JERSEY
March-April 2014
Print Post Approved 325550-009
JOURNAL
• Early Premier son from time tested pedigree • Dam is BW Centurion Iris K347 EX 95 • Amazing mix of production, type and health traits
Metalica’s Dam: BW Centurion Iris K347, EX 95
• Country son from Centurion Maid EX 91 • Extreme Fertility Plus sire • Reliable proof with 187 first crop daughters Cairnbrae Valentino Estelle 2-ET, VG 88 Owned and bred by Alan and Janine Carson, Irrewillipe, Vic, Australia
Irwin’s Dam:Dam: Jars Jars of Clay Iatola 16710 2751, VG 87 of Clay Iatola 16710 2751, VG 87
Metalica’s maternal pedigree: Dam: BW Centurion Iris K347, EX 95 6-09 3X 365d 18,014 kgM 4.8% 861 kgF 3.5% 633 kgP MGD: BW DC Shelly N275, EX 90 MGGD: BW Hermitage A324
Miles’ maternal pedigree: Dam: Sunset Canyon Centurion Maid, EX 91 3-07 2X 305d 11,450 kgM 6.1% 699 kgF 3.5% 401 kgP MGD: Tenn Haug E Maid, EX 93 MGGD: Tenn Index GHD Maid Tierwil Miles Cindy
PO Box 7538 • Shepparton • 3632 Victoria Phone (03) 5831 5559 info@wwsaustralia.com • www.wwsires.com
Vol. 67 No. 2 March-April 2014
JERSEY
COVER
March-April 2014
Print Post Approved 325550-009
JOURNAL
The Hunter Valley Jersey Cattle Club invites you to Tamworth on May 20-22, 2014
Developing and Promoting the Jersey Breed
Jersey Australia Board Members President: Peter Ness PO Box 93, Mt Compass, SA 5210 Telephone: (08) 8556 8270 nyowee@activ8.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: Rohan Sprunt 235 Kaarimba Hall Rd Kaarimba VIC 3635 Telephone: (03) 5826 9506 kaarmona@bigpond.com Trevor Saunders 495 Araluen Rd, Yarragon VIC 3823 Telephone: (03) 5626 6373 saunders-day@dcsi.net.au Andrew Younger 162 Zeerust Church Rd, Zeerust Vic 3634 Ph: 03 5829 8352 Mob: 0409 572 484 Email: motor5@bigpond.com
MAY 20 3pm Free bus tour of Tamworth attractions 7pm Jersey Bull night with special guests, at THE PUB. MAY 21 Jersey Australia AGM at the Ibis Styles Hotel 10.30am start farm bus tour. Farms to visit are Jamie & Michelle Drury, Scott & Karrie Whitten, Malcolm Rose Dairy & Factory. Lunch will be provided. 6.30pm Pre dinner drinks 7pm Jersey Australia dinner and awards (Ibis Styles Hotel) MAY 22 8.30am Shirlinn herd visit ACCOMMODATION 11am Inspection of the Shirlinn Sale Cattle Ibis Styles – 02 6765 8361 • Ashby House – 02 6762 0033 12pm Lunch Mention Jersey Australia for special rates. 12.30pm THE SHIRLINN SALE Bus tours & Dinner-Contact: Vicki Wilson 5pm The after party at the LONGYARD HOTEL T +02 6761 5783 – M 0413 993 113 # Please book by the 13th of May for Bus and Dinner
IN THIS ISSUE... CONTENTS
4 6 10 12 14 19 20 26 28 30
ADVERTISERS INDEX
Behind the Scenes Progress has been kind to us ADHIS review Ron Baker reviews six decades of challenges Industry news - Agri-Gene premier sire at IDW Jersey bull helps build a new Atkins herd at Dorrigo P is for Polled - Part 2 Sales Wrap IDW 2014 Show Results Udderly Admin MAY 2014 DEADLINES Advertising Bookings: MARCH 10th If you require your ad to be designed - all copy must be received by MARCH 13th If you are supplying press ready ads from an outside source the final deadline is MARCH 22th
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@skymesh.com.au Troy Mauger The Willows Willawa Rd Jerilderie NSW 2716 Telephone: (03) 5885 9294 tmmauger1@bigpond.com Lisa Broad 388 Johnson Rd Lockington VIC 3563 Telephone: (03) 5486 2624 lisa.broad@bigpond.com.au Brian Wilson 204 Wallamore Road, Tamworth NSW 2340 Telephone: (02) 6761 5783 vicki.brian@bigpond.com Jersey Australia Website: www.jersey.com.au
ABS 25 Agri-Gene 15 Bralock Jerseys 18 Central Gippsland JBC 8-9 Colac JBC 5 DeLaval 24 Genetics Australia IBC Goulburn Murray JBC 27 Hunter Valley JCC Cover Northern District JBC 23 Provico 24 Semex BC Shirlinn Jerseys 16-17 South Gippsland JBC 11 Windy Ways Jerseys 22 World Wide Sires IFC
Editorial and Advertising to: SHARON CLARK T: 0437 066 077 | E: jersey@clarkgraffix.com 7 Falcon Court, Shepparton VICTORIA 3632 JERSEY AUSTRALIA 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: carcoolajersey@bigpond.com TASMANIA State Secretary - Max McCormack PO Box 1258, Devonport TAS 7310 Phone: (03) 6424 1250 Mobile: 0409 252 232 Email: pegandmax@bigpond.com
VICTORIA State Secretary - Andrew Younger 162 Zeerust Church 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 – March/April 2014 3
JJ JERSEY AUSTRALIA by Scott Joynson
Behind the Scenes
As this edition of the Journal heads to the printers Jersey House slowly catches up on the traditional animal registration backlog and thoughts turn to reviewing our end of year result.
Last financial year we saw record Jersey registrations at 22,916 largely to the influence of export orders and all the Board forecasts for 2013/4 were based on the belief exports would soften. These forecasts seemed correct right up until late November when two export orders were confirmed and suddenly we saw a flurry of agent buying activity. I am very pleased to report that while we didn’t hit last year’s high we came very close managing 22,124 registrations between 1st March 2013 and 28th February, 2014.
Whilst reviewing our second highest registration year on record there were several other important milestones reached. I a remember a time when our Board wondered how we might encourage members to lift the per herd registrations from 20 head to 30 animals, I’m delighted to see that the year just past achieved a 5 registrations per member increase to 60 per herd which is a new national record.
Registered animal transfers also increased over 26% during the past year from 2417 up to 3051, while classification saw an increase of 16% up from 4528 to 5266 for the year. The positive news should continue over to the audited financial result set for release in the next edition of the Jersey Journal.
Jersey Australia members will have noted I’m sure that our Classification team focussed on member animal assessments prior to Christmas meaning all but a handful of herds were visited prior to IDW. However, our hardworking Classification panel were stretched too thin with this year’s jump in AB Company Linear Type Evaluation (LTE) nominations. The Jersey Australia Board has been closely monitoring the load placed upon our classifiers over the past two years and have taken steps to train Holstein Classifiers to be available should the need arise. For the first time in recent history Holstein Classifiers were contracted to complete the final LTE herd visits during January and early February 2014. As the Holstein panel has been to at least four Jersey classification field days over the past two and a half years, making adjustments to their data collectors in line with the Jersey Australia Classification team specifications the Jersey Australia Board moved to officially recognise the recent final scores on the Jersey registrar.
Be assured that the Jersey Australia Board’s first priority is to its members and as such would prefer to continue the tradition of a dedicated Jersey Classification service. The reality of classifier availability during the peak Spring period has always been a juggle, but none more so than last year so the search for classification panel trainees has become vitally important. The Jersey Australia Board will continue to work behind the scenes to find the best possible solution to the current situation in preparation for the new year classification tours.
4 Jersey Journal – March/April 2014
Preparations for the 2014 Jersey Australia Annual General Meeting are in full swing and I’d like to thank the Hunter Valley Jersey Breeders Club for all their work in putting together a terrific itinerary for this year’s event. A quick reminder, if you are someone who has continually operated a Jersey stud for 50yrs or know someone who has and has not yet been recognised please do encourage them to apply for the award by contact Jersey House on (03)9370 9105. When you think of all the changes tour our Industry in the past 50yr years it is inspiring to hand out these awards to people who are still passionate about our cow and excited by their future within the dairy industry. See you all in Tamworth!
2013 Top 20 Sires By Registration Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
NASIS VANAHLEM ELTON ALTAGALAXY TBONE SANDBLAST SPIRITUAL LARFALOT JEBLACKST 0200JE00944 7J590 JURACE ASTOUND GAINFUL 7J1038 PRIMETEQU 7J860 FLOWERPOWER 29JE3756 BADGER VALERIAN
Bull Name Offspring PANNOO ABE VANAHLEM 1331 CAIRNBRAE JACES ELTON 683 GALAXIES CELEBRITY 495 RICHIES JACE TBONE A364 401 NOWELL SANDBLAST 250 RIVERSIDE SPIRIT 241 LIGHTWOOD LUCRATIVE 236 LENCREST BLACKSTONE 214 MAACKDAIRY REGION 184 FOREST GLEN AVERY ACTION 184 KAARMONA JURACE 183 MOLLY BROOK BERRETTA FABULOUS 175 KAARMONA GALEAO 173 ALL LYNNS LOUIE VALENTINO 139 TOWER VUE PRIME TEQUILA 139 MAACK DAIRY ECLIPES-P 136 CLAYDON PARK FLOWER POWER 135 HAWARDEN IMPULS PREMIER 129 BEULAH TARANAK BADGER 126 KAARMONA VALERIAN 113
The Hunter Valley Jersey Breeders Club cordially invites all Jersey Australia Members and enthusiasts to attend Jersey Australia’s 2014 Annual Meeting and tour to be held in Tamworth, NSW beginning on Tuesday 20th May 2014. The itinerary as it stands is as follows; Tuesday 20th May Arrive Tamworth by 2pm for a 3pm Bush Tour and back in time for a 7pm Casual Dinner Wednesday 21st May 9.30am Jersey Australia AGM followed by Farm Visits which will include Peel Valley Milk, Whittons and Drury farmwalks. 7pm Jersey Australia Award Night Guest Speaker TBA. Thursday 22nd May 10.00am Shirlinn Herd Farm Visit, 11.00am Pre- Sale Inspection, 12 pm Shirlinn Sale - 6pm “After Party”.
COLAC JERSEY BREEDERS CLUB President: David Hallyburton – Secretary: Ros Drayton Life members: Bob Mellross, Anne Mercer, Ted Codling and Jim Parker
WARRION JERSEYS
Steven & Roslyn Chant 245 Melrose Road, WARRION, 3249 PH: 03 5234 8416 roslyn.chant@bigpond.com
CAMO JERSEYS
David & Raelene Hallyburton 355 Stoneyford Road, COBDEN, 3266 PH: 03 5595 1566 chops@tca-online.com.au David & Loretta Halliday 539 Naroghid Road, NAROGHID, 3266 PH: 03 5595 4466
MEMBER PROFILE
Elm Park Jerseys Andrew & Shahna Chant 4 boys, another on the way HISTORY • ELMS PARK established in 2009 • First year leased 50 acres and milked 40 cows • Now lease 180 acres • Calve around 55 in the autumn and with split calving will finish up with approx. 150 head • Carry replacements and irrigate 60 acres of summer crop GOALS • Gradually increase herd size to enable us to buy our own farm
Alan & Margaret Halliday 100 Colac-Ballarat Road, IRREWARRA, 3249 PH: 03 5231 4421
• Won the Graeme Hall Farm Management Award in 2011 run by the Simpson Lions Club • Placings in the Colac O.F.C
GLENBRAE JERSEYS
BULLS IN USE:
Jim & Glenda Carson Oliver and Melanesia Carson 30 Blacks Road, IRREWILLIPE, 3249 PH: 03 5235 3279 jgcarson@activ8.net.au Jake Harkness C/- Alta Genetics PH: 0448 634 533 jake.harkness@altagenetics.com
SPRING GULLY JERSEYS
ACHIEVEMENTS
TBone, Valentino, Sandblast, Celebrity, Country, Van Ahlem, Blackstone, Kyros, Irwin, Marvel n Football Team - GEELONG Apart from family if you could invite 6 people for dinner who would they be? 6 close friends
New members always welcome Page sponsored by
Don & Jan Murray 255 Larpent Road, BARONGAROOK WEST, 3249 PH: 03 5233 8265 djmurray5@bigpond.com
Beth,Alana & Lora Schulz 2 Smith Street, COBDEN. 3266 Ph. 0458 200645
ROCKVALE JERSEYS Des & Wendy Parker PO Box 25, BEEAC, 3251 PH: 03 5234 6284 djwjparker@bigpond.com
TAUGHBOYNE JERSEYS Kerry McGarvie & Laurie Finney 217 Darlington Road, GNOTUK, 3260 PH: 03 5593 9347 taughboyne@bigpond.com
JACKIAH & RIPPONLEA JERSEYS
Simon Reid & Belinda Egan 489 Howards Road, GARVOC. 3265 PH: 03 55918285 jackiahjerseys@bigpond.com
JIREH JERSEYS
Chris & Pam McKenzie 859 Cooriemungle Road, COORIEMUNGLE, 3268 PH: 03 5598 7222 jireh859@aussiebroadband.com.au
VENOMA JERSEYS
Jim & Norma Parker 550 Tomahawk Creek Road, IRREWILLIPE, 3249 PH: 03 5235 3209 venoma@bigpond.com
WOOLVIE JERSEYS
WANSTEAD JERSEYS
Roger Heath & Amanda Reynolds 150 Koort-Koortnong Road, CAMPERDOWN. 3260 PH: 03 5593 9321 rvheath@tca-online.net.au
HOMEBUSH PARK & LORAMANIA JERSEYS
ELMS PARK JERSEYS
Andrew & Shahna Chant 64 Farrells Road, WARRION. 3249 PH. 0400 128 960 Email as.sjchant@activ8.net.au
CAIRNBRAE JERSEYS
Alan & Janine Carson 80 McNabbs Road, IRREWILLIPE EAST, 3249 PH: 03 5235 3201 janine.carson@activ8.net.au www.cairnbraejerseys.com
Owen Barry 300 Wool Wool Rd., ALVIE 3249 Ph 0409 339 532 owenbaz@live.com.au Bob Gilmour GEELONG, 3216 PH: 03 5241 2765
words: Michael Porteus
Progress has been kind to us “Progress has been kind to us,” says Jim Salway, the Jersey breeder from the NSW south coast who is the 2014 winner of the International Dairy Week Lex Bunn Award recognising major unheralded contributions to the Australian dairy industry.
J
im says advances in “breeding and feeding” mean that today’s Jerseys are well ahead of the cows he began milking more than 60 years ago. He says the champions of past decades would “not even be considered” if they were lined up in a show ring against today’s top Jerseys. There are of course still many challenges. Jim says the seasons are hotter and drier, there are now many fewer farmers who are all much busier, and the Jersey breed may have “just gone over the top a little” as it waits for the next sensational sire. But Jim says there are a lot of good young farmers to meet these challenges. They have nutritionists now, they can really grow grass, and there will soon be another great Jersey bull. And Jim says that on the NSW south coast “we all get on – no matter what we breed, we all get on”.
6 Jersey Journal – March/April 2014
Jim was born in 1943. He always expected to become a dairy farmer like his grandfather, and his father Cliff ‘Brimmer’ Salway. Jim has been milking Jerseys since he was five years old. Brimmer judged dairy cattle at every royal show in Australia, giving his son a fine appreciation of good cows, and ambitions to do well in the nation’s top show rings. One of Jim’s proudest achievements is taking home the ribbon for Supreme Champion cow from the 2005 Sydney Royal Easter Show.
However, Jim’s memories of the Sydney Royal start way before that. He remembers how an 18-year-old South Coast girl Madge Cochrane beat Australia’s equestrian Olympians in the six-bar event at the 1962 Sydney Royal. He eventually married that girl, and Madge married his behind-the-scenes work. Jim has now been a key organiser of the dairy events at his local Cobargo Royal Show for 54 years. Madge has organised its equestrian events for 44 years. The Salways milked all Jerseys until 1993 when Jim introduced some Holsteins, one of which once beat his own Jerseys to local show ribbons. Other senior figures in Australian dairying say Jim is not prejudiced against any breed, or any farmer who breeds non-Jerseys, but he has always loved Jerseys. And Jim still says that at the end of the month, they work out to be the most profitable cows. Jim began to focus on breeding Jerseys in the 1960s, before artificial insemination. “My father brought a Francliff bull who did a good job for us, and then he bought a Katandra bull, and he did a better job,” Jim says. “In the 70s, we were running hot, and that continued when we got his progeny going in the early 80s.” Jim first took cows from his Glencraig Stud to the Sydney Royal in 1956, when the show was also a market for heifers. Jim also often competed at the Melbourne Royal, and was an early exhibitor at International Dairy Week. Some Victorians say Jim put NSW south coast breeding on the national map. “You just learnt a lot off even the guy that you might be stabled alongside,” Jim recalls from his early days of showing. “If you watch what he’s doing, he probably does things different to you, and you might be able to pick up points from him.” And Jim says showing remains an important way for farmers to learn from each other. “If you keep your eyes and ears open, you do learn a lot, mainly about the preparation,” he says. “Feeding is everything.” Jim values any chance to meet other
breeders, and he says this continues at think one has arrived yet to take over industry is the way he offers to transport on-farm challenges. from Lester. But there’s younger sires other farmers’ cows to show rings that coming through now, and in a year or can be a long way from their farms. “The on-farm challenge has taken a lot two, I think things will improve again.” away from the show ring these days, and This can be a big break for a young rightly so,” he says. “It’s just so expensive Jim thinks Australian Jersey breeders farmer, but Jim is characteristically lowto get to shows now.” have got to keep aiming for improvements key about it. “We’ve got a truck – we don’t in type. “They must have strength of loin have a problem,” he says. “I just drive and So Jim has also become a key and plenty of rib capacity,” he says. “And take a young bloke to sit with me, and organiser of his local on-farm challenges. they must still have that good udder.” take their animals too.” “I usually take the judge around, and do all the organising with the exhibitors, And he thinks the new generation of He is also low-key about the highlights and tell them what time we are going to Australian Jersey breeders will meet the of his own career. “Possibly go back be there,” Jim says. challenges. “We do have a lot of good to 2005 when we got supreme cow in people in the game today,” Jim says. Sydney,” he says, noting that the progeny “That’s my role to do that – to of this cow – Glencraig Prince Interest chase up farmers that don’t – might still be a positive ring you back to tell them what influence on the herd of time you are going to be there. his son Steven, who took Farmers just seem to be so the Glencraig stud to a new busy today, they don’t seem location with irrigation at to have time to go to meetings Bemboka after he took over and things like that.” in 2006. Jim says the exodus is Jim says another continuing from dairy farming highlight of his career was in his area. “Since Bega floated the 1998 Melbourne Royal. on the stock exchange, and “There were five heifer now the farmers can get classes and we won every their hands on a nice slice of class,” he says. money, one or two more are giving it away. But farms are “And possibly my first not selling, so they either trip to Dairy Week was as lease or run beef cattle.” good as any – that was in 98 and we got junior champion Jim says the main heifer.” changes in the Australian Jersey breed have been in However, Jim does not production and type. And look at the past through rosehe says better feeding has coloured glasses. He can’t been just as important as think of anything that was breeding in Jerseys’ steep actually better in the 1950s. improvements in milk But today’s farmers have to production. stick together: “Definitely, you “If we go right back must work together, or there’ll to the 70s, they weren’t be no progress for you or the getting fed right, not like community. I’ve made a lot of they are today,” he says. friends from royal shows and “Breed and feed – they’ve in particular Dairy Week – you got to be bred right to milk, meet people from the other and they’ve got to be fed Stev breeds also.” en and Jim Salway wit h right.” champion, Glencraig Prin their 2005 Sydney Royal Easter Show suprem Jim will now join the e ce Interest. Jim concurs with the committee which nominates importance that most Australian Jersey and selects people for the Lex “There are a lot of knowledgable young breeders place on the introduction of Bunn award. “I did know Lex Bunn very blokes, and they are very good at what north American genetics. well actually,” says Jim. “He was a fine they do.” gentleman. Dairy Week would probably “Definitely,” he says, “that’s how we Jim agrees that one of the challenges never have started without Lex Bunn.” got the production into them, and better for the new generation is to find ways that style – a different style of cow. We sort of Jim says he was “absolutely shocked” breeders can keep working together. He had cows with weak loins that were low when he was announced as the 2014 grew up at a time when farmers would go set, but the north American genetics has recipient of the Lex Bunn Award. to other farms, and could easily see what changed all that.” their neigbour was doing. Today, famers “I’ve been involved in shows, and I’ve hardly visit each other. He says Lester was a great bull. “Now been on committees, and you don’t even his progeny have finished, we’ve just think about looking for reward,” he says. The Lex Bunn judges say one example been waiting for another bull. I don’t of Jim’s contributions to the dairy “But it’s good when it happens.”
Jersey Journal – March/April 2014 7
CENTRAL GIPPSLAND JERSEY BREEDERS CLUB INC
You’re invited to ……
President: David Anderson (03) 5627 6344
Secretary: Anthea Day 0400 266 375
2014 GIPPSLAND
Jersey Spectacular
Warragul Showgrounds, Tuesday April 8th 53rd CENTRAL GIPPSLAND JBC
Autumn Fair commencing at 8.30am
Judge: Glen Gordon, Gorbro Holsteins, Cohuna, Vic.
See Gippslands finest compete for over $6000 of prizes • $250 prizemoney for in-milk classes • $15O for heifer classes. • Senior Champion $750 cash • Intermediate Champion $500 cash • Junior Champion $300 prize
2013 CHAMPION COW MINSTONETTE BLACKYS VICKIE 60 Owned by J & K Sykes
If you are yet to receive a schedule please contact Reece Attenborough 0400 597 341 Stay around and enjoy lunch provided by our club.
CENTRAL GIPPSLAND JERSEY BREEDERS CLUB INC President: David Anderson (03) 5627 6344
Secretary: Anthea Day 0400 266 375
Tuesday 8th April 2014 Commencing at 2pm – Warragul Showgrounds H This sale has something for everyone, your opportunity to purchase some of the best genetics the Jersey breed has to offer from our district and Australia wide.
H Cow families selling include many of the best from
PASADENA COMERICA OLIVE EX91 Reserve Senior Champion Cow IDW 2014
GELBEADO PARK NAVARA BONITA EX92 Sold for $16000 SGJBC 100 years Sale 2012
Her daughter sells
locally and around the world. Families include Belle, Illusion, Melanie, Fernleaf, Eileen, Iris, Designer, Benita, Bonita, Ivy and many more.
lls
Her Merchant daughter se
Her Tequila g-dtr sells
She sells!
DARRYN VALE VIOLET 214 87@2YRS 4th 2yr old NEJCC OFC
BUSHLEA BROOK FERNLEAF EX92 Breed Great
Any enquiries: Trevor Saunders (m) 0427 266374 or email saunders-day@dcsi.net.au Rob Anderson (m) 0400 987702 or email kingsville@dcsi.net.au Luke Wallace (m) 0400 562764 or email lukemel@dcsi.net.au
We would like to acknowledge our major sponsors
H Central Sires H Rabobank H Daviesway H Yarragon Grain and Produce Catalogues available 20th March (approx) – Updates to be posted on Facebook
INDUSTRY NEWS
ADHIS review seeks profit-plus breeding The Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Service (ADHIS) wants input from all Australian dairy breeders it reviews its current system of Australian Profit Ranking breeding values to develop a new system that looks beyond economic benefits. ADHIS is organising a nation-wide series of farm walks in March where farmers can discuss how breeding values can be updated to meet both national objectives and the needs of individual farms. Breeders can complete an electronic survey at the farm walks, or respond to email invitations to complete the survey on-line. Breeders can also phone ADHIS on 03 8621 4240 to participate. General manager Daniel Abernethy says ADHIS wants the review to have strong farmer input to influence the future direction of breeding in Australia. The review will look beyond the Australian Profit Ranking (APR) to ask what cows will best meet the needs of Australian dairy farmers into the future. Daniel says the review will ask if the Australian breeding objective needs to look beyond maximising profit. As an example, he notes that some countries have incorporated sustainability into their breeding objectives. ADHIS extension and education manager Michelle Axford says the review will also investigate farmer preferences based on different types of farms with different breeds, different feeding systems or different calving patterns. “There will be a large-scale farmer survey conducted through March and April that’s a really concrete and easy way for farmers to have a say about what
they want to meet their future business needs,” Michelle says. She says new analytical software will enable ADHIS to coordinate the views of hundreds of farmers to summarise their priorities for different traits. By analysing the trade-offs that farmers make when choosing traits, the survey will be able to establish the ‘value’ that farmers place on different traits. “For example, if we take fertility, economists can do their sums and calculate the value of fertility,” Michelle says. “But that sometimes doesn’t capture the heartache and the nuisance value of cows that have to be culled because they can’t get in-calf. “There’s a nuisance factor there that’s very difficult to get into an economic model, but farmers know it. “Through this software, we’ll be able to get a better feeling about the value that farmers place on particular traits. The survey will help us understand how farmers value different elements of their cows.” Michelle says the survey will take into account issues such as breed. “It will have a little look around the economics of having a Jersey herd,” Michelle says. “It will ask if they are different enough to other herds that we need to take that into account when putting up options. “The breed question is part of the project’s range, as are questions around feeding systems. Do your breeding priorities change if you have a different feeding system in place on your farm? “Another element that will be examined is calving patterns. Do your priorities change if you have year-round calving?
“We certainly want to understand farmers’ priorities. For many of us, the herd of cows is the second-largest asset on our farm. It is an important investment area, and we want to try to improve that. “The job of this review is to articulate the best National Breeding Objective,” Michelle says. “We also know that different people are going to have different breeding priorities. “We need to get the big-ticket items right while still supporting farmers with a whole range of breeding priorities to allow them to add particular emphases which suit their businesses.” Following the survey, an options paper is expected to be ready by July. Farmers can then have further input before the review task force makes recommendations to the ADHIS board late this year for implementation in April next year. The remaining events for farmers to discuss breeding values and complete surveys for the 2014 review are: • South West Victoria: March 18 Simpson; March 19 Koroit; March 21 Cooriemungle. • NSW: March 14 Finley, March 18 Lismore and Wagga Wagga; March 19 Nowra; March 20 Taree. • Queensland: March 19 Harrisville; March 20 Kenilworth. • South Australia: March 25 Mt Gambier, March 26 Yankalilla. • Western Australia: March 24 Cowaramup, March 25 Boyanup. For more information, go to www.adhis.com. au or phone 03 8621 4240.
2013 BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ELECTIONS
The Jersey Australia Board of Management adheres to a compulsory rotational retirement policy and as such calls for nominations from its membership to fill (5) 2yr Board positions. The vacant Board positions are as a result of the rotational retirement of the following Jersey Australia Board members – Peter Ness, Trevor Saunders, Andrew Younger, Lisa Broad and Rohan Sprunt. Nomination Forms are available from - The Returning Officer, PO Box 292 Ascot Vale VIC 3032 or by calling Jersey House on (03)9370 9105 or via email jersey@jersey.com.au Nominations for Election need to be completed, signed and returned via post to Jersey House before 5.00pm Wednesday 9th April 2013. *Mail completed nominations to Returning Officer, PO Box 292, Ascot Vale VIC 3032 FAXED OR EMAILED NOMINATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
March/April 2014 2014 10 Jersey Journal – January/February
South Gippsland Jersey Breeders Club Inc Est. 1912 President
Secretary
AARON THOMAS 938 Albert River – Welshpool Road Binginwarri 3966 0437 386 562 Albertriverfarm83@bigpond.com
Treasurer
ALAN LAUNDER 725 Buffalo-Tarwin Lower Road Middle Tarwin 3956 03 5663 4252 cheralan73@hotmail.com
WAYNE KUHNE 110 Johnsons Road Koonwarra 3954 0438 088 660 bushleafarms@bigpond.com
Member profiles Alan, Cheryl, Brian & Katie Launder
Glenmaple Jerseys
Aaron Thomas & Vanessa Wade
Morningside Jerseys
O What year was your stud formed? 1963
O What year was your stud formed? 2007
O Farm location and size? Middle Tarwin – 400 acres over 2 farms Stony Creek – 100 acres
O Farm location and size? Binginwarri 215 acres plus 130 acres in lease country
O What is your herd size? 250
O What is your herd size? 180 milkers this year with 200 to calve in July/August/September
O What is your Bull team for 2013? Irwin, Vanahlem, Galaxy, Astound, Elton
O What is your Bull team for 2013? Vanahlem, Galaxy, Valson, Tresbon, some PT bulls
O What was your farm highlight for 2013? Acquiring additional farming land and joining both properties with an underpass.
O What was your farm highlight for 2013? Farm highlight would have to be moving to our own farm and starting a new business with the Mumford family
O What is your favourite bull of all time? Astound
O What is your favourite bull of all time? Flowerpower and Vanahlem
Morningside Jersey’s Farm Walk
On Thursday the 20th February the South Gippsland Jersey Breeders Club visited Morningside Jersey’s in Binginwarri for a meeting and farm walk. Paul and Lisa Mumford of Gelbeado Park have purchased the undulating property and milking herd for Aaron and Vanessa to manage.
Currently Aaron and Vanessa are milking 180 cows on this property, with the aim to purchase their herd within 5 years, potentially share farming in the future. Aaron said “Vanessa and I could not have done it without the help of Paul and Lisa Mumford and it’s a great opportunity”. Aaron is enjoying being his own boss and making his own decisions.
words: Michael Porteus
Ron Baker reviews six decades of challenges Much has changed in the six decades since a 14-year-old Ron Baker got on his bike in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray and rode off to his first job on dairy farm at Werribee.
Andrea, Ron, Glenyss, and Grant Baker at Glenarron Farms.
R
on had always liked cows, and always wanted to be a farmer. He spent ten years working on farms at Bitten, Merrigum and Tongala before moving to his own farm at Katunga, just north of Numurkah in north central Victoria.
In those days, Ron was able to begin the purchase of 100 acres of irrigation farmland between the Murray and Goulburn rivers without even a deposit. He moved to the farm 50 years ago in the same year he married his wife Glenyss. They began milking 57 Jerseys. They first supplied the Murray Goulburn Co-op, and then sent their milk to Kraft in Strathmerton. They now supply 1.7 million litres a year to Bega Cheese Co-op, whom Ron says are “good farmers and factory operators”. Today, the Bakers graze up to 300 Jerseys on 80 hectares of irrigated pasture in an enterprise named Glenarron Farms that they run with
12 Jersey Journal – March/April 2014
their son Grant. Their daughter Andrea does the farm books and helps with the milking. They have two other daughters – Philippa, who has a family farm at Finley, and Dalene, a psychologist in Melbourne. The Bakers grow some crops for hay and silage. They run young stock and non-milking cows on another 120ha of irrigated land five kilometres from their home farm. The farms share a 562ML annual water allocation. Twenty-six years ago, the Bakers converted an unused cool storage area on their farm into “farm stay” accommodation. Ron says it allows guests to appreciate agriculture and see how farms can be a positive environment for raising a family. Ron remembers that Jerseys dominated Australian dairying during his early days on farms. “I’ve always loved Jerseys,” he says. He remembers the Friesians arriving, but says they were
always big cattle that needed a lot of feed and were “heavy on the farm”. Now he’s happy to see Jerseys coming back strongly with the integration of world-wide genetics in the 21st century. He says more farmers now recognise the advantages of Jerseys’ smaller size, better components, better feed conversion, and easier temperament. “We became involved with the American Jerseys and our Jerseys are bigger now”, he says. “They give more milk and are stronger cattle.” Ron says the biggest change in dairying during his career has been the plummeting number of dairy farms. “It’s been a loss for the industry’” he says. “When I started, there were 40,000 dairy farmers. Now there are 4,500.” He is also critical of the water-reform process which this century has sought to facilitate water trading by unbundling irrigation allocations from specific plots of land. He says this has been a bad
mistake. “You cannot run an irrigation farm without water,” he says. “The water must be tied to the farm.”
Ron was on the Australian Jersey Breeders Society’s Victorian committee for 16 years prior to the inception of Jersey Australia. He is the current president of the Goulburn Murray Jersey Breeders Club (GMJBC), which he says was already going strong when he joined it 40 years ago to mix with other Jersey breeders. The GMJBC was an early adopter of onfarm challenges. Fourteen 14 years ago, it was part of moves to broaden these and encourage more clubs to participate with the introduction of the Great Southern Challenge. That competition is now being mirrored in a Great Northern Challenge.
Ron says GMJBC entrants have won the Great Southern Challenge three times. “The challenges work because Jersey people like to have others come to their farms and show an interest in their cattle, even when time is limited,” he says. “It is the best event to happen within the club.” The rise of on-farm challenges has gone hand-in-hand with improvements in the ‘dairyness’ and ‘type’ of cows
“Big volume cows can be harder to get back in calf,” he says, “but the Jerseys are a good strong sustainable cow.” in Jersey herds. “The competition is important to our breed,” Ron says. He says there are issues with the fertility of all high-producing cows, but he believes Jerseys still have the edge. “Big volume cows can be harder to get back in calf,” he says, “but the Jerseys are a good strong sustainable cow.” He says he breeds for dairy type, and for milk, butterfat and protein production. “They are the most important things to be involved with, even though your stud cows have also got to be commercially farmed,” he says. Ron is watching the adoption of new breeding techniques such as genomics, but he thinks it’s a bit untried at the moment, and may need ten years to develop. “Perhaps some farmers can use a bit of it,” he says, “but being a dairy farmer for a long time, you tend to know what a real dairy cow is. “If people are looking for information about dairy cows, they should go and ask other interested dairy farmers!”
Ron says visual classification is still most important to the Jersey breed. He says this is a “great measure stone for breeders” who gain a lot of experience by assessing lots of cattle. “We use 50 progeny-test straws each year and think this sire development is a great idea for the breed also,” he says However, Ron thinks the forward momentum of the Jersey breed over the past decade has unfortunately not been matched by advances in agribusiness. “More faith should be imparted, and more assistance available within the industry, to sustain it,” he says. “This is a better year, but we really need three to five years of better payments to help stabilise ourselves from the hard times endured in the past. “The last two years have been very hard, and it’s very hard to keep farmers in the industry, when they are not being looked after financially.”
by Rebekah McCaul from Alexandrina Cheese
Let’s Cook with Dairy… Nectarine Tarts with Spiced Alexandrina Ricotta Créme
Groundwork On the day, you will need 25 minutes preparati on time, total cooking time 20 minutes Plus crème 1 hour in the refrigerator Serves 6-8
TopTip If you have time you can make your own puff pastry ensure that the dough is pulled out and stretched until very thin, the results will be astounding!
Elements Spiced Alexandrina Ricott a Crème • 500g Alexandrina Fresh Jersey Ricotta • 1 vanilla pod, seeds separated from pod (use essence if you are stuck) • 60 g caster sugar • 1/2 tsp allspice • 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 1 lime, juiced • 1 zest of lime • icing sugar, to dust Nectarine Tarts • 375 g Careme All Butter Puff Pastry (www.caremepastry.com or choose your favourite puff pastry) • 6-8 medium, local white fleshed nectarines • icing sugar, to dust
Method • Preheat the oven to moderately-hot 200 degrees celcius, and brush a flat oven try with melted butter. • To make the Spiced Alexandrina Ricotta Crème use a blender to crème the ricotta. • In a seperate bowl combine seeds from the vanilla pod, caster sugar, allspice and cinnamon. • Carefully add the spiced sugar into the ricotta cream, add zest and lime juice until a thin cream forms, refrigerate. • Cut a sheet of thawed frozen puff pastry into four squares. • Brush all over with melted butter and dust generously with icing sugar. • Arrange thick slices of nectarine diagonally across the pastry. • Take the pastry square and fold two corners over and seal in the centre. • Brush the pastry parcels again with melted butter, and place them on the prepared tray. • Dust with a small sprinkle of icing sugar. • Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. • Plating up – serve nectartine tart with a generous spoon of chilled Spiced Alexandrina Ricotta Crème, dust with another small sprinkle of icing sugar. Jersey Journal – March/April 2014 13
INDUSTRY NEWS
Top Ranking Sires All-Round at Agri-Gene claiming IDW Premier Jersey Sire Tequila Dtr
Plus Dtr
Magnum Dtr
14 Jersey Journal – March/April 2014
December 2013 USDA Proof Highlights Agri-Gene has retained the No.1 and No.2 Jersey rankings in the USA with Sweetie PLUS Iatolas Bold claiming back the No.1 position from Wilsonview Jevon MAGNUM who has dropped to the 2nd position on the JPI rankings. PLUS has continuously being ranked amongst the top of the Industry for JPI, he combines pedigree diversity and unbelievable profit potential as he is now the No.5 Milk Production bull in the breed at +1719M and is also a Top 10 Sire for PTA Protein, NM$, FM$, Stature, Dairy Form and Rear Udder Height. MAGNUM is the equal No.2 JPI Sire in the USA who sits at the top of the rankings for CM$, NM$ and FM$. He offers high Milk Production +1204M, positive Components (over 130lbs of combined Fat & Protein) with excellent all-round Health and Fitness Traits for Daughter Pregnancy Rate, Cell Counts and is one of the best for Productive Life. We only have Sexed Semen available on Magnum! Richies Jace TBONE A364 has thousands of milking daughters in the USA to go with his many outstanding daughters worldwide. He is ranked amongst the Top 100 JPI Sires and is your No.1 choice for improving Teat Placement. For the Type orientated breeders, Tower Vue Prime TEQUILA-ET has been dominating the show scene around the globe for the past few years; he is sitting in equal No.1 position yet again for overall Type +2.4, Udders +6.68 and Stature +4.1 and is ranked amongst the Top 10 Sires in the USA for PTA Percent Protein, Strength, Rump Width, Fore Udder Attachment and Udder Depth. Agri-Gene are also excited to announce that we are bringing in a limited stock of Sexed Semen on Tequila, be sure to get in early to secure your orders, contact Agri-Gene for pricing! IDW 2014 Show & Sale Highlights There’s no doubt why TEQUILA is the No.1 Type Jersey Sire and Big-Time Show Style Sire, he dominated the recent International Dairy Week with at least 15 daughters placing in the Top 6 which included; • Hazel Vale Prime Maybelle – ET taking out Reserve Junior Champion, Brunchilli Tequila Rebecca taking Honorable Mention • Junior Champion and Bralock Mexicano Merle taking out Reserve Senior In-Milk Heifer of the Youth Show and was 1st Junior 2 Year Old In-Milk & pulled out for the Intermediate Champion lineup in the Open Show. To top this off Tequila was awarded the first ever IDW Premier Jersey Sire award, a feat very well deserved and congratulations to all breeders for your success. Former Agri-Gene Great; LESTER SAMBO sired the Honorable Mention Intermediate Champion and 2nd in the Futurity Class; • Rivendell Sambo Halle and 1st Aged Cow & Champion Jersey Cow; Brunchilli Sambo Priscilla. Agri-Gene sired progeny also sold well in the IDW Showcase Jersey Sale, TBONE daughters; Araluen Park Tbone Sandra sold for $5,400 and Three Men Tbone Babe sold for $4,500. TEQUILA daughter; Hazel Vale Tequila Maybelle sold for $5,400 and GANNON Daughter; Broadlin Peta 2675 – EX92 sold for $6,000.
T
Tequila
Tower Vue Prime Tequila-ET (Primetime x Sambo)
Reigning IDW & WDE Premier Jersey Sire
Dtr: South Mountain Tequila Jem - VG89 Nominated All-American Yearling in Milk 2013 Nominated All-Canadian Yearling in Milk 2013
Dtr: Bralock Mexicano Merle 1st Jnr 2 Year Old in-Milk IDW 2014 Res. Champion: All Breeds Junior Show IDW 2014
Breed Leading Type & Udders
Dtr: Blue Mountain Tequila Tina Marie - EX91 1st 5 Yr Old in Milk, All American Dairy Show 2013
• For the Type Orientated Breeders, Tequila has been dominating the Show Scene around the World for the past few years adding Star Quality. He was recently crowned Premier Sire at International Dairy Week and is the reigning back-to-back Premier Sire at the World Dairy Expo. • Tequila has an Exceptional Type Proof which sets him apart from the Rest; He is the No.1 Type, Udder and Stature Sire in the Breed. Excellent Reports on Australian Daughters who are clearly Identifiable by their Elite Udder Traits and Eye Catching Combination of Dairyness, Style and Strength. • Get into the Winners Circle today.
Dtrs: Bralock TQ Miss Merle, Topshelf Tequila Veronica, Bralock Tequila Merle, Shirlinn Tequila Snowflake & Gold Label Tequila Dream
Agri-Gene Pty Ltd
123-125 Tone Rd. Wangaratta VIC 3677
P: 03 5722 2666 F: 03 5722 2777 E: info@agrigene.com.au W: www.agrigene.com.au
MAY 20 2pm Arrive Tamworth 3pm Free bus tour of Tamworth attractions 7pm Jersey Bull night with special guests, at THE PUB. MAY 21 8.30am AGM Jersey Australia at the ibis styles hotel 10.30am start farm bus tour. Farms to visit are Jamie & Michelle Drury, Scott & Karrie Whitten, Malcolm Rose Dairy & Factory. Lunch will be provided. 6.30pm Pre dinner drinks 7pm Jersey Australia dinner and awards, at the Ibis Styles Hotel
Design: Sharon Clark Photos: Eve - Dean Malcolm, Mary - Ross Easterbrook
MAY 22 8.30am Shirlinn herd visit 11am Inspection of the Shirlinn Sale Cattle 12pm Lunch 12.30pm THE SHIRLINN SALE 5pm The after party at the LONGYARD HOTEL ACCOMMODATION Ibis Styles – T +02 6765 8361 • Ashby House – T +02 6762 0033 Mention Jersey Australia for special rates. Bus tours & Dinner-Contact: Vicki Wilson T +02 6761 5783 – M 0413 993 113 # Please book by the 13th of May for Bus and Dinner