Dairy News Australia - October 2018 - With Gippsland Region

OCTOBER, 2018 ISSUE 96

GIPPSLAND REGION

Craig Stephens on his Lardner farm with his herd.

Attention to detail brings rewards again STEPHEN COOKE

KEEP A watchful eye and do everything well,

including the little things.

That’s Craig Stephens’ ‘secret’ to keeping his herd bulk milk cell count low.

His herd’s average BMCC of 77 000 has placed him in the best five per cent of Australian dairy farmers. He was rewarded with a silver award in the recently announced Countdown Milk Quality Awards — the third such award in the past three years.

Craig and wife Lisa have been sharefarming

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for Rob and Carol Tylee at Lardner for the past three years. The farm is 185ha, with out-blocks comprising a further 75 ha used for heifers and forage.

After managing farms, Mr Stephens wanted to take the next step and is in a 50:50 share arrangement. The couple bought the

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The split calving herd will be changed to calve in late autumn/winter.

predominantly British Friesian herd and currently milk 290 cows, with plans to raise this to 310.

“I cull pretty hard as it is but we culled a bit harder this year,” he said.

Continued page 7>

MASSARO MOTORS PH. (03) 5191 9369 Luke 0448 024 461 497 Princes Drive, Morwell VIC 3840

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

2 // GIPPSLAND REGION

Chairman’s message

Backing our future farmers

YOU MIGHT have noticed that a lot of dairy farmers have more salt than pepper in their hair — but it’s not just the stresses that come with the job that are turning heads grey.

The average dairy farmer is in his or her 50s, which means most of us will be moving on from dairying within the next decade or so. magefull-time Caption SL360x Developing that next generation to fill the void is one of the great challenges facing the industry.

Family succession is not as straight forward — or as likely — as it used to be. High

land prices and greater choice in employment make keeping the family farm in the family a much trickier proposition than it was just a couple of decades ago.

The Young Dairy Network is one way the industry is developing a new generation of farmers that can fill the breach when today’s farm owners and managers decide to hang up their gumboots.

YDN is all about building skills, knowledge, networks and confidence in farmers. Recent YDN events in Gippsland have included an

evening featuring a Bureau of Meteorology expert explaining how to better understand weather systems and forecasts, and another night dedicated to heat detection fundamentals.

When I was starting out, I loved having the chance to pick the brains of experts on matters that were helping build my skillset as a young farmer. The chance to socialise with other young farmers from the region was also appreciated.

Sarah Cornell, who was appointed earlier this year as the YDN co-ordinator for Gippsland, is doing a great job organising events, building

member numbers in the three YDN regions and acting on the feedback of what young dairy farmers want from YDN. I encourage every young person in the industry to consider joining YDN and urge the not-so-young farmers to talk to their kids or employees about how the organisation can help develop them as better people and better farmers.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

GIPPSLAND REGION // 3

Dairy Farm Monitor Project 2017-18 Gippsland Overview

Keeping heads above water Despite challenging operating conditions, 21 out of 25 farms (84%) had a positive EBIT

The Dairy Farm Monitor Project provides industry and government with timely, farm level data for targeted strategy and decision making.

Dairy Farm Monitor Project 2017-18 Gippsland Overview

2016-17 2017-18

$129k $144k

Milk price (net,$/kg MS, includes inflation)

Return on total assets (%)

Milk price (net,$/kg MS, includes inflation)

Milk price (net,$/kg MS, includes inflation)

Return on total assets (%)

Return on total assets (%)

Milk price (net,$/kg MS, includes inflation)

Return on total assets (%)

Return on total assets (%)

Encourages the application of whole farm analysis Average earnings before interest & tax on Victorian farm businesses.

Despite challenging operating conditions, on total assets and milk price business returns for the 2018–19 season were average, however, there is notable variation Return season.

THE LATEST Dairy Farm Monitor Report has well throughout the principles $35k $50k Dairy Farmpersistent Monitor Project provides industry and farmers expressed 21 out farms had positiveshe EBIT 12% $ between thea regions,” said.

“Many they of felt25 they were (84%) revealedThe that, despite dry conditions, cautious.

Average net farm income In Gippsland, 25 farms are analysed. government with timely, farm level data for targeted $ “While fewer farms recorded a positive Gippsland dairy farmers were able to slightly just one good rain away from a good season,” “While over two-thirds of farmers predict 10% 2016-17 2017-18 2.3% 3.0% strategy and decision making. result compared with the previous year (67 their businessAverage increase their income and ultimately come out Ms Waterman said. $ returns will improve, many return on total assets $129k $144k 8% of the 75 farms), the range was narrower this Average earnings before interest and tax of the season moderately well. $ Encourages the application of whole farm analysis participants were concerned about seasonal Average earnings before tax Dairying in Gippsland Despite operating total assets andinterest milk&price 0.7% 1.0% 6% year.”

(EBIT) increased slightly from theReturn previous on Milkprinciples priceschallenging alsoonrecovered well inbusinesses.

Gippslandconditions, $ Victorian farm variability in the coming year.on equity Despite21 challenging operating Return on total assets and milk price Average return outwith of 25 farms conditions, (84%) had ato positive EBIT $35k $50k 12% $9.00 Ms Waterman said all Victorian dairying year to $144 0 00 per farm and net farm income this year, an increase of 19 per cent $ challenging Return on total assets and milk 21 outDespite of 25 farms (84%) hadoperating a positiveconditions, EBIT 4%“Input costs were the major issue identified 12% $9.00 Average netprice farm income In Gippsland, 25 farms are analysed. regions had challenging seasonal conditions increased to $50 0 00 per farm. $5.74/kg MS a welcomed jump from last year’s $8.00 21 out of 25 farms (84%) had a positive EBIT $ 12% $9.00 10% $8.00 2016-17 2017-18 for the coming 12 months, while milk price 10% 2016-17 MS. 2017-18 Approximately farms in Gippsland 2.3%in1,330 3.0% 2017–18, with reduced rainfall compared 2%$7.00 These results ranked as the seventh highest levels of $4.84/kg $ $8.00 $7.00 and climate variability were also identifi ed as 10% 2016-17 2017-18 produce 2.03to billion litres of milk perresulting year, Average return on total assets $129k $144k $129k $144k Farm profitability was influenced by 8% 8% the previous year in decreased of the project, with return However, dry conditions saw dairy farmers in the 12-year history 0% $ $6.00 $7.00 $6.00 Average earnings before interest & tax before interest & tax 23% of Australia's milka percentage of ME concerns over the longer term.”

Average earnings Return on in total assets and milk price $129k $144k feed as on total assets6%the highest 8% across the accounting regions0.7% in forhome-grown dipping into their fodder reserves and forced Dairying Gippsland 1.0% $5.00 -2% $6.00 6% 34% of return Victoria’s.

Seasonal conditions continue to 15-16 be 16-17 a 17-18 $ $5.00 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 Average earnings before 2017–18 interest &attax Average on equityconsumed. (metabolisable energy) three per cent on average.production and to12% purchase$35k more $50k additional fodder than they $9.00 $4.00 6% $35k $50k 4% $5.00 net farm income for the region, with 24 per cent of $4.00Return “As a result, purchased feed and agistment problem Statewide, Ms Waterman said the results were planning to,Average the report into 25 of the $35k $50k 4% on totalinassets Milk income (net) $3.00 Average net farm income$8.002% 19%farmers increase milkto price 10% $4.00 4% surveyed pointing that as their key 2.3% 3.0% Average net farm income costs increased by 16 per cent across the state, refl ected the challenging seasonal conditions, region’s farms found. $3.00 Approximately 1,330 farms in Gippsland $2.00 $7.00 to $5.74/kg MS $3.00 2% Average return on3.0% totalspecialist assets input costs and fodderofand 2.3% Milk price,while seasonal conditions, availability feed and from $1.55/kg$1.00 MSby in 2016–17 up to $1.80/kg MS concern, 0% improved milk prices.

Agriculture Victoria farm business 8% 2% produce 2.03 billion litresdespite of milk per year, 2.3% 3.0% Farm profitability was influenced $2.00 $6.00 $2.00 other factors affected return on total assets. pasture (both 18 per cent) were also concerns on“Return total assets 0.7% 1.0% in 2017–18.” on total assets (RoTA) remained Claire Waterman said despite dryAverage conditions, accounting for 23% of Australia's milk Physical farm characteristics Average return onreturn total assets -2% $0.00 0% 0% 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 6% 17-18 $5.00 $1.00 on equity She16-17said farmers’ expectations about their for$1.00 Gippsland dairy farmers. constant at 2.5 06-07 per 07-08 cent08-09across the state 13-14 on 14-15 15-16 dairy farmers wereAverage ableproduction toreturn perform moderately and 34% of Victoria’s.

0.7% 1.0% 0.7% 1.0% On average, farms in Gippsland increased stocking rate -2% $0.00 $4.00 -2% $0.00 Return on total assets Milk income (net) 4% 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18 06-07 per 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18 Average return onreturn equityon equity by 6% and milk production cow reduced by 3%.

Average 19% increase in milk price Future746 expectations forreceived 2018-19= $3.00 mm of rainfall 2% Milk price, seasonalReturn conditions, availability and on to total assetsof feed Milk income (net) Milk income (net) $5.74/kg MS Return on total assets Farm profitability was influenced by 85% of long term average.

Constant 3% $2.00 REGION PROFILE otherGIPPSLAND factors affected return on total assets.

Rainfall ranged between 475 mm 0% $1.00 Milk price, seasonal conditions, availability of feed and Physical farm characteristics Farm profitability was influenced by and 1,070 Only mm.

62% of farmers expect business Milk price, seasonal conditions, availability of feed and $ other factors affected return on total assets.

Farm profitability was influenced by -2% $0.00 returns to improve 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18 On average, farms in Gippsland other factors affected return on total assets.

19% increase in milk price increased stocking rateFuture expectations for 2018-19 by and milk production per cow reduced by 3%. to6% $5.74/kg MS Return on total assets Milk income (net) 746 mm of rainfall received = Concerns reported by 100%asallocation of farmers: high reliability in milk price Future expectations for 2018-19 85% of long term average.

Constant19% increase 3% water shares was received in the Only 62% of farmers expect business $ Average herd size Home475 grown feed MilkRainfall solidsranged sold between to $5.74/kg MS availability 24% 18% 18% mm Milk price, seasonal conditions, feed and 19% increase in milkofprice Future expectations for 2018-19 Macalister Irrigation District. returns to improve 294 cows 471and kg MS/cow 1,070 mm. 66% of metabolisable other factors affected return on total assets. energy consumed to $5.74/kg MS Only 62% of farmers expect business $ 746 mm of rainfall received = Concerns as reported by farmers: returns toon improve 85% of long termoperating average.

Despite challenging conditions, Return total assets and milk price Onlyis18% 62% ofwithfarmers expect Acknowledgements - Dairy Farm Monitor Project provided funding and supportbusiness from the Victorian Government and Dairy Australia. $ 24% 18% Rainfall ranged between 475 mm 100% allocation of high reliability 21 out of 25 farms (84%) had areceived positive EBIT Future expectations 2018-19 12% $9.00Transport & Resources, Dairy Australia and service providers.

This project isConcerns delivered primarily through partnerships between the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Despite operating conditions, Return on total assets and milk price perating conditions, Return on total assets and price of rainfall = asmilk reported by farmers: andchallenging 1,070746 mm.mmfor returns to improve water shares was received in the Average herd size Home grown feed Milk solids sold Despite challenging operatingoperating conditio Despite challenging 85% of long term average.

Further information to the Dairy Farm Monitor price Project Victoria Annual Report and 2017-18milk for further information - www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dairyfarmmonitor 21aoperating out of 25 EBIT farms (84%) had a positive EBIT Despite challenging operating conditions, Return on total assets price enging conditions, Return on total- Refer assets and milk %) had positive $8.00 $9.00 12% Macalister Irrigation District.

12% $9.00 Seasonal Pasture/ Input cos metabolisable 294 cows 2016-17 471 kg MS/cow 66% of 10% 2017-18 24% 18% 18% Rainfall ranged between 475 mm The Dairy Farm Monitor Project provides industry and © The Farm State of Victoria Department of Economic Development, Jobs,and Transport and Resources Melbourne Unless indicated otherwise, this is made available under terms offarms thefodder Creative Commons Attribution 3.0had Australia licen The Dairy Monitor Project provides industry and2018.$9.00 Despite challenging operating conditions, 21 out ofworkconditions 25 farms (84%) had a positive 21 out ofthe25 (84%) a challenging operating Return on total assets milk Despite challenging operating conditions, Return on tota 21 out of 25conditions, farms (84%) had a positive EBIT arms (84%) had a positive EBIT conditions, Return on total assets and milk price of rainfall received = 746 mm energy consumed Despite challenging operating conditions, Concerns as byprice farmers: 12%reported $9.00 12% $7.00 $8.00 To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au $8.00 and 1,070 mm.

10% 2016-17 2017-18 10% on total Itassets 017-18 conditions, allocation of high reliability Only 62% ofMonitor farmers expect business is a condition of this Creative Commons 3.0 Licence that you must give credit to the original author who is the State of Victoria. $ 8% Attribution ating and milk price The100% Dairy Farm Project provides industry and 85% of long termReturn average.

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$129k government with timely, farm level forlevel targeted of 25 farms (84%) hadprovides a$144k positive EBIT The Dairy Monitor Project provides industry and EBIT government with timely, farm data forof targeted y positive Farm Monitor Project industry andFarm 21 out 25had farms (84%) had a positive EBIT 21 out of 25 (84%) had a$8.00 positive12% EBIT 12% $9.00farms 12% $9.00 21 outdata of 25 farms (84%) a$8.00 positive EBIT $6.00 $7.00 water shares to was received in the $7.00 10% 10% returns improve 2016-17 2017-18 2016-17 2017-18 Average earnings before interest & tax 2016-17 2017-18 2016-17 2017-18 24% 18% 18% ad with a positive EBIT Rainfall ranged between 475 mm $129k $144k government with timely, farm level data for targeted $144k 12% $9.00 8% government with timely, farm level data for targeted strategy and decision making.

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-2% Milk price, seasonal conditions, of feed and Return on total assets income availability (net) Return total seasonal assets conditions, Milk income (net) Milk availability of feed andMilk and Farm profitability $3.00 was influenced byonprice, 06-07 07-08 08-09 influenced by Average return on equity Average return on equity 2% 8. Unless indicated otherwise, this work is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence.

Return on total assets Milk income (net) other factors affected return on total assets.

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Return on lk Approximately 1,330 farms ofitability Approximately 1,330 farms inaffected Gippsland ed by 0% was influenced by Milk price, seasonal produce 2.03 billion litres of milk perGippsland year, Farm profitability was influenced by Milk price, seasonal conditions, availability of feed and $1.00 other factors affected return on total assets. other factors affected return on total assets.

19% increase in milk price Future expectations for 2018-19 uenced by e.

Approximately 1,330 farms in Gippsland produce 2.03 litres of milk per year, for 23% of Australia's milk produce 2.03 billion litres of milk per year, Approximately 1,330 farms in other Gippsland Farm profitability was influenced by Farm profitability was influenc factorsaccounting affected return onbillion total assets.

MS in milk 19% increase price -2% priceto $5.74/kg $0.00 Future expectations for 2018-19 Source: Dairy Australia & Agriculture VictoriaMilk price, sea ase in milk Future expectations for 2018-19 production and 34% of Victoria’s. produce 2.03 billion litres of16-17 milk per year, produce 2.03 billion litres of12-13 milk per14-15 year, accounting for 23% of Australia's milk 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 13-14 15-16 17-18 accounting for 23% of Australia's milk Farm profitability was influenced by Farm profitability was influenced 19%MS increase in milk price 19% Future expectations forby 2018-19 Future expectations for 2018-19 $5.74/kg g MSincrease in milktoprice other factors a accounting for 23% of Australia's milk production and 34% of Victoria’s. production and 34% of Victoria’s. accounting for 23% of Australia's milk 19% increase in milk price k price Future expectations for 2018-19 Only 62% of farmers expect business Future expectations for 2018-19 $5.74/kg MS to $5.74/kg MS $ 19% increase in milk price Return on totaltoassets Milk income (net) production and 34% of Victoria’s.for 2018-19 production and 34% of Victoria’s.

Find us at IDW in milkto price Future expectations returns to improve $5.74/kg MS Only 62% of farmers expect business Only 62% of Tatura farmers expect to $5.74/kg MS $ business $ in January 19% increase milk price 19%inincrease in m S returns to improve Only 62% of farmers expect business Only 62% of farmers expect business and Sungold returns to improve $ $ Milk price, seasonal conditions, availability of feed and received = 746 mm of rainfall Field-days in Feb increase in milk price Concerns asfarmers reported byreturns farmers: 19% increase in19% milk price Physical characteristics to $5.74/kg Future expect Only 62% of expect business to MS $5.74/kg MS to improve returnsbusiness to improve Only 62% of farmers $expect $on farm e other factors affected return total assets.

85% of long term average. of rainfall received = 746 mm Only 62% of farmers expect business returns to improve of rainfall received = hoof care hassle free. returns to improve Concerns as reportedMS byto farmers: $ Concerns $5.74/kg MS reported increased by farmers: The Wrangler makes torate $5.74/kg On average, farms inasGippsland stocking 24% 18% 18% Rainfall ranged between mm Strong, safereceived for the cow, safe for the475 85% of long term average. returns to improve offarm rainfall received =characteristics ofdurable, rainfall = 746 mm mm ng746 term average.

Concerns as reported by farmers: Concerns as reported by farmers: Physical characteristics Physical farm farmer, easy and effi1,070 cient mm. by 6% and milk production per reduced by 3%.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

4 // GIPPSLAND REGION RURAL RUMENATIONS

with Katie MacAulayRURAL RUMENATIONS

with Katie MacAuley

Columnist Katie MacAulay lives in South Gippsland, and has been married to a dairy farmer long enough to appreciate the smell of good silage.

She loves chooks, enjoys stacking hay bales with the tractor and wonders why the lawn grows twice as quickly as the grass in the paddocks.

Life’s lessons the herd way WHEN LOOKING for the answers to Life, The Universe and Everything, many people turn to Google.

Unfortunately, our internet access isn’t always reliable. So instead of following online gurus, I follow our herd. Our girls have taught me a lot over the years: It’s not always wise to stand out from the crowd.

Following a familiar routine can lead to high productivity.

When something unusual appears, stand a safe distance away and stare. If that something turns

dangerous, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact, then break into a run.

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Just ask the cow who escaped the fresh paddock, only to find herself in yesterday’s eaten-out one.

If you dig your heels in deep enough and refuse to budge, people will leave you alone.

(Easily accessible large machinery may render this rule moot.)

The dam might be closer but if you prefer the taste of trough water, head back to the laneway

trough. Ignore anyone who calls you a snob.

Friends are important. Who else will stand around and ruminate with you?

Long road trips (to the turn-out paddock) are more pleasant if you take your time. Graze on local roadside produce while enjoying the view.

Ignore the impatient people behind you who want you to hurry up or get off the road.

People who don’t know you personally will make sweeping assumptions about you based on your boobs, legs and hair colour.

It doesn’t matter how productive you are, if

you’re nasty to your boss, you’ll be culled.

When lactating, eat as much as you want. The more the better.

There is nothing dignified about childbirth, no matter how many legs one has.

As you get older, it’s completely acceptable to move slower. Free time can be spent chewing one’s cud rather than trying to regain one’s younger body shape. Let the heifers run; walking is just as effective and much more dignified.

Push your boundaries — once the fence gives way, the possibilities are endless.

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GIPPSLAND REGION // 5

Make the most of spring HEADING INTO spring, it is crucial that we

■

maximise pasture growth to ensure that we are able to produce and conserve as much high-quality forage as possible.

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Setting paddock rotations to maximise pasture quality Through most of winter, pasture quantity was far more limiting on most farms than quality.

Normally, in early spring, as pasture growth and leaf appearance rates increase, our focus needs to shift to managing for quality.

Paddock rotation length generally needs to be shortened to help maintain grazing pressure and ensure high quality pasture is available by reducing the rotation length.

Whether soils are drier than average or still moist, pastures will be in a much better position to give greater yield responses if they have not been over-grazed.

Try and maintain a rotation based on leaf stage; the focus should be on grazing at the 2 to 2.5 leaf stage and leaving 4 cm to 6 cm residual pasture after grazing. This will ensure that pasture quality is maintained and shading at the base of the sward is minimised.

■

Pasture composition — is it a rye-grass or rye-grass/clover mix with minimal weeds?

Is the paddock to be used for a follow-up summer crop and when does it need to be sown in relation to soil temperature, soil moisture and trafficability?

Is the paddock close to sources of water for irrigation?

Are potassium levels in soil excessive?

Silage from these paddocks may be undesirable for feeding to transition cows.

• This is an excerpt from a Dairy Australia article called ‘Making the most of spring feed’. Go to the Dairy Australia website for more information.

■

Locking up paddocks — how many and which ones?

As spring progresses, it is important to only drop paddocks out of the rotation for conservation that are surplus to the herd’s requirements.

In most years on a majority of farms, pasture growth will generally exceed herd requirements in early to mid-September.

This year, however, depending on climatic conditions and management — for example, if your pasture has been continually over-grazed (that is, grazed before the two-leaf stage and the grazing residual is below 4 cm) or if pastures have been moisture stressed or too wet — the spring surplus will be unpredicatable and will likely have reduced yields.

A simple strategy to determine how many paddocks to lock up is to graze paddocks in the same order each rotation, and if the next paddock is beyond the ideal leaf stage, skip it and drop it out of the rotation until it is ready to be cut for silage or hay.

If pasture growth slows and you need more grazing area, use the ‘dropped out’ paddock with the least mature pasture (or, alternatively, increase the rate of supplements fed per day).

Other things to consider when deciding which paddocks to lock up include: ■ How easy will it be to get machinery into and onto this paddock if it rains heavily?

Key messages

y by • Maintain pasture qualit f stage. lea 2.5 to 2 grazing at the re • Keep post-grazing pastu . cm 6 to cm 4 at als residu s for • Lock up the true surplu canopy conservation and cut at y. alit qu ure ens closure to (N) • Consider using nitrogen en we bet es rat at ser fertili prove 20 and 60 kg N/ha to im es. rat h wt pasture gro

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

6 // GIPPSLAND REGION

October reminders Pasture management ■

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■

■

■

Pasture intake per cow depends on having high quality pasture and enough pasture available per hectare. This is a very challenging balance in most spring conditions but is possible to achieve.

You need to set the rotation to offer the highest amount of milker-quality pasture.

Stop counting leaves and set the rotation based on quality— aim to graze pastures before 25 per cent of the paddock has reached canopy closure.

Allocate the right area of pasture each day to maintain pasture pressure. If the rotation is right and you have removed as much supplement as you are prepared to from the diet then consider banking paddocks to maintain grazing pressure.

Consider the use of nitrogen to boost pasture production and potentially minimise the use of supplements. Pasture responses of 10 to 20kg DM/ha for every kg of nitrogen/ha are common in spring and represent very good value for money if you need the additional feed grown.

Purchase concentrates at an affordable cost and an appropriate quality. Diet balance is a major consideration when purchasing concentrates; when cows are eating two thirds or more of their diet as high quality pasture, high protein concentrates are not normally required. Basic additives such as

■

macro minerals and buffer are normally required.

Fodder conservation

Silage reminders:

■

• A true surplus conserved is relatively cheap.

• Cut pastures early, at the two- to three-leaf stage or before canopy closure.

• Cut pasture for silage as close to grazing height as possible (4cm to 6cm).

• Wilt the silage as fast as possible (use a tedder if needed). Aim for 45 per cent DM for bales and 33 per cent DM for stacks or pits.

• Seal quickly and well to exclude air.

• Repair holes immediately using specific silage tape.

Summer feed gap ■

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■

■

Calves and heifers ■

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Have a plan for rearing calves and young stock with targets that are beneficial to your management.

Monitor growth rates of calves to measure your success. Plan dehorning, vaccination and drenching.

Aim for calves to be eating at least 1kg of concentrates/day prior to weaning.

Cows ■

■

Estimate the feed required to feed your cows well over anticipated feed gap.

Focus on quality and quantity of feed as well as cost.

Investigate all options for filling the feed gap and act early to secure the feed at the best possible price. Common options are grain, silage, purchased hay and spring-planted summer crops.

Milk production is strongly influenced by quality of the diet. Poor quality silage will limit milk production. Large quantities of low quality silage will result in bigger silage cost and lower milk production.

Aim for leafy pastures with short shut-up time (three to five weeks). Pasture ready to be grazed by milkers makes the best silage and regrows the fastest.

■

■

Profitable milk production is critical for all cows. Cow health issues, including best possible feeding, need to be a focus as milk produced now sets up the spring-calving cow’s production for the year and forms the basis of the farm’s cash flow.

Have a good heat detection system in place and consider starting heat detection a month before the start of mating. Any cows not seen cycling in this time can be vetchecked and treated if necessary prior to the joining start date.

Consider the use of a proven joining program to tighten the calving pattern.

More information on joining can be found at: www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Animalmanagement/Fertility/About-InCalf.aspx

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

GIPPSLAND REGION // 7

Keeping an eye on everything < Continued from page 1

Mr Stephens employs one worker and they both milk. He said his worker was very hands on and “loves cattle” so knows the herd well.

Being so close to the cattle means he is able to keep a close eye on milk quality. “A lot of it is visual,” he said.

“We have mastitis detectors in the line, but I can look at a cow and tell if it is off colour.

“We also test with a paddle when they are freshly calved. I’m surprised more people don’t do that.”

The cows get a blanket dry cow treatment once the herd is dried-off. Cows with a mastitis problem get a higher dose of the dry cow treatment.

Mr Stephens admits his milking takes “a long time”, attributing this to a very relaxed herd in no rush to get to the dairy — or leave it.

“Having cows that are content helps, because they’re relaxed,” he said.

The herd is currently averaging 4 for fat, which he said was down of late compared to the long-term average, and 3.6 for protein.

He manages the calf rearing and will soon change the split calving, currently 200 head in autumn and 100 in spring, to late autumn/ early winter.

“It’s easier to manage one mob. It will also suit this farm and give us more of a break during the year.” Mr Stephens plans to spend this time with his young boys.

He performs all AI duties and recently inseminated 190 cows in four weeks, all naturally.

The whole herd was originally British Friesians when Mr Stephens arrived but about 25 per cent of the herd now has Holstein genetics.

“Most of them are British Friesians but we are putting Holstein over them to get more milk while keeping the components.

“Our fertility is good but we don’t want to lose that. If they’re not in calf they get sold.

“With split calving they might have got a second chance but they won’t now. We have 80 heifers a year coming in so competition is tight.”

He is using sexed semen and some of the herd is already being inseminated with beef semen, to bring in extra money.

The herd’s diet is only supplemented with 2.6 kg of wheat but Mr Stephens is currently changing the ration to add calcium, in part to address the falling components. He will also introduce lead feeding next year to capitalise on the first 120 days of lactation.

Rob Tylee and his son, Justin, locked in a very competitive wheat price early in the year and prepare all their own silage and hay. The Tylees own a tree trimming business and their son, Justin, owns a contracting business..

“Having that equipment on hand is a great benefit,” Mr Stephens said. “And if I jump on a wagon or something it comes off my bill.”

He planted 9 ha of turnips this year. “I tried to grow it for winter feed but it didn’t grow.

It’s come on now though so we’ll graze it soon and that will give us more grass for silage.”

About 12 ha are planted to summer crops and irrigated each year, including chicory, pasja, millet and rape. They will plant 30 ha this year, irrigating it from a large dam on the farm.

They have planted 1.5 tonnes of annual and one tonne of permanent pasture this season.

“We needed a good cut, that’s why the annuals went in,” Mr Stephens said.

“We’re lucky we did it, the way the season is.”

Craig Stephens in his dairy.

The herd is predominantly British Friesians but Mr Stephens is adding more Holstein genetics.

efarming with owners Rob and Craig and Lisa Stephens are shar

Craig Stephens on his North Lardner farm with his herd.

Carol Tylee.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

8 // GIPPSLAND REGION

Adding chooks eases dairy stress RICK BAYNE

AFTER 35 years as a dairy farmer, Peter

Hanrahan is adamant the past five years have been the most difficult he’s experienced.

Mr Hanrahan, from Stony Creek in South Gippsland, has made on-farm changes to cope with stagnant prices and added a new enterprise to boost the bottom line, but he still worries about the future of dairy.

Milking about 900 Holstein cows on 500ha, things should be looking good with production strong and the weather playing its part, at least in the lower reaches of Victoria.

“We’re in the midst of potentially a very good season but who knows what the next months have in store for us,” Mr Hanrahan said.

He knows his farm is in the minority when it comes to a good season, and his bigger picture worry about the state of the dairy industry and Australia’s changing demographics leave him close to despair.

“We’ve lost a third of dairy production in Australia in the past 20 years,” he said.

“Processors tell us they want growth but as an industry we can’t afford to buy land to expand and we’re getting sold down. You wonder if there’s any future in it.”

out.

Autumn calving will be phased

The Hanrahans have built poultry sheds on their dairy farm.

Peter Hanrahan in the dairy on his Stony Creek farm.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

GIPPSLAND REGION // 9

Mr Hanrahan moved onto the family farm in in the 1980s during a severe industry downturn but it wasn’t as bad as today.

His son Pat is now helping manage the farm and two younger children are keen on careers in agriculture, but when they’re being paid the same price as 20 years ago with no hint of anything substantially better on the horizon, it’s hard to feel positive, he said.

“They’ll say it’s a great milk price at $6 but when you consider the price of land, water, all other inputs and the ongoing seasonal challenges, you think why bother?”

The lack of access to young, skilled workers troubles Mr Hanrahan, who fears the drain to city areas not only hurts farmers but local communities and sporting clubs.

“The 18 to 35s who were here until the ’80s are no longer living in the regions.

“How do we grow without skilled labour? If things are to grow you’ve got to pay a premium to attract people to the regions but at the prices we make we can’t do that.”

Mr Hanrahan said drought and harsh environmental conditions were “part of the game” and farmers could cope better if they were paid a fair price, at least 50 cents more per litre.

“It’s frustrating that companies have pushed us to make more milk to make it easier for them to manufacture but the industry has continued to decline and farmers wear all the risk.”

He has diversified to offset some of the challenges facing dairy, adding a poultry farm

to the mix.

“I needed a non-weather dependent business,” he said.

He now farms 400 000 chickens and while it’s “no free lunch” the enterprise is going well.

“It’s a significant investment and a learning curve. We don’t have to breed and grow the feed for the chickens — a point of difference that makes the complexities of dairy so intense.”

Mr Hanrahan, Pat and their two employees and five backpackers constantly scrutinise budgets to stay afloat.

In the next two years he aims to phase out autumn calving to concentrate solely on spring.

“We’ve been split calving for a number of years but will look to phase it out because of the risk associated with autumn calving when there’s not a good return.

“We’ve all got great passion for agriculture but the past five years have been incredibly tough, the hardest of my 35 years in the industry.

It’s scary times.”

Mr Hanrahan’s wife Catherine sits on a health industry discussion group looking at farmer mental health generally and how to provide support to farmers with mental health issues. He has concerns for those farmers who are pushed to the limit and are struggling with their health.

“The pressures have become so great and people are not out there communicating like they once were. Everyone’s on tenterhooks and it’s not a healthy way to live.”

Employee Kayne Staff, feeding the calves.

Peter Hanrahan on his Stony Creek farm.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

10 // GIPPSLAND REGION

November reminders Pasture management ■

■

■

■

■

Pasture intake per cow depends on having high quality pasture and enough pasture available/ha. This is challenging through the seed-head phase on rye-grass but achievable with rotation management. Monitoring is paramount to know when to push the rotation back out once seed-head phase is completed.

Rotation lengths need to be long enough to get critical volume and residuals need to be low enough to get quality next time the pasture is grazed. Minimise topping but use it as a tool to reset residuals if required.

Summer crops ■

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If you have surplus pasture on the milking area use silage/hay making to control residual and better pasture quality next round. This will be a balancing act between pasture quality and quantity.

■

Be on the lookout for strategies to maximise home-grown feed. If moisture is not limiting, consider the application of nitrogen or a fertiliser blend to boost growth. Even with a low response rate, nitrogen-fed grass can still be the cheapest form of high quality feed.

■

Target paddocks that need to be renovated to improve the pasture base on the farm and reduce the pasture that is not grown in late spring by cropping.

Have a plan of crop type, seed bed preparation, nutrient and pest management and planned grazing dates. Ensure you lock in seed as availability could be variable.

Cows ■

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Ensure you consider the seasonal conditions in determining what crop to grow. Is a water-efficient crop more suited or is the moisture available to drive growth?

Application of dairy effluent onto summer fodder crops is an effective use of this nutrient resource to boost crop yield. Yield responses will be greater on crops than nonirrigated pasture.

Look after your crops by checking for pests, weeds and disease regularly, and treating when required. Ensure soil nutrient levels are adequate for the crop to be able to reach yield potentials.

If you are nearing the end of the joining period it may pay to assess the number of cows not in calf. Knowing the numbers of cows not in calf allows for early decisions to be made on what you will do with the empty cows.

Calves and heifers ■

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If you have paddocks with low soil nutrients that can be irrigated with effluent, it is coming up to the best time of year to apply the effluent, getting some pasture growth and having a low risk of run-off.

Do a feed budget to ensure you have enough fodder to get through the summer and autumn. This will also estimate the grain usage and give an idea of the purchased feed bill for the summer and autumn. It’s best to have this plan early.

Ensure your young stock received a second 7-in-1 vaccine. This builds immunity against clostridial diseases and leptospirosis.

Talk to your vet about vaccinating your young stock for pink eye.

Calves require a high protein and high energy diet to keep growing. A feed budget can be done to ensure calves and other young stock have enough pasture, silage, grain and hay to gain weight and grow to planned joining and calving weights.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

12 // GIPPSLAND REGION

Managing a fodder shortage HIGH DEMAND and successive years of low production has created a fodder supply shortage across Australia’s dairying regions, causing headaches for farmers sourcing feed.

When pasture is limited and supplies of fodder, or more precisely long fibre, are reduced, the temptation can be to just go and buy whatever feed is available.

However, carefully planning likely feed requirements and actively managing bought feed quality, supply and price risks is the best approach.

This can help reduce the cost of buying feeds and ensure that stock’s nutritional needs are met with reduced feeding risks.

Here are some tips for success as you progress through the five steps involved in managing a fodder shortage:

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Includes good estimates of pasture and other home-grown feeds available.

Makes allowance for feed wastage based on your feeding system.

Is free from errors.

If necessary, seek help from an adviser.

Step 2: Calculate your bought-in feed requirement for each month Consider immediate and longer term options for closing your feed gap, including: ■ Stimulating more growth of winter pasture and crops.

■ Feeding more grain/concentrates safely.

■ Extending your forage reserves with alternative fibre sources.

■ Drying off early and culling cows.

mycotoxins (fungal toxins) and chemical residues — need to be managed when using specific feeds?

Formulate diets for each class of stock — milkers, dry cows, yearlings and calves — that: ■ Are nutritionally balanced, meeting daily energy and protein requirements for target milk production/growth rates within animals’ appetite limits.

■ Will maintain sound rumen function.

Make realistic allowances for feed wastage, based on your feeding system.

If necessary, seek help from a nutrition specialist.

Revise your feed budget when circumstances change (for example, available feeds and number of animals to be fed).

For further information on feed budgeting, see the feed budgeting fact sheet at: dairyaustralia.com.au/ feedshortage ■

Step 1: Calculate your monthly feed Determine what feeds you can buy to fill each demand and feed deficit month’s feed deficit: ■

A monthly feed budget ensures you know what quantities of each feed you need to buy to meet your milk production and liveweight targets.

When doing your monthly feed budget, ensure it: ■ Is based on an accurate head count.

■ Uses realistic metabolisable energy (ME) requirements of your different classes of stock.

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What are their dry matter, metabolisable energy (ME), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) contents?

What are their effective fibre values?

How do they compare in terms of dollar value per unit energy and per unit protein?

What limits are there on the daily feeding rates of specific feeds?

What risks — for example, ruminal acidosis,

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

GIPPSLAND REGION // 13 Step 3: Buy feeds

Step 4: Store feeds

Work out what you can afford to pay (breakeven and target feed prices).

When assessing a particular feed to buy, firstly check its physical quality, making sure that you have a representative sample.

Things to look for: ■ An unusual appearance or consistency.

■ Material too wet or too dry.

■ Any contaminants or foreign materials, which may reduce nutritional value or cause digestive problems.

■ Signs of mould, which can increase the risk of mycotoxins (fungal toxins).

Don’t wait until the truck arrives before you consider how you will manage risks around feed shrinkage, spoilage and/or contamination.

■ Alternative fibre sources such as palm kernel meal and almond hulls may be prone to growth of fungi that produce mycotoxins (fungal toxins) if they are allowed to get wet.

■ Feed contamination with stones and dirt can be a problem if you don’t have a concrete base.

Then look beyond the price tag, and see how each feed stacks up in terms of its relative cost per unit energy and protein using feed analysis.

Increase certainty of feed supply and predictability of feed costs by confirming verbal agreements with feed suppliers by mail, fax or email (in writing). The key points you need to cover are: ■ Quantity.

■ Quality.

■ Price.

■ Delivery period.

■ Delivery point.

■ Payment terms.

A pro-forma that covers all these key points is the Grain Trade Australia Contract Confirmation, which can be used for any feed, not just grain. To download a blank copy, go to: dairyaustralia.com.au/feedshortage

Consider your feed-out area/facility and feeding equipment.

■ Check there is adequate area, feed trough space and access to drinking water for the number of animals using the feed-out area/ facility.

■ If feeding a partial mixed ration (PMR) using a mixer wagon, ensure the mix is not under or over processed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use ration conditioners such as water, molasses or oil to reduce fines, sorting of feed and rejection or wastage of feed.

■ If you don’t have a mixer wagon and must feed two or three fibre sources separately, consider how you will best do this to regulate cows’ feed intakes, and avoid excess competition and wastage.

■ Offer cows the right amount of feed at the

Step 5: Feed diet to herd

Throw your hat in the ring this Home grown fodder is your best bet.

Call Graham’s Seeds today 1300 660 213

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right time of the day — don’t overfill troughs.

Sequence feeds carefully during each 24– hour period.

Offer cows fresh, palatable, high quality feed at all times. Don’t put fresh feed on top of old feed.

Clean feed-out surfaces regularly.

Discard any spoiled/mouldy feed ingredients.

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Don’t forget the calves and yearling heifers.

Check that they meeting your target daily growth rates. If not, change their diet.

• This is an excerpt from a Dairy Australia article called ‘Managing a fodder shortage’. For further information, go to the Dairy Australia website.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2018

14 // GIPPSLAND REGION

Farm’s focus is on saving water STEPHEN COOKE

NEIL GANNON’S dairy farm has been owned

by his family for 140 years but the times are definitely changing.

Mr Gannon and his wife, Keryn, currently milk 500 cows on 267 ha at Tinamba in Gippsland.

They recently signed up to be a GippsDairy Focus Farm.

“We’ve thought about Focus Farms for a few years and thought it would be interesting to get other ideas,” he said.

“With the dry times, and the loss of Murray Goulburn, it made me think we needed to focus on what we need to do to survive.

“The last two years, since Murray Goulburn management tuned us up, have been very dry and very hard going.”

They also want to focus on their finances and financial reporting so they can target the right information when making decisions.

“We’ll get other people’s input into the business and will be able to compare how we’re travelling,” Mr Gannon said.

The Gannons have been involved in the Boisdale Newry discussion group for the past seven years but the Focus Farm concept will mean they open every aspect of their business

for discussion.

“Showing everything was off-putting for a while,” he admits. “After discussing involvement with other focus farmers, they said it was very beneficial to them so that encouraged us to have a go.”

The Gannons irrigate 210 ha of pasture for grazing and silage each year and are reliant on the Glenmaggie Weir to spill. Although it generally spills nine out of ten years, Mr Gannon is aware this may not be the case in the future.

“We try to do all our silage and hay on farm.

This year there was no silage because Saputo didn’t make their decision (to buy MG) until October 21 and we had to make our decision to purchase water before then.”

They have had their farm irrigation system upgraded as part of the local irrigation modernisation project through Southern Rural Water. This included 2km of internal pipeline installed on farm. They are keen to make sure they utilise irrigation as efficiently as possible.

“The first irrigation was very efficient with an even delivery of water,” Mr Gannon said. “It’s easy to manage and provides flexibility of timing with automatic start and stop.”

The modernisation scheme means the Gannons will gain land from the disused channels, which will be filled in.

Neil Gannon on his Tinamba dairy farm.

They used to milk year-round but changed back to calving once a year about five years ago.

“We thought we were doing the right thing, joining empty cows and taking them through.

We made the decision to improve the fertility of the herd, which has freed up a bit of time,”

Mr Gannon said.

“We tried autumn calving but couldn’t make it work. We usually get a spring here but don’t always get an autumn.”

They are continuing to work on fertility through a cross-breeding program.

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GIPPSLAND REGION // 15

The first calves of the three-way cross being collected. Neil Gannon has introduced red genetics.

They have introduced red genetics into their Friesian-Jersey herd, with their first calves on the ground now.

“We were chasing that hybrid vigour to improve our fertility,” he said.

The herd averaged 410kg milk solids last year, which was lower than average due to a tough season.

They are also investigating and introducing more water-efficient pastures, including Hummer fescue. “We introduced that 18

months ago and it has certainly been more water efficient.”

They are also investigating adding more reuse dams as water becomes a greater issue.

One of the keys to joining the Focus Farm project is not just to shine the spotlight on their farm practices, but also on themselves.

“We hope putting systems in place will free up a bit of time for ourselves as well,” Mr Gannon said.

The Tinamba farm is heavily reliant on irrigation from the Glenmaggie Weir.

The farm has been in the Gannon family for 140 years.

Excellent results are achieved through a dedicated approach to calf rearing.

In a tight season, making the most of dairy industry resources is more important than ever.

GippsDairy’s regional extension officers use their research, administrative, technical and practical skills to deliver on our vision; to look after the interests of dairy farmers in our region.

Allan Cameron Regional Manager

Karen Romano Regional Extension Officer

Ruairi McDonnell Regional Extension Officer

Donna Gibson Regional Extension Officer

Ashley Burgess Regional Extension Officer

At GippsDairy we aim to deliver the best possible dairy research, development, extension and education services for Gippsland dairy farmers.

Leah Maslen Regional Extension Officer Phone: 03 5624 3900

Email: info@gippsdairy.com.au

Registered Office: PO Box 1059, Warragul, Victoria 3820

www.gippsdairy.com.au

Sarah Cornell Regional Extension Officer

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