Dairy Business Forum fochange. cused on bringing young people into the dairy industry.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
MURRAY REGION // 19
Taking the next step Diary dates MURRAY DAIRY is hosting two workshops
that will allow farmers to explore the next steps of farm transition or family succession. These workshops are aimed at farm owners considering reducing their level of active farm involvement or those that want to step-up into a farm business. Both sessions will be facilitated by Chris Hibburt, a dairy consultant with The Vet Group. “Dairy farming is in one’s blood, but it’s inevitable that one day that has to stop. If farmers have a ‘game plan’ then it can be on their terms,” Mr Hibburt said. Mr Hibburt works predominantly in southwest Victoria and has a passion for people, as evidenced by his involvement with The People in Dairy Program since its inception. He is a co-owner of a corporate dairy and sees people as integral to dairy business success. He strives to assist farm owners to bring others along in a business, so that it provides great scope to grow, to have flexibility in involvement and to ultimately transition through. “These one-day sessions help participants identify strategies to achieve their succession and retirement vision whilst building their plans for the transfer of farm business management and ownership using suitable business structures,” he said. “There is no such thing as planning too early for farm transition. I would encourage all farmers, whether they are at the start of their career or
towards the end, to attend one of these workshops to better understand what options they have.” The workshops are free and open for anyone to attend. They will be held on: ■ •Tuesday, December 28 at Tangambalanga Lion’s Den, from 10.30 am to 3 pm. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. ■ •Wednesday, December 29 at Cobram Hotel, from 10.30 am to 3 pm. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. For more information or to register to attend one of the workshops, phone Murray Dairy on 5833 5312.
December Farm Transition Workshop
Whorouly Focus Farm Open Day
Wednesday, December 13 Whorouly Murray Dairy
Farm Transition Workshop DHS Mobile Service
Wednesday, December 13 Tatura DHS Mobile Service
Wednesday, December 14 Kyabram Cups On Cups Off
Thursday and Friday, December 14 and 15 Murray Dairy
Chris Hibburt, from The Vet Group, will facilitate workshops run by Murray Dairy on farm transition.
Tuesday, December 28 Tangambalanga Murray Dairy
Tuesday, December 29 Cobram Murray Dairy
January International Dairy Week (IDW)
Sunday, January 21 to Thursday, January 25 Tatura Murray Dairy
Event dates and venues will be advertised via Murray Dairy website, local media and the fortnightly eNews. For information on the events above please contact Murray Dairy on:(03) 5833 5312, admin@murraydairy.com.au or visit www.murraydairy.com.au
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