AUGUST, 2022 ISSUE 142 GIPPSLAND REGION 32902DNEWS0808 ALL THINGS RURAL ...That’s what we do better!TM For store locations and opening hours go to agwarehouse.com.au Fuel available at these stores.CohunaCobramColac EskdaleDumbalkCorryong FosterFinleyHeywood KoroitKiewaKorumburra NumurkahMaffraLeongatha SimpsonRochesterOrbost Swan WarragulWangarattaHill WonthaggiYarram Pour-OnCydectin Drench BONUS Gun Pack - 17L •808084Broad spectrum control of internal and external parasites • Nil meat & milk withholding periods and ESI for cattle. HOT PRICEUltravac 7 in 1 - 250ml •808220Provides unique protection by preventing the shedding of leptospires and the associated productivity losses • Prevents contaminating the environment & placing unvaccinated cattle and people at risk. Agroland 7 - 750mm x 1500m •resistancepuncture•resistanthigh•8000137Layer,UV,dustExtremeShort,tighttails. Maximus Hybrid Maize 100 CRM • Reliable strong silage • Versatile and dependable high ME • Excellent cold tolerance and maturity. Find all the products to fityour Crucialsystemgrazing-20L •824062Australia’s most reliable, compatible and widely registered herbicide • Triple salt, triple surfactant, 600 load • No additional surfactant required • Excellent efficacy and fast brownout • Also in 110L & 1000L packs. EnergiserSolarS150 •420618Powers up to 2km of fence • 0.15 J max. output energy (0.21 J stored). DAIRY INDUSTRY STARS AT EXPO The Strzelecki Lions Club’s South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo will be held at Korumburra on Wednesday, September 7 and Thursday, September 8. As well exhibits, kids’ activities and talks, popular events such as the Gumboot Gift will provide plenty of entertainment. More: INSIDE
FILL UP AND FUEL UP AT PETROLEUMEVANS COME AND SAY G’DAY, SEE YOU AT THEDAIRYGIPPSLANDEXPO!
Keep your eye on the prize
Manufacturing & supply of qualityproductsconcrete Statewide Concrete Products manufacture and supply quality concrete products to the rural and building industry. From the smallest concrete pavers, to large 21,500 litre water tanks, we not only pride ourselves on the quality of our products, but also the quality of our concrete. At Evans Petroleum, you can ll up your car and fuel up your appetite with a quick bite on the go. We have everything you need to keep Evansmoving.Petroleum are also your local bulk fuel distributor so whether you're in town or on the farm, Evans BP have been keeping Gippslanders moving for over 50 years.
LEON GATHA O RD ER YOUR NEXT FILL ON LI NE PHONE:EVANSPETROLEUM.COM.AU 5662 2217 22 Hughes Street Leongatha VIC, 3953 IN SOME occupations, ‘hump day’ happens on a weekly basis. For our farm, ‘hump day’ happens just once a year on June 21. As the dark comes earlier, the air gets cold and damp, and the kids struggle to get out of bed in time for the school bus, we celebrate the passing of the winter solstice. Not long now until the warmth of the sun returns, and we reach the ‘magic spring day’ when grass growth exceeds consumption.Weareaspring-calving farm, so there’s a few boulders just over the top of the hump — drying off cows, vaccinating and teat-sealing heifers. This year, there’s a new dairy to commission. Big jobs where it’s all hands on deck, but I’m pleased to say we’re on the downhill now. Cows and people are learning the ropes of the new shed, the biggest jobs are done, and as I write we have managed a much-needed week off with the kids. We will all start the season with a recordbreaking milk price. Despite the record-breaking input costs that have come with it, I believe there is opportunity to be rewarded for our hard work. It’s an important year to be on top of the budgets, understand cost of production and build good relationships with suppliers andThereadvisers.are a few key words that I have been pondering lately that are often seen in our industry strategies, plans and reports. All start with the letter P: Profitability, Productivity and Prosperity.Profitability is without doubt the essential foundation of a successful business and a successful industry. Put simply, profit is what is left of your income after costs are paid. Let’s call it ‘MakingProductivityMoney’.is one that is sometimes confused with increased production. Productivity is actually a measure of efficiency. We could call this one ‘Doing More With Less’. If I milk the same number of cows, use the same amount of inputs and get more milk than I used to because the cows have better genetics, this is an increase in productivity. One of the great historical gains in dairy productivity came from the introduction of rotational grazing, which allowed more grass to be grown from the same land area. An increase in productivity can also occur when the same outputs are achieved from lesser inputs, such as installing a variable speed drive on a motor or introducing technology that improves labour efficiency. In its simplest form, Prosperity can be called ‘Doing Well’. I like to think it’s about having enough. Enough profit. Enough happiness. Enough holidays. Enough challenges. Enough recognition. Everyone’s definition of prosperity will be different, so the challenge is to find the sweet spot for yourself, your family and your farm. The first goal in GippsDairy’s strategic plan is to “enable prosperous and resilient dairy businesses” — and they are deliberately chosen words.‘Enable’, because our role is to empower you to run your business to the best of your ability. ‘Prosperous’, because it’s not only about profit, but also the social and environmental factors, too. ‘Resilient’, because the ability to bounce back from adversity is essential in today’s world.It’s as important now as ever to keep learning and engage with your peers as we navigate through these uncertain times. We look forward to welcoming you at a GippsDairy event or discussion group soon and are always looking to hear your ideas for what we can deliver to assist your business. As we begin the new season, may you ‘Make Money’, ‘Do More With Less’ and, most importantly of all, ‘Do Well’. Find out more about GippsDairy at: www.gippsdairy.com.au
Lauren GippsDairyFingerchair
Chair’s message
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2022 2 // GIPPSLAND REGION We provide range of rural products: • Stock Troughs • Cattle Ramps • Cattle Grids • Precast water tanks up to 21,500 litre • Storm water pits • Raised garden beds / wicking beds • Float valves and oat valve covers Since 1985 Phone: (03) 5979 3349 Email: info@statewideconcreteproducts.com.au Address: 22 Kanowna Street, Hastings, 3915 Website: www.statewideconcreteproducts.com.au
PIO22014-036
Pioneer® brand seeds are produced and distributed in Australia by GenTech Seeds a Yates Family Business Fast, stable, quality silage.
THE STRZELECKI Lions Club’s South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo will be held at Korumburra on Wednesday, September 7 and Thursday, September 8. This year, the expo will celebrate more than 21 years of providing the local dairying community with an event showcasing the latest innovations, products and services available to the dairy industry. There will be the chance to win $5000 in the Udder Truth show bag competition, which is sponsored by South East Organic Fertiliser. The rules are simple — collect a show bag at the gate, answer 17 of the 20 questions and request your card to be stamped by the corresponding exhibitor. The first card drawn with 17 correct answers, with the exhibitor stamps, will win $3000 (first prize). Second prize is $1500 and third prize is $500.Participants must be farmers and over 18 years of age. The prize winners will be announced at 2.30 pm on Thursday, September 8. There will be 200 show bags available during the event’s two days. Participating companies include: GippsDairy, Farm Mapping Services, Jantec Systems, Notman Pasture Seeds, Boehringer Ingelheim, Nutrien Harcourts, Pioneer Seeds, Easy Dairy Automation Systems, Rural Financial Counselling Service Gippsland, Reid Stockfeeds, Victorian
Dairy industry stars at expo Hoofcare Services, Lely Center Gippsland, Need for Feed, MaxCare, Elders Insurance, HiTech, ProDairy, Ridley, Zoetis and Burra Foods. Funds raised from the dairy expo have helped the Strzelecki Lions Club distribute more than $600,000 back into the community and Lions projects.Planning for the expo starts in January each year, and the committee meets monthly until the last week before the event to ensure all the plans are in Organisersplace.acknowledge the event’s new major sponsor, Westpac, and celebrate the long-term platinum partnership with Reid Stockfeeds.Theyalso acknowledge the support of their gold sponsors: Easy Dairy Automation System, Ross Chapman Cartage & Earthmoving Contractors, ProDairy, Entegra, GippsDairy, Burra Foods, Rabobank, ProviCo Rural, Ridley, Farm Mapping Services, Evans Petroleum, Nutrien Harcourts, Saputo Dairy Australia, GEA Farm Technologies Australia and Metalform Ag. Talking points Matt Harms from OnFarm is hosting a session called ‘Are you seen as an employer of Formula One standard?’ Matt is back by popular demand on Wednesday, September 7 at 11 am. Many people know the formula for what makes a great employee; this is an opportunity to come along to learn the formula to make you an employer of choice.
For high quality silage, use Pioneer® brand inoculants 11G22, 1127 & 1174 and feed your silage out in just seven days. Match the right hybrid seed with Pioneer® brand inoculant products to provide improved fermentation & fibre digestibility, increased drymatter recovery & animal performance and reduced heating (aerobic spoilage). See our team at the Dairy Expo (Site No. 14) to discuss the silage solution that best suits your program.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2022 GIPPSLAND REGION // 3
That’s why you use Pioneer® inoculant.
Panel members include: Andrew Perry, dairy farmer, Kongwak; Jasmine Kneebone, farm employee, Denison; Lachlan Harms, farm manager, Leongatha; Tamara Loughridge, farm employee, Poowong North; and Matt Taylor, farm employee, Kongwak.
These young people will share their ideas on what makes a great employer and what they seek from a career in the dairy industry — Is your farm up to speed? Where do you sit on the starting grid, and how do you make you and your farm business stand out from the crowd? South Gippsland Shire Council is the sponsor of this session. What’s on? Keynote presentation: On Thursday, September 8 at 11 am, Nathan Burke will speak — a former champion with St Kilda Football Club and current coach of the AFL Women’s Western Bulldogs team. He will share his experiences about ‘Achieving your goals and relying on other people to deliver’. Reid Stockfeeds and the National Australia Bank are sponsoring this session. Airy Fairy Fun & Faces: Bring the kids along and share an opportunity to bring colour and fun to their faces. The Gumboot Gift: On Thursday, September 8 at 1 pm, the prestigious 120-metre gumboot footrace will take place. It is a mustsee and do event, with male and female sections and a prize pool of $4000. The event is sponsored by: Countrywide Clothing, Jeff eris Livestock Transport, Farm Depot Warragul, Korumburra Plumbers & Pumps, Walker Electrical, Lardner Cattle Scales, Levey Engineering, Ag-Crete Industries, Nacas Truck N’Ag, J.J’s Waste & Recycling, Nutrien Ag Solutions — South Gippsland Livestock, Devin Hance — Agricultural Engineering, Carringtons Loch, Lectaire Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning, Fisher’s Timber & Hardware, South Gippsland Hire, Manks Contracting and Furness Livestock. South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo opening hours are 10 am to 3.30 pm daily, and the cost is $15 (free admission for under 16s). For more information, phone Deanne Kennedy on 0419 878 055 or email dairyexpo@jaydee.net.au The South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo returns in September.
Jason Scott Silage Specialist & Territory Sales Manager South Coast NSW & Gippsland/South Western Victoria Tim Lovell Territory Sales Manager Eastern Victoria
In Australia, Pioneer® brand products are produced and distributed exclusively by GenTech Seeds Pty Ltd. Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase, which are part of the labelling and purchase documents. ®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Corteva AgroSciences or Pioneer, and their a liated companies or their respective owners. © 2022 GenTech Seeds Pty Ltd. No part of this publication can be reproduced without prior written consent from GenTech Seeds Pty Ltd. 1800 pioneerseeds.com.auPIONEER
Proof is in the pudding
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2022 4 // GIPPSLAND REGION
REDEI Renewable Energy Solutions, in collaboration with SEAM are offering you our patented SWER technology with our Energy as a Service (EaaS) model. The REDEI system, which is manufactured and assembled locally, is designed to be deployed on your property so you can grow your business with no upfront capital investment and a simple monthly payment plan. Able to integrate with solar, wind or generators and can be a totally off-grid or hybrid.
Over this time, I have met thousands of farmers and one of the biggest roadblocks to regenerative farming is training, lack of knowledge and confidence in regenerative farming practices.In2021, I had a dairy farmer send me a picture of his pasture in Gippsland, Victoria, stating “where have you been all my life” two years into adopting regenerative farming through the use of biology, while reducing chemical fertiliser use across his whole farm. He reduced his fertilisers by more than 50 per cent and had a significant improvement in his feed test results while growing far more consistent pastures throughout the year.
The more you damage your soils and microbes, the more you need to provide the minerals, at your expense, for your crops that were previously mined from your soils by microorganisms.Replacingthese microorganisms, feeding them and repairing your soils will reduce your expenses, improve your crops, improve animal health and contribute to climate and environmental repair.
If you’re interested in applying for our Energy as a Service pilot with potential assistance from government funding, visit us at the REDEI stand at the Korumburra Dairy Show or call Daniel today for a free site assessment on 0408 311 702 Reduce your electricity costs, increase energy resilience, gain greater power stability and availability, whilst improving the sustainability of your property.
WWW.VIKINGGENETICS.COM.AU (02) 6024 5972 INFO@VIKINGGENETICS.COM
During the past 14 years, I have been involved in regenerating farms across Australia and the United States, using biological methods.
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Find us at the South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo on the 7th & 8th of September and mention this promo to place your order and claim your free semen! Conditions apply, talk to your VikingGenetics representatives at the field day, or call us in advance for further information.
Does your Dairy Farm suffer from power supply problems?
SINCE THE late 1940s, farmers have used industrialised farming methods to grow crops and pastures worldwide, in particular, using chemicals and synthetic fertilisers to maximise cropThisyields.has led to degraded soils, poor cropping outcomes, increased inputs and expenses and environmental damage while reducing soil fertility.Adopting regenerative farming practices — particularly ones that increase and add biology, reduce chemical fertiliser inputs and build soil structure — can reverse these problems.Farmers and agronomists alike have long held the school of thought that if you fertilise, replace minerals season to season and have adequate water and sunlight, you are most of the way to a successful crop. And for many decades, this was the Duringcase.the past 40 years, since The Rodale Institute first started using the term ‘regenerative farming’, along with significant advancements in soil science and agri-products, we have discovered the missing links have been soil structure, organic matter and, most importantly, soilOverusebiology.of chemical fertilisers over decades has seen reductions in productivity and increases in fertiliser use just to maintain crop yields. This is due to the destruction of soil microbes and soil health. Adopting regenerative farming practices can improve soil fertility.
For more information, drop by the Greenmate site at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo.
REDEI has the solution!
Peter Briscoe, Greenmate Agriculture
Fertiliser costs getting you down? Farm production not where it needs to be? yourspecialistsdairyGreenmateareyourpastureandcanimproveproduction,reducecostsandimprovepastureperformance! Greenmate Agriculture Can: • Increase pasture quality with more energy, protein, starch and reduced NDF. • Drive soil performance using the latest cutting edge biological and soil improvement program. • Reduce synthetic fertiliser use. • Improve animal health & performance leading to increased milk solids. • Locally manufactured products from our Soilmate® range. Don’t waste another $$ on synthetic inputs until you talk to your Greenmate specialist - Arrange a site visit today! Come see us at the Korrumburra Dairy Expo on September 7th - 8th. Site 27 740 Cranbourne-Frankston Rd Cranbourne South, VIC, 3977 www.greenmate.com.au0477peter@greenmate.com.au477005 0415rob@greenmate.com.au053730
ROGER HAZELL Roger grew up on a UK dairy and beef farm before completing a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture. He brings an international perspective and unique skills to the Gippsland team, with agricultural and veterinary industry experience across the UK, New Zealand and Australia.
Tristan enjoys building strong working relationships with our Gippsland farmers focusing on improving nutrition and production.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2022 6 // GIPPSLAND REGION
TRISTAN FRANCIS
To hear how REDEIs system has helped solve local dairy farmer Tim Jelbart’s SWER power supply problem, watch his interview by visiting www.redei.io If you’re interested in applying for REDEI/ SEAM’s Energy as a Service pilot with potential assistance from government funding, visit the REDEI stand at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo or call Daniel for a free site assessment on 0408 311 702.
To get in touch with your local Ridley rep, give the Gippsland Team a call on 1300 531 833. OWNED and operated, REDEI Renewable Energy Solutions, is providing dairy farmers in Gippsland and across the state with a solution to their power supply problems. The solution is their patented single earth wire return (SWER) renewable energy systems.REDEI manufactures its own safe, compact, reliable, long-life batteries, which are the core of these systems. REDEI, in collaboration with social enterprise entity SEAM, now provides farmers (both on SWER lines or other power generation options) an opportunity to gain energy resilience, reliability and even increased power availability. All this without the farmer tying up their capital in power infrastructure. REDEI is offering its energy storage systems with its Energy as a Service (EaaS) model, with no upfront capital investment and a simple monthly payment plan (typically over a 10-year period).REDEI’s custom built systems are designed, manufactured, tested installed, then monitored and maintained throughout the life of theThesystem.EaaS model also aims to support the community’s transformation to a sustainable and lucrative low-carbon economy.
CAROLINE BROWN Caroline brings extensive expertise in ruminant nutrition to the team, with over 16 years at Ridley on top of an Agricultural Science degree from Melbourne University.
Caroline and her family also manage a dairy farm in South Gippsland, bringing an abundance of practical experience.
LUKE WIEBENGA Luke has a keen business sense and an active interest in increasing the efficiency and profitability of Luke'sfarms.akeen horse rider, motorbike rider and shooter. ANDRE NEL Andre has over 30 years' experience providing technical nutrition support to dairy, beef and sheep farmers, both locally and internationally. This wealth of knowledge is supported by the practical know-how he's gained managing his own farm in northern Victoria. GIPPSLANDPARTNERLOCALIN
REDEI has helped dairy farmer Tim Jelbart gain greater on-demand energy capacity for his property. Redei’s Avantess Grande energy storage system at Loughridge dairy farm.
Solving power supply problems
Ridley have been your animal nutrition partner in Gippsland since 1987. Year-in and year-out, we've been on-farm with local dairy and beef farmers, from Pakenham to Orbost. We're not just nutrition specialists - we're locals too. We understand farming in Gippsland and we're committed to helping you boost productivity and profitability, supported by a team of the best technical experts in the business. For the best nutrition for your animals, trust your farm to the team that's been supporting Gippsland farmers for over 30 years.
Tristan is also a keen coach and mentor with Wonthaggi Power in the Gippsland League.
YOUR
RID23969 AUSTRALIAN
CHLOE CAMPBELL Chloe has a varied vocational background including customer service and science based roles, with a keen interest in seeing best health outcomes on farm. She and her family live locally, raising a collection of animals on a small acreage.
■ Trafalgar Holden Museum: To increase organisational capacity and community safety with the replacement of dilapidated chairs at the Trafalgar Holden Museum ($5000).
■ Port Albert Maritime Museum: To enhance tourism experience at the Port Albert Maritime Museum with audio installations to increase inclusivity and access ($5000).
The Gippsland dairy region funded projects were:
■ Upper Maffra Mechanics Institute: To reduce the digital divide for the Newry community with the provision of enhanced internet infrastructure at the Newry Hall ($3000).
NOW ONLY
TRAINING PROGRAMS, infrastructure upgrades and improved digital access were among the projects funded in the Gippsland dairy region through the Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grants Program. The program is delivered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and has been running for 20 years.
■ Manna Gum Community House: To improve the facilities of Manna Gum house in Foster, with an electric barbecue for community gatherings ($5000).
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2022 GIPPSLAND REGION // 7
■ Toora Primary School: To increase access to all-weather facilities for the Toora Primary School and surrounding community ($5000).
■ Venus Bay Tarwin Lower and District Men’s Shed: To support volunteers through the purchase of a dishwasher for the Venus Bay Tarwin Lower and District Men’s Shed ($5000).
■ Camp Cooinda: To build organisational capacity by training and upskilling volunteers to run camp activities ($3000).
■ Welshpool and District Primary School: To develop lifelong educational opportunities for girls at Welshpool and District Primary School through the delivery of the IncrediGirls program focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities across the community ($5000). Gardiner Dairy Foundation chief executive Allan Cameron said he was delighted to continue supporting dairying communities. “These grants will help local organisations in many small towns to thrive with initiatives that range from COVID recovery and disaster preparedness, to improved digital capabilities and facility upgrades,” he said. “The grants help to ensure the viability of theseFRRRorganisations.”chiefexecutive officer Natalie Egleton said there was strong demand for this kind of support.“Halfof the projects receiving funding are geared towards building organisational capacity or improving access to the internet or digital technologies,” she said. “This is a reflection of how the last couple of years have impacted remote, rural, and regional community groups and a great reminder of why it’s important to engage in conversations with the locals on the ground and find out how we can adapt our approach to better serve the needs of theirCommunitycommunities.”groups were presented with their funds at a series of ceremonies held during June and July.
Grants boost communities
■ The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation: To enhance literacy outcomes for Indigenous primary school children with a dedicated tutoring program at Bairnsdale ($5000).
■ Neerim District Soldiers Memorial Hospital: To improve the disaster preparedness of Neerim Soldiers Hospital with a satellite phone to maintain communications in an emergency ($3050).
Some of the 2022 Gippsland region Gardiner grant beneficiaries, past grant beneficiaries and leadership fellows of Gardiner scholarship programs.
Collect a showbag at the gate for your chance to win some cash! THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING EXHIBITORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THIS INITIATIVE: •Farm•GippsDairyMappingServices•JantecSystems•NotmanPastureSeeds•BoehringerIngelheim•NutrienHarcourts •Easy DairySystemsAutomation •Rural Financial Counselling Service •Reid•PioneerGippslandSeedsStockfeeds •Victorian Hoofcare Services •Lely Center Gippsland •Need for •Elders•MaxCareFeedInsurance •Burra•ProDairy•HiTech•Ridley•ZoetisFoods POOLPRIZE $5,000CASH!SHOWBAG The Udder Truth! 120 GuFootmetreRaceWearingmboots $4,000 PRIZE POOL Gumboot GiftSouthGippsland Dairy & Farming Expo Male &SectionsFemale Thursday 8th September at 1pm PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: •Lardner Cattle Scales •Korumburra Plumbers & Pumps •Jefferis Livestock Transport Pty Ltd •Walker •CountrywideElectricalClothing•LeveyEngineering•FarmDepot•Ag-CreteIndustries•NacasTruckN’Ag •Devin •Nutrien•CarringtonsHanceLochAgSolutions-SouthGippslandLivestock•JJ’sWaste&Recyling•Fisher’sTimber&Hardware•LectaireAutoElectrics&AirConditioning•SouthGippslandHire•ManksContracting•FurnessLivestock Plenty of colour and fun to keep the kids •Balloon•Faceentertained!PaintingAnimals PROUDLY SPONSORED BY OSUTHGIPPSLAND Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th September 2022 • 10am - 3pm Korumburra Showgrounds Cnr South Gippsland Highway & Charles Streets, Korumburra Thank you to Westpac, the Major Sponsor of the South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo, for supporting the dairy industry and local community. South Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo A project of the Lions Club of Strzelecki Deanne Kennedy Project Secretary Address: PO Box 18, LOCH VIC 3945 Mobile: 0419 878 055 Email: dairyexpo@jaydee.net.au Website: www.dairyexpo.org.au SPONSORSSILVER Sout h G ip ps la nd Shire Council GOLD SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSOR MAJOR SPONSOR 11 am Thursday 8th September ongoalsAchievingLEGAFLBurkeNathanENDyourandrelyingotherpeopleto deliveron other people to deliverEveryoneWelcomeAllyouneedtodoisattendtheDairy&FarmingExpo PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Sout h G ip ps la n d Shi re Cou ncilPROUDLY SPONSORED BY “We know the formula to what makes a ideaspeopleLetchoice.employermakesformulatobutemployee,greatcomealonglearnthethatyouanoftheseyoungsharetheironwhatmakes a great employer and what they seek from a career in the dairy industry. How do you make you and your farm business stand out from the crowd?” Shiona Berry, farm owner, Glen Alvie; Andrew Perry, dairy farmer, Kongwak; Jasmine Kneebone, farm employee, Denison; Lachlan Harms, farm manager, Leongatha; Tamara Loughridge, farm employee, Poowong North; Matt Taylor, farm employee, Kongwak. Whyis it so? Matt WednesdayONFARMHarmsCONSULTING7thSeptemberat11am Are you seen as an employer of Formula One standard? (passion x knowledge) + (motivation x attitude) = Great Employee
OSUTHGIPPSLAND Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th September 2022 • 10am - 3pm Korumburra Showgrounds Cnr South Gippsland Highway & Charles Streets, Korumburra •Your Gippsland Regional Development Program providing extension services •Visit our website at www.gippsdairy.com.au for more information •Australia’s largest dairy processor •High quality dairy products for domestic & international markets •The bank with the heart of a farmer Proud supporters of Gippsland’s thriving dairy industry •Your farm deserves Australia’s leading dairy automation systems proudly backed by the team who designs and builds it •20 Years of great products and exceptionalY service •Fuels, Lubricants & Ad Blue •Farm, industrial & retail •Locally owned and •www.evanspetroleum.com.auoperated •Premium milk replacer supplier using Australian ingredients •One-stop calf rearing shop and support service •Increase the herd milk production with an Entegra Shelter or Ridgeback™ barn • Site specific engineering to optimise the design performance •Milk Safely, Gently, Quickly and Completely with GEA •Take the Next Step with GEA •Partner with the local dairy company COMMITTED to Gippsland •Milk payment systems tailored to suit your farm’s production •ProDairy; we’ve got you covered •Designed for Dairy Farmers, Delivered by Dairy Vets •Suppliers of quality crushed rock, aggregates, sand, soil and road gravel •Civil and general earthworks •Servicing all •www.rosschapmancartage.com.auareas •Australia’s leading provider of animal nutrition • Providing balanced rations for optimum herd health and performance •The most versatile sprayer in the world •Apply all your fertiliser in one pass •Specialising in Rural, Lifestyle and Residential Property •Contact us to get a FREE property appraisal •Australian Family owned business •The professional approach to feeding since 1984 •A great farm map will save you time and money •Come and talk to us about how our farm maps and our cloud platform FarmHand, can increase efficiency, improve profitability and save you time!
“Longevity is what we want from our cows,” Anthea“We’resaid.continually trying to develop and improve our herd.
Trevor Saunders and Anthea Day with their heifers at Shady Creek. All heifers and cows on their farm are registered and genomically tested.
Classified EX90 and above include cows from Posh, Olive, Ebony, Adeline, Sarina, Madge, Marysue, Mittens, Jenni Wren, Molly, Goldie, Kasare, Maxina, Naomi, Gayle, Rockett and Flower families. Some of their heifer daughters this year are already classified EX88 andBullsabove.include Valentino, Tahbilk, Hatman, Navarian, Tbone, Marcin, JMO, Larfalot, Sega and Vanahlem lines.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2022 10 // GIPPSLAND REGION Continued on page 13 Founded over 35 years ago, Entegra is a shed manufacturer that invests signi cantly in research and development to enhance the capability for complex engineering tasks. 1300 296 entegra.com.au206 dairy housing for a profitablemore future Entegra is attending Dairy and Farming Expo request a free site visit to your farm, 7-8 september
There are seven EX94 classified cows and a large number of females classified EX90 and above in the milking herd.
Breeding for the long game
JEANETTE SEVERS FOR ANTHEA Day and Trevor Saunders, dairy farmers at Shady Creek, sire genetics are proving an admirable combination for their herd’s ownInbreeding.thepastfew months, they have seen some of their cows proven exceptionally, with EX94 classifications.Classification assesses the conformation or structure of cows and heifers. Anthea and Trevor register and genomically test all the cows in their Araluen Park Jerseys herd, located in the hills of West Gippsland. Their commitment has paid off. In December last year, at 10 years of age and recently calving her eighth calf, Araluen Park Vanahlem Posh was confirmed EX94 points. In April, Araluen Park Vanahlem Olive was classified EX94. And in May, Araluen Park Valentino Posh was also classified EX94. They join Araluen Park Sega Ebony, the couple’s first cow to be classified EX94, who twice has been sashed the Supreme Champion Cow in the Great Southern Challenge and, in 2018, named the Supreme Champion in the Great AustralianThereChallenge.areseven EX94 classified cows, and a large number of females classified EX90 and above, in the herd. The classifications above EX90 include daughters and sisters — Vanahlem Olive’s daughter Valentino Olive 2 is classified EX92 and nine-yearold Vanahlem Posh 2 (ET full sister to Vanahlem Posh) was classified EX93 in 2021. “Posh cows are consistently high classifiers and they’re throwing it through the cow family,” Anthea“Thesaid.Olive family has been with us for a long time and we have quite a few in the herd. “Araluen Park Vanahlem Olive is one of our favourite cows — she has a very placid nature but definitely knows her own mind.”
Anthea and Trevor prove the consistency in their herd because, of the cow families, there are many outstanding maternal lines.
• You do not need to be present at the Dairy & Farming Expo to win the prize money!
• Participants must be farmers and over 18 years of age to enter
• Registration information will be used for ‘competition purposes only’ and will be destroyed after the draw
RULES OF ENTRY
• There is no entry fee, participants will just need to turn up and collect a show bag at the gate.
• Arrive at the checkpoint in front of the amenities complex to receive their race number at 12.30 pm sharp
• Complete the race registration form prior to racing either online or at the racing checkpoint on the day. Registration forms can be found at www.dairyexpo.org.au
Participants must:
• The prize will be drawn at 2.30 pm on Thursday 8th September 2022
• Place completed cards in the designated ‘entry box’ which can be found at any of the Dairy & Farming Expo gates
• Be over 18 years of age to enter the race. RULES OF ENTRY
• Provide and wear standard knee length gumboots with no modifications
• Answer 17 out of the 20 questions and request your card to be stamped to go in the draw for the $5,000 cash prize pool
• Provide their age upon registration; handicaps will apply
Collect a showbag at the gate for your chance to win some cash! PRIZEPOOL $5,000CASH! 120m Foot Race Wearing Gumboots $4,000 PRIZE POOL Gumboot GiftSouth Gippsland Dairy & Farming Expo PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: • Lardner Cattle Scales • Korumburra Plumbers & Pumps • Jefferis •TransportLivestockPtyLtdWalkerElectrical • Countrywide Clothing • Levey Engineering • Farm Depot • Ag-Crete Industries • Nacas Truck N’Ag • Devin Hance • Carringtons Loch • Nutrien Ag Solutions - SouthLivestockGippsland • JJ’s Waste & Recyling • Fisher’s Timber & Hardware • Lectaire Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning • South Gippsland Hire • Manks Contracting • Furness Livestock THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING EXHIBITORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THIS INITIATIVE: • GippsDairy • Farm Mapping Services • Jantec Systems • Notman Pasture Seeds • Boehringer Ingelheim • Nutrien Harcourts • Pioneer Seeds • Easy DairySystemsAutomation • Rural Financial Counselling Service Gippsland • Reid Stockfeeds • Victorian Hoofcare Services • Lely Center Gippsland • Need for Feed • MaxCare • Elders Insurance • HiTech • ••ProDairyRidleyZoetis • Burra Foods SHOWBAG UdderTheTruth! WHAT IS THE GUMBOOT GIFT? • The gumboot gift is a 120 metre foot race wearing gumboots that will be held on Thursday 8th September 2022 at 1 pm • The prize pool is $4,000 - Male & Female Categories • There is no entry fee, participants will just need to turn up with an ‘I can win’ attitude. WHAT IS THE UDDER TRUTH SHOW BAG? • The Udder Truth Show Bag is a competition where one lucky farmer can become significantly richer • First Prize $3,000, Second Prize $1,500, Third Prize $500
• The first three cards drawn with 17 correct answers and stamps from the corresponding companies will win $3,000, $1,500, $500 respectively
Male & Female Sections - Thursday 8th September at 1pm
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2022 GIPPSLAND REGION // 13 Continued from page 10
Trevor Saunders with Jersey heifers. Araluen Park Vanahlem Olive was classified EX94 in April. Trevor Saunders runs the stocking rate to optimise the amount of grass that is grown and grazed. They also conserve fodder every year, as wrapped round bales. The herd peaks at 650, and milking peaks at 1700 kg MS/ha.
“When we select our bulls, we look at the proven bulls and the phenotype of their progeny — good feet and legs, good udders, fat and protein production, and rib capacity in the“Thecows.cow needs rib capacity to eat a lot of grass and therefore produce a lot of milk.”
Their number one focus of breeding is to sell milk. To do that, they choose cow families with proven functionality and longevity. “Cows are a long time in our herd, so we like to breed what we want to see every day,” Anthea said. “We also like to have cows that are confident around people in our herd,” Trevor said. That confidence is built in the calf shed, where calves are handled a lot. Heifers are on a separate farm and are interacted with regularly, so maintain that confidence and quietness around people. It spreads across the farm, where laneways are well maintained on the hills and cows are moved quietly to and from the dairy. At milking time, they move confidently through the 44-bail rotaryAntheadairy.and Trevor are currently grazing 546 cows off 250 hectares of milking area, producing 1300 kg MS/ha. Trevor runs the stocking rate to optimise the amount of grass that is grown and grazed. They also conserve fodder every year, as wrapped round bales. The herd peaks at 650, and milking peaks at 1700 kg MS/ha. The Araluen Park milking herd is split-calving and completely AI. Heifers are joined at 14 to 15 months old, using sexed semen. An ownbred Jersey bull is used as a mop-up sire for theTheheifers.first round of artificial insemination with cows uses sexed semen, and they repeat that in the second round of AI for most of their cows. They also join 20 per cent of their milking cows to beef semen to meet a growing demand for dairy-beef calves. Daughters in the Araluen Park herd are also being classified at EX88 and above.
With a herd that’s registered, tested and genomically classified, Anthea and Trevor apply the same rigorous scrutiny to choosing sires. “We look for bulls that complement each other and what we already have in the herd,” Anthea“Forsaid.example, Geronimo complements Montana bloodlines and others we choose. We use big batches of a particular bull and we’ll use him over “We’veyears.always been really conscious of the risk of mistakes, and how long it takes to breed mistakes out of your herd.”
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2022 14 // GIPPSLAND REGION Contact our regional team Visit dairyaustralia.com.au/ofop Call 1800 548 073 Got your game plan yet? Set your farming and personal goals with Our Farm, Our Plan 4141.17 OFOP P2 - Gipps A4 landscape ad d1.indd 1 24/5/22 2:20 pm Whether you want to improve business performance, grow your herd, invest in new equipment, or just carve out a little more time for yourself, then Our Farm, Our Plan can help. This program is supported by Dairy Australia, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Gardiner Foundation. Not taking any more chances
JEANETTE SEVERS THE CALF shed blew down and the grid power system failed for several weeks when major storms hit south-east Victoria in the middle of lastButyear.Andrew Perry was still able to milk 280 cows, run the dairy shed and electric fences, keep the vat cold and the pumps and hot water serviceThat’sworking.because after a six-day period without grid power after storms in early 2017, the Poowong dairy farmer looked for a generator that would keep his business working. Installed in June 2017, the second-hand Caterpillar CRS6602 80KVA generator is wired in to keep the farm working, and is turned on monthly as part of normal activity. “The generator is so fuel efficient. It’s soundproof, which is great, and everyone finds it really easy to use and work in the dairy when it’s on,” Andrew“We’vesaid.labelled everything, so it’s user friendly and anyone can come in and use it. “It keeps everything working, from effluent pond pumps to the vat. “In the milking shed, it runs the dairy, vat and cooling system, and the hot water.
Outside, it keeps the effluent and water pumps operating. “It also takes workplace error out of the system.”Inthe past year, it’s also had to be relied on for five extra periods when the grid system was down“Inunexpectedly.mid-2021,the transformer box stopped working and we had two weeks with no power,” AndrewSincesaid.taking on ownership of the dairy farm in the past decade, Andrew has made some other improvements across the 100 ha of dryland, with a focus on worker and animal safety and welfare. The farm underwent an energy audit and Andrew changed electricity retailers, on the advice of an energy broker. “I gave the energy broker a call, and he monitors the farm’s energy use and compares rates with providers once a year,” Andrew said. “That first call resulted in a 30 per cent saving on our electricity costs. With that type of result, it’s worth what I’m paying him to keep an eye on things for us.” In 2018, Andrew installed a bank of solar panels to reduce grid energy use, and additional solar panels were installed this year. He now has two inverters and two battery solar system installed at the dairy, along with the Cat generator. In 2019, accessing a Victorian Government State Energy Grant that was specific to agriculture, he was able to upgrade the milk vat.
The OnFarm Energy Grants are provided on a co-contribution basis. Andrew replaced the 6600-litre milk vat — which required twice-daily pick-up — with a new 20,000-litre vat, which now means the milk gets collected every second day.
The undercover area involved extending the roofline of the shed to create an overall better working environment for animals and people, and making a larger room for the new milk vat. New blaster hoses were also installed to more efficiently and effectively clean the dairy and“Everythingyard. gets cleaned much more quickly,” Andrew said. A second silo was installed with the dairy shed“Fromextensions.theinstallation of the generator, to all the other improvements, my focus has been improving conditions and routine for the workers,” he said. “The better the conditions and more routine people have at work, the greater their job satisfaction.
The 18-swingover shed has recently been upgraded to a 30-swingover shed, with stainless steel feed bins, new concrete platforms, entry and exit lanes, and an undercover yard and crush installed. The feed bins are a two-feed system, so heifers receive lead feed in a second set of bins.
With solar and generator power to rely on, Andrew Perry now has two inverters and two battery solar systems installed at the dairy, along with the Caterpillar generator.
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With the shed upgraded, new blaster hoses were also installed to more e ciently and e ectively clean the dairy and yard.
The extended roofline on the shed has enabled an undercover animal health area to be set up, for the benefit of the cows and workers. The 18-swingover shed has recently been upgraded to a 30-swingover shed.
The feed bins are a two-feed system, so heifers receive lead feed in a second set of bins.
With the dairy shed extended, Andrew organised a second feed silo to be installed.
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“You also need to provide options so people have reliability about working in the shed and in having time off. “With power breakdowns, we were milking at midnight, and that’s not good for animal or people welfare. No-one wants to be milking cows at Alongmidnight.”withAndrew, staff include a full-time permanent worker, Matt Taylor, who is also his manager; a part-time permanent worker; two casual workers — one is a milker and the other milks cows and does tractor work; and a contract milker. Andrew, a veterinarian, milks in the morning and every second weekend. He also does regular off-farm consulting and training work, so a reliable workforce is necessary for his business. Mix in a young family and he recognises the importance of everyone having regular rosters and time off. “My 2IC is really good about communicating about jobs that need doing. He makes decisions when I’m away,” Andrew said. “I think everyone on the farm needs to know there’s a 2IC on the farm for workplace efficiency.”Thenext job on the list of efficiencies is to improve the effluent ponds, which is funded by a grant from Woolworths.
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The Woolworths Dairy Innovation Fund is available to dairy farmers to support new on-farm capital improvements or technology that will deliver innovation, efficiency, greater resilience of enhanced sustainability. “The effluent ponds need upgrading. We’re using the grant to install a weeping wall into a trench,” Andrew said. “A sump will pump to a tank, then to a turkey nest dam by gravity. From the turkey nest, a series of pipes connected to a hydrant pump will distribute the effluent via an irrigator.”Futureplans include installing a water tank to harvest off the dairy shed roof, and upgrading the calf shed. A new vat was installed, replacing the 6600litre milk vat — which required twice-daily pick-up — with a new 20,000-litre vat, which now means the milk gets collected every second day.
Everything is labelled and the generator is used monthly, to reduce worker error when it is needed in emergencies.
Andrew Perry purchased a second-hand Caterpillar CRS6602 80KVA generator to ensure power reliability for this farm business.
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