GIPPSLAND EDITION
16-page regional section inside NOT HAPPY, MICK NEW BENCHMARK
ACCC inquiry blasted. PAGE 4
Morty Lady 51 named EX97. PAGE 3
DECEMBER, 2017 ISSUE 87 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au
TURNING THE CORNER Bek and Dean Turner have some practical experience in handling dairy down-turns. down-turns. GIPPSLAND SECTION PAGE 1
0% FINANCE
CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO HAVE THESE?
0% INTEREST AVAILABLE ON ALL TULIP FORAGE MACHINERY
TULIP BIGA MIXER • Vertical feed mixer • Built for Australian conditions
• Made from high quality materials • Twin auger unit in stock now
LELY AUSTRALIA IS NOW A DIVISION OF AGCO CORPORATION For more information contact us on 1300 946 306 or visit www.lely-forage.com
Finance needs to be approved before 31st December in order to lock in the special quoted rate for time of delivery. * Loan Terms, Fees & Lending Criteria apply. Finance quoted is from Lely Finance. Lely Finance is a division of De Lage Landen Pty Limited. ABN 20 101 692 040 & AGCO Finance Pty Limited. ACN 107 653 878. * For approved finance deals before 31st December 2017 while stocks last. * 0.0% P.A. finance offer is based on 30% deposit and 12 equal monthly payments.
TULIP MULTIDISC • High speed tillage • Two rows of discs ensure the soil is well prepared
• Ideal for stubble retention • Heavy duty bearings for low maintenance
GIPPSLAND REGION
Pushed to breaking point but back on track
Dean Turner milks a herd of 440 cows
WHEN YANNATHAN dairy farmer Dean Turner received his first milk cheque after Fonterra drastically dropped milk prices in 2016, he asked himself: “Why am I doing it?” Mr Turner said the price crash made him and his wife, Bek, realise how vulnerable the industry was. Mr Turner is a sharefarmer with Noel and Ann Campbell, having started as a farm hand in 1998. They entered a sharefarming agreement in 2012. A couple of good seasons before April 2016, when Fonterra followed Murray Goulburn’s lead and cut the milk price to recoup money from their farmers, enabled the Turners to buy and rear heifers on a small lease block.
“We were kicking goals, making headway, then it stopped,” Mr Turner said. “Seeing that milk cheque in June, we realised the extent of the impact it would have on the business. It barely covered wages. “We had just bought a lot of feed from up north — almond hulls, apples, oaten hay — as we were told price would be all right. We were above break even at that price so we went for it. “They turned up on the farm and the price crashed the next day. A lot of dairy farmers got burnt.” Mr Turner said he had “quite a few sleepless nights” after that milk cheque arrived. “I reflected on it for two weeks, then Bek and I took our money out of our investment proper-
ties and our FMD, and exhausted all the finances we’d worked towards.” Mr Turner said putting his thoughts on paper helped him make some sort of sense out of the industry, and what was happening. “We work so hard in our industry but the rewards aren’t solely cash. You walk into a paddock every day and see your investment walking around you.” With his mind made up to continue, he prepared a check list. Employees were paid first and he made sure he and his family had what they needed. “I don’t get up and work in the morning for nothing.” He prioritised payments to smaller businesses
and called the larger businesses to explain he would pay 50 per cent of what he owed now, with the rest in the future. These calls were well received at the other end. “All the support from Noel and Ann over this period was invaluable. We are starting to make headway but we know it’s going to take time.”
Coming out the other side “2016–17 has been a good year,” Mr Turner said. “Seasonally it’s been good and the milk price has improved. There’s not a lot of extra money but we’re getting through the bills.” Continued page 3 >
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
2 // GIPPSLAND REGION
Chairman’s message
One size does not fit all I OFTEN hear about the state of the Gippsland
dairy industry as if we are all dealing with the same issues at the same time. It would be nice to think that when rain falls on Leongatha it would also give a good soaking to Orbost farms, but that just isn’t the case. Pastures might be booming at Yarram, but West Gippsland farms might be riddled with cockchafers. For GippsDairy it’s about delivering timely, relevant programs while acknowledging that districts across all the Gippsland regions are facing different challenges at any given time. As I write this, many farmers in East
Gippsland are struggling with a dry winter and spring that has severely hampered pasture production. Coming on the back of the milk price issues of recent years, the lower than average rain is putting extra pressure on cashflows. GippsDairy’s Discussion Groups have been a primary source of information for East Gippsland farmers on how to deal with the tough conditions, while Taking Stock has been a popular program with those looking to find an edge in their business performance. But only a couple of summers ago East Gippslanders were enjoying a bumper season while Tactics for Dry Times was helping farm-
ers along the coastal areas of South Gippsland to access enough water to fill stock troughs. Early next year, GippsDairy will help launch a Shade and Shelter booklet that offers specific advice to MID farmers on how to develop longterm solutions for heat stress while working around irrigation infrastructure. We’ve recognised that the approach to tree planting can be very different in Newry and Nyora. These are just a few of the ways GippsDairy and our partner organisations are working to help farmers who are operating under very different systems to make the most of the conditions they are faced with.
GippsDairy is your organisation and is only ever a phone call away if you want to discuss how we can be better serving your local area. Most Gippsland farmers would know at least one staff or board member, so pick up the phone and give us a call if you think we could be a delivering a particular program in your district. Finally, I’d like to wish you all a merry and safe Christmas and new year. Please make sure you try to find some time to relax and enjoy family, friends and the Gippsland that’s beyond your farm gate. • Grant Williams GippsDairy chair
SPRING SPRAYER SPECIAL! KATIPO 1150lt Linkage Sprayer • 110lpm, 3 cylinder Diaphragm Pump • Venturi Tank Agitator • 3 Section Electric In-Cab Controls with Volumetric Bypass • Electric In-Cab Master ON/OFF and Pressure Adjustment
$14,700
• Sonic 12m Full Hydraulic Fold Galvanized Spray Boom • Stainless Steel Spray Lines with Low Pressure Air Inducted nozzles • 100lt Flush tank and Storage Box
INC GST
LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE AT THIS PRICE
Keeping Gippsland growing! www.gendore.com.au LEONGATHA 82–84 Yarragon Road | (03) 5662 4044 TOORADIN 79–83 South Gippsland Highway | (03) 5998 3216 WARRAGUL 180 Queens Street | (03) 5622 3875
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
GIPPSLAND REGION // 3
Finding the way back <Continued from page 1
This season has further reinforced his decision to continue in the industry he loves. He and Bek have formed an equity partnership with Mr and Mrs Campbell and their son, Evan. The new partnership, Redan Partners, took the lease on a neighbouring farm and has been milking 360 cows from July 1, under Evan’s management. The partners all have equity in the cows. “When the farm came up for lease, it was probably a year too early for us because of the price drop. I would have preferred to pay with our savings but we had to get finance,” Mr Turner said.
“I don’t get up and work in the morning for nothing.” “The bank approved a mortgage within 24 hours and this financed our cows.” The partnership pays for all running costs and each partner receives a dividend three times a year. With their commitment to the industry reaffirmed, the Turners are now focused on the future. Their priority now is to build their herd.
Turnips make welcome return Turnips have become an important summer feed at Yannathan once again. “We stopped planting turnips 10 years ago because of severe weed infestations,” Mr Turner said. However, they resumed planting them about six years ago, using pre-emergent herbicides and averaging 14 tonne/ha over the past few seasons. Insects — particularly bugs, caterpillars and diamond back moths — had also proven problematic but the insecticide Success is applied when turnips are about the size of a 50 cent piece, and again when quite mature. Paddocks are disced, power harrowed, sprayed with pre-emergent, power harrowed again then planted. Turnips are planted by Melbourne Cup weekend. Normally 15 ha is planted but this year it’s 10 ha as they’ve taken on the other farm so there’s been more work. Turnips go in the worst paddock or sacrifice paddock, where they receive more nutrients. In summer the cows receive 4 kg of turnips a day then silage in a sacrifice paddock. Once turnips have been grazed, the paddocks are drilled, sprayed, power harrowed and planted to perennial rye-grass (Matrix and Bealey) in March-April.
Bek and Dean Turner on the Yannathan farm they sharefarm with Noel and Ann Campbell.
Jersey bulls were put over the Holsteins initially to reduce the size and then Aussie Reds were put over the crossbred progeny. The average weight of the herd is 520 kg to 540 kg and they are producing 550 kg/milk solids. “If we had had a 600 kg Holstein, I’m not sure they would be able to produce 600 kg MS,” Mr Turner said. Due to the years of crossbreeding, the profile of the herd is run through the Genescreen program with the assistance of HICO. “We select for type, daughter fertility and cell count and then Genescreen tells us the best bull, whether that is Jersey or Holstein.”
The crossbred dairy herd – a combination of Friesian, Jersey and Aussie Red genetics.
Crossbreeding for the best herd mix A decision was made 12 years ago to shift from straight Friesians to a three-way cross — Friesians, Jerseys and Aussie Reds. “It gets quite wet on the flats and the big Holstein cows struggled in the mud. It also proved a challenge to feed them in the wet years,” Mr Turner said. His sister, Kellie, oversees the breeding program. It is a passion for her. Dean Turner inspects the herd.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
4 // GIPPSLAND REGION
RURAL RUMENATIONS RURAL RUMENATIONS with Katie MacAulaywith 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.
The fine art of cattle sale etiquette IN A bid to boost herd numbers, we decided to
attend a cattle auction. Then the night before, Hubby announced he didn’t have time and suggested Junior and I go alone. I began ruminating on the responsibility. Hubby trusted me to choose cows? Spend that sort of money? What if I came home with nothing? Or worse, what if I returned with a herd of over-priced animals that he didn’t like? I quickly rang our trusty livestock agent to ask for help. We met an hour before the auction and together perused the pens of cattle. Potential was scrutinised and animals ruled out for a variety of reasons including size, age and udder shape. Preferences recorded on our catalogues, we
took our seats in front of the ring. From his pulpit, the auctioneer began preaching the virtues of each cow. “Milk in the vat today, ladies and gentlemen.” “A nice strong cow, plenty of milk.” “An experienced milker, continues to produce.” “She’ll only make you money, ladies and gentlemen.” “Do I hear a bid?” When the first cow I’d selected in the catalogue entered the ring, our agent looked at me. I nodded. He didn’t move. The bidding commenced and the price quickly escalated. The bidding stopped. Oh well, there were plenty more nice cows. “For X dollars to the MacAulay family.” The auctioneer pointed to us.
What?! How did that happen? It was the same with the next few cows. Despite our agent sitting statue-still, the next few cows I wanted were sold to us. At a good price. My ear started to itch but I was too scared to scratch it. If experts could buy cattle without moving, how much money could a novice spend by scratching her ear? Intrigued, I found myself watching our agent instead of the cattle. Turns out it wasn’t telepathy, there was a spotter to our left. A series of lightning fast, barely perceptible nods seemed to be the secret to our success. (At least that’s what I thought I saw — it really was hard to tell.) Two thirds of the way through the bidding,
my ear growing itchier by the minute, Junior nudged me and showed me our running total. “We can only buy one more cow.” I nodded reluctantly, but then the prices dropped. Maybe other people had reached their budgets too? Several beautiful animals sold for a lot less than I expected so I made a snap executive decision. Hands shaking and with a sick feeling in my stomach, I asked our agent to keep bidding. It was worth it — I just hoped Hubby would understand there wasn’t time to call and discuss it. Finally the auction was over. My heart rate slowed. Not only had I survived but there was a pen of great cows waiting for us. It felt good. Nearly as good as scratching my ear.
Book a FREE nutritional assessment today A tailored nutrition program from CopRice is the smart way to maximise the health and performance of your herd. CopRice dairy pellets provide your cows with a scientifically balanced, highly digestible and consistent ration based on their nutritional requirements and available feed. The bottom line is improved production at less cost. Book a free on-farm consultation with your local CopRice nutrition expert today and find out why pellets are the smart way to maximise your feed dollar. Contact us today! Stuart Arms – 0407 638 912 David Morgan – 0428 298 166 ®Registered trademark of CopRice, a division of Ricegrowers Limited, trading as SunRice. CPA17078B
Byron Smith Nathalia, Victoria
www.coprice.com.au
1800 267 742
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
GIPPSLAND REGION // 5
Dairy eases risk for young farmers ABOUT 18 months ago, Gippsland potato farmers Olivia and George Lineham took 10 cows and a 50-year-old dairy and started to branch out into a new farming venture. Today, with 110 cows and more on the way, they’re relishing being part of the dairy industry. Their farm at Cora Lynn near Pakenham is 70 per cent potatoes and 30 per cent dairy and the mix gives the Linehams a sense of security as they find their way as a new generation of Legendairy farmers. “We were flooded in 2011 which made us realise how vulnerable we were by relying on one source of income,” Mrs Lineham said. They had some beef cattle but not enough to survive on, and another horticulture industry presented a similar risk to potatoes. “If you plant potatoes and they all die you don’t have anything to sell,” Mrs Lineham said. “Dairy is a different type of farming and mitigates our risk through diversification.” After selling their beef cows and enjoying record high prices, the Linehams bought 10 dairy heifers and later 20 heifer calves to rear from nearby farms. When the milk price crashed they had built their herd to 50 animals. It was a scary time but the potatoes were being harvested and they persisted with dairy. “It was an unsure time for everybody, we were still finding our feet in the industry and we weren’t ready to give up just yet,” Mrs Lineham said. They had retrofitted a 50-year-old ‘back out’ dairy on their property. They used what they could of the old shed, upgraded as required and fitted it out with a second-hand, 15-a-side swingover herringbone. “It’s very modest but it does what we need. Part of our risk management strategy is to remain small, whilst developing the necessary
Gippsland potato farmers Olivia (pictured) and George Lineham have added dairying to their farming enterprise.
skills to expand,” Mrs Lineham said. They gradually increased their herd through natural growth and by buying excess heifers from other farmers, and will peak at 150 next year. Mr Lineham’s family has some long-gone dairy farming history but the couple essentially started from scratch in the new enterprise. “George has been farming his whole life and for me it’s been the past 15 years, but going into dairy was good because it was something we could learn together,” Mrs Lineham said.
“We get to use our brains in a different way to the horticultural production.” With “bloody good land” ideal for both horticulture and dairying, the Linehams have embraced their new careers. With their children Henry, 8, Isabella, 5, and Grace, 2, enjoying the farm lifestyle, Mrs Lineham supports the Legendairy communications initiative to raise the reputation and profile of the dairy industry. “The industry is really supportive,” she said. “It’s a lovely industry because everyone
works together and people are really open with suggesting ways to improve your farming. There is so much quality information available to new dairy farmers. “We put our hands up for every Dairy Australia extension program offered through GippsDairy and I’ve joined the West Gippsland branch of Australia’s Legendairy Women’s Network, which is a great environment with great mentors.” For more Legendairy stories, go to: legendairy.com.au
Milk prices forecast to rise BASED ON opening prices and processors’
published forecasts, 2017–18 milk prices are expected to close about 10 per cent higher than 2016–17 closing prices, according to Dairy Australia’s Situation and Outlook report. The report found that, to date, seasonal conditions in Gippsland have been mixed. While dry winter conditions provided ideal conditions for most of the high rainfall Gippsland regions, the risk of below average spring rainfall remains a concern, particularly for East Gippsland and the Macalister Irrigation District, which have experienced a dry start to the 2017–18 year. Expenses are more difficult to estimate with uncertainty around grain prices and seasonal conditions. The potential impact on feed costs could be
between $0.20/kg MS and 0.80/kg MS higher compared to 2016–17. With a slight increase in milk production forecast — due to both an increase in production per cow and an increased number of cows — herd, shed and overhead costs could be expected to fall slightly which, together with a continued focus on cost control, could see these combined costs drop by $0.05–0.20/kg MS in 2017–18. The report found despite the late autumn break, for the majority of rain-fed regions in Gippsland, 2016–17 was an ‘average’ to ‘better than average’ season while the MID received full irrigation allocation. Seasonal conditions were reflected in the estimated average pasture harvest being about
1.0 tonne of dry matter per hectare (tonne DM/ ha) higher in 2016–17 when compared to 2015– 16. The higher pasture harvest per hectare and higher than normal early season culling rates resulted in lower reliance upon purchased concentrates and fodder. Cow numbers and milk production were on average slightly lower than 2015–16 (seven fewer cows on average in each herd, and a reduction of 3.0 kg MS per cow respectively). A lower average milk price ($4.84/kg MS versus $5.28/kg MS) and higher cull cow prices drove higher livestock income as farmers on average culled more heavily. Total operating costs were lower. Purchased feed costs fell as a result of both lower purchase
prices and total tonnes purchased due to the longer growing season. Home-grown feed costs were effectively unchanged including inventory change. Herd costs and cash overheads were lower, while shed costs were unchanged. From an EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) perspective, the drop in average milk price was offset by an increase in livestock income and a reduction in total operating costs. This resulted in a slightly higher EBIT in 2016–17, with net farm income (EBIT minus interest and lease costs) averaging -$0.03/kg MS in 2016–17 compared with -$0.38/kg MS in 2015–16. Source: Dairy Australia Situation and Outlook report.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
6 // GIPPSLAND REGION
Producers take seats on DA board DAIRY AUSTRALIA members have elected
a new director from western Victoria to their board. Tania Luckin has been elected for the first time and will fill one of the two milk producer vacancies. Mrs Luckin has been farming for 20 years in Australia, and prior to that, in New Zealand. Together with her husband Stephen and their farm team, she operates a 500-cow dairy farm in Heywood, south-west Victoria. She has been actively involved in industry projects and governance and served on the Bonlac Supply Company Board from 2014 to 2016. She has been a member of the WestVic Regional Development Program Board since September 2016 and was a member of the Dairy Industry Advocacy Review Team. Graeme Nicoll has been elected to fill the other milk producer vacancy. In December 2016, Mr Nicholl wasnominated to fill a casual vacancy on the Dairy Australia Board which took effect in late January 2017. He applied for the permanent role when it was re-advertised and was consid-
ered along with the other applicants. In partnership with his wife Gillian, he has managed a successful dairy business in Gippsland for the past 15 years, and currently milks about 300 cows in a pasture-based system. He served on the GippsDairy Regional Development Program Board for five years, including two as chairman. He has formal science qualifications and earlier in his career, he worked as a horticulturalist and in the soil science division of CSIRO. He was awarded a Nuffield scholarship in 2010. Dairy Australia invited applications for the vacancies earlier this year. An industry selection committee conducted the formal process, leading to the nomination of these two candidates by the Dairy Australia Board. “It is my pleasure to welcome Tania as a new director to the board and I congratulate Graeme on being re-appointed,” Dairy Australia chair Jeff Odgers said. Mr Odgers, from Ardmona in northern Victoria, was elected to replace Geoff Akers.
Your local NAB Agribusiness Bankers supporting communities.
New Dairy Australia chairman Jeff Odgers.
New directors Tania Luckin and Graeme Nicoll, with former Dairy Australia chair Geoff Akers.
Maximum efficiency, Maximum profit!
With more local Agribusiness Managers on the ground, living in our farming communities, there’s always someone to help you navigate the daily business challenges and realise the opportunites. Call your local NAB Agribusiness Banker, to see how we can help you.
These self cleaning Hay Feeders are built for Australian Dairy Farmers and Beef Producers
1,650 INC GST
$
Dave Davies – North Vic 0429 001 885 Nick Davison – South East Vic 0475 836 165 Liz Duncan – South West Vic 0427 175 797
H AY
FEEDERS
Pat Horan Phone: 0408 056 811 www.maxifeeder.com.au
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
GIPPSLAND REGION // 7
January reminders Pastures • Plan your autumn application of fertiliser in advance and investigate the cost of various options. Include dairy effluent applications in the fertiliser plan and ensure you apply it in a way that keeps it on the farm. For more information on using effluent in your fertiliser plan, refer to: http://fertsmart. dairyingfortomorrow.com.au/ • Monitor crops for pests and manage crops for best feed utilisation by cows or young stock. Timing of crop grazing should ensure the paddock can be planted back to pasture at the optimum time in addition to feeding cows well. Remember the biggest advantage of planting a crop is improving future productivity of the pasture. • Be careful not to over-graze summer pastures. Maintain a 4 cm to 6 cm residual and consider stand-off paddocks, supplements and/or crops to protect pastures from over-grazing. • Confirm areas of the farm that would benefit from over-sowing or renovation, and plan the best approach and timing for success. This should back-up what you saw in late spring with pasture performance. Another look at the pastures should be
planned for March, because in hot dry summers pastures can thin out. • If hay has already been cut, watch for any signs of hay heating as a result of green or wet hay being baled. This can be checked regularly using a crow bar pushed into the bales. • Regularly monitor wrapped silage bales for the presence of holes and repair as soon as possible with tape that has a matching colour to the bales to give it the best chance to stick to the bale.
Production and feeding • A sharp end to spring meant, in most cases, enough silage was made but hay was a little more variable. Consider your feed budget — have you got enough to reach the autumn break? • If you are in the hay market, try to get a feed test. Know what you are buying and how that fits into the cows’ diet. It is always best to aim for quality. • Feed cows to try to maintain as much profitable production as possible. This can be done by feeding a balanced diet of remaining pasture, silage, crop and grain in a practical way. In irrigation, be mindful of the changes in pasture quality over this period and rising NDF (neutral detergent fibre).
Keep an eye on protein levels in the diet. • Feed tests and physical inspection on your own silage and hay are a great way of understanding what you are feeding to cows. You already have the feed and will feed it anyway, but understanding the quality of the feed and its limitations may change your fodder making and feeding decisions in the future. • As summer progresses, manage heat stress for your dairy herd. Go to www. dairyaustralia.com.au and search for ‘Cool Cows’. Consider cow comfort, waterand feed intake and potential reduced production when picking paddocks in the summer and even more so for hot days.
Stock • Be on the lookout for the effects of mycotoxins such as facial eczema (looks similar to photosensitisation) affecting exposed areas of pale skin. If facial eczema is suspected contact a veterinary practitioner for advice on prevention or treatment. Information is available on the Dairy Australia website at: http:// www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Animalmanagement/Animal-health/Facial-EczemaMonitoring.aspx
Young stock • The raising of young stock from birth to joining is a critical time as this generally determines first joining date, calving date and then reproductive performance of the heifers after their first calving. • A good guide to feeding young stock, called Heifers on Target, is available at: http:// www.dairyaustralia.com.au/ • Monitor young stock for pink eye and other seasonal issues.
Business • Now is a good time to get another income estimation done based on the season so far and the predicted trend for the rest of the year. • Review your first half-year management on the farm. Use your annual budget to determine how much of the planned expenditure was spent and explore the areas of farm management that could be improved for a better system and business in the future.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
8 // GIPPSLAND REGION
Walking a tightrope between irrigation costs and production
Andrew Bowman, with son Alex, milks 260 mostly Holstein-Friesian cows off 104 effective dairy hectares. The remainder of the 360ha farm is used to rear heifers, harvest silage and hay and diversify into trade cattle.
JEANETTE SEVERS
ROSEDALE’S ANDREW Bowman balances
irrigation challenges against the need to keep his herd in prime condition. So when a season like this one comes along, with about half the annual average rainfall, he keeps a close eye on pasture, fodder supplies and herd health. Mr Bowman milks a mostly Holstein-Friesian split-calving self-replacing 260-head herd in the Macalister Irrigation District of Gippsland. The 364 ha mostly dryland farm has a 400 Ml permanent water right from Lake Glenmaggie, to flood irrigate 113ha. That is part of the effective milking area of 105ha. The remaining country is used to rear heifers and produce fodder — hay and silage — for the year. “We’ve got to get between 500 and 600 rolls of silage each year to meet production and grow out heifers,” Mr Bowman said. “I bought an extra 200 rolls of silage early in this season, because I was concerned about the
weather and growing conditions. “We only get the water right between August and May from Lake Glenmaggie and it looks, now, like we’re not going to get any spill entitlement this summer.
“Dairying is an expensive business. To achieve peak production in the dairy industry, you can’t cut costs.” “Not unless we get a heap of rain before early December.” For irrigators to qualify for spill entitlements, the weir needs to be full and farmers are able to access additional low security water. They can also apply to purchase additional water — if Southern Rural Water makes it available — through an online auction system. Last summer, Mr Bowman bought additional temporary irrigation water through the
Andrew Bowman has a 400Ml permanent water licence, used for flood and pivot irrigation to enable him to grow a green wedge ahead of the milking herd.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
GIPPSLAND REGION // 9
auction system — one purchase of 50 Ml cost him $8057.10, including a transfer fee of $82/Ml. “In the past couple of years, Southern Rural Water has held online auctions for temporary transfer of water and I’ve been able to buy 150 Ml extra,” he said. “I’ll do the same if it’s available this summer. Most farmers have used up 30 per cent of their irrigation right so far and I’m probably sitting about the same. “We’re irrigating about every 10 to 14 days and I’m stretching it as much as I can.” He is looking at beginning to dry cows off in January, for autumn calving, to reduce the need to feed extra fodder for milk production. “I need to maintain cow condition rather than worry about production,” he said. “At the moment, with irrigation, I’ve got a good wedge of grass in front so we can make the most of the spring production. “I’ll need to reassess after Christmas, but at this time, I’ll probably get to February 1, with the current irrigation allocation.” The milking herd produces 64 tonnes of fat and 52 tonnes of protein. “That’s about 115 tonnes of milk solids, or 4.3 per cent fat and 3.45 per cent protein,” Mr Bowman said. He also diversifies with trading cattle. He invested in a pivot irrigator during the year and has grown 20 ha of crop under it. The first cut produced 180 rolls of silage and he expected 120 rolls from the second cut — as hay or silage. In the meantime, he has been able to graze heifers on that pasture.
Andrew Bowman focuses on maintaining herd health rather than worrying about production.
A Murray Goulburn supplier, he applied for and received a Dairy Concessional Loan during the year. “I invested that in putting the centre pivot in and amalgamated some farm loans,”
Mr Bowman said. Paying interest only at the moment, his eyes are firmly on paying the principal well before the 10-year loan period is up. “But dairying is an expensive business. To
achieve peak production in the dairy industry, you can’t cut costs,” Mr Bowman said. “The last year has been very difficult supplying MG.”
Plan For Your Next Calving Season with the Lely Calm Automatic Calf Feeder LELY CENTER GIPPSLAND
Shorten the weaning process, optimise calf development and prepare your calves for the future in robotic milking today with the Lely Calm Automatic Calf Feeder.
Do yourself, and your cattle a favour—invest in Lely today!
Specialising in the sale and support of Lely’s world� leading dairy automation equipment in Gippsland •
• •
•
Lely Astronaut A4 Milking System Lely Juno Feed Pusher Lely Calm Calf Feeder Lely Luna Cow Brush 03 5622 0845 12 Lindy Court, Warragul info@lelygippsland.com.au
www.lelygippsland.com.au
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
10 // GIPPSLAND REGION
Canola meal can increase appetite and milk yield CANOLA MEAL can be an important compo-
nent of supplementary rations for grazing dairy cows and can play a role in increasing appetite, dry matter intake and milk yield compared to cows fed equivalent amounts of energy as cereal grain and conserved forage. That is one of the key messages from several experiments conducted by Agriculture Victoria researchers Martin Auldist and Bill Wales and their team at the Ellinbank Research Centre. Dr Auldist said he was confident that when relatively high amounts of supplement were fed, there was a milk production advantage to including components such as canola meal and maize grain in the ration, especially in early lactation. “When we feed less than about 8 kg DM of grain, we don’t see any advantage to feeding a mixed ration or grain mix compared to feeding straight cereal grain and forage,” Dr Auldist said. “Above that, though, we often see milk production advantages because higher producing cows have a greater requirement for nutrients other than the energy the cereal grains provide. “We’re not saying that farmers should be feeding supplements at high levels. We recognise the importance of grazed pasture as a cheap feed source. “This research is about finding better, more efficient ways to feed supplements when grass is in short supply and farmers need to, or want to, feed increased amounts of supplements, even for a short time.” As an example of the results Dr Auldist and his team have seen, he cites an experiment in which cows in early lactation were fed between 7.5 kg and 12 kg of a grain mix containing maize grain, canola meal and wheat grain, while receiving the rest of their diet as grazed pasture and conserved forage. These cows each produced up to 5 kg more milk per day than cows offered equivalent amounts of cereal grain instead of the grain mix. “Much of this milk response comes from additional dry matter intake,” Dr Auldist said. “Cows consuming a diet containing canola meal appear more inclined to eat. Not only do they eat more supplement but they also graze harder when they get back to the paddock after milking. “Canola could be having these effects because there is less propionate being produced in the rumen compared to when cereal grain is fed, which could partly remove satiety signals. “Alternatively the canola could be providing a more balanced supply of amino acids, leading to more milk and an increased appetite.” Canola probably isn’t the only component of the ration providing beneficial effects. Maize grain, in particular, is a source of starch that degrades more slowly than cereal grains such as wheat. “A more slowly degradable starch source like maize leads to less accumulation of volatile fatty acids in the rumen, and a less variable ruminal pH that doesn’t drop as low. Low ruminal pH is known to interfere with both digestion and, indirectly, milk fat synthesis,” Dr Auldist said. Despite the fact that canola and maize are more expensive supplements than cereal grain, there are times when it makes economic sense to feed them as part of a well-formulated grain mix, according to Agriculture Victoria researcher
Agriculture Victoria researchers Dr Bill Wales and Dr Martin Auldist.
Christie Ho. “Using long-term average milk and feed prices, these results show that feeding the grain mix is a profitable thing to do in early lactation, compared to feeding cereal grain at grain intakes between 7 kg and 12 kg of grain per cow per day,” Ms Ho said. All of the grazing experiments conducted by the team so far have been 28 days in duration. The next step is to extend that to a longer period. “Most of the better responses have been in cows in early lactation,” Dr Auldist said. “So we are currently running an experiment over the first 100 days of lactation to see if we can maximise the response to these kinds of grain mixes over that time. After that the cows will go back to a common diet, but we’re hoping to see a carryover effect in the rest of lactation. “That’s what studies overseas have shown and if it happens in our system it will add to the economic benefits of these rations.”
These cows at the Ellinbank Research Centre will be fed higher amounts of supplement, including canola meal, over the first 100 days of lactation.
The ration being fed to lactating cows. New directors Tania Luckin, and Graeme Nicoll, with former Dairy Australia chair, Geoff Akers.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
GIPPSLAND REGION // 11
Dairy Australia updates popular resources TWO OF Dairy Australia’s most popular publica-
tions — InCalf and Rearing Healthy Calves — have been updated with the latest technical and scientific information. Both publications have been successful over the years with farmers and the new editions reflect developments in the areas of fertility and heifer rearing. Herd fertility is an important driver for profitability on dairy farms and is influenced by a large number of management decisions. Recognising the diversity of farm systems across Australia, a companion InCalf Farm Case Studies booklet has been published, which highlights the importance of good herd fertility management to ensure successful and profitable farm businesses. The booklet, which features seven different farm scenarios and farmer case studies, is the result of an in-depth research survey into consistently highly profitable farms, exploring the links between their farm financial and reproductive performance. The case studies include at least one representative of each of the common calving systems
(seasonal single, split, year-round) and across different calving times (spring and autumn) and milk supply patterns, providing relatable examples for most Australian farmers. Rearing Healthy Calves was first published in 2011. It has proven extremely popular with farmers and calf rearers, with about 12 000 copies of the original publication circulated. The manual offers farmers ideas on how to enhance the way they manage calves, with the benefits flowing right through the supply chain. Dairy farmer Jessa Fleming said the Rearing Healthy Calves manual would save farmers time and money. Ms Fleming, who farms with husband Geoff at Gorae West near Portland, said following the procedures in Rearing Healthy Calves had transformed a crucial part of their farm business. “In the last two years we have had one sick calf that needed veterinary care as opposed to previous years when we had 30 or 40 per cent of the calves showing signs of sickness,” she said. “Now we have calves that are healthier, they achieve a better growth rate, they calve earlier and produce more milk.”
New technical and scientific information is now included in two updated Dairy Australia publications.
Hard copies of InCalf and Rearing Healthy Calves can be ordered for free from the new Dairy Australia website at www.dairyaustralia.com.au
WestVic Dairy also offers workshops about heifer rearing and herd fertility. Phone the office on 5557 1000 for more information.
POWER. COMPACT DIMENSIONS. PERFECT FOR YOUR FARM
T4 115 DUAL COMMAND The T4115 has been designed to further enhance your mixed, livestock or small arable operation. Providing: • Maximum versatility • Power and productivity • 24X24 dual command transmission
FREE FRONT END LOADER WHILE STOCKS LAST! LEARN MORE ONLINE AT www.newholland.com
www.gendore.com.au LEONGATHA 82–84 Yarragon Road | (03) 5662 4044 TOORADIN 79–83 South Gippsland Highway | (03) 5998 3216 WARRAGUL 180 Queens Street | (03) 5622 3875
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
12 // GIPPSLAND REGION
New directors add their skills to the mix THREE NEW directors were appointed to the GippsDairy Board at the annual general meeting. Neerim South’s David Johnson, DataGene evaluation manager Michelle Axford and Glen Alvie dairy farmer Shiona Berry were formally announced in their new roles at the AGM in Traralgon. The meeting also saw Grant Williams, a dairy farmer from Hallora, and Lauren Finger, a dairy farmer from Yannathan, reappointed as chair and deputy chair respectively. Denison dairy farmer Brad Missen was elected secretary. The Gardiner Foundation hosted a post-AGM dinner, where the results of a comprehensive feed-base study were released. Mr Williams said the three new directors would bring a variety of skills to the board table. “David’s business experience, Michelle’s knowledge of genetics and Shiona’s background as a ruminant nutritionist mean we have added a huge bank of knowledge to the board,” he said. “All three are also dairy farmers, so they understand the industry and what farmers are having to deal with in any given season.” Mr Johnson joins the board after a career in dairy that has been different to most. He has spent time in the US state of Minnesota and in northern Victoria, where he studied farming systems very different to West
Gippsland, as well as being a partner in the successful Tarago River Cheese Company. Having last year been awarded a scholarship to complete the Australian Owner Manager Program at the University of Queensland, Mr Johnson thought it was a good time to share some of his knowledge with the wider dairy industry. “It’s a chance to give back to an industry that has been good to me over the years,” he said. “I think with my experience, not only on the farm but with the specialty cheese side of things as well, it gives me an insight into value-adding products, quality of milk and has given me a pretty good network around the place. “I also see that we need to get smarter about how we employ people and smarter about how we look after animals.” Ms Axford said joining the board seemed like a good fit after two decades of working in the dairy industry. “I have broad interests in dairy, outside of my paid job, having been involved in Cows Create Careers and the Young Dairy Development Program when it was just getting off the ground,” she said. “I’ve been working in parallel to GippsDairy for most of my 20-year career in dairy, so I’ve always been interested in what GippsDairy has been doing.”
Ms Axford, who milks 250 cows with husband Michael at Korumburra, said she would like to use her on-farm experience and knowledge of genetics to help GippsDairy deliver better outcomes for the region’s farmers. “We are fortunate to have some really good research outcomes that are still yet to be taken up by a broad spectrum of farms,” she said. “For some farms that may be doing something different in the genetics space, for others it might be doing something different in the pastures space.” Ms Berry wants to encourage innovation during her time on the GippsDairy board. Milking 750 cows with husband Caleb on hilly country, she can see huge potential in digital developments like virtual fencing. “I love a bit of innovation, so I’d like to bring that discussion to the table,” she said. “I’m a bit in love with virtual fencing at the moment, I can really see the benefits of it, especially in hilly land.” Ms Berry, who has a background as a ruminant nutritionist, said innovative thinking could change the way the Gippsland industry looked at home-grown feed, making a big difference to profitability. “I would like to see improvement in the home-grown fodder side of things and increas-
ing our returns of our own land,” she said. “I would like to see more multiple cropping and trying to get more growth out of land.” Mr Williams thanked the two departing directors, Sinead De Gooyer and Jo Bills, for their efforts in further developing the Gippsland dairy industry. “As a doctor and a dairy farmer, Sinead brought a perspective that helped inform the board of the pressing issues surrounding farmer health in recent years,” he said. “Jo’s energy and intelligence was valued across a range of issues, as was the industry expertise that she brought to the board table.” The full board for the next two years is: Chair Grant Williams (dairy farmer, Hallora), deputy chair Lauren Finger (dairy farmer, Yannathan), secretary Brad Missen (dairy farmer, Denison), Ross Anderson (dairy farmer, Denison), Brian Gannon (agribusiness manager, Leongatha), Richard Shephard (veterinarian, Maffra), Dan Armstrong (farm business management consultant, Jindivick), Shiona Berry (dairy farmer, Glen Alvie), Michelle Axford (genetic evaluation manager, Korumburra), David Johnson (dairy farmer, Neerim South) and Allan Cameron (executive officer/regional manager).
Newry dairy farmer Alan Clyne chats with Dan Armstrong and Iain Stewart, who are current and former GippsDairy directors respectively.
Dumbalk North dairy farmer Damian Murphy catches up with AgVic’s Jess Horton and GippsDairy’s Donna Gibson at the post-AGM dinner.
New GippsDairy directors Michelle Axford, Shiona Berry and David Johnson (front row) are welcomed aboard by reappointed chair Grant Williams and regional manager Allan Cameron.
At the post-AGM Gardiner Foundation dinner were Macalister Irrigation District farmers Karen McMillan, Kerrie Bjorksten, Ian McMillan and Neil Bjorksten.
Dumbalk dairy farmers Rob and Janet Auchterlonie before the GippsDairy AGM.
The Gardiner Foundation dinner featured a feed-base panel discussion with Professor Geoff Cockfield, Dairy Australia director and Fish Creek farmer Graeme Nicoll, GippsDairy regional extension officer Karen Romano and Gardiner Foundation chair Bruce Kefford.
Dairy Australia director Graeme Nicoll (left) with Gardiner Foundation chair Bruce Kefford and GippsDairy board member Ross Anderson after the GippsDairy AGM and Gardiner Foundation dinner.
New GippsDairy director Shiona Berry with husband Caleb and Fish Creek Focus Farmers Graeme and Jenny Cope at the Gardiner Foundation dinner.
Gardiner Foundation’s Aaron Gosling with Herd Health’s Terri Allen and GippsDairy director Richard Shephard.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
GIPPSLAND REGION // 13
Develop a fire plan for livestock DR JEFF CAVE DISTRICT VETERINARY OFFICER Agriculture Victoria
IT’S THAT time of year when farmers should think about the stock safety measures that need to be in place for the fire season. One of the key factors in minimising risk to stock is to identify the safest areas on the farm. The area you choose will depend on the type of livestock you are farming and their likely behaviour during a fire, as well as the likely behaviour of a fire.
MG SALE WOULD ‘BENEFIT’ SUPPLIERS The extra 40¢/kg of milk solids that Murray Goulburn suppliers will receive if the company is sold to Saputo Australia will lead to about $70 000 in the pockets of farmers. That is according to analysis from Rural Bank, which the company’s agribusiness general manager Andrew Smith said was
On days of extreme fire danger or when there is a fire alert in the area, stock should be moved into these lower risk areas. You should also listen to weather forecasts and observe your own environment to help you decide when to put your plan into action. Safe areas include paddocks with green summer crops or lucerne; bare paddocks with no dry feed; or a ploughed paddock. Areas where there are dams and swamps are also safer. Stockyards have been known to successfully hold stock during a fire. If this is your preferred option, consider using a sprinkler system as stock held together on a hot day can suffer heat stress.
“quite a benefit”. “From our analysis, the extra 40¢ a kilo of milk solids will equate to roughly $70 000, around 7.7 per cent in extra income for the average dairy farm in Victoria,” Mr Smith told ABC’s Country Hour in November. “So it’s quite a benefit when you look at what that might do to their return on assets.” Murray Goulburn suppliers have been given a step-up of 40¢/kg milk solids from November 1.
Firebreaks are imperative. Bare laneways and ploughed breaks can be effective firebreaks, as can heavily grazed paddocks with low fuel levels. Horses should not be locked up in small areas or stables, but rather be moved into an open paddock with minimal vegetation so they can move freely. Horses are good at moving themselves to safe open areas and suffer minimal burns if left to do so. If equipment such as rugs, halters and flyveils remain on horses the plastic may melt and the buckles may burn the animal. However, a halter will leave a horse easier to manage. Therefore, some discretion is needed depending upon
If the Saputo sale goes ahead, the step-up will be paid retrospectively for milk supplied from July to October, taking the price to about $5.60/kg. An extra 40¢/kg has been promised in August next year as a loyalty payment if the sale goes through. Despite this, suppliers and politicians are disappointed at the timing of the announcement of the potential takeover. “It was extremely regrettable. The whole way along we were effectively kept in the dark,” Cobram East dairy farmer and
the circumstances. Do not let stock onto public roadways as in smoky conditions they will be a hazard to vehicles. Having an action plan that can be quickly established during a fire should ensure the risk to stock is minimised. Detailed information regarding fire preparation for different livestock species can be found at: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/ emergencies/horses-and-livestock-in-emergencies For further advice, contact the CFA, your Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.
Murray Goulburn supplier Paul Mundy said. Victorian Agriculture Shadow Minister Peter Walsh agreed the timing of the announcement could have been better. “I’m very disappointed at the processes Murray Goulburn went through to announce it. Announcing it while they were on the way down to the AGM, was disrespectful,” Mr Walsh said. “Those I spoke to that were at the AGM were very angry about the way Murray Goulburn informed them.”
YDN making better young farmers Good farmers go on the Don Campbell Memorial Study Tour, but better farmers come back. Next year’s tour will be from March 12–16 and will take in some of the most innovative and successful dairy farms in Tasmania. Past participants have returned from the tour with a new outlook on day-to-day farming and a willingness to think outside the square in making strategic business decisions. The 2018 tour is organised by the Young Dairy Network and costs $165 for each participant.
An interview panel will select successful applicants for the 2018 tour. In previous years, between 13 and 15 people have been chosen. The tour is named after the late Yannathan dairy farmer Don Campbell who was a passionate advocate of developing young Gippsland farmers.
For an application form, phone 5624 3900 or email info@gippsdairy.com.au Applications close on Friday, December 22.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
14 // GIPPSLAND REGION
Out and about in Gippsland GippsDairy has been busy delivering workshops, forums and discussion groups across Gippsland. Here are some of the faces seen at recent events.
It takes a bit to get most farmers out of the tractor in spring, but the Jindivick Focus Farm Support Group members are a committed bunch and were out on the Ziero/Ronalds farm.
Cups On Cups Off (COCO) was held in Bairnsdale, with participants walking away with an improved knowledge of mastitis control techniques. Presented by vet Alison Gunn, the course covered the whole of the milking process including mastitis management and the roles of people in the dairy.
Trish Hammond added to the ideas at the Women in Dairy Discussion Group event at Drouin.
Rose Atherton held the floor during the Women in Dairy Discussion Group event at Drouin aimed at connecting, sharing and inspiring.
There was no shortage of dairy women wanting to attend the Women in Dairy Discussion Group event at Drouin.
December reminders Pastures and forages
Summer crops
Cows
Calves and heifers
• 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. • 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. • 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.
• 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. • Application of dairy effluent onto summer fodder crops is a very effective use of this nutrient resource to boost crop yield. Yield responses will be greater on crops than nonirrigated pasture.
• 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 make this plan early. • 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.
• Ensure your young stock receive 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.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
GIPPSLAND REGION // 15
Coming events Take nutrition to next level
How job ready are you?
ADC comes to Gippsland
Are you a Gippsland dairy farmer or adviser who already has a solid grasp of dairy nutrition and feeding management and are now looking to take your capabilities to a higher level? If so, the Advanced Nutrition in Action training program might be just what you are looking for. The goal of the program is to enable you to improve herd nutrition practices on-farm by providing you with the technical knowledge, problem solving and strategic planning skills, and tools to develop and implement appropriate, nutrition-related management strategies which support your personal and business goals. Participants will be selected based on their existing level of knowledge. This will be tested by a short online quiz. The course, which will require fees to be paid by participants, will be broken into three two day workshops spread over 15 weeks. Expressions of interest are needed by January, 31. Places are capped at 18. Phone 5624 3900 or email info@gippsdairy. com.au for more details.
The world of share farming and leasing will be put under the microscope at an upcoming Stepping Up Stepping Back workshop. Led by John Mulvany, the program will go through the pros and cons of the two options and help participants decide if either is the right choice for them. The workshop will be suitable for farmers considering transitioning out of their current role in the industry or those trying to get a foot in the door through share-farming or leasing. The workshop will be held on February 22. No location has been decided, so contact Leah Maslen to register your interest in holding it in your local area. Leah can be contacted on 0448 681 373 or leah@gippsdairy.com.au
The 2018 Australian Dairy Conference will be hosted in Melbourne for the first time in its 16-year history and will feature a tour of Gippsland farms and dairy facilities. Held at the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park from 13 to 15 February, the ADC is a collaboration of innovative minds from Australia and abroad with farmer delegates gathering in the heart of Melbourne for leading dairy insights and discussion To register, head to www.australiandairyconference.com.au
New website now live! View the current Dairy News publications here
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Log on to keep up to date with industry and breaking news from around the country every day. www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au
IRWIN STOCKFEEDS
Sales & Nutrition · Custom dairy mixes · Production pellets · Performance pellets · Premium pellets · Premium Plus pellets · Calf products · Whole & cracked grains · Multiple Delivery vehicle types
Peter Lowry (Sales Manager) 0409 566 543 Shane Doherty (South Gippsland) 0417 500 344 Heath Killeen (East Gippsland) 0400 017 493 Katrina Galindo (West Gippsland) 0408 300 625 Greg Pate (South Gippsland) 0408 266 009
www.irwinstockfeeds.com.au irwinstockfeeds@irwinstockfeeds.com.au 1 Laurens St, North Melbourne VIC 3051 5215 South Gippsland Hwy, Lang Lang VIC 3984
HIGH HIGH PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE FEED FEED FOR HIGH FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE COWSCOWS
CALL CALL US TODAY US TODAY
03 9328 03 9328 26812681