Australian Jersey Journal January 2012 Part A

JERSEY

January/February 2012 Print Post Approved 325550-009

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Vol. 64 No. 1 - January-Feburary 2012

JERSEY

COVER

January/February 2012 Print Post Approved 325550-009

JOURNAL

WALLACEDALE JURACE STARDUST EX90

Developing and Promoting the Jersey Breed

Jersey Australia Board Members President: Trevor Saunders 495 Araluen Rd, Yarragon VIC 3823 Telephone: (03) 5626 6373 saunders-day@dcsi.net.au Vice President: Milton Johnston 118 Edinburgh Drive, Taree, NSW 2430 Telephone: (02) 6552 5915 Secretary: Scott Joynson PO Box 292, Ascot Vale, VIC 3032 Telephone: (03) 9370 9105 jersey@jersey.com.au Hon. Treasurer: Peter Ness PO Box 93, Mt Compass, SA 5210 Telephone: (08) 8556 8270 nyowee@activ8.net.au Don Fry Mitchell Rd, Benger, WA Telephone: (08) 9726 9226 katandrapark@bigpond.com Geoff Heazlewood PO Box 87 Latrobe TAS 7307 Telephone: (03) 6426 1169 Chris MacKenzie 859 Cooriemungle Rd Timboon VIC 3268 Telephone: (03)559 87222 jireh859@aussiebroadband.com.au Troy Mauger The Willows Willawa Rd Jerilderie NSW 2716 Telephone: (03) 5885 9294 tmmauger@bigpond.com.au Rohan Sprunt 235 Kaarimba Hall Rd Kaarimba VIC 3635 Telephone: (03)5826 9506 kaarmona@bigpond.com Lisa Broad 388 Johnson Rd Lockington VIC 3563 Telephone: (03) 5486 2624 lisa.broad@bigpond.com.au AJBS Website: www.jersey.com.au

by KAARMONA JURACE (pictured @ 5yrs on 4th calf) 4yrs - 6481L - 5.1% 331kgsF, 3.7% 238kgsP, 305D - current PI 100 • 1st Progeny Test 2yo Sth Gippsland OFC 2008 • 2nd Progeny Test 2yo Central Gippsland OFC 2008 • 3rd 3yo Sth Gippsland OFC 2009 • 3rd 3yo Central Gippsland OFC 2009 • Placed in the top ten 3yr old in milk IDW 2010.

She sells in our Future Fortunes sale May 31st, 2012 Wallacedale Jerseys Genetics Australia t: 03 5627 5668 Freecall 1800 039 047 e: lukemel@dcsi.net.au www.genaust.com.au Cover artwork: Sharon Clark

IN THIS ISSUE...

CONTENTS

ADVERTISERS INDEX

4 6

ABS … … … … … … … … … 15 Agri-Gene … … … … … … … IFC Almervista … … … … … … … 30 Alta Genetics … … … … … … 35 Bushlea … … … … … … … … 10 Cairnbrae… … … … … … … 12 CGJBC … … … … … … … … 26 Genetics Australia … … … … … FC GMJBC … … … … … … … … 11 Jugiong … … … … … … … … 27 Katandra Park … … … … … … 5 NDJBC … … … … … … … … 31 NEJBC … … … … … … … … 29 Performance Pro-Biotics … … … 7 Philmar … … … … … … … 23-24 Semex … … … … … … … … OBC Shirlinn … … … … … … … 18-19 Wallacedale… … … … … … FC, 22 WWS … … … … … … … … … 13

14 16 20 28 32 34

Behind the Scenes Semex-Jersey Australia Great Southern Challenge results Letter to the Editor It’s a privilege to be a classifier Invergordon breeder takes the next step Rump and legs critical to productive longevity Shows Sales

ADVERTISING COPY DEADLINES MARCH/ARPIL 2012

If you are supplying press ready artwork from an outside source the final deadline is February 21st, 2012 If you require your ad to be designed - all copy must be received by February 13th, 2012

CORRECTION: Jersey Journal Nov/Dec 2011 Ascot Park Advertisement Ascot Park Pitino’s Beauty EX94 correct production 47m - 8011L - 3.3% 268kgsP 4.4% 349kgsF - PI 116 - 305d (not 350d as stated)

Editorial and Advertising to: CLARK GRAFFIX Sharon Clark – PO Box 1576, Shepparton VICTORIA 3632 T: 0437 066 077 | F: 03 5821 0165 | E: jersey@clarkgraffix.com PO BOX 292, ASCOT VALE, VIC 3032 Telephone: (03) 9370 9105 Fax: (03) 9370 9116 Email: jersey@jersey.com.au www.jersey.com.au Pre-Press Editor & Graphic Design: Sharon Clark - Clark Graffix Printed by: Shepparton Printing Service P/L (03) 5821 4707 Email: sps@shepprint.com.au NEW SOUTH WALES State Secretary - Milton Johnston Phone: (02) 6552 5915 Fax: (02) 6552 5915 johnston_jersey@yahoo.com.au

QUEENSLAND State Secretary - Diane Reeves Phone: (07) 5485 4585 Work: (07) 3221 3182 Fax: (07) 5485 4575 Email: ajbsqld@bigond.com SOUTH AUSTRALIA State Secretary - Amy McDonald PO Box 13, Greenock SA 5360 Phone (08) 8562 8113 Fax (08) 8562 8520 Email: carcoola@chariot.net.au TASMANIA State Secretary - Max McCormack PO Box 1258, Devonport TAS 7310 Phone: (03) 6424 1250 Mobile: 0409 252 232 Email: pegandmax@southcom.com.au

VICTORIA State Secretary - Andrew Younger 50 Zeerust School Rd, Zeerust Vic 3634 Ph: 03 5829 8352 Mob: 0409 572 484 Email: motor5@bigpond.com GENETIC RECOVERY OFFICERS Chris MacKenzie (Western Districts) Phone: (03) 5598 7222 Margaret Cockerell (Northern Vic) Phone: 0407 641 132 (03) 5864 1133 Barry Monson (03) 5625 3176 or 0429 343 903 WESTERN AUSTRALIA Susan Lutey Feast Rd, Serpentine WA 6125 Phone: (08) 9525 2407 hope1@iinet.net.au

Opinions expressed in The Australian Jersey Journal are not necessarily those of Jersey Australia Inc or its Board of Management or Compiling Editor, and no responsibility whatsoever is taken for their authenticity. While every effort will be made to publish advertisements as ordered, no responsibility is taken for the failure of an advertisement to appear as ordered.

Jersey Journal – January/February 2012 3

JJ JERSEY AUSTRALIA

W

by Scott Joynson

Behind the Scenes

hilst writing this article our Jersey office was truly at its busiest time of the calendar year and despite the pre- Christmas madness we appear set to hit our target of 15,000 registrations for 2011. It’s amazing the effect a little rain, semi-stable milk pricing and Jersey export orders have had on our traditional services. Many thanks to all of our active members who helped us to reach our target by submitting registrations throughout the year.

Congratulations to Brendan Nicholson and his team of classifiers who have been incredibly busy during Tour 2 2011, a tour that has seen the highest member classification nominations for at least 12 years. On the flipside of the big increase of membership classification nominations is the sharp decline in AB Company LTE 2yr old nominations.

This decline is the second year AB Companies have cut type collection for first crop young bulls and a very worrying trend for all the major dairy breeds. Is AB Company reduction in type collection a symptom of the Genome Testing technology?

I think it is too early to tell, however I believe Jersey Australia members should be encouraged to support those companies who support our breed by continuing to progeny test young Australian bred bulls.

A reminder from the Jersey Australia Board that Australian 2yr old Jerseys are classified on a points only basis, those who have been advertising animals with VG, G or other awards do so misleadingly. Cows on second or subsequent lactations are currently the only animals who qualify for awards according to the current rulings - buyer

4 Jersey Journal – January/February 2012

beware of vendors who try and gain an edge by adding awards to their two year olds in advertising.

Congratulations to Scott Connell, Andrew Marks and Brad Notley for not only completing an approved judging school run by Jersey Australia NSW Branch but also for gaining Jersey Australia Board approval to be added to the breeds official Judging list. Cattle clubs seeking judges for On Farm Challenges or Show Societies planning for 2012 Jersey Shows can find the Jersey Australia judging list on the website www.jersey.com.au or simply contact Jersey House staff.

Reports for the 2011 Semex/Jersey Australia Great Southern & Great Northern On Farm Challenges will appear later in the Journal and it would be amiss of me not to congratulate all finalists in these events. It is no easy achievement to reach the final in these very popular events and from the video footage and still photos I’ve seen from both events, the competitions are a genuinely wonderful showcase of our breed. Results, and where possible video footage, has been posted on the

Jersey Australia website (www.jersey. com.au) and are being viewed by Jersey enthusiasts across the world.

The Jersey Australia Board would like to encourage all Cattle Clubs to consider appointing a young upcoming judge to assist senior Judges during 2012 On Farm Challenges. The suggestion comes as an acknowledgement that the breed needs to encourage the next crop of young judges to be continually developed.

A final note on the On Farm Challenges is that the Jersey Australia Board has announced the launch of the Great Australian On Farm competition. Winners of the classes from the Great Southern and Great Northern Challenges have all been captured on video. The Jersey Australia Board will appoint three independent judges early in the new year who will score all finalists from the footage separately, then submit scoresheets which will be tallied and Great Australian On Farm Champion 2yr old, 3yr old, 4yr old and Mature Cow will be announced at the 2012 Jersey Australia AGM in Inverloch, Victoria.

While on the 2012 AGM the Board has imported a cold cast bronze cculpture by artist Lee Mahovlic of the ideal model jersey cow. The sculpture weighs 2.7kg, stands 27cm high at the withers and is 34.3cm from muzzle to tail. It can be purchased from Jersey Island at a cost of $1000AUS (including import and delivery) or you can purchase raffle tickets from Jersey House at $20 each for your chance to win the heirloom. The raffle will be drawn May 30th, 2012 as part of the Jersey Australia AGM conference in Inverloch, Victoria.

Colombia invites Jersey enthusiasts to visit in June 2012 T

he 2012 Annual Council Meeting and study tour will be held in the beautiful country of Colombia where we will be hosted by AsoJersey Colombia, a very active breed association supporting the growing Jersey population in that country.

The main study tour begins on May 25th in the capital city of Colombia, Bogota, with the WJCB Council meetings scheduled for May 28th and 31st. The tour then travels to Medellin on June 1st (Post Tour A) and on to the fortified UNESCO World Heritage city of Cartagena, on the Carribean coast, on June 4th (Post Tour B) and ending on June 7th. It is possible to take part in the main tour only, or with the post tours.

An additional study tour is being prepared to Guatemala an extraordinary country where we will see Jerseys grazing at 9,000 feet on volcanic slopes.

The programme is now available from AsoJersey website: http://www.asojersey.com/ together with registration details.

PLEASE NOTE registrations must be received by the tour operator, ALL REPS LTDA, by February 15th, 2012.

For direct contact with the programme organisers please email: receptivocoordinador@allreps.com or info@asojersey.com

The Jersey Australia Board seeks expressions of interest in a proposed Trade Mission to the USA and Canada.

At this early stage the tour would be between 20th June 2012 till July 3rd 2012 and will consist of herd visits in California, Oregon, Wisconscin while attending three days of the AJCA Annual Meeting in New Hampshire before the final three days in Canada.

For more information or to record you interest in being part of this tour please contact Jersey House (03) 9370 9105.

Members are advised that the tour will only take place if a minimum of 10 people register. So come on help Jersey Australia fly the Australian flag in the northern hemisphere and register your interest now!

Jersey Journal – January/February 2012 5

words: Dianna Malcolm (Semex)

2011 Semex-Jersey Australia Great Southern Challenge shows what is possible T his year’s Semex-Jersey Australia Great Southern Challenge had the perfect example of what is possible.

The Great Southern Champions (for age) were unveiled at the annual luncheon at Witchmount Estate Winery at Melton, Victoria in early December.

The day was the culmination of an event, designed to find the best Jersey exponents on-farm without preparation (which limits the farmers’ workload, levels the playing field and finds common ground between commercial producers and breeders who regularly show). It involved an army of volunteers through the preliminary rounds and roughly 1400 cows from Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and southern New South Wales.

A well-known name in Holsteins, Lindsay Marshall (Main Beach, Queensland) re-appraised the regional finalists to find the Great Southern champions.

The winning four-year-old had one of the special stories of the day. Meldan Country Pharos was bought at the Patch family’s commercial dispersal

by Brendan and Melissa Scott, who milk 168 cows at Binginwarri, in South Gippsland.

Her breeders knew her background, her sire stack was catalogued (BW Country x Astound x Sooner x a Top Brass son), but she was not registered. Brendan and Melissa subsequently put Meldan Country Pharos through the Genetic Recovery programme.

She was then judged in the early rounds

by Jugiong Jerseys’ Pat Nicholson, who couldn’t get the cow out of his head.

He subsequently bought her. Now, she is heading to International Dairy Week (IDW) in January.

Patrick, who also accepted Reserve Champion in the two-year-old class (for the highest pointed PI heifer in their 510-cow herd), said his family was excited to have Pharos to join what described as one of their strongest IDW teams to date.

6 Jersey Journal – January/February 2012

Brendan Scott’s (second from left) winning entry in the Semex-Jersey Australia Great Southern Challenge has since been sold to Jugiong Jerseys and entered for International Dairy Week. Brendan is pictured with (from left) Stu Mackie and Jim Conroy (Semex) and Jersey Australia’s president, Trevor Saunders.

Brendan Scott said it was a difficult decision to make, letting their highest protein cow (and second highest milk) go to her new home, but he was looking forward to seeing her in the ring. He said she was on-track when she left their farm to complete a 7500-8000-litre lactation, after peaking at 34 litres (3.8% protein).

He was up front that he had paid $4100 when he bought her. He was not so keen to share Pharos’ selling price, joking that some things were better left unsaid. “I’ll let you think about what that might have been,” the delighted dairyman told the audience when he accepted his award.

He commented that they knew she was special, which is why they had named her “Pharos” – after one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Semex’s General Manager Jim Conroy said the story epitomised what the competition stands for – to showcase cows that might otherwise be unappreciated by anyone other than the people who milked them every day.

“To have a cow with no papers be recovered into the system, and then for

her to win and be sold on to one of the country’s premier studs is one of the high points for me this year,” Jim said.

Supreme winner The other name to steal the show came from the Broadlin stud of Lynton and Lisa Broad, from Lockington. The couple owned this year’s Champion three-yearold and the Supreme Champion Cow of the competition – Broadlin Constance 2565.

Constance 2565 is classified VG88 Max2YRS and their highest producing twoyear-old last season with 6947 litres, 3.9% 268kg protein, 4.5% 314kg fat in 305 days.

She finished third in the senior twoyear-old at last year’s IDW and she is re-entered this year as a senior threeyear-old.

“She is a special cow,” Lynton said. “She’s got a few more brains than the others.”

He said winning the top honour from the competition was almost the same as winning at IDW. “I’ve won at IDW and now I’ve won here and the emotions are pretty much the

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same,” Lynton said. “It’s world-wide recognition for your animals and that’s not easy to do.”

The news came hot on the heels of Jim announcing that a Broadlin-bred young sire, Broadlin Hatman, had just been named No.3 young genomic sire in US. Three-year-old class a stand-out Judge Lindsay Marshall said the threeyear-old class was one of the most pleasing he had judged in On-Farm competitions.

“My Champion was so long, lean and dairy,” he said. “She had a ‘five-finger’ rib, she was very functional and she had a presence and style about her. From the moment I saw her in the yard, I knew it would take something really special to beat her.

“This class had so many exceptional individuals you would like to take home.

My fourth placegetter was fantastic and the fifth finisher (Riverside Country Lollypop, Corey and Karin Couch) was milking 43 litres on her second calf. You just had to admire her will to milk.”

Mature cow exciting Another cow to capture Lindsay’s imagination was the winning mature entry, Willow Dell Fancy 512 EX92, owned by Ross, Robyn, Carl, Andrew and Ian Griffiths, of Eloora Pastoral Company, at Deniliquin.

The family milk 500 cows (200 Jerseys, 400 Holsteins) on 3800 acres (which includes cropping). They bought Willow Dell Fancy 512 over three years ago in a line of animals from the highly decorated Waters family.

Fancy’s 2010 completed lactation was 10,519 litres, 3.8% 401kg protein, 5.0%, 535kg fat in 305 days. The seven-yearold has had four calves and the family has three heifers from her sired by, Comerica (yearling), Governor (March 2011-born) and Tequila (August 2011born). She was second four-year-old at IDW 2009 and 1st five-year-old (and Honorable Mention Champion in 2010).

She has re-calved for the third successive year and is once again IDW bound.

“It’s great to win in another judging format,” Ian said. “To do well in the show ring and in your working clothes is great. It is a bit of a pleasure to get a cow that we think hugely of be appreciated by others.”

Lindsay put the class in perspective.

8 Jersey Journal – January/February 2012

above: The winners of the Supreme Champion Cow in the Great Southern Challenge were Lynton and Lisa Broad (pictured with their daughter, Cassie, 9). They are joined by (from left) Semex’s Jim Conroy, the judge, Lindsay Marshall, and Jersey Australia’s president Trevor Saunders. left: Great Southern judge Lindsay Marshall enjoys the moment with owner of the Great Southern Challenge’s Supreme Champion, Lynton Broad.

“I’ve judged Victorian and NSW State Finals in the Holsteins, and this is the best class I’ve ever had the pleasure of coming across in the on-farm competition,” he said. “All Jersey breeders should be congratulated for where you’re taking this wonderful cow.

You’ve improved rumps, legs, udders and milk flow and they are now very, very competitive and wonderful producers for the commercial world.”

He said his champion excelled in her functional traits.

“She had a wonderful set to her leg. Her udder was so high and so wide and she had beautiful teat placement,” he said.

“She was a very, very easy winner and she had an advantage in her length of neck, and that she was more correct in her shoulder than the cow in second.”

The two-year-old Champion, Jubilee Park Ida, came from the Armistead family, at Bungador, 30km south west of Colac. Kevin and Faye Armistead, together with their son, Glen, milk 160 cows. Ida is sired by Action and she is the family’s first Great Southern Champion.

“To win Champion was very surprising,” Glen said. “In saying that, I thought she’d do well by what the judge said about her.

But it’s a big competition and there are a lot of cows involved, so you never know.”

Glen said she came from one of their strong maternal lines and their plans for her were simple.

“We’ll keep enjoying her, keep showing her in this format and keep trying for a heifer calf,” he said, adding that the OnFarm contest suited them.

“This competition is a great way of showing off your cattle and letting you know how you are going compared to everyone else. I rear all our calves and I put a lot of work into them. It’s very rewarding to get acknowledged.”

Semex says value of competition clear And, as Jim Conroy wrote the final cheque that underpins this logistical giant, he said the On-Farm concept would continue to be a major force on Australia’s dairying calendar.

“It’s now massive. It’s grown in size and recognition beyond anything I ever

imagined when we started it, and I would go so far as to say that it rivals — in terms of value and recognition for breeders — International Dairy Week [IDW] or the Royal Show events. And I’m not criticising those events, it’s just that it’s up there when it comes to promotion, recognition and valueadding of livestock. That is what this competition is about.

“It is a significant commitment for us, but I’m not thinking that it’s costing too much — you can’t put a figure on what it does for this industry.”

RESULTS Great Southern Over-Judging: Great Southern Challenge

TWO-YEAR-OLD 1st: Jubilee Park Ida (K and F and G Armistead, Jubilee Park Jerseys, Bungador) 2nd: Jugiong Leonie 5996 (Nicholson family, Jugiong Jerseys, Girgarre) 3rd: Wallacedale Tbone Melys (C and M and L and M Wallace, Wallacedale Jerseys, Poowong North) 4th: Wallacedale Actions Belle 3 (C and M and L and M Wallace, Wallacedale Jerseys, Poowong North).

THREE-YEAR-OLD 1st: Broadlin Constance 2565 (L and L Broad, Broadlin Jerseys, Lockington) 2nd: Camo Ruth 2 (D and R Hallyburton, Camo Jerseys, Cobden)

3rd: Kaarmona Parade Marie 67 (M Perrett, Mytee Jerseys, Kongwak) 4th: Miami Country Eileen 4070 (Philmar Dairying Company, Miami Jerseys, Tocumwal).

FOUR-YEAR-OLD 1st: Meldan Country Pharos (B and M Scott, Meldan Jerseys, Binginwarri) 2nd: Merseybank Eltons Claire (G and A Heazlewood, Merseybank Jerseys, Latrobe) 3rd: Mikandan Action 989 (T and B Edwards, Mikandan Jerseys, Thowgla Valley) 4th: Pasadena Joker Olive (J Falls, Pasadena Jerseys, Finley).

MATURE COW 1st: Willow Dell Fancy 512 (Eloora Pastoral Company, Aroona Jerseys, Deniliquin) 2nd: Jugiong Molly 5482 (Nicholson family, Jugiong Jerseys, Girgarre) 3rd: Wallacedale Jace Melaine 4 (C and M and L and M Wallace, Wallacedale Jerseys, Poowong North) 4th: Rockvale Jill 4604 (D and W Parker, Rockyvale Jerseys, Beeac).

SUPREME CHAMPION Broadlin Constance 2565 (L and L Broad, Broadlin Jerseys, Lockington).

The winning three-year-old and Supreme Champion of the competition, Broadlin Constance 2565, owned by Lynton and Lisa Broad, of Lockington.

The mature class winner, Willow Dell Fancy 512, owned Eloora Pastoral Company, Deniliquin.

MOST SUCCESSFUL JERSEY CLUB Northern Districts Jersey Breeders Club

National Champions will be named In 2012

Jerseys are the first breed to move towards crowning National Champions (for age) in what will be called the Great National Challenge.

The announcement was made by Jersey Australia’s President Trevor Saunders, during the annual gathering where the Champions from this year’s SemexJersey Australia Great Southern Challenge were announced at the Witchmount Winery, at Melton, Victoria.

Historically, all the regions across the country conduct their own competitions.

To this point, the logistics of co-coordinating and judging a national final have made the move a challenge. A challenge Jersey Australia has been eager to solve.

Four-year-old winner, Meldan Country Pharos, owned by Brendan and Melissa Scott, of Meldan Jerseys, Binginwarri.

While some details are still to be finalised, Trevor confirmed the national judging will be conducted using video footage and a panel of three judges.

Semex’s Jim Conroy said if the concept works, it will be extended to include the Holsteins.

Jim went on to tell the audience that the world is watching Australia’s competition with a keen interest.

“I was stopped when I got to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto [Canada] recently to chat about the competition, because they were watching it unfold on the internet,” Jim said.

“There’s no question we’re being watched closely by many countries, and that our international friends are envious that we’ve made it work.”

Two-year-old champion Jubilee Park Ida, owned by the Armistead family, of Bungador.

Jersey Journal – January/February 2012 9

Genomics the unexpected H A recent genomic test of Bushlea Jace Fernleaf revealed that her sire is JEFusion, not Jace.

H The day Bushlea Etta Fernleaf 8 was joined there were 7 other cows joined, 4 to Jace and 4 to Fusion.

H A human error was made and Bushlea Etta Fernleaf 8 received a dose of Fusion, not Jace that was intended.

An error that we have not know for 8 years.

H Still our highest ever production cow in 305 days.

H Same cow, new name

Bushlea JF Fernleaf EX92

Artwork: Sharon Clark / Photos: Ross Easterbrook

H We will receive her genomic results mid December 2011.

Golden

BUSHLEA

FERNLEAF EX90

• 4 out of 5 Generations EX

Her March 2010 SENIOR daughter sells at the Jersey Showcase Sale IDW 2012 Joined to sexed Govenor

BUSHLEA

Keith and Pat Kuhne - Leongatha, VIC Ph: 03 5664 2235 – Email: bushlea@activ8.net.au

Wayne and Lisa Kuhne – Koonwarra, VIC JD SCORE 7 Ph: 03 5664 2403 – Email: bushleafarms@bigpond.com.au

Goulburn Murray Jersey Breeders Club President: Grant Baker (03) 5864 6246 Secretary: Margaret Cockerell (03) 5864 1133

NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME

GM

GLENARRON JERSEYS Ron, Glenyss & Grant Baker 14 Hutchins Lane Katunga (03) 58646246 glenarron@origin.net.au YENOLAM JERSEYS Neil, Wendy, Dick & Lyla 1119 Boals Rd Numurkah 3636 Ph (03) 5864 1064 Fax (03) 5864 1025 yenolam@iinet.net.au

FRESH START JERSEYS Toni Adams & Mark Norman Ph (03) 5865 5060 M 0427 229 505

F Thank you to the organisers of the gmjbc On Farm challenge held recently. congratulations to all winners and those who represented gmjbc at the great Southern challenge. A special thanks to judge Roger Perrett. Roger’s positive feedback on farm to the breeders was very encouraging. great job Roger.

F The gmjbc will be holding its annual calf show in the April 2012 school holidays.

This event is aimed at increasing youth involvement in dairying as well as showing with the emphasis on participation.

So start training your calves. get your family and friends involved in this very social day. more details in the next journal.

LOXLEIGH JERSEYS Geoff Akers Victoria Rd Tallygaroopna 3634 (03) 5829 8478 geoffakers1@bigpond.com

WARRAIN JERSEYS John & Margaret Cockerell 1219 Rendells Rd Numurkah 3636 (03) 5864 1133 warrainjerseys@mcmedia.com.au

GLENFERN JERSEYS Peter & Bev Farrell 579 Healesville-Kooweerup Rd, Healesville 3777 M 0409 503 352 peter.farrell7@bigpond.com

JBC

BEULAH JERSEYS Daryl & Lani Hoey 160 Christies Rd Katunga dmlhoey@bigpond.com.au (03) 5864 6473 YALCARA JERSEYS Peter & Lyn Sprunt 926 Sandmount Road Katunga 3640 (03) 5873 2583 yalcara@cnl.com.au

KADDY JERSEYS Andrew Younger 50 Zeerust School Rd Zeerust 3634 (03) 5829 8352 motor5@bigpond.com www.jersey.com.au/ jweb/uploads/kaddy/ kaddy_intro.html

F All enquiries to: Grant Baker (President) (03) 5864 6246 Margaret Cockerell (Secretary) (03) 5864 1133

GENTEEL JERSEYS HOMELANDS JERSEYS Brad Adams Phil Hentschke & Warren Schutz 553B Mywee/Koonoomoo 142 Youanmite Rd Rd Strathmerton 3641 Invergordon 3636 (03) 5874 5388 (03) 5865 5171 genteeljerseys@hotmail.com

WAIANIWA JERSEYS Lindsay Hamilton 1045 Hawkers Rd Nathalia 3636 (03) 5864 1380

KAARMONA JERSEYS Graeme & Robyn, Rohan & Claire Sprunt 228 & 235 Kaarimba Hall Rd Kaarimba 3635.

(03) 5826 9506 kaarmona@bigpond.com HAZELVALE JERSEYS Jason Hayes M 0410 135 420

FROGLANDS JERSEYS Ben Pedretti 51 Victoria Street Tallygaroopna 3634 (03) 5829 8339

Goff Eclipes #7957, VG 83

Diamond S Governor Joya, EX 91

JJ LETTER

Letter to the Editor Dear Jersey Breeders,

It is important that when anyone sets out to be part of a culture or distinctive group that those individuals are aware of the ethics of this community. Ethics being a body of moral principles or values governing a distinctive culture. Ethics are what governs us as a whole community, what we know as humans to be correct, right and wrong.

However, what happens in a distinctive group when ethics and even rules begin to be slowly eroded?

As a professional, I am governed everyday by ethical behaviour. Of course there are rules which govern how I am to interact with clients, however, there are also my own individual and workplace’s ethics which dictate how I behave. If I was to breach these parameters, I would be quickly questioned. But what happens when people in a community know that unethical behaviour is happening and do not question, but to the contrary, ‘jump on the band wagon’?

The answer is that ever so slowly what we have known to be our registered Breeders’ community becomes unrecognisable, old breeders become disheartened and the new either are joining the fray or disappearing. I have watched over the years, the ‘playing field’ in the show ring shift, shift towards individuals who are prepared to unethically alter the appearance of their animals in order to win.

What is sad is that many of the youth surrounding our show rings appear to believe that the only way to be competitive is to engage in dishonourable behaviour. Not only do individuals act fraudulently but it appears, many are happy to show others how to do it as well! Why, when many people step into a show situation are they leaving their integrity at the gate?

Let’s consider a scenario, simply, a cows teats have been set , ‘glued’!

They walk into the ring, the judge doesn’t notice, they win their class and go on to win a broad ribbon. They gain prize money. The question that needs to be asked is, are they profiteering from fraudulent behaviour? One could argue that this is especially the case if they go on to sell this animal or progeny from this animal. It also needs to be considered where this stands with the Australian Trade Practices Act? In this country it is clearly illegal to misrepresent an item which is up for sale.

If we were a ‘gambling society’, this would not be a problem because Australian law prevents ‘fixing’. Take for example the Fine Cotton Affair of 1984. A racing horse was misrepresented as another; a prominent racing industry figure was given a 14 year ban from the industry because of alleged knowledge of the fraudulent behaviour. I suggest that if these rules were applied to the Australian show rings, many prominent breeders would be banned!

When is enough going to be enough? When will people regain their sense of integrity and question their own behaviour and that of others?

Why are we so scared to say it is not ok? Is it because it is already of epidemic proportions? It is time to start to question the unethical behaviour that we see happening in our show ring. Sadly, I do not want my two year old son growing up and wanting to be part of the current Dairy Industry Show Ring. I do not want him to grow up thinking that people will condone, even affirm those who cheat in life.

Our Breed Society leaders need to demonstrate through definitive action to the young of our breed that it is not acceptable behaviour.

That it is serious fraudulent behaviour with critical breed and legal implications. Show entrants need to comply with the letter and spirit of the Breed Society’s Code of Ethics, and as breeders we need to support the Breed Societies, should they have the ethical fortitude to enforce the Code of Ethics.

Yours Sincerely Michelle Brown (Wollingurry and Foxton Jersey Studs)

14 Jersey Journal – January/February 2012

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‘It’s a privilege to be a classifier’ Q

ueensland Jersey breeder Darrin Grevett says it’s a privilege to be a Jersey classifier and help breeders evolve the Australian Jersey herd.

Darrin loves dairy farming and breeding and showing Jerseys.

He enjoys traveling around Australia to meet other breeders, classify herds, and talk about breeding.

Darrin’s grandparents were dairy farmers, but his family had left the industry by the time he grew up.

“I didn’t really have any interest in dairy farming until I went to Nambour High School,” he says.

Other Nambour old boys Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan went on to become national leaders, but Darrin took the school’s Ag courses and came up with the idea of being a farmer.

He then went to Gatton College to study grazing animal production. He couldn’t wait to apply theories on real farms.

He began working for other dairy farmers 15 years ago, and eventually moved to his own farm at Eumundi, 30 minutes west of Noosa Heads.

“My original love was for the Ayrshire cow,” Darrin says. “But their genetic base was just too small, and I wasn’t getting the results that I wanted when I was trying to breed.”

But a high-school friend had a Jersey farm, and Darrin says he was involved with Jerseys when the breed was transformed by the introduction of American genetics. He remembers the first daughters of American bulls like Top Brass, and he saw the influence of the offspring of Lester.

Now he says he likes all cows that are built right, but his heart is with Jerseys: “She’s a great converter of feed. Her temperament is great. The genetics are there. They are great cows.”

Darrin now farms a 220-acre milking property with 80 irrigated acres. He has another 200 acres of pastures 10kms away for heifers and drying-off cows.

He milks 140 head – half Jerseys, and half Holsteins remaining from the 200-cow herd that came with the property. Darrin brought his own 80 Jerseys, and has been selling Holsteins.

He says his top Jersey now produces 35 litres a day, and his top Holstein 40. After bad seasons last year, the farm was still buying in brewers grain in early spring, but was on track to produce 1.1 million litres this year.

Darrin says the cows average 26 litres a day at four percent fat and 3.4 percent protein. He feels these are exceptional averages with the Holsteins in his herd.

Darrin Grevett and son William with Sunshine Coast Jersey Cattle Club senior champion Yandavale Resserection Fayre.

16 Jersey Journal – January/February 2012

He says the main advantage of Jerseys on a farm north of Brisbane is that they handle humidity better than Holsteins.

“The Jerseys are a lot smaller cow, and their colour helps,” he says. “They’ll be out grazing probably for an extra two hours

in the morning. The Holsteins are happy to stand in the shade all day.

“Jerseys have that ability to keep milking that little bit harder through the heat and humidity, which we have for four or five months a year.

“They probably have less problems with mastitis as well, because they are not wanting to sit in the mud all day.”

Darrin says a Jersey litre can earn four cents more than a Holstein litre.

And he says that although Jerseys are getting bigger, they are still a smaller cow better able to cope with wet weather. Lower weight means less feet problems.

Darrin loves showing, and went to judging school while he was at college. He says people get to know you when they see that you know what you are doing when showing and judging cows.

“They are not protected from the heat.

“They’ve got to fight for every mouthful they get.

“We expect our cows to do a lot for us.

“Ultimately, we look for cows that have the ability to consume a lot of feed, and produce what they are eating into a product that is high in fat and protein.

“There’s lots of cows that can eat a lot of feed, but they don’t have that ability to put it into milk.

“That’s coming back to the dairyness.

“That’s where the Jersey cow has changed.

“We have turned her from a cow that has a high fat and protein percentage to a cow that is very competitive with the Holstein in milk volumes, and has kept the components.”

Darrin says Australia may classify harder than north America and Canada, with more attention to udders.

One person who got to know him was former Jersey Australia classification coordinator Alan Carson. Alan invited Darrin to classification field days, which led to Darrin joining the Jersey Australia classification panel.

He is confident that Australian Jersey breeders are continuing to improve type and production.

He does sometimes ponder the future of the Australian Jersey: “Do we get bigger and bigger cows, or do we go for more milk, more milk, and more milk?

Darrin loves classifying. He says classifiers don’t know everything, but are happy to help breeders if they can.

“There’s genetics out there nowadays so that you can breed to suit the market that you are in.

“We aim to provide a service that will aid the Jersey breed to continue to strive forward, and keep competing against the other breeds,” he says.

“If you want components, you can breed down that line. If you want milk volume, you can breed down that line.”

“The classification scheme is a way of the Jersey breed aligning and forming the ideal cow.”

He says the main area where Jerseys have improved over the past 20 years is milk volume, and that goes back to dairyness.

“Jerseys now have the longer lean necks, beautiful deep, clean front ends, and deep open mid-sections,” Darrin says.

Darrin Grevett and son Edward at the Sunshine Coast Jersey Cattle Club calf day.

Rump structure has also improved. Jerseys are now flatter in their bones, and more robust.

“They are a lot bigger nowadays, but that’s not only breeding – the feeding of dairy cows has changed somewhat.”

Darrin says Jersey Australia classification panel members classify for dairyness plus strength.

“We are not looking for cows that are frail. We are looking for cows that can withstand Australian conditions where cows have to walk a long way.

He says cows in Australia have to consume a lot of feed in a climate not perfect for an animal first bred to spend half its life sheltering from snow in a shed.

“They’d rather sit in the shade, but we expect our animals to go out and consume large amounts of feed,” he says.

But he says breeders can forgo some traits by concentrating on one particular aspect.

As a farmer, he says the Jersey cow is firmly placed to make money. Jerseys “fit very well into our marketplace”.

As a classifier, he says “we are looking for an all round cow”.

“We don’t see the farmer’s milk cheque – we don’t know if they are making money.

“We know the model cow we are aiming for.

“And if we walk on to a farm and they are the kind of cow that they are breeding, they’ll get good scores.

“If they have cows that aren’t matching the model cow on which we are basing classification, their scores will be lower.”

Classifiers are happy to discuss their scores if asked, but they don’t like to go to a farm and list problems.

Darrin says classifiers give breeders a print out for each animal.

This identifies areas which could be improved.

“Our job is to give them a tool to help them breed a true model Jersey cow,” he says.

“They may not wish to, but it’s our job to identify where they might.”

Jersey Journal – January/February 2012 17

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