Buffalo flies ramp up Liberty grain sorghum brings satisfying results in the south

BUFFALO FLIES RAMP UP

Kim Krilich

Buffalo flies (Haematobia irritans exigua) increase with rising soil temperatures and frequent rainfall, stimulating young adult flies to emerge from their pupal stage in the soil and seek out their cattle hosts on which to live and feed.

These small blood-sucking parasites bite cattle up to 40 times a day, causing considerable irritation and distress to their host. They can also spread diseases such as pinkeye and the Stephanofilaria sp. worm, which causes severe skin sores around the eyes and body of affected cattle.

REDUCING CHEMICAL CONTROL

Cattle of any age can be affected by buffalo flies, however cattle with dark coats and bulls tend to attract greater fly numbers, with bulls typically showing more signs of distress by their presence.

Some cattle can also be hypersensitive to buffalo flies, causing exaggerated reactions (‘allergies’) to very few fly bites. Culling these hypersensitive cattle can be an effective management option to increase the threshold over which chemical treatment is required.

Genetic selection, dung beetles and the use of fly traps are also possible non-chemical control methods that may reduce overall chemical use on farm.

If cattle are showing signs of fly worry, or if there is prolonged and high fly pressure ie. 200 flies per head for beef cattle or 30 flies per head for dairy cattle, longacting control is recommended such as insecticidal ear tags. This will reduce the number of flies present and provide vital welfare benefits to cattle. As for any treatment method, it’s essential that insecticidal ear tags are used strategically to prolong the efficacy of the actives available.

ROTATING ACTIVE CONTROLS

Elanco endorses a buffalo fly control program which rotates actives both within-a-season and from seasonto-season. The active used in the shoulder fly seasons should be different to that used in the ear tag.

For instance, if a macrocyclic lactone (ML) drench has been used at the start of the buffalo fly season for broad spectrum parasite control, then a different active group should be used for the ear tag used for the peak fly season. This can be a synthetic pyrethroid (SP) ear tag such as Cylence® Ultra or organophosphate (OP) ear tag such as Patriot® or Co-Ral® Plus.

It’s vital tags are used correctly to ensure their continued performance as well. This means using the correct number of ear tags per head and removing tags at the end of their published efficacy period. Applying too few ear tags or leaving them in beyond their efficacy period may accelerate resistance development.

LONG RANGE SPREAD

With buffalo flies able to travel up to 10km in a day, they can readily spread between cattle, across properties and from introduced cattle.

For this reason, it’s important to engage with your neighbours and community to formulate a control program together. This helps ensure the local buffalo fly populations are controlled by actives that are effective, regardless of where the flies travel.

If you would like further product advice or information on our buffalo fly control programs, speak to your local Elders branch or visit growsolutions.elanco.com.

ALWAYS TAKE THE WEATHER WITH YOU.

Visit today. eldersweather.com.au

LIBERTY GRAIN SORGHUM BRINGS SATISFYING RESULTS IN THE SOUTH

I’m a beef producer, not a crop irrigator. Such is the sentiment of beef producer Andy Watson, that any crops he does grow to feed his self-replacing Angus – Hereford herd need to be simple and cost effective.

Andy’s operation is based on spring calving, followed by weaning between January and February, then fattening on feed rations from early autumn through to mid-winter as the seasons dictate.

Situated on the Murray River near Albury Wodonga, the region is noted for its hot summers and ample supply of irrigation. Typical crops in the district include corn and forage sorghums for the summer, and southern temperate pasture for spring feed including ryegrass, Phalaris and cocksfoot. Going against the tradition of corn, Andy in consultation with his agronomist, looked for more cost and water efficient crops to provide silage and feed ration for the weaners to reach feedlot weight when the spring pasture is dormant.

RISK AND REWARD

They landed on Barenbrug’s Liberty white grain sorghum - an unusual choice given that it is predominantly grown in northern cropping zones. “For the past couple of years, we grew forage sorghum, like a lot of others in the region but the nutritional value is not there, it is better suited to roughage.

“Trying Liberty grain sorghum was definitely a risk, but the results we saw from the feedlots up north suggested it was worth a go. Our biggest concern was whether we would have enough heat during the summer months to get a decent crop”, Andy said. The summer of 2020-2021 did provide the necessary heat units, plus a rare wet February, giving Andy a more than reasonable crop.

TEAMING UP TO GET THE BEST RESULT

Andy’s agronomist, Sheree Hamson, of Elders, Albury, said she was initially concerned that the Liberty sorghum may not be able to acquire enough heat increments for maturity in the region but felt it was worth trying for its improved feed quality and protein in order to meet the needs of Andy and Anna’s cattle enterprise.

“The end result was extremely pleasing and it will be grown again this year. The Liberty sorghum was a higher protein source and required less supplementation than forage sorghum to meet the livestocks’ energy and protein needs”, Sheree explained. Andy planted 30 hectares of Liberty at 20 kg/ha, treated with OptiCote Plus seed treatment under a centre irrigation pivot from bore water. The seed treatment provided protection against chewing insects such as wireworms, as well as giving the option to spray Dual Gold to control some grasses and broadleaf weeds. Andy commented that the OptiCote treatment enabled him to give the very best chance of success for the crop.

The crop was planted in late November following the harvest of a Fuze ryegrass crop. Andy applied 15mm of water pre-sowing, then used a standard seeder at 6-inch spacings with a press wheel. A follow up watering a week later, and the crop was away.

Fertiliser was applied at planting, 100kg/ha of DAP, plus a follow up of nitrogen (125kg/ha urea). At harvest at the end of March, the plants were in the order of 1.5m high, with the headage around 15-20cm. A standard corn front on the forage harvester was more than capable of cutting the crop. The crop yielded in the order of 11tDM/ha; analysis of the crop showed that the metabolisable energy (ME) was 11.9MJ/kg DM.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

“The use of Liberty grain sorghum is definitely not the norm in this region, but in essence Andy wanted a crop that was water efficient, would produce good yields and provide decent quality feed for his investment and labour,” said Allan Newman, Southern Breeding Manager, Barenbrug. “His comment about being a beef producer not a crop irrigator is true, so the labour and water intensive crops like corn were not a preferred option.

“The tonnage of dry matter may not be as high, but the nutritional value of the silage and grain certainly counters that argument. It means for the weaner feed ration, he will only need to top up with a protein component, plus the spring ryegrass cut. And he has done it with basic tools. Taking the chance on Liberty grain sorghum this far south has definitely paid off.”

To find out more about Barenburg Liberty grain sorghum contact your local Elders branch.

The Stamina® range. Premium quality hay and TRUE grazing tolerance

INTRODUCING STAMINA TORRENS GT8 NEW HIGHLY WINTER ACTIVE GRAZING TOLERANT LUCERNE

Sheep

Silage

Sowing Rate

5-25kg/ha

Ready to Graze

90-120 days

Rainfall / Irrigation

Minimum 350mm p.a

STAMINA

Torrens GT8

GRAZING TOLERANT LUCERNE

GRAZING TOLERANCE AND WINTER ACTIVITY - THE ULTIMATE COMBINATION

Torrens GT8 is the first grazing tolerant, highly winter active lucerne to be released to the Australian market*. This product was selected from highly winter active survivors in grazing tolerance trials at Leigh Creek (Victoria) and Gundagai (New South Wales). With a high leaf to stem ratio and fine stems it produces high quality forage for premium hay production or grazing.

NEW VARIETY: LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE THE ULTIMATE CHOICE FOR GRAZING TOLERANT LUCERNE

Stamina GT5

GRAZING TOLERANT LUCERNE

Stamina GT5 is a high performing lucerne variety that will produce quality hay and grazing opportunities for seven to ten years. While grazing for lamb finishing should be rotational grazing, Stamina GT5 is a true grazing tolerant lucerne which has been trialled over many years under the internationally recognised Standard Test Protocol for grazing tolerant lucernes.

* Torrens GT8 is the first highly winter active, grazing tolerant lucerne to be released to the Australian market that has been tested under the Internationally recognised Standard Test Protocol for grazing tolerant lucerne.

Stamina GT6

GRAZING TOLERANT LUCERNE

THE FIRST GRAZING TOLERANT LUCERNE FOR THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET

Stamina GT6 combines useful winter growth, great persistence and the ability to tolerate set stocking of sheep (though not recommended for lamb finishing). It provides excellent yield and quality during warmer growing months.

Stamina GT6 was the first lucerne released for Australian farmers trialled under the internationally recognised Standard Test Protocol for grazing tolerant lucernes.

THE KING KONG OF TROPICAL GRASSES: MEKONG BRIZ™ ANTHA BRACHIARIA

Written by PGG Wrightson Seeds: Stephanie Hodge

Mekong Briz™antha brachiaria is a highly productive, long term pasture option for central, coastal and Northern Queensland; providing growers with weed suppression, outstanding dry matter production and 8 to 9 months of vegetative growth throughout the year.

Gerry Dogao, PGG Wrightson Seeds Sales Agronomist for central and northern Queensland says, “Cows love it. It can handle an intense grazing system and will produce feed for 8 to 9 months of the year as it only flowers once a year, which is a real plus.”

PASTURE AND WEED SUPPRESSION

Mekong persists well as a standalone pasture and as part of a mix producing dry matter yields that range from 8-20 tDM/ha/year (sole pasture) if fertilised well.

“Mekong makes a great companion plant especially in a blend of grasses and legumes. Mix with a Rhodes grass and V8 Stylo for a highly productive mix with good weed suppression” says Gerry.

Nathan Surawski, PGG Wrightson Seeds Northern Region Sales Manager and south eastern Queensland/Northern Rivers Sales Agronomist also recommends Mekong as a strong option for weed suppression.

“My kids call it the King Kong of tropical grasses, and I tend to agree as Mekong is a fantastic option for South Eastern Queensland. The PGG Wrightson Seeds team have even begun to see increased success when sown further south where there is a cooler climate. Mekong is great for suppressing weeds due to its aggressive growth characteristics.”

ON-FARM SUCCESS

Shane Strazzeri, owner/operator of Barronessa Farming in the Atherton Tablelands is impressed with Mekong’s on farm performance stating, “I have been really impressed with my Envirogro treated Mekong pasture in the Atherton Tablelands. I am amazed at how fast it grows and how well it keeps the woody weeds out. It must be tasty as my cattle (Brangus charolais) love it and don’t look for other grasses to graze.

“I think it has the potential to be used to push out sedge, and its root system brings up nutrients and has great ground cover. I will definitely be sowing another Mekong pasture after seeing how well it is performing in my top end paddock.”

Mekong is a fantastic option for Northern Australia and will suit a wide variety of climatic conditions and soil types.

This highly adaptable plant grows on a wide range of soils (well drained – heavy) with a pH of 4–8 and can tolerate high aluminium concentrations found on soils below pH 5.5.

Mekong can also withstand dry periods of 3–6 months (during which the leaf may remain green when other tropical species have browned off), and short-term flooding of up to one month.

Typically, Mekong is suitable for areas with 500mm of annual rainfall however, “Due to its deep root system, Mekong can access soil moisture during the drier times and may be suitable in lower rainfall areas so I recommend farmers seeking a consultation with myself or Nathan” exclaims Gerry.

For more information on Mekong contact your local Elders branch or contact Gerry on 0407 113 719 or Nathan on 0429 637 034 or, visit pggwrightsonseeds.com.au/seeds/tropical/brachiaria/mekong-brizantha

With S&W forage cereals, the winter feed gap is filled

Forage cereals play a major role in filling the ‘winter feed gap’ when the growth of summer pasture slows in the north, during the cooler months on tablelands and slopes, and prior to spring pasture growth in the south. S&W Seed Company Australia offers a wide range of forage cereals, including the newly released Severn Forage Wheat, an awnless winter wheat. Graziers can plant Severn in early autumn, switch to Overland Oats or Bronco Forage Oats, then plant Kraken Forage Barley in early winter, depending on their location. In 2022, S&W Seed Company Australia Overland Forage Oats will replace Outback Forage Oats. Overland has improved tiller production and a wide leaf, with the same mid-to-late maturity as its predecessor. Bronco Forage Oats has consistently demonstrated high performance and rust resistance after several years of testing. Bronco is a mid to late maturity forage oat suitable for northern NSW and throughout Queensland. Bronco has shown good emergence under warmer soil conditions, and is quick to first graze with good recovery, making it suitable for multiple grazings throughout the season. In the later part of the growing season, when some earlier varieties had already set seed, Bronco can continue to produce excellent tiller numbers to provide grazing and hay options. Forage barley will provide a faster to graze or later sowing option for grazing enterprises, complimenting forage oats and winter wheat. Kraken is a 2-row awnless forage barley with a better leaf disease package and a later flowering schedule than Moby Forage Barley. Kraken Forage Barley matures much quicker than oats or wheat, so it can be planted in late autumn to obtain multiple grazings or in late winter or early spring for hay or silage only. Rob Verrall, a hay producer in Warrill View, Queensland, trialled Kraken in 2020. Rob reported that “Kraken had green leaves to the bottom of the plant,” providing “consistent hay in the bale.” Vernalization is required for winter wheat to become reproductive and produce a grain head. Severn Forage Wheat is a tall awnless winter wheat that exhibits a dense tillering habit early, making it ideal for grazing, hay and silage. Depending on the sowing time and the season, Severn can be grazed multiple times before terminating the crop at the end of spring. If the situation changes, stock can be removed sooner with the option of cutting for hay or silage at the end of the season. Severn’s sowing time, growth habit, and disease resistance, which includes resistance to the new Eastern Stripe Rust pathotype affecting other varieties, make it an excellent choice for grazing, hay, and silage. A 28 hectare paddock of Severn was sown on March 31 by Klori Pastoral Company under the guidance of Tony Stewart Senior Agronomist Elders Tamworth. 600 ewes and lamb were introduced on the 1st of June, and continually grazed the block until they were removed on the 14th of August. “We’re pretty happy with it. We planted it early, ran the ewes & lambs on it and it looks like it’s going to return a good grain yield”, reported Mr Stewart. Discover how Severn Forage Wheat, Bronco Forage Oats, Overland Forage Oats and Kraken Forage Barley can help you fill your winter feed gap and provide quality fodder for a productive enterprise. Your local S&W Territory Manager or rural retailer can provide assistance with developing your winter cereal program for next season.

Top photo: Tony Stewart Senior Agronomist Elders Tamworth inspecting the Severn after grazing. “The paddock was previously an old lucerne stand.” commented Mr Stewart.

GALLAGHER ANIMAL PERFORMANCE ENTERS NEW TERRITORY, HELPING BETTER TRACK ANIMAL PERFORMANCE TOWARDS TARGETS.

In January, Gallagher released the latest addition to their growing suite of technology solutions – Gallagher Animal Performance. Designed to provide customers with meaningful animal performance insights, the web and mobile app allows farmers to make more informed business decisions with an aim of improving on-farm productivity.

Gallagher Animal Performance gives users access to the same animal data stored on the cloud-based software from in the yards using their Weighing and EID hardware, anywhere on or off farm using a smartphone or in the office on a computer. Weighing and EID Business Development Manager Mike Hemsley said, “Gallagher Animal Performance is cloud-based, so the beauty of it is that you can synchronise between the mobile app, your Weigh Scale or EID Tag Reader and the web app.

“It means that wherever you are you can view your animal performance data, allowing you to make quick and accurate management decisions.”

MORE OPTIONS FOR ANIMAL PERFORMANCE

This month, Gallagher released a second version of Animal Performance. The existing version, ‘Animal Performance Everyday’ is free and continues to allow customers to upload animal weighing and recording sessions to the cloud and access them from either the computer or phone app.

Adding depth to the mobile and web app offering, is Animal Performance Plus ($25/month). This version gives customers more in-depth analysis to help track performance towards targets. For customers wanting to do more than just make good buying, selling and culling decisions, Animal Performance Plus gives farmers the additional ability to create groups, mobs or draft lists, to track the outcomes of management decisions on performance.

They can also monitor mob progress and implement animal management activities on the farm, such as creating mating groups or delivering the right animal back to the right owner.

A HEALTH RECORD FOR LIVESTOCK

“The tool is much more than a weighing system,” says Gallagher Animal Management Product Manager Apps and Software, Keinen Wyatt.

“It’s helping farmers make more accurate assessments about a whole range of key factors that can influence the way they run their farm. At the end of the day, if you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it. “It can help you get your stock to the right weight for breeding, transition them to weaning or manage animal health. The system can also help you record animal traits you might want to breed into your herd over time.

“Farmers can also measure their animals’ performance on different feeds or pasture, which over time will help make decisions about what feed they will need to buy in or what forage varieties work best in their environment”, explains Keinen.

Gallagher Animal Performance Everyday remains a powerful tool that farmers can download and use for free. They can easily access this fully connected experience, so they can take their data and easily load it into the cloud. The introduction of Animal Performance Plus offers customers wanting to drill down into their data the opportunity to get the full benefit of the total weighing and EID system for a reasonable monthly cost. Customers can subscribe to Animal Performance Plus online or purchase a 12-month subscription in store when they purchase their Weighing and EID hardware.

THE FUTURE OF ANIMAL PERFORMANCE

“This is really just the tip of iceberg regarding how our software applications will work within the Gallagher ecosystem. As customers become more familiar with the real farm management benefits available to them through using one app, I think our reseller partners will see them seeking out a wider range of Gallagher solutions, all of which will be enhanced by our software,” said Mr Wyatt.

Importantly, the software can be continually updated as more features become available. The Gallagher Animal Performance web app updates automatically, and users can set up reminders on their smartphone to update the mobile app when needed. Additionally, users will receive reminders to update the software on their hardware, ensuring that they are always working with the most up to date version.

Customers can get started by downloading Gallagher Animal Performance from the App Store or Google Play. For help or support, customers can speak to the Gallagher team on 1800 425 524.