Waterway

Rural news Macalister Demo Farm:

Production and profit

PRODUCTION and profit are the current focuses of Macalister Demonstration Farm. This year, with urea prices continuing to climb, production may decrease because of the need to remain profitable. In terms of production, the two main productivity indicators on a grazing dairy farm that affect profit are kilograms of grass dry matter consumed per hectare per day, and kilograms of milk solids produced per cow per day. The farm’s hectare productivity is currently 48 (compared to 54 this time last year) and the cow productivity is 1.83 (compared to 2.13 this time last year). Grass per cow is also a driver of profit on a grazing dairy farm. It is currently 10.7 kilograms of dry matter of grass per cow per day (compared to 12.9 this time last year). The 2.2 kg of grass per cow is a significant difference and would be largely responsible for the different milk production, because the quantity of supplements are the same as this time last year. This lowered production is most likely because of the reduced nutrients contained within the Foliar fertiliser which the farm has been using on the advice of an agronomist. FEED MARGIN PERFORMANCE

MDF THIS TIME LAST YEAR MDF TEN DAYS AGO

MDF THIS TEN DAYS Units Ten days to date: 10-Nov-20 31-Oct-21 10-Nov-21 Milker graze area 68 61 65 Ha Milkers 285 285 295 Head Stocking rate 4.2 4.7 4.5 cows/ha Average graze rest time 28 30 30 Days Estm'd pasture consmp'n 54 49 49 kg DM/ha/day Pasture consum'd per cow 12.9 10.4 10.8 kg DM/cow/day Pasture growing spend $3.85 $2.12 $3.02 $/ha/day Estm'd pasture price $71 $44 $62 $/T DM

Conc (incl additives)supp fed/cow 5.9 5.9 5.9 kg DM/cow/day Conc (incl additives)supp avg price $353 $417 $417 $/T DM Hay/silage supp fed/cow 0.0 0.0 0.0 kg DM/cow/day Hay/silage supp price $/T DM Feed Conversion Efficiency 114 110 111 kg MS/tonne DM Total feed intake/cow 18.6 16.1 16.5 kg DM/cow/day NDF Fibre in diet 33.6% 31.2% 31.4% % NDF Litres/cow 29.0 24.7 25.8 l/cow/day Fat test 4.08% 3.90% 3.83% % Protein test 3.27% 3.30% 3.33% % Milk Solids per cow 2.13 1.78 1.85 kg/cow/day Milk price (less levies)/kg MS $5.83 $6.51 $6.55 $/kg MS Milk price (less levies)/litre $0.43 $0.47 $0.47 $ per litre Milk income/cow $12.41 $11.58 $12.09 $/cow/day All feed cost/cow $2.99 $2.89 $3.10 $/cow/day Margin over all Feed/cow $9.42 $8.69 $8.99 $/cow/day MOAF /ha /day $39.50 $40.61 $40.80 $/ha/day Farm MOAF per DAY $2,686 $2,477 $2,652 $/day

The farm will shift back to solid urea to boost late spring and summer grass production, but it will also be scrutinised carefully to determine the effect elevated urea prices have on margins at the farm. However, when comparing the farm’s profitability and looking at the figures in the table, the farm’s margin, even with much lowered productivity as mentioned above, is only $34 per day less than the same time last year, and throughout October. The farm’s margin was actually slightly higher than the same time last year.

Benefits of farm forestry to landowners

ADDING timber production trees to farms can yield significant productivity and financial benefits for landowners as well as increase property values, according to landmark new research. The Forest and Wood Products Australia paper, which reveals that a take-up of farm forestry would also help strengthen regional economies, was welcomed by the Australian Forest Production Association and National Farmers’ Federation. The research, contained in Lifting farmgate profitability through high value modular agroforestry, highlights exciting opportunities for Australian farmers to integrate farm or agroforestry to their enterprises. The sites studied showed major benefits including improved cashflow using tree rotations, increased shelter for stock, biodiversity improvements and land restoration benefits. At one location, tree planting helped increase pasture productivity by 30 per cent. NFF chief executive Tony Mahar said farm forestry could complement traditional farming enterprises, through long-term investment. “This research shows that support for integrated trees amongst farmers is high, with recognition for benefits including for shelter, biodiversity, aesthetics, direct economic benefits and land restoration,” he said. AFPA chief executive Ross Hampton said the pandemic-induced building boom had given Australians a glimpse into the future, revealing how difficult it would be to source timber if more production trees weren’t planted urgently.

Farm forestry can complement traditional farming enterprises, by providing improved cashflow using tree rotations, increased shelter for stock, biodiversity improvements and land restoration benefits.

“Farm forestry in the right places can help solve the timber shortage crisis, with major benefits and payoffs for both farmers and timber processors,” he said.

MULTI VENDOR CLEARING SALE

AUCTIONS PLUS ONLY PROPOSED TO

Commence FRIDAY, 10th December 10.30am to Monday 13th December 10.30am

Thinking of selling farm machinery/equipment that is surplus to your requirements? Contact Ben or Jack to be a part of our online clearing sale. A chance to have a tidy up before Christmas. hristmas.Ch

Follow us on Facebook Ben Greenwood 0429 193 136 Jack Ginnane 0458 322 615

2 5 3 5 G P 1 6 3 WELLINGTON Shire’s land managers have an opportunity to attend farm chemical user training free of charge during December. The training is on offer to primary producers and conservation group members as part of the Wellington Weeds and Pest Animal Control project. This project is being delivered throughout the Wellington Shire by Maffra and Districts Landcare Network and aims to help land managers reduce problems of weeds and pest animals following drought. Courses will be held at Stradbroke Hall on December 20 and 21 and in Maffra on December 22 and 23. Training will be provided free of charge, but is limited to one person per property or farming business. To register or for more information, phone Bonnie Reeves on 0484 002 296.

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