The Australian Jersey Journal September 2009

Print Post Approved 325550-009

Journal

August / September 2009

JERSEY

AUSTRALIAN

Aug/Sept Volume 62 No. 23 — June / July 2009

CONTENTS PO BOX 292, ASCOT VALE, VIC 3032 Telephone: (03) 9370 9105 Fax: (03) 9370 9116 Email: jersey@jersey.com.au www.jersey.com.au Compiling Editor: Scott Joynson Designed and Printed by: Numurkah Leader (03) 5862 1034 Email: printads@leader.net.au

New South Wales

State Secretary - Milton Johnston Phone: (02) 6552 5915 Fax: (02) 6552 5915

Behind the Scenes

2

MilkPlus project

19

2009 Herd Production awards

3

Top 20 Sires by Registration

20

That was then ... this is now

4

Smart by name and by nature

21

Jimann Jerseys

9

Alta Genetics Update

24

Office Matters

26

Selectabull - Cutting through the marketing hype

26

Australian Jerseys needed for New Zealand breeding program 11 Tasmanian Pura All Breeds

12

Gympie Show results

17

Breeding cows - a hobby or a business

27

Youth Profile - Nicola Paulger

18

Agrigene Jersey Highlights

28

Brunchilli Jetson Passion Ex-91

QUEENSLAND

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

State Secretary - Amy McDonald PO Box 313 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: mpmccormack@southcom.com.au

COVER

State Secretary - Diane Reeves Phone: (07) 5485 4585 Work: (07) 3221 3182 Fax: (07) 5485 4575 Email: ajbsqld@bigond.com

VICTORIA

Executive Offier - Scott Joynson 79 Munro Street Ascot Vale VIC 3032 Phone: (03) 9370 9105 BH Fax: (03) 9370 9116 jersey@jersey.com.au Genetic Recovery Officers Chris MacKenzie (Western Districts) Phone: (03) 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 6125 PH: (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.

Our greatest producing cow ever!

10435 Litres and 631kg Fat in 305 days Comerica daughter sold for $13500 Golden Legacy Sale 2009 Congratulations to the Paulger Family of Kenilworth QLD on this exciting puchase.

Brunchilli Jerseys Passion will recalve in the spring to Morry Lyn & David Boyd Rapid Bay Regan!

1035 Riverina Highway, Finley, NSW, 2540 Brunchilli Sambo Tammy Ex-93 03 5883 0213 Our highest classified cow!

Rivendell Jerseys 1st 6yr IDW 2009 & Senior Champion Hayley Boyd & Stewart Menzies Cow IDW 2009 Tammy will recalve also in the 251 Jindy Andy Lane, Nowra, NSW, 2540 02 4447 0688 spring to Furor.

ADVERTISERS INDEX Alta - 21st Century Genetics ABS

16 IFC

Agrigene

8

Almervista

7

Brunchilli

FC, 24

Central Gippsland Jersey Breeders Club

25

Goulburn Murray Jersey Breeders Club

23

Merseybank Jerseys

13

Northern District Jersey Breeders Club 6 Semex

BC

Sunshine Coast Jersey Cattle Club 14 Sunshine Coast Youth Camp World Wide Sires

18 IBC

Editorial & Advertising to: Scott Joynson PO Box 292, Ascot Vale VICTORIA 3032 Ph. (03) 9370 9105 Fax. (03) 9370 9116 Email: jersey@jersey.com.au JerseyJournal August / September 2009 —

1

behindthescenes Given the current industry gloom, particularly in Northern Victorian, I couldn’t help reflecting on the wonderful effort put in by the Northern District Jersey Breeders Club who hosted the very successful four day Jersey Extravaganza that encompassed the inaugural Jersey Australia Annual General Meeting. The first day kicked off with the Northern Lights Sale, the catalogue packed with quality lots from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia. I can’t stress how professional the pre-sale advertising/ promotion was including press releases, a very slick website and of course a wonderful catalogue that I’m sure Mr Leslie was pleased to be selling. The hammer fell on the last of 34 females average price $2903, with 1 Embryo lot at $4200 and 23 semen packages averaging $920 . A great result given the industry uncertainty in Victoria a topic that was discussed along with everything else at the post sale barbeque dinner.

An unusually early start on day two saw the Victorian Branch AGM kick off around 7.30am with many of the assembled quorum surprisingly sharp and as the cooked breakfast along with the orange juice kicked in many interesting questions and opinions came from the floor. At the meeting’s conclusion it was all aboard the full bus that took Jersey enthusiasts from all states out on a day of herd visits. Many thanks to Benlock, Jimann, Craigielea, Bercar, Brookbora, Broadlin and Silhouette Jerseys - your cattle and your farms were a credit to you. A great day was capped off nicely with the formal dinner dance at the Moama Bowling Club where Russell Gammon, CEO Jersey Canada raved about the quality of Australian Jerseys and reminded all present to focus positively on long term goals despite the short term hardships. It’s rare that Mr Gammon is topped, but the presentation of Jersey Australia’s first Life Memberships to Trevor & Julie Campbell may have just stolen the show as the two recipients were totally unaware of the presentation, which showed in their impromptu and heartfelt speech after accepting the award.

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— JerseyJournal August / September 2009

The Jersey Australia inaugural AGM was held at the Moama Bowling Club at 9.30am on Day 3 with a large quorum filling the previous nights dance floor. Amongst the reports members were pleased to note that the move to the national structure had been a positive move financially and encouraged all states to speed track asset transfer to new business so as to help with future projects and plans.

The 2009 Jersey Australia production awards were presented to those members present at the AGM, then Mr Warren Dudfield from Tasmania was presented with a Distinguished service award from for his contribution to Federal Council over 15 years, again the surprise was obvious in Mr Dudfield’s words in which he encouraged the Jersey Australia Board to continue with its plans to promote the breed to the non converted. A short bus trip to Cape Horn Winery was followed by a lunch and a very informative presentation by ADHIS CEO Daniel Abernethy who gave those present a taste of what is to come with the advent of Genome technology. The final day was spent amongst the herds of the Goulburn Murray Breeders Club which was a fitting finale to the Jersey Extravaganza.

On behalf of the vendors who supported the sale, the members who revelled in the Jersey fellowship during the week and from the Board members of Jersey Australia congratulations to the NDJBC committee the 2009 Jersey Extravaganza was a wonderful success! (insert large round of applause)

2009 Jersey Australia Herd Production Awards Name B & D Smethurst CB & KC Couch SR & HM Bruns GT & JW Fleming GC & SJ Thorn GC & RG Sprunt JR & MA Cockerell P Hentschke & W Schutz S Reid W & P Nicholson & Family R & S Bacon BR, JL, RP, & LJ Smethurst D & J Grevett DA & BL Edwards G & A Heazlewood

C, M, L & M Wallace A Richards JH & GL Carson C & C Smith R & J Richards WT & PK Cochrane IR Anderson BR Mills C Glennon & Co Philmar Dairy Company R & G & N Akers

Member V010280 V007318 V007321 N002011 S001715 V001590 V001196 V010763 V002868 V010248 V000580 V000905 Q090260 V010124 T000738

V010581 V008276 V000597 V010977 V007440 V000150 V005767 V079077 V006189 N008630 V000102

Stud JARNDIE RIVERSIDE RAMAYA INVERGELLY FLEURIEU KAARMONA WARRAIN HOMELANDS JACKIAH JUGIONG BROOKBORA LERIDA PARK YANDAVALE MIKANDAN MERSEYBANK

WALLACEDALE TOP LINE GLENBRAE EURARIE PROM VIEW CRAIGIELEA KINGS VIEW ASH GROVE WHITE STAR MIAMI LOXLEIGH

Carolyn Smith accepts the Gold production award on behalf of Eurarie Jerseys from Jersey Australia President Trevor Saunders at the 2009 AGM.

Herd 105 161 212 321 91 133 285 67 181 435 199 244 114 97 138

191 30 457 68 261 226 199 319 205 324 302

Milk kgs FAT 7665 350 7203 354 7302 354 7290 352 7235 360 6969 349 7124 338 6927 344 6730 339 6870 329 6654 344 6719 324 7243 311 6821 328 6365 306

6448 323 6201 322 6582 308 6015 316 5972 316 6234 313 6237 308 6025 303 5822 292 5765 294 5792 292

kgs PROT total F +P Award 290 640 Platinum 283 637 Platinum 282 636 Platinum 282 634 Platinum 261 621 Platinum 266 615 Platinum 273 611 Platinum 264 608 Platinum 252 591 Platinum 261 590 Platinum 244 588 Platinum 260 584 Platinum 263 574 Platinum 245 573 Platinum 242 548 Platinum 235 232 237 227 227 228 230 233 229 224 223

558 554 545 543 543 541 538 536 521 518 515

Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold

Rohan Sprunt accepts the Platinum production award on behalf of Kaarmona Jerseys from Jersey Australia President Trevor Saunders at the 2009 AGM.

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 —

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2009 Jersey Australia Herd Production Awards

PG & VM Whitford AJ, PL, MA & KE York K & M Eddy Wilson Family Farms GJ & LK Emmett

Dr John Quin AD Younger Johnston Brothers R Kingham

S000785 V007385 V010979 N002203 V005449

N002141 V004093 N002059 V001443

ROSLYN VALE ALMERVISTA BALINGEN PARK SHIRLINN SHENSTONE

ORANA KADDY INGALALA FARNBOROUGH

John & Margaret Cockerell accept the Platinum production award on behalf of Warrain Jerseys from Jersey Australia President Trevor Saunders at the 2009 AGM.

267 134 78 117 100

44 151 149 107

5598 5903 5790 5796 5580

5251 4931 5363 5187

294 290 285 272 264

266 260 259 236

212 211 214 211 209

196 193 190 185

506 501 499 483 473

462 453 449 421

Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver

Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

Sandra Bacon accepts the Platinum production award on behalf of Brookbora Jerseys from Jersey Australia President Trevor Saunders at the 2009 AGM.

THAT WAS THEN......THIS IS NOW.....AND......

NOW IS WOW!!!!

By Russell Gammon CEO Jersey Canada

There are numerous possible sub-titles for this offering like: “Yes, Virginia genetics do make a difference!” or “Two decades later, could it be any greater?” or “Praise song for Jerseys and Jersey owners in dear old Aussie!”.

My first two forays into Jersey circles “down under” had taken place in March of 1988 and January of 1991. Yes, the gap between visit number two and ten golden days in the land of roos and koalas in May of 2009 was farrrrr toooo long! However, those almost two decades allowed ample time for a powerful, definite and riveting transformation of the Jersey cow in this rugged and highly appealing land! Make no mistake about the Aussie Jersey of the late 1980s and early 1990s had a lot going for her-strong and deep cow families, big, deep barrels to pack away lots of forage, distinct outcross bloodlines and great feet and legs for lots of journeys to and from the parlour! And most of all passionate owners who loved the breed and were skillful dairy cattle breeders

4

and managers.

“Way back then” something called “the change” was going on....use of North American bloodlines was beginning to surge.

The astute dairymen of Australia quickly learned how to use these “new” genes to optimal advantage in jigtime and have never looked back! A very good Jersey population now stands out as a spectacular one-filled to overflowing with breath-taking cows who are commercially appealing and competitive while having enough “spit and polish” to cause swooning in the persons of those who love great cows!

While some transformations may seem revolutionary in nature this one is actually more evolutionary. And why so? Because both the keener than keen young dairymen I met and the seasoned veterans alike are so intent and “focused like a laser” on making the coming generations better than today’s stunning models.

Continued page 5

— JerseyJournal August / September 2009

Russell Gammon speaking at the official Jersey dinner on the eve of the first Jersey Australia AGM that his countrymen admire the Australian dairymen’s resilience. “You have a lot to be positive about down here... great cows and many opportunities ahead to promote her to the world”..

NOW IS WOW!!!!

from page 4

Remember too that this land is rugged and blessed second! and breed advancers. Interestingly, both in NZ challenging reflecting the stark counterpoints Two days later and in a much drier locale and Aussie, some of the best very Astounds of flooding in deluge proportions in one in northern Vic a “similar and yet different” were out of daughters of his legendary region and “dry as dust” droughts in others. herd walk took place at the Nicholson’s well- maternal grand sire Highland Duncan Lester, We toured the Anderson’s Kingsville farm in respected Jugiong farm. another New England native!

Gippsland , ravaged a short three months This time young Brendan Nicholson led Jim Grooving on wonderful cows in every herd earlier by a raging inferno of a bush fire and Conroy of Semex and I through a pasture visited was the order of the day! The Jersey were sobered, saddened and shocked by holding almost 400 milky registered Jerseys in Australia today has originated from a the cruel damage such a marauding force of under a sky that simply wouldn’t get cloudy very good foundation. The cow has been nature can inflict in mere minutes. enough to yield needed rain. His uncle Phil propelled forward and has sky-rocketed But, now, on to the cows! In the west, east accompanied us and let Brendan provide forward based on a clever blending of the and north of Victoria plus a small slice of a steady stream of facts and figures about best of the past-superior cow families with New South Wales around Finlay we were both the cows and how they were managed a cosmopolitan mix of international genetics treated to a cow lover’s delight, time and to perform well in beyond challenging on the sire side. Now, Aussie-born sires are time again, on 25 top notch farms! And we conditions. This herd kissed 7,000 kilograms popping up to make further successes! The know there are so many more in those states per cow in 2008 and was “peopled” by very result is a cow with a magnetic pull that and the others of Aussie that could have milky cows with top udders. I had fallen in screams ‘feast your eyes on us”! been visited.

A study of this steady The full impact of the progress of the progression at regular Australian Jersey during the 1990s intervals over the past two and on into this present decade was decades would be almost as brought home to me by four specific stunning as arriving back on stops and amplified beautifully by Aussie soil almost eighteen the other 21 stops. and a half years later! But not quite the same!

Two herds I had not seen beforeWallacedale in Gippsland and In 2009 we much need success Riverside in the more westerly stories and tales of modernregions of Victoria. Momma mia, day triumphs. We need the what cows!! What owners! energy and invigoration flowing from a “good news” In both cases rain and wind were story because “the other part of the visits but I would have kind” is all too abundant! “walked bare-footed through a We also need the instruction raging snow and ice storm (highly and education that derives improbable in Australia, I know!)” to from seeing firsthand how have seen these herds and soaked master craftsmen can take in their radiance and learned about up their tools and wield them them. These were world class herds, to create copious numbers of stunning by any measure and so Russell Gammon CEO Jersey Canada with Dawn impressive!

Anderson amongst the Brookbora herd during the Jersey masterpieces. This feat the Australian Jersey dairyman Then, two herds I had seen beforeExtravaganza hosted by NDJBC. has done with finesse and Bushlea in Gippsland in 1991 and smarts and agility-part artist, Jugiong in Northern Vic in both ’88 and ’91.

It was truly one of those “Pinch me (hard!) love with the herd “right off the bat” in 1988 part scientist, part husbandry expert in rapidly I must be dreaming” moments as a group because for that era the cows were milky shifting scenarios as mother nature and world of local Jersey dairymen and yours truly and dairy and getting the working job done- markets deliver their bracing messages. and my trusty chauffeur Stu Mackie from but, my oh my, now!! So much more milky To add to the on-farm wonders right in the center of the trip was the truly historic first Semex had the privilege of examining the and yet lots of body and great udders! legendary Bushlea herd on pasture. As North Americans can take pleasure in our annual meeting of the newly restructured much-needed rain drizzled down the quiet supporting role in this Jersey miracle down Jersey Australia! The breed now has a fully squire of Bushlea Keith Kuhne led us around under! Again and again and again and yet unified, chomping at the bit, association the paddock quietly telling us about each again the name “Astound” came up. This is that it ready to “get at it” in new ways! cow that caught our fancy-and there were an “the code name” for a lad from the rolling Expect things to keep improving and expect almost endless stream who did! The love of hills of Vermont who is a/k/a Molly Brook Australian Jersey genetics to forge ahead this master breeder for his cows was quietly Berretta Fabulous. His dam is the legendary domestically while grabbing a fair share of evident in his descriptions and observations. MB Lester Fantastic who must surely be one limelight on the global dairy stage!

The words “Wow!”, “World Class!”, “State of of the world’s top all time brood cows largely Real change is possible-start with a solid the art!” thundered inside my head as I strove on the basis of Astound and a passel of full foundation and use every tool at your to extract full value out of every precious and sib brothers who have proven to be winners disposal! Success will follow!

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 — 5

EURARIE JERSEYS

SUNSHINE FARM JERSEYS

(Est 1929) Charles & Carolyn Smith 80 Rathbone Road St Germains 3620 andesholsteins@bigpond.com.au

Neville & Janelle McDonald 715 Andrews Rd Kyabram 3620 Ph: 03 5855 2526

janellemcdonald1958@hotmail.com

THANK-YOU to all recent buyers of JUGIONG GENETICS

Jimann Jerseys Trevor & Julie Campbell 286 Lowe Rd Rochester 3561 (03) 5484 1621 jimann@iinet.net.au

Bercar Jersey Stud Bernie and Carol McManus 252 Bamawm Rd Bamawm. 3561 Ph. 03-54832245 e-mail bercar3561@bigpond.com

Utopia Jerseys Jared & Courtney Ireland 53 Hewlett Lane, Locklngton.

03-54862694 I 042765765 courtney.wagner@bigpond.com

Sold at Northern Lights to Rocky Allen, Cobargo NSW

Jugiong Ilagay 5424 88pts@2yrs(max) 23m 5528 4.9 271 3.7 207 293d PI 102 Junior Champion Vic Autumn Fair Rochester 09 Has recently freshened with a BW Carrier daughter and looks a treat Her ‘LESTER’ brother sold privately to GLENARRON JERSEYS, Katunga Vic Their Dam,Jugiong ILagay 4712 SUP93 EXC5 has just completed her second lactation over 10,000 litres, 400 kgs protein and is currently being flushed, enquiries welcome.

Other recent buyers include, Nathan & Amanda Chilcott, Montana TAS, Lynton & Lisa Broad, Lockington VIC & 21st Century Genetics.

JUGIONG JERSEYS NICHOLSON FAMILY

SHENSTONE JERSEY STUD Gordon & Lyn Emmett 12 Curr Rd Stanhope 03 5857 2629 lynemmett@bigpond.com.au .....breeding since 1930

Brookbora Jerseys Robert and Sandra Bacon Tennyson Vic 3572 03 5488 2323 0429 333 119 bacons@brookbora.com.au www.brookbora.com.au

Silhouette Jerseys Richard & Ann Worboys Echuca Mitiamo Rd • Kotta 03 5483 7500 info@silhouette.biz

Sybilgrove & Summer Spirit Jerseys

771 Curr Road Girgarre Ph/fax 03 58546393 jugiong@bigpond.com

Dalbora Genetics Robert & Sandra Bacon Daryl & Maria Collins Tennyson Vic 3572 0427 882 227 0429 333 119 info@dalboragenetics.com.au www.dalboragenetics.com.au

BROADLIN JERSEYS

Bryan & Lee Rushton 79 Brooks Rd Rochester 3861 03 5484 1881 benlock@bigpond.net.au

Gailee Jerseys

388 Johnson Road LOCKINGTON 3563 03 5486 2624 042786 2624 lisa.broad@bigpond.com

Norm & Dawn Stone 489 Hill Rd Stanhope 03 5857 2399 gaileeadsl@bigpond.com

Rockleigh Park Jerseys

Lincolndell Jerseys

Stewart Mancer 2/1 Moama Court, Moama Ph: 0429 88 22 01 rockleighpark@bigpond.com

Northern District

Jersey Breeders Club

6

Bill, Kaye and Andrew Cochrane 836 Hansen Rd, Bamawm, 3561 03 5486 5474 craigielea3@bigpond.com

Lynton and Lisa, Toni, Gavin and Cassie Broad

Collins Family 3710 McColl Rd Rochester 3561 Ph/Fax 03 5486 5393

Benlock Jersey Stud

Craigielea Jerseys

— JerseyJournal August / September 2009

Ron and Val Read & Family 167 Panoo Road Lockington 3563 Ph: 03 5488 2266 President: Bill Cochrane (03) 5486 5474 Secretary: Lisa Broad (03) 5486 2624

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 —

— JerseyJournal August / September 2009

Jimann Jerseys

By Linda Houghton sandy soil type. When we have some decent rain Trevor and Julie Campbell (Jimann Jerseys) are still the lucerne really gets going” Trevor said. recovering from the shock of receiving their 2009 Life However, the Campbells agree - it is an undeniably Membership – the first handed out under the Jersey tough time to be a farmer at present. ‘Personally, Australia structure. we have gone from growing 80% of feed for our ‘It was a humbling experience – it took us both by herd, to buying 80% of their feed. We also have to surprise, and I must say it is a wonderful feeling to be find the time to feed-out - it is a very time consuming recognised by your peers. Farming is such a solitary process. Last year, we fed the herd from September and isolated career that it leads you to think it goes right through to the end of May – until a bit of green unnoticed! It has been a great journey along the way, came through. On top of that, of course another and we’ve loved our life on the farm, and especially blow has been the price drop, but it’s not only our Jerseys. Personally, I think I was destined to work farmers that are suffering – it is also having a huge with cows, and knew it at a very young age - it’s impact on our communities’ Trevor said. never been a chore for me. The more I work with our Over the years the Campbell family (a daughter, Jerseys, the more I love them – they’re a trouble and and two sons) enjoyed showing. ‘We were really stress-free breed, that’s into it when the kids for sure’ Trevor said. were little, as it’s such Julie was equally a great social outing unaware that they and you get to meet were about to become so many people. It’s Life Members. ‘It came an outlet for the whole as a complete surprise, family, and the kids I was really shocked used to be involved – I didn’t know how in milking and feeding to handle it. I’d been the calves – now that flat-out organizing the they’re grown-up they AGM social activities, have really happy and then they sprang childhood memories. that on us! But it was a Today we have 6 wonderful experience grandchildren, and - we’ve done nothing they love showing too more than other – even though they people, I think we have are real ‘townies’, they just done it our way.’ love to get involved. I Trevor has been a (L-R) Jersey Australia President Trevor Saunders presents Trevor pick out some calves Jersey breeder’s & Julie Campbell with Life Membership. Bill Cochrane NDJBC and clip them, train President gave a stirring speech prior to handing over the member since 1963, them and have them award. and the Campbell’s ready – then the kids stud is located near Rochester (Northern Victoria). come over and get involved - it’s great’ said Trevor.

The unusual name is a combination of Trevor’s “I have to say that Julie has been a fantastic support grandparent’s names; Jim and Ann. In the 1980’s over the years – farming and raising a family. I was Trevor watched the incredible rise of the Holstein on the Victorian Committee for six years, and I have breed, and wondered about the future of the Jersey. more than 20 years experience as a classifier – with ‘For a time, it looked as though the future of the a lot of travelling involved. Julie held the fort during Jersey breed was uncertain, but then the breeders these times by milking and caring for the kids – we responded and lifted the breed to new heights with designed the dairy so that one person could operate AI. Now, we are seeing the positive results of what it easily – it’s an 8-a-side herringbone” Trevor said.

Jersey breeders did back in the 1980’s’ Trevor said.

Julie has a unique insight into the passion that Like other producers in Northern Victoria, the classifiers have for their work. ‘All classifiers have a Campbell’s are dealing with difficult and ongoing love of cows, and a talent for what they do. They dry conditions. are very committed people, and they also gain a “During the good times, this area was well known great deal of fulfilment from it. as ideal country to grow lucerne – flat terrain with a ‘I know that Trevor really enjoys travelling and seeing JerseyJournal August / September 2009 — 9

Trevor and the kids take it easy at Shepparton Show.

other breeders’ herds. Quite often, Trevor will get home very late, put his bags down and then head straight into the office – I will find him there sifting through old bull catalogues to read-up on something he’s seen during his farm visits – such as a spectacular daughter of a bull he’s never used. It just fascinates him to see what’s out there’ Julie said.

After farming long-term, the Campbell’s are approaching the time when hard decisions need to be made. ‘I think these important decisions about the farms future are made even more difficult under the current conditions. ‘We have family members who would like to get into dairying, but it’s so hard to know what to do. It’s a complex issue – and not just about selling up – because if you let your cows go, your family loses the results of all those years of breeding, and the opportunity to carry that on’ Julie said.

‘It has just confirmed my belief that if you breed the right type of cow – the production will follow. We place a lot of emphasis on breeding for a good udder, and type – plus the value of cow families and having a good knowledge of available bulls cannot be underestimated.

Our best families include the Starlights, Rosebuds and Misty Morns. In 2001, Jimann Trader Misty Morn won the Great Southern Challenge as a 4YO. It was the greatest thrill ever, and she was an amazing cow, plus she has bred us three good daughters to carry on’ Trevor said.

‘Before AI was available, we had two excellent bulls that helped form the foundation of our herd, they were Barwidgee Golden Heritage and EDI Designs Lord. When the US genetics became available through AI, we used Lester, Beretta and Mr T – a lesser-known bull that gave us a great result.

‘Other bulls that have since had a positive effect on our herd were Lester Sambo – used 10 years ago, and Flowerpower – I have some great 4YO daughters from him. Lately I have been using Parade, Action, Astound, BW Country’.

‘Mind you, I still have a few Lester straws in the tank –

I really like him, he gave us daughters that produced so well, and for a long time. In addition, I make a point of using a few progeny test bulls as well, to help secure the future of the breed. I’m not a numbers man when selecting a bull – I look at type to match the cow for the best result. Really though, you could put a camel over some good cows, and still get a good producer!’ Trevor said.

The Campbells supply Fonterra, and milk twice per day – year round. Julie rears all of the calves, and jokes that she is ‘the only calf-rearer in the business’.

‘In the last 10 years, we have only lost one heifer calf – my theory is that they are precious, because they are so hard to get. I believe you need to have a lot of patience, and be very attentive – if you can spot a potential health problem in calves early enough, it is nearly always easily cured. However if you let it go on – it can blow-up, then they become contagious and put all of the calves at risk. Another thing I do is to handle them a lot – I believe this helps to make our cows a lot quieter and keeps them calm’ Julie said.

Getting away for a break is another challenge for the Campbells. “When we can get a relief milker, we enjoy taking time off – but it has been two years since our last holiday. Nobody seems to want to work on farms these days, and most of the younger people in the area are all moving to the city to study and find work. The lack of skilled labour must be a nightmare for farmers who rely on fulltime staff” Trevor said.

‘In the meantime though, we’ll put thoughts of a holiday on-hold and just keep chugging along while we’ve got a bit of grass. While the tough circumstances limit our production, the hardest part is finding the balance between the cost of feeding the herd and production output. We are currently milking 170 cows on 60 hectares, and it has been extremely difficult without the bore water. But our Jerseys are doing okay – they are an adaptable and tough breed – they are still producing acceptably at present.’

Jimann Jerseys

10 — JerseyJournal August / September 2009

Australian Jerseys needed for New Zealand breeding program CRVAmbreed is on the lookout for Australian Jerseys for its breeding program.

With about 600,000 Jersey cows in milk in NZ, one would think there is plenty of genetic material for NZ companies to work with. But according to Genetic Strategist Phil Beatson and Senior Sire Analyst Aaron Parker, there’s always room for improvement.

They see two big opportunities in Australia: one to widen the gene-pool; and second to source cows with genetics for high milk volume for even more profitable farming.

There are two bulls which have dominated NZ breeding over the last decade and that will continue to feature moving forward. They are Judds Admiral and, more recently, Okura Manhatten.

Admiral appears in the first four generations of most Jersey cows in NZ. Manhatten’s first sons graduated this season and currently he ranks at one, with five sons in the top 10. This may be the pattern for years to come. As well as these dominant bulls, sires like Forever and Waiuku have been very widely used meaning that it is increasingly difficult to source out-cross bulls in NZ. Aaron Parker stresses that “It makes sense to see whether Australia can offer some solution to the challenges we face in sourcing geneticallydiverse cows in NZ.” From a production viewpoint, NZ Jerseys produce a d e q u a t e milk for most farm systems.

However, an increasing number of farmers are looking for a more milky cow which retains the typical high components of the Jersey. Again it is difficult to source these potential bull mothers in the NZ population.

Type is also important for these cows. Strength and capacity are important attributes of pasture-fed cattle in high production systems. Likewise, udders must be sound in order to handle large volumes of milk lactation after lactation.

CRV AmBreed has used genomics to assist in selecting its bull teams for the last two years and intends to expand use of this technology to assist in identifying elite cows for contract mating. Young bulls and contract cows from Australia would be selected using genomic selection.

Phil Beatson sees the market opportunities for the new genetics as two-fold in demand both for breeding outcross milky bulls for NZ and for breeding bulls to market in Australia.

Victoria-based BOS Trading is the distributor for CRV AmBreed product in Australia and General Manager Peter van Elzakker is excited about the opportunities the venture may bring. He is confident there are cows that fit the bill but says that the trick will be identifying them.

In the first instance there may be bull calves of interest to be born over the next few months. The other animals of interest are of course elite cows, identified by owners and put forward to be considered for contract matings with CRV AmBreed.

Have you got the sort of bull calves or elite cows that can lead Australian and New Zealand Jersey breeding forward? If so, contact Peter Van Elzakker or one of the regional Sales representatives at BOS Trading for more information.

www. bostrading. com.au

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 —11

Tasmanian Pura All Breeds Dairy Fair 09 Once again the Fair was held on 3rd May with Brad Gavenlock judging, with Jersey this year outnumbering Holsteins.

Jersey entries were exhibited by the well known studs of; Minstonette, Riverview Ridge and Merseybank, together with the long established Clifton stud of the Loane family making their debut at this show.

Judge Gavenlock found classes not large in number of entries, yet extremely high in quality.

Results Junior heifer – 17/07/08 – 31/12/08 1. First Choice Comericas Gem N & A Chilcott 2. Riverview Ridge Saber Fernleaf N & A Chilcott 3. Calthorpe Slottle Lorraine Calthorpe – Holsteins Yearling heifer – 01/01/08 – 30/06/08 1. Viewfort Leduc Sizzle M Templeton & L Thompson 2. Riverview Ridge Elton Parfait N & A Chilcott 3. Calthorpe Dundec Maid Calthorpe, Holsteins Heifer 18 month – 01/07/07 – 31/12/07 1. Minstonette Varnish Vickie 105 J&K Sykes 2. Clifton Casper PB Clifton Jerseys 3. Wynland Showtime Cupcake L House Heifer 2yo Dig – 01/01/07 – 30/06/07 1. Mersey Vale Dundee Star D & L Bloomfield 2. Calthorpe Lheros Maid 3 Calthorpe, Holsteins 3. Linsand Astronomical Becky LR, SJ, & LA Thompson Juvenile Champion Viewfort Leduc Sizzle M Templeton & L Thompson Res Juvenile Champ First Choice Comericas Gem N & A Chilcott

In keeping with their success at this event, Jerseys achieved the ultimate again, with last year’s winner Monvale Star Dulcie 3 exhibited by S & K Sykes being awarded the show Grand Championship. Mr Gavenlock commented that this was “just a great framed dairy cow that has stood the test of time”.

Jersey exhibitors showed their colours by winning six of the seven in-milk classes.

H. M. Juvenile Mersey Vale Dundee Star D & L Bloomfield Junior 2 in Milk – 01/01/07 – 30/06/07 Merseybank Tempting Fate G & A Heazlewood Senior 2 in milk – 01/07/06 – 31/12/06 1. Rolma Astound Narcissus 19 N & A Chilcott 2. Linsand Sprite Shep LR & SJ Thompson 3. Merseybank All Rococco G & A Heazlewood Junior 3 in Milk – 01/01/06 – 30/06/06 1. Merseybank Signed Greeting G & A Heazlewood 2. Calthorpe Spirte Rosebud 3 Calthorpe, Holsteins 3. Merseybank Deluxe Treat N & A Chilcott Senior 3 in Milk – 01/07/05 – 31/12/05 1. Mersey Vale Dundee Light D & L Bloomfield 2. Minstonette Spiritual Vickie 77 J & K Sykes 3. Strongbark Allen Candy P & E Geard Intermediate Champion Mersey Vale Dundee Candy D & L Bloomfield Res Intermediate Champion Merseybank Tempting Fate G & A Heazlewood H.M. Intermediate Merseybank Signed Greeting G & A Heazlewood

12 — JerseyJournal August / September 2009

5 Year Old in Milk 1. Merseybank New Trousseau G & A Heazlewood 2. Calthorpe Talent Rosebud 4 Calthorp, Holsteins 3. Calthorpe Talent Beets Calthorp, Holsteins 6 Year Old in Milk 1. Minstonette Blacky Vickie 60 J & K Sykes 2. Paringa Stormatic Larisse P & E Geard 3. Viewfort Astro Rose M Templeton Aged Cow in Milk 1. Monvale Star Dulcie 3 J & K Sykes 2. Viewfort Empire Dixie LR & SJ Thompson 3. Murribrook Leadmaster Toni P & E Geard Senior Champion Monvale Star Dulcie 3 J & K Sykes Reserve Senior Champion Viewfort Empire Dixie LR & SJ Thompson H.M. Senior Champion Merseybank New Trousseau G & A Heazlewood Exhibitors Group of Three 1. Merseybank G & A Heazlewood 2. Minstonette J & K Sykes Supreme Exhibit Monvale Star Dulcie 3 J & K Sykes

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 — 13

Jerseys reign sup @2y ach 87 e P d n stou cho A Parker mpion Glen E Chad te cha ion. ia d e amp interm iate ch in milk d s r e y m 5 r inte 1st 2 preme and su

n VHC 90 Lynward DCM Maide t et ev D & J Gr er supreme mb 1st 4-5yrs in milk, Me pen of 3 cows

Yandavale Astound Treasure 87@2y D & J Grevett 1st 2.5-3yrs in milk reserve intermediate and reserve intermediate champion

Robinvale Im

ps Wynne Su p 92 D & J Greve tt 1st 5-7yrs in m ilk, member of supreme pen of 3 cow s

Sunshine Coast J

— JerseyJournal August / September 2009

preme at Gympie

Yandav a

le T idy F ayre VH C91 D&JG re v 2nd 4-5 ett yrs in mil k, mem ber of pen of 3 cows

Robinvale Jace Muriel VHC 90 A & D Tippett 1st 3-4yrs in milk, 1st best vessel Champion cow, Supreme Udder and Cow

Gold Crest Ju

Glen Echo Gunnar Fingers Sup92 Chad Parker 2nd aged cow, 2nd udder 1st Type & Production Cow

des Wattle Su p 92 S & S Paulge r 1st Aged Co w, 3rd best ve ssel Reserve Champion C ow

JerseyCattle Club

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 —

— JerseyJournal August / September 2009

Sunshine Coast Jerseys reign supreme at Gympie Show ‘09 Heifer 6-12 months 1. Adadale Iatola Rowena 23 Paulger Family 2. Adadale Comerica Rowena 4 Paulger Family 3. Glen-Echo CJ Darling Chad Parker Heifer 12-18 months 1. Yandavale Pinnacle Fayre D & J Grevett 2. Rising Sun Beautys Voltage Ward Family 3. River Ridge Parade Sine RA & CA Devere Heifer 18 - 24 months 1. Brunchilli Comerica Passion Paulger Family 2. Adadale Duaiseoir Lynette Paulger Family 3. Glen-Echo Jace Nichole Chad Parker Juvenile Champion

Brunchilli Comerica Passion Paulger Family Res Juvenile Champion

Adadale Iatola Rowena 23 Paulger Family Hon Men Juvenile Champion

Adadale Comerica Rowena 4 Paulger Family Pen of 3 Cows 1. D & G Grevett 2. Chad Parker 3. Paulger Family Heifer 2-2½ years Dry 1. Hot Shot Para Gem A & D Tippett 2. Ascot Park Country Beauty 2 S & J McCarthy 3. Lynward Variety Maiden Chad Parker Heifer 2½-3 years Dry 2. Glen-Echo Badger Marge Black & Gold Dairies 2. Rising Sun Dunkers Nettle Ward Family

Heifer under 2½ years in Milk 1. Glen-Echo Astound Peach Chad Parker 2. Glen-Echo Jace Leonie Chad Parker 3. River Ridge Jace Juliette RA & CA Devere Heifer 2½-3 years in Milk 1. Yandavale Astound Treasure D & J Grevett 2. Burnleigh Action Lady Rough Family 3. Glen-Echo Max Megan Chad Parker Group of 3 Heifers 1st Chad Parker Udder Under 3 years 1. Glen-Echo Astound Peach Chad Parker 2. Yandavale Astound Treasure D & J Grevett 3. Burnleigh Action Lady Rough Family Intermediate Champion

Glen-Echo Astound Peach Chad Parker Res Intermediate Champion

Yandavale Astound Treasure D & J Grevett Hon. Mention

Burnleigh Action Lady Rough Family Cow 3-5 years Dry 1. Nalanya Pitino Melys D & J Grevett 2. Grand Dream Ally Girl T Brown Cow 5 years & over Dry 1. Robin Vale PJ Emerald G & V Siebenhausen Cow 3-4 years in Milk 1. Robin Vale Jace Muriel A & D Tippett 2. Yandavale Brazo Belle D & J Grevett 3. Yandavale GB Wynne D & J Grevett

Cow 4-5 years in Milk 1. Lynward DCM Maiden D & J Grevett 2. Yandavale Tidy Fayre 2 D & J Grevett 3. Adadale Sambo Eileen Paulger Family Cow 5-7 years in Milk 1. Robin Vale Imps Wynne D & J Grevett 2. Gold Crest Top Prize Gaynor Paulger Family 3. Glen-Echo Red Fox Darling Chad Parker Cow 7 years & over in Milk 1. Gold Crest Judes Wattle Paulger Family 2. Glen-Echo Gunnar Finers Chad Parker 3. Glen-Echo Lester Starmist Nugent Family Exhibitors Group 1. D & J Grevett 2. Chad Parker 3. Paulger Family Udder over 3 years 1. Robin Vale Jace Muriel A & D Tippett 2. Glen-Echo Gunnar Fingers Chad Parker 3. Lynward DCM Maiden D & J Grevett Champion Cow Robin Vale Jace Muriel

A & D Tippett Res. Champion Cow

Gold Crest Judes Wattle Paulger Family Hon. Mention Cow

Glen-Echo Gunnar Fingers Chad Parker Most Successful Exhibitor

D & J Grevett

Yandavale Jerseys

SUPREME AWARDS Juvenile Brunchilli Comerica Passion Paulger Family

Intermediate Champion Glen-Echo Astound Peach Chad Parker

Res Intermediate Champion Yandavale Astound Treasure D & J Grevett

Udder Robin Vale Jace Murial A & D Tippett Glen-Echo Gunnar Fingers Chad Parker Champion Cow Robin Vale Jace Murial A & D Tippett

Pen of 3 Heifers Chad Parker Pen of 3 Cows D & J Grevett Type & Production Cow Glen-Echo Gunnar Fingers Chad Parker

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 — 17

Yo

times reserve at the Brisbane Royal. “The Rowena’s have built a foundation of strong, long living and beautifully uddered cattle who are consistently top herd producers whilst also being winners in the show ring. This is truly an amazing cow family, a credit to my pop who founded this family through his master breeding.” Nicola is excited about the future of Adadale’s most recent purchase, a Brunchilli Jetson Passion daughter, sired by Comerica.

le ofi

P h r t u

Nicola Paulger “Adadale”, Kenilworth, QLD

By Tahnee King

Continuing the “Adadale” tradition, 17-year-old Nicola Paulger is passionate about breeding and developing the Jersey breed to its fullest potential. “The Jersey seems to be sometimes overlooked by the commercial farmer, this seems strange to me. Without doubt the Jersey is superior in most aspects when compared to other breeds.”

Having lived at “Adadale” all her life and being involved in all farming aspects, Nicola particularly admires the durability, efficiency and temperament of the Jersey breed. She also believes that Queensland Jerseys have now become a force to be reckoned with, since major milk processors included yield components into the milk payment system.

Nicola, along with her older brother Lachlan and younger sister Julia, are continuing the showing legacy of their Pop, Stan Paulger who was regarded as a master showman. “I have always been involved with cattle exhibits at most shows, and take pride in doing so. Seeing the finished product hit the ring the best they could possibly look gives me a real buzz!” Nicola has been fortunate enough to work with world-class cattle fitters who include Stewart Robinson, Matt Templeton, Mark Patullo and Ross Easterbrook. “Showing a team of animals to their full potential is very challenging and requires a team of dedicated, enthusiastic team members to work together to achieve optimal results.” For the past two years Nicola and her siblings have worked with the Southern Star Holstein team at International Dairy Week. “The sheer quality of all breeds exhibited at dairy week is amazing and although we have only been a part of the team for a short while we look forward with anticipation each year.” Most recently Nicola and her sister were invited to be involved in the preparation of the cattle for the hugely successful Brunchilli Legacy Sale. “This was seen as a huge accomplishment and honour as Brunchilli is currently, and has been for some time, an extremely successful stud in the Jersey world.

Nicola’s favourite cow family, the Rowena’s, have descended from Adadale Opal’s Rowena who was three times champion and two 18 — JerseyJournal August / September 2009

Having participated in two dairy youth camps, Nicola has found such experiences to be very rewarding and valuable. “Youth camps are a very social event with enthusiastic participants coming from all areas. This encourages a great social network to be formed within the industry with young people who have similar interests.” Nicola credits youth camps to her greater understanding and knowledge of handling, nutrition, reproduction, basic anatomy, judging, and preparation of show animals. “Within the preparation stages of showing cattle, the knowledge gained of the entire process of preparing the animal for the show ring, including using different blades for the different parts of the animals, to the correct way to hold the clippers whilst perfecting the top-line were all helpful.” Nicola is very passionate about educating youth on the importance of shows.

“The show ring is by far the most important place to compare your cattle where all can see the comparison and be the judge. It is the shop front for a great Jersey Cow.” Nicola is currently in her first year of studying Production Animal Science at University of Queensland, with aspirations of becoming a vet. “I wish to work with large animals such as cattle and horses and am particularly intrigued with reproduction and breeding procedures.”

She loves being at the family farm and hopes to continue her active involvement with breeding, rearing, general health, feeding and milking at the 400-cow operation. Nicola’s other main interest, showjumping, involves her sister and a combined team of horses that they successfully campaign around local shows.

YOUTH CAMP The Sunshine Coast Jersey Cattle Club are inviting youth ages 8-25 yrs to participate in their up and coming

Dairy Youth Camp To be held at the Devere’s “River Ridge Jerseys” Nambour Qld. 1st-4th of October 2009.

Participants will have the opportunity to take part in discussions on: • Animal Structure & Development • Farm Tours (Glen-Echo & Yandavale Herds) • Calf Rearing Systems and Animal Nutrition • Clipping, Feeding of Presentation of Show cows.

• Selection of their own show team to prepare over the course of the camp using skills and techniques learnt, for final display of Judging on Sunday 4th October.

For information please contact Darrin Grevett ph 07 5446 0416 mob 0409 994 453

MilkPlus Project Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory and Geoffrey Gardiner Foundation

By Joy Coulson, Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory

Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory is o Regular milk performance and feed becoming known in many dairy industry circles monitoring on two commercial WCBF for its innovations, and another example is a new suppliers’ farms; project which brings together the knowledge and o Body Condition Scoring on monitor farms; experience of farmers, nutritionists, extension and o Inputs (diet development, analysis, field staff to help WCBF suppliers, which will, in practical considerations) from an Expert turn assist the factory, its staff, and the community Panel, made up of experienced and/or within which it operates. qualified monitor farmers, nutritionists, farm management & field staff; While it is well known that Jersey, Brown Swiss, o Detailed documented Monitor Farm reports Guernsey, AIS and Aussie Reds produce on compiled and distributed to monitor farms average a higher milk protein % than do Holsteino Bi-monthly MilkPlus Newsletters to all Friesians, Holstein-Friesians produce a higher WCBF suppliers regarding learnings and protein yield due to their higher milk volume progress; per cow. The Milk Plus project is focusing on o Supplier and local feed advisor onpotential increases in milk production across all and off-farm workshops explaining and suppliers’ cows no matter their breeding, through demonstrating findings. implementation of feed and farm management • The Program is unique in Victoria. The Protein principles.

Plus Project was run in several other states, in These principles include improved cow and herd response to particularly low milk component management, diet quality, feed intake and levels. feeding management.

• So far, interactive on- and off-farm workshops • MilkPlus is a practical feed and farm and advisor training sessions have been management project delivered by members delivered and MilkPlus Newsletters have been of the Field Service Team, Joy Coulson, Kelly distributed with further sessions planned for Sommerville and Adriana Robaina of the August 09. To date, these have received very Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory. positive feedback from participating suppliers.

It is jointly funded by the Geoffrey Gardiner Suppliers have particularly valued …..

Foundation. o “on-farm discussions and demonstrations” • It builds on work done in the DPI Protein Plus o “learning about the theory and practice Project in Qld, Nth NSW and WA in 2004, of the Program” and aims to assist WCBF suppliers to cost effectively and without excessive increases in labour, increase their milk protein, butter fat and milk volume through feeding and farm management regimes.

• The method employed by the MilkPlus Project is collaborative and focuses primarily on o testing principles identified from Protein Plus (interstate dairy farm systems) on two commercial farms & o where necessary, adapting those principles to accommodate SW Vic dairy farm resources, seasonal climatic, milk price and input price environments.

• It involves March 2009 Farm Walk for WCBF suppliers, incuding a ‘nuts o Regular feed sampling, analysis & and bolts’ demonstration of the different dietary intake rates interpretation; of protein and energy.

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 —

19

• Suppliers have learned about…. o “how to improve milk protein and feeding practices” o “importance of balanced diets for calves” o “better understanding of the silage making process and its importance” o “the need to match protein and energy in the diet” o “how to manipulate rumen pH through hay feeding” o “more starch required in diets” o “what to look for – in the paddockwhen trying to balance the diet” o “Balance the diet, and feed, feed, feed!”

• Feed and farm management advisors Pasture is photographed, sampled, dried and tested just prior participating in workshops have valued to grazing year-round and an excellent database is being certain aspects of the workshops to generated to use in diet balancing. date: o “Well organized. Handouts very good o “Having a chance to be exposed to other to follow topics. Good to meet some other resources in the industry advisors. Good discussions” o outside the normal” o “Knowledge base was very good, good • The Program will conclude at the end of opportunity to upgrade own skills.”

December 2010, however, WCBF will be • They have also appreciated… keen to identify further opportunities for its o “Exposure to material, conversation which suppliers and field staff through further onis rarely had/generated” farm initiatives.

Top 20 Sires By Registration 01/03/09 - 07/08/09

Rank

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Nasis ID FLOWERPOWER VALERIAN ASTOUND 7J590 ALTASABER BWCOUNTRY SPIRITUAL BADGER 29JE3301 7J472 7J535 JEBLACKSTONE JEBROOKBI LORDJUNO AMBMANHATTEN 14J366 7J605 JESULTAN JECOMERICA MAXIMUM

Name CLAYDON PARK FLOWER POWER KAARMONA VALERIAN MOLLY BROOK BERRETTA FABULOUS FOREST GLEN AVERY ACTION O F MONTANA SABER BW COUNTRY RIVERSIDE SPIRIT BEULAH TARANAK BADGER SC GOLD DUST PARAMOUNT IATOLA BW PARADE-ET WINDY WILLOW MONTANA JACE LENCREST BLACKSTONE BUSHLEA BROOK BIESTAR POTTERSWALLS LORD JUNO OKURA MANHATTEN-ET SJ3 SIL-MIST MONTANA BLAIR 3753 SUNSET CANYON MECCA SHF CENTURION SULTAN BRIDON REMAKE COMERICA SUNSET CANYON MAXIMUM

20 — JerseyJournal August / September 2009

#Offspring 123 106 106 99 91 78 78 78 70 60 56 51 48 48 46 46 45 44 44 38

Smart

by name and by nature

Smart by name and by nature, South Australia’s Kerry Smart is not afraid to learn from his daughter.

Lisa “perhaps knows more about cows than me”, said the veteran Jersey man of 41 years.

Years ago he decided the process of recording and registering the cows had became too much work. His daughter has made him realise the folly of that decision.

“I’m really disappointed about that now. I wish I’d kept it up,” he said. “Lisa is really keen on dairying and she wants to start registering the herd again.”

Kerry has been milking Jerseys for 41 years, starting in 1968. He purchased his current farm in Joanna, south of Naracoorte, SA, in 1983 after selling his previous farm in the Adelaide Hills.

He is running the farm with the help of his wife, Mary-Anne, Lisa and son-in-law, Phil. They also

rely on the assistance of three or four part-time workers.

Kerry said: “Lisa is pretty much overseeing the dairy operation.

Phil is a handyman, always fixing something and taking care of the pastures.

“Recently, we used backpackers as part-time workers and have found them to be really hard workers. Lisa makes a roster to give them two or three days off each week and they seem to really enjoy the mix of work and free time.”

Kerry considers it fortunate for both himself and his daughter that she has found her calling in dairy. And Lisa is pretty lucky too.

“It is so hard to get into farming these days,” said Kerry. “You need a lot of money to get started.”

The farm comprises 1012ha of flat to slightly undulating land covered with big river red gums.

Some areas of the farm lie on river flats and flood plains.

The average rainfall in the area is approximately 66cm per year.

“We haven’t had the average for a few years now though,” he said. “We are lucky that we have a few bores on the property to supplement the rainfall. That is helping get us through.”

The farm has the rights to irrigate 154ha with the bore.

However, the rules are changing, he added: “The government is about to change the terminology – before they talked in area to be irrigated, next they put meters on the bores, and from June they are going to decide on how many gigalitres we can use. We might lose some of the water we have now.”

The farm is sown to a number of varieties of ryegrass and Haifa white clover.

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 — 21

“We have also started to put in a bit more lucerne recently as it is more tolerant to the heat and lack of water,” said Kerry.

The farm takes an active role in pasture management with between 200-250ha of pasture renovation occurring annually.

Another 80ha is sown to oats for cereal hay.

“We make about 9000 rolls of hay and silage each year for use on the farm,” said Kerry. “It is quite a big job, involving a lot of carting. And it requires a fair bit of fertiliser, which has been difficult because of the increase in fertiliser price.”

Effluent is re-used on the pasture, and soil testing is undertaken annually to ensure that the appropriate levels of fertiliser are applied.

Kerry said: “The soil is pretty good though. We have areas of good red ground, others of heavy black soil and other areas of loamy ground. It’s a really good mix. All we need is normal rainfall to make it work.”

The farm has a big laneway running down the middle, with smaller tracks running off to allow

access to all areas of the farm and prevent erosion.

“We also use a lot of strip grazing when the pasture is abundant to make the best use of available fodder,” he said.

The cows are milked twice daily on a rotary dairy and average 5700 litres per cow per annum.

The milk fat averages at about 5.1 percent and protein at 3.7 percent.

Kerry said: “Our production values have been fairly consistent over the past few years. We used to get a lot more solids and a lot less milk, but we brought in some American and Canadian genetics to try to increase our volumes.”

“We have used a number of American bulls to help increase our production including Top Brass, Lester, Berretta, Centurion, Astound and Flowerpower.”

Cows of good type, with good udders and high-producing families are favoured but family genetics plays an important role in cow selection, he said.

“We look at the cows for about three generations back. Good families usually bring good cows.

22 — JerseyJournal August / September 2009

We have a Violet family that puts out good cows every time.

It doesn’t matter what you put over them, the results are always good.”

Kerry thinks that there has been an increase in components throughout the industry because there is more supplementary feeding: “Everyone does a bit of supplementary feeding these days, when previously cows were just fed grass.”

The cows are fed a ration of about 80 percent triticale or barley, 20 percent lupins and added minerals.

Kerry said: “Lisa has devised a feeding system where there are three types of ration depending on stage of lactation and level of production. The cows start on about 6kg for about the first 100 days, they then drop down to 4kg and finally 2kg in the final stages of lactation.”

He chose to use Jerseys on his farm because of their efficient production and ease of calving.

“You can get more cows per hectare, which brings value,” he added. ‘They are easier to handle, too, which helps.”

GoulburnMurrayJerseyBreedersClub PresidentRohan Sprunt (03) 5826 9506 SecretaryMargaret Cockerell (03) 5864 1133

GM JBC • A big thanks to Rohan Sprunt for co-ordinating the delivery of cows to bushfire victim Chris Anderson in Gippsland, and to the following club members who donated one or more cows: D. & L. Hoey, McMillan family, Baker family, L. Hamilton, B. Adams, G. & R. Sprunt, Hentschke & Schutz, A. Younger, Maloney family, D. & B. Scoones, Cockerell family, and P. & L. Sprunt, as well as jersey breeders S. & S. Griffiths and D. Van Popering.

Also breeders from neighbouring areas who donated cows. Well done!

We hope things go well with your new herd Chris. BEST OF LUCK!!

• GMJBC members supporting others in tough times

New members welcome

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) 58641064 Fax (03) 58641025 yenolam@iinet.net.au

GRAGLEN JERSEYS Graham, Glenyce, Tim & Jon Pearce Kerrs Rd Tallygaroopna 3634 (03) 58298334 tpearce@mcmedia.com.au EARLDENE JERSEYS Dick & Barb Scoones 2720 Rendells Rd Numurkah 3636 (03) 58641205 rjscoones@dodo.com

FRESH START JERSEYS Toni Adams & Mark Norman (03) 58655060 0427229505

BEULAH JERSEYS Daryl & Lani Hoey 160 Christies Rd Katunga dmlhoey@bigpond.com.au (03) 58646473

BERNBRAE JERSEYS McMillan Family Hawkers Rd Nathalia 3636 (03) 58641303 YALCARA JERSEYS Peter & Lyn Sprunt 926 Sandmount Road Katunga 3640 (03) 58732583 yalcara@cnl.com.au

KADDY JERSEYS Andrew Younger 50 Zeerust School Rd Zeerust 3634 (03) 58298352 motor@hisplace.net www.jersey.com.au/jweb/uploads/ kaddy/kaddy_intro.html HOMELANDS JERSEYS Phil Hentschke & Warren Schutz 142 Youanmite Rd Invergordon 3636 (03) 58655171

GENTEEL JERSEYS Brad Adams 553B Mywee/Koonoomoo Rd Strathmerton 3641 (03) 58745388 genteeljerseys@hotmail.com

KAARMONA JERSEYS Graeme & Robyn, Rohan & Claire Sprunt 228 & 235 Kaarimba Hall Rd Kaarimba 3635. (03) 58269506 kaarmona@bigpond.com

LOXLEIGH JERSEYS Geoff Akers Victoria Rd Tallygaroopna 3634 (03) 58298478 geoffakers1@bigpond.com

WARRAIN JERSEYS John & Margaret Cockerell 1219 Rendells Rd Numurkah 3636 (03) 58641133 warrainjerseys@mcmedia.com.au

HAZELVALE JERSEYS Jason Hayes 0410135420

GLENFERN JERSEYS Peter & Bev Farrell 579 Healesville-Kooweerup Rd, Healesville 3777 0409 503 352 peter.farrell7@bigpond.com WAIANIWA JERSEYS Lindsay Hamilton 1045 Hawkers Rd Nathalia 3636 (03) 58641380

VAMOS JERSEYS Kelly & Warren Barnett Amaroo Park Solly Rd Mathoura 2710 (03) 58843421 vamos@mcmedia.com.au

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

New Members Always Welcome

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 —

23

Alta Genetics Update

by Julian Pick After a lengthy delay with AQIS we finally have access to the first shipment of ALTAGALAXIES semen from the US. This new high JPI and JUI JACE son offers high production, extreme SCS, improved fertility, +2.0 Type and a JUI of over +7, in fact ALTAGALAXIES is the highest rated UD JACE son in the US at +2.3. ALTAGALAXIES is an all-round modern day bull whose daughters should prove to be highly profitable members of any herd.

In this recent shipment we also have the arrival of the much awaited genomic sires from Alta.

KARBALA, the highest genomic rated IATOLA son in the US; has been eagerly sought after and with a genomic predicted JPI of 247 coupled with +2.3 Type and a massive +9.40 JUI, it is easy to see why. KARBALA hails from one of Bob Bignami’s favourite cows in Centurion Peggy Ex92.

BWSCOUT; Bob Bignami’s top choice for 2007 - in which Brentwood Farms still retain an interest in - is also now available.

Collected at Sexing Technologies in Texas, BWSCOUT is a young sire with sex sorted semen available. BWSCOUT is available as a Progeny Test sire for those that are herd recording or can be purchased at $12+GST (conventional semen only) without contract. Ask you local 21st sales representative for more information.

Rapid Bay Jerseys are the perfect option for an outcross pedigree. Backed by All Canadian and American dams with large volume records throughout the maternal pedigree, Rapid Bay Jerseys deliver time and again. Rapid Bay Grand Prix is a new arrival from Rapid Bay. Sired by the Premier sire at the 2008 WDE Belles Jade and out of the ever popular Gorgeous, Grand Prix is the most eagerly awaited young jersey sire to be sampled this year….don’t miss your chance to tap into this magnificent pedigree.

24 — JerseyJournal August / September 2009

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 — 25

OFFICE MATTERS

By Office Manager Lorraine Keating Hi everyone Well, it’s that time of the year again when you’re all running around like maniacs delivering calves. Hope you’re getting the results you’re looking for. And don’t forget, registering before the calves are three months old equals savings – only $11.00 (incl.

GST). Also keep in mind that we can register from spreadsheets, Stud Books etc as well as the traditional registration forms.

Give us a buzz to check whether your on-farm methods supply us with the correct information – it could save you a lot of time.

Now, you will notice the Classification application form

insert in this Journal. Please fill it in as soon as you can and get it back to us. If you must delay, please put it somewhere safe and highly visible, or you may end up winning the Best Classification Excuse Award!

Whilst fossicking through the office during some quieter periods, I have come across some pretty old copies of advice forms that were sent out to various members either advising them of issues with the work they had submitted or querying some of the information. So beware, you may be getting

a phone call asking you about registrations from Five years ago as we attempt to clear this back-log.

Until next time, Lorraine Keating

Cutting through the marketing hype

Drouin dairy farmer Stuart Seabrook has a way to cut through the marketing hype and identify the sires most suited to his 500-cow herd.

He has used the new tool, Selectabull, available on the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme’s (ADHIS) website.

“There are a lot of bulls available on the market so it’s great to get an independent program that helps find the right bulls to match to the breeding objective for your herd,” Stuart said.

“The program makes you look at your breeding objectives and think about what traits you need to breed into your herd to keep your cows productive and functional, and not just pretty.

“It’s an easy program to go through and the ability to develop different breeding objectives for different groups in the herd – such as heifers – really

gets you thinking about where you want the herd to be in the future.”

Selectabull has a number of search options to help farms re-rank which bulls are best for their business.

Michelle Axford from ADHIS said the Selectabull ‘wizard’ takes farmers through a number of key questions to help define their key breeding objectives and a list of associated desirable traits.

A ‘quick search’ option re-ranks bulls according to their Australian Profit Ranking (APR), their APR plus additional survival and fertility, or their APR and calving ease.

Alternatively bull listings can be searched using a customised index developed to match the breeding objective.

Dairy farmers can access Selectabull by visiting the ADHIS website at www.adhis.com.au and registering a password which gives them free access to the Selectabull functions.

For more information contact Michelle Axford at ADHIS ph (03) 8621-4240 or email maxford@adhis. com.au.

Drouin dairy farmer Stuart Seabrook used Selectabull to cut through the marketing hype and identify the sires most suited to his 500-cow herd.

26 — JerseyJournal August / September 2009

Breeding cows - a hobby or a business?

Breeding cows to most of us is a “hobby” within our business of dairy farming. It adds interest in the individual cows and challenges us more on breeding than just milking cows would.

But is your Stud a hobby or a business?

I remember years ago reading a quote in a Dairyman. It said “Less than 10% of stud breeders make more than 10% of their income from the stud side of their business”.

This was clarified by stating that money attributed to the stud side of the business was the premium received on animals above commercial price. I believe this statement is still true today.

We often fail to capitalize on the investment we make in registered cattle, by not promoting and advertising what we’ve got. Think about it - if 100 people are asked to name 10 jersey prefixes how many people would come up with the same 5 or 6 in the list. I would think 60% would come up with the well known studs; known because they advertise, show, win production awards or on farm challenges, etc.

How many people know YOUR stud prefix?

How many people know the prominent cow families within your herd. I know many will say that they don’t sell anything at stud sales or have no intention of selling anything; well at some stage every herd gets sold! And generally the ones that get a premium have a few things in common: a) their prefix is known; b) their prominent cow families are also known; c) previous buyers have been happy; d) the quality of animal is also of a good standard; e) the sale is well promoted and well presented; F) they advertise their stud.

If you don’t recognize the prefix or cow families selling do you go to a sale or bid on a lot at a multi vendor sale? A lot of promotion need not cost the earth and often

is only a small extension of what you are already doing.

Herd Testing, classifying, entering local On Farm challenges, showing at the local show or calf day, high animals on the ASI list, etc, are things most of us already do.

If we do well in any of those areas it is good to get a photo of those animals (it’s something you have for life). Photos are a great promotion tool and for the amount of use you get from them they are not expensive. Do you make your herd available for inspection when jersey functions are in your area? (AGMs, local AI company day, visiting overseas breeders /AI company reps, etc.)

Even something as simple as your stud name on a hat or shirt can increase your stud’s profile and helps put the prefix with a face.

If you are selling at multi vendor sales are you promoting the animal and her relations as best you can? Are high production relations mentioned, show / on farm challenge winners mentioned, highly classified sisters, high ASI relations, etc., is there a photograph of the animal, her dam, grand dam or family member? (A good photo can increase the price you receive.) Is the pedigree easy for the person compiling the catalogue easy to read? (Maybe it’s best to add a copy of the registration certificate with the other info so no mistakes are made and all information relevant is there, ie, herd book number, etc.).

I think we all know at least one herd that is better than most people would think because it is not advertised / promoted, I know I could think of 5 or 6. Every herd has at least 1 or 2 cows worth telling the world about.

Try to command a premium when you are selling registered stock on either the domestic or export market (after all you have a document that guarantees their pedigree for 3 generations), it may take time but you will get it.

Andrew Younger, Kaddy Jerseys

There are many ways of advertising that are FREE: • Letting AI companies know of a good PT daughter in your herd can often end up with a photo being used in a catalogue to promote the bull (or an exceptional daughter of a proven bull already in their catalogue). They like new photos of different cows (as do we as breeders).

• The Jersey Australia web site has a free web page available for members to promote their stud (have a look at how few currently use it) - www.jersey. com.au /member studs • Letting AI companies know of potential bull mothers in your herd (not only can this be free advertising but also great income) • Let the local paper know when you do well with your cows in anything from a show / on farm challenge to a farm business competition • Let milk factory field officers / newspapers know if there is something different you are doing that is helping you get through a tough time that might help others too (newspapers / milk factory papers are always looking for stories) • The Jersey Australia individual cow production listing

JerseyJournal August / September 2009 —

27

Agrigene Jersey Highlights

28 — JerseyJournal August / September 2009