Dairy direct february 2014 (low res) by McPherson Media Group

Country News PUBLICATION

FAMIL Y

Farm labour handbook released » page 28

2014 E TH

Sexed semen and fertility » page 16

RNATION

YEAR OF

Holding down cell counts » page 12

Family farming focus » page 24

RMER • IN FA

Issue 10, February 2014

ARE YOU HAVING

Cover: Beth Tivendale helping her parents around the farm. Picture: Bianca Mibus Story page 18

TROUBLE K?

COOLING MIL • Protect your milk quality

Editor Geoff Adams editor@countrynews.com.au

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Writers Cathy Walker Laura Griffin Sophie Bruns

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Photographers Ray Sizer Julie Mercer Bianca Mibus

Sales manager Jamie Gilbert jamie.gilbert@countrynews. com.au Published by Country News PO Box 204, Shepparton, Victoria 3632 (03) 5831 2312 www.countrynews.com.au

Graphic designers Teresa Lagozzino Brendan Cain Riverine Herald production team

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Dairy Direct

Growing up on a farm gives young people rich and varied life experiences. Apart from the prospect of one day being able to manage or own the farm, the opportunity to understand management and care of animals, grasp technical aspects of machinery and work with new technology, broadens the human mind in the most formative years. I remember someone once remarking to me: “How did you know to do that with dogs?’ I don’t recall learning anything in a class; I just grew up on a farm with dogs, cats, cows and horses. Understanding how animals behave is just one result of a life education at an impressionable age. This atmosphere is cultivated in

family farms which are the mainstay of Australian agriculture and which are celebrated in the International Year of Family Farming. This month’s edition of Dairy Direct features a number of farm businesses which flourish under traditional family farm models. Geoff Adams Country News editor

contents

Beating the heat

Doing dairy

Dealing with summer while preparing for the next season.

Dairy news Adding value to Dairy Australia

We are well and truly into the new year and summer has certainly made its presence known. In the past month we have seen record temperatures across the region. I hope that people and animals are able to get through the challenges this presents with minimal disruption and production loss. With summer well settled in we need to be mindful of water supplies for young stock. There are a number of simple and effective ways of keeping cows cool during extreme heat. The Dairy Australia Cool Cows website (www. coolcows.com.au) is a great resource for tips on reducing the impacts of heat load and to register for heat event alerts. While it is hard to imagine that summer will draw to a close we need to start considering our feed programs for next spring. As we head into autumn with higher temporary water prices and rising fertiliser costs, making sure we have good pasture establishment will be paramount. Over coming months, farmers in the Riverina will have the opportunity to save money and improve productivity through the smart application of fertiliser. The program is based on Fert$mart principles. Fert$mart has been developed by Dairy Australia in response to a need for easy-to-follow planning steps to guide farmers and advisers with fertiliser planning and decision making.

Working to secure a farming future

Fert$mart encourages a more strategic approach to fertiliser use with efficiency gains offering the opportunity for a farm business to save money and improve profits. While we continue to work towards increasing productivity around forage we remain committed to improving fertility productivity, as there are real gains to be made. Dairy farmers are being asked to provide as much mating data through herd recording centres as they can for inclusion in the April 2014 Australian Breeding Values, to help improve fertility in the dairy industry. The amount of fertility-related data contributed by dairy farmers to the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme has increased significantly. Farmers need the most accurate and data-rich breeding values in order to select for fertility, and breeding values are only reliable if they are based on strong data. There has been lots of activity at Murray Dairy over the past couple of months with a trade stall at International Dairy Week, the launch of the Young Dairy News in December and new Focus Farms about to hit the ground. We have also welcomed Rick Cross and Matt Nelson to our board and Christine Tyrrell has joined our team in a marketing role. Malcolm Holm Murray Dairy chairman

4–5

BVDV — What is it, and should we care?

Clean teats means low cell count

Managing heat stress

Sexed semen can combat fertility drop

Continuing the farming tradition

Cross-breeding can offer benefits

Your cows can influence breeding value calculations 23 Farming is a family affair

Drought-proofing reaps benefits

Labour issues covered

Smart cow app

Striving for milk quality

Make informed irrigation scheduling choices 31 Jessica still going strong

Following brother’s lead

Much interest in auction

Passion for cows shows

Calendar of events

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Doing Dairy

with SOPHIE BRUNS

Sophie Bruns is a dairy farmer from Gunbower with a husband, two daughters and a mortgage.

Hot weather presents some challenges Husband evades milking, cows drop production and chook drops dead My legs are sticking to my desk chair as I sit down in my un-airconditioned office to write this month’s column. Having just come off a week of 40 degree-plus temperatures, my tolerance for hot weather is currently sitting at zero and I am quite fearful that we will have more ahead of us, considering it is still only January. Wasn’t that heatwave just foul? You know you are in trouble when your thongs stick to the road, you sweat just getting a drink of water from the fridge and one of your chooks gives an almighty groan and just drops dead at your father’s feet. Of course keeping the cows as cool as possible throughout it all was our main priority and I am happy to say we came through relatively unscathed. The girls dropped about 700 litres a day at their worst and have just about returned to normal. We found bringing them in a bit earlier at night under the sprinklers for an

hour or so worked well as did getting up a bit earlier in the morning. Robert chose to avoid the heat at night by not milking at all, instead working in the airconditioned tractor — you know, those important jobs that just have to be done at milking time! Christmas and the new year flew by in a blur as usual and with a holiday up to the coast staying with my brother and his family done and dusted, I should be feeling relaxed — but that seems like months ago now. This year will see things ramp up a bit for us with an extra 52 ha coming into our milking platform. We are leasing the block across the creek so hopefully we will be able to grow a lot more grass and stop the never ending loads of hay from driving in. The block is underdeveloped so it will certainly be challenging bringing it into line, although that challenge is all Rob’s — he likes the grass-growing side of things.

Growing more grass will continue to be our focus and with another few paddocks touched up and re-lasered, as well as a bit of work on some drainage, we should be in a position to put in more permanent pasture. We have no plans to milk any extra cows, we just hope to be more self-sufficient. Margins remain tight after last season but a big step up this month has certainly helped. Commodity prices continue to remain strong so let’s hope this wave continues well into this season and the following one. Temporary water prices are still high but I did notice the government put some environmental water up for sale in the Gwydir district. Hopefully they can do the same in our area which may push prices down; after all, we need water to sell at a sustainable price so we can have a profitable agricultural sector and a prosperous community.

dairy news

Holsteins to be showcased Fair to start with one dairy breed and build in coming years Planning continues for the inaugural Victorian Winter Fair which will celebrate Holsteins and the dairy industry more broadly. The event will be held at Bendigo Exhibition Centre at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds from July 2 to 4. Holstein Australia’s North West Victoria sub-branch’s Rus Robins of Cohuna, Adam Dee of Cohuna and Clare and Stuart Modra of Gunbower initiated the idea and are organising the event. Mrs Modra said there was a growing need for a show to cater for autumn-calved cows. “We’re hoping it will be the winter equivalent of International Dairy Week,” she said. “July is also a quieter time of year on the farm and having the event during the July

FEBRUARY 2014

school holidays will help enhance the youth aspect.”

we’re hoping to make it an annual event with other breeds.”

The City of Greater Bendigo is sponsoring the event and Holstein Australia, which is celebrating its centenary this year, has provided great support to the group.

The organisers’ first-choice judge, American Mike Deaver, is a possibility. The owneroperator of Sherona-Hill Farm and Livestock Transportation has found and developed many high-profile animals, and has judged in many countries including at the World Dairy Expo. If he is secured, it would be his first time judging in Australia.

The fair will include the Victorian branch of Holstein Australia’s centennial dinner and its annual general meeting, a sale of 40 animals from Australian cow families and a Holstein show on Friday, July 4. Mrs Modra said the youth, Red Holstein and open class shows would all be held concurrently. Organisers also plan to split the heifer classes into summer, autumn, winter and spring calves. Organisers are expecting about 200 entries. “It is a Holstein expo for the first year and

Mrs Modra said Bendigo Exhibition Centre was a “world class” facility that would allow all the cattle, judging ring and sponsors’ stands to be under the same roof. The facility also has a dining room and kitchen available with a glass front overlooking the judging ring. Planning is under way to provide the water, power, flooring and a temporary dairy needed for such a cattle fair.

dairy news Conference will focus on dairying Goulburn Valley farmers among industry presenters The 2014 Australian Dairy Conference will be held at Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus in Geelong from February 26 to 27. The conference includes pre– and post-conference tours to local dairy farms and other attractions. Two high-profile international speakers will headline the conference: American radio broadcaster, rancher and controversial advocate Trent Loos; and Gary Corbett, the founding principal of Fair Oaks Farms, and its 40 000 dairy cows. Australian and New Zealand dairy industry identities — from farmers to practitioners working in dairy-related fields —

will also present at the conference. Paul and Robyn Lindsay, from Picola, will speak about their high input farm and the move to partial and total mixed ration systems. The conference will also hear about the Lang family, from Tatura, where 1500 cows are milked on three farms with the involvement of two sons. The cost to farmers is $880, with a discount for farmers from the same business. For more information contact Esther Price Promotions: phone (08) 9525 9222, email esther@estherprice. com.au or visit www. australiandairyconference.com.au

Milk prices rise Factors combine to influence price increases Tatura Milk lifted its milk price season for suppliers in Victoria by 16¢/kg butterfat and 40¢/kg and Tasmania. This brings protein and also announced a Fonterra Australia’s current loyalty payment in January. average farm-gate price to $6.36/ kg milk solids (MS). This price increase and loyalty payment will be applied to Fonterra Australia also raised its all premium and choice milk forecast for the average closing supplied by ongoing suppliers price range for the 2013-14 from July 2013 to January season to $6.60 – $6.80/kg/MS. 31, 2014, and milk yet to be Fonterra Australia managing provided from February 1, 2014 director Judith Swales said to June 30, 2014. The loyalty farm profitability remained the payment was paid with January company’s primary concern and 2014 proceeds. that was why it was a priority to This price increase and loyalty deliver the second 16c and 40c payment was in addition to the step-up of the season. December-announced price “We continue to work hard to increase. ensure our farmer suppliers are Chairman Barry Irvin said the more profitable — for the longongoing stability in international term — than any other dairy dairy markets, a more farmers in Australia,” she said. favourable exchange rate and Bonlac Supply Company (BSC) strong business performances chairman Tony Marwood all contributed to this further improvement in milk price for welcomed this strong step-up the 2013-14 year. from Fonterra Australia. He said the 2013-14 season “It sends a strong signal to all our price range for TMI suppliers at farmers that BSC and Fonterra current announced pricing was are focused on what’s happening $6.08 to $6.60/kg milk solids. on-farm and are working hard together to ensure farm Fonterra Australia announced a profitability is the number one step-up of 16c/kg butterfat and 40c/kg protein for the 2013-14 priority.’’

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Adding value to

Dairy Australia

Jerseys on the Akers farm at Tallygaroopna.

Increased research can lead to improved farm profitability

“There are so many systems around Australia to see themselves as members of Dairy It’s fair to say that Geoff Akers gets it. now, that’s why we need each farmer to look Australia and would ask the right people how The new chairman of Dairy Australia is at their own business and the profitability best to achieve that. ‘‘We need farmers to say conscious that as a levy payer, everyone wants DA is our organisation.” bang for their bucks — and he is one of them. drivers within it.” He said that meant a farm milking fewer than Mr Akers and his wife Natalie run 650 cows He said the three-way battle for Warrnambool 100 cows on a pasture-based diet right up to a Cheese and Butter had positive signs for at Tallygaroopna, north of Shepparton, and 3000-cow operation using total mixed rations have a son, Lloyd 3 ½, and baby Olivia, born investment in dairy post-farm-gate. or a feedlot. last November. As well as running the large ‘‘Saputo’s bought in money and has created ‘‘It’s not now appropriate to look over the milking herd and stud they also show a small money for Bega and Murray Goulburn,’’ Mr fence at what the neighbour is doing: the number of cattle; Mr Akers was on the lead Akers said. systems and assets and debt levels now vary of the Loxleigh Jerseys at International Dairy enormously.’’ ‘‘We haven’t had a lot of significant Week last month. investment in the post-farm-gate sector since He said the direction Dairy Australia took But if that’s not enough to keep him busy, his deregulation; hopefully now Saputo and the was under scrutiny from within and outside. new role will. other companies will invest in that sector.” Mr Akers said Dairy Australia wanted people Mr Akers already has extensive off-farm dairy and representative experience during six years on the Murray Dairy Board including four as chair; two years on the National Dairy Alliance Board; a director of Australian Dairy Farmers, a central councillor of United Dairyfarmers of Victoria; and as well was chair of the Victorian Farmers Federation Water Council. Two key themes have emerged in interviews with Mr Akers since his election last November: the need for research that can make a real difference, which leads to his second plank — farm profitability. “We won’t grow as an industry if farmers aren’t profitable,’’ Mr Akers said. Mr Akers said there had been extensive development achieved by Dairy Australia and that now needed to be implemented on-farm. It plans to have extension officers in each state to help deliver these programs, and will employ someone to produce and implement a business analysis program that can be used by Geoff Akers’ experience includes a larger than average dairy fam and time in the board rooms of all levy payers. farm organisations. More recently, he was at International Dairy Week.

FEBRUARY 2014

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Working to secure a

farming future Love of the farming lifestyle encourages family to stay in the industry

The Pethybridge family milks 220 cows on average and John hopes to build on that number.

John says membership of a discussion group has helped him to see aspects of his operation in a different light. 8

FEBRUARY 2014

John enjoys the lifestyle of farming and in winter plays football for the local Whorouly team.

John Pethybridge’s brother with his widowed mother Rhonda, are building up their own herd Steve traded the quiet life and have purchased part of his at Whorouly, in the rolling grandparents’ farm. The family country out of Wangaratta, for milks an average of 220 cows and the bright lights of Melbourne hopes to build up to 300. where he owns Tramp bar. Milking a mixed herd of mainly While John has enjoyed his visits to the King St nightclub scene, it’s Holsteins with some cross-breds home on the dairy farm with his and Jerseys, John said output and wife Elise and nine-month-old breedability were what he wanted. son Owen that this committed ‘‘We’re after a sound, stable cow young farmer is plotting his life that’s going to get in calf.’’ course. John is a member of the Millawa ‘‘I was always helping Dad; I just OKs (Ovens and King) dairy enjoy the farm lifestyle,’’ John, 27, discussion group, which he finds said. ‘‘I just had a natural cattle informative and stimulating. instinct about me, I guess.’’ ‘‘The group is really good, it Now, his five brothers are gets your mind ticking and variously an army mechanic, a mechanic for Holden, a bar owner, re-energises you when you see people doing things a little bit an IT expert at Crown Casino differently.’’ and an engineer in the mines. On a hill high above the dairy ‘‘They all ended up in really good there is a vista of the farm that jobs,’’ John said. includes three catchment dams By his own description, the for flood irrigation and a K-line original soldier settlement that is dragged for watering with farm that his grandfather Joe a motorbike, and John can also established in 1950 is ‘‘a bit of pump 25 Ml from the creek. a jigsaw’’ now. The home block The view also includes the muchKalimna has been added to needed 14-a-side double-up dairy in various ways and now the the Pethybridges built in 2010. operation comprises 283 ha and a 100 ha lease block. Staff is another part of the equation of growing the farm. John and Elise, who share-farm

Words and pictures: Cathy Walker

‘‘We’ve just put on a young girl as a casual who’s very keen on dairy and we are working out a roster.’’

“

‘‘For me to buy land off my grandfather, the subsidies don’t go far enough — it’s not done to actually help: they are putting bugger-all into it.’’ He said bankers did not understand that by buying a dairy cow you could generate a good return on your investment. John and Elise are also marketing some dairy crosses while they work to secure their farming future, possibly for the next generation even though he said ‘‘Nanna tells Owen to run away while he can’’. One unusual way they added to their assets was a smart new kitchen, courtesy of a win on Deal or No Deal. ‘‘It was just under $20 000. We were going for a wedding or a manure pump — that’s probably why the producers picked us, it was a bit different,’’ John said. Now the wish list includes a centre-pivot irrigator. It’s another quirky line for a television game show entry, but hard work and good planning seem the more likely scenario.

The group is really good, it gets your mind ticking and re-energises you . . . John Pethybridge

John’s mission statement as a dairy farmer sounds simple — and he hopes it will prove to be: ‘‘Try and run a profitable business and get myself set up, and sort through the family succession. ‘‘It is a long process with five brothers but they want to see the farm stay together.’’ He is critical of the lack of support for young farmers taking on a family business. ‘‘Being on the family farm starting up, there isn’t a lot of help for young people. Rural Finance has two per cent interest but you’re not eligible — it’s a joke I reckon,’’ John said.

While his five brothers have left the farm, John Pethybridge has chosen dairying as his career and is based at Whorouly South – “the top end of town’’.

Water aplenty looking down on a series of dams, viewed from the hills above the dairy.

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animal health

A regular column from Rochester Vet Practice

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus can cause poor health and low fertility in dairy cows.

BVDV

– What is it, and should we care?

BVDV (bovine viral diarrhoea virus) is from the pestivirus group. There are two types of the virus but in Australia we tend to see Type 1.

antibody-positive calf, as it is able to mount an immune response, but the calf may still be small and weak.

How is it spread? The virus is shed in a wide range of body fluids from infected animals including respiratory and uterine secretions, milk, semen, faeces and saliva. What happens to the infected animal depends on whether or not it is pregnant and at what stage it is pregnant.

Why is the PI animal important? An animal that has a transient infection will excrete some virus whereas a persistently infected (PI) animal excretes huge numbers of virus for its whole life. This is the main source of virus for the disease to spread within a herd, and buying in a PI animal (or a pregnant cow carrying a PI calf ) is a sure way of introducing BVDV to a naïve herd. The PI will start exposing its cohorts as calves and as these calves get transient infections and become immunosuppressed they may suffer from other diseases such as pneumonia and bacterial scours and are often not as responsive to therapy. There also appear to be reductions in growth rates in groups of calves exposed to a PI calf. When the PI animal survives until it is old enough for joining, it can be a source of infection to pregnant animals leading to either reproductive losses or the production of new PI animals, thus ensuring the continuation of infection within the herd. PI calves can develop mucosal disease due to the virus mutating to a cytopathogenic strain. This is followed by diarrhoea, dehydration and eventually death in anything from days to a few weeks. If the PI animal becomes pregnant she will produce another PI calf.

What does the disease look like? There are a number of different scenarios that can result from the infection of a non-immune animal. If the animal is not pregnant, then a transient viraemia (multiplication of the virus in the bloodstream) occurs for 10 to 14 days resulting in short-term immunosuppression, fever and possibly diarrhoea, before the body produces anti-bodies against the virus and the animal recovers. If however the animal is in early pregnancy (under 40 days) then the virus can cross the placenta and cause foetal death, which can be seen as low conception rates and long irregular service intervals. If the infection occurs during days 40-120 of pregnancy, then the foetus may not die but, as it doesn’t mount an immune response to the virus, the foetus becomes persistently infected (PI). This is because at this stage of pregnancy the foetus is developing its immune system and starting to recognise the normal body proteins. Since the BVD virus is present at this stage, the body assumes it is normal and won’t form antibodies against the virus. When these animals are born they are a significant source of infection to their herd mates. If the infection occurs later in the pregnancy (days 80-150) then the virus can cause defects in the calf, most notably in the brain, and the calves are usually born “wonky”. Alternatively infection at this stage can cause abortion. Infection after day 150 will result in an

How do you identify a PI? Since the PI animal is the biggest source of virus, to try to get the level of infection under control we need to identify and remove PI animals from the herd. Physically these animals may be poor doers and may be smaller than their cohorts with perhaps a history of repeat illness. However many PI animals cannot be visually identified. There is now an ear notch test that looks for the virus and is very sensitive. This test can be carried out

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from day one on any age or sex of animal. If there is a suspicion that an adult PI may be present in the milking herd then a PCR test which looks for viral DNA can be done on the bulk milk that will pick up one PI in 400 cows. Testing the blood of these animals for antibodies to the virus will be negative but serological screening of a number of animals may be useful in trying to determine the prevalence of infection. There are significant economic losses caused by infection of BVDV within a herd as a result of reproductive losses (low conception, abortions, birth defects, reduced bull fertility) and calf losses due to lowered health of calves exposed to PIs. What to do about it If there is a history of poor reproductive performance and a history of calf rearing problems then BVD may have to be considered as a possibility and you will have to discuss with your vet the best strategy for identifying the presence of BVDV in the herd. Testing large numbers of animals is costly so it may be possible to target high risk groups or individuals that are likely to be PI animals. There is a vaccine available in Australia now against BVDV and it can certainly give protection against infection, however it is not cheap and once you start vaccinating then you will have to maintain a closed herd or keep on vaccinating indefinitely. Eradication is possible if all PI animals can be identified and removed from the herd but again care must be taken not to reintroduce the problem. All introductions should be ear notch tested to ensure they are not PI before joining the rest of the herd. Bought in bulls are high risks as a source of infection and it would be advisable to test them before introduction, because they are likely to be mixed with pregnant animals and therefore potentially produce more PIs. J. Keith Fletcher

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The dairy herd grazing on lucene.

Clean teats means low cell count Diligence in paddock and shed lead to award

including ryegrass and clover and millet in “It may take us up to 11 days to dry a High cell counts can be frustrating and cow off depending on how much milk costly but Garry and Jenny Hawken summer. she is producing. We blanket dry — along with their son Kaid and his wife cow, everything — and make sure that Joanne have got theirs firmly in check. everything is clean, including our hands, We have a strict regimen The Dairy Farmers suppliers were thrilled the dry cow and the teats. and surprised when their dairy operation to manage environmental won the northern Victorian regional “We don’t herd test but keep an eye on the factors . . . Ian Stewart Memorial National Milk shed and the milk liners and replace them Quality Award for 2013 – even if they are Garry Hawken about every 10 months,’’ Mr Hawken said. somewhat modest about their achievement. “We certainly didn’t set out to achieve “We don’t let the cows sit in mud and are Milking 385 high-producing cows on this award, it is something that has just very conscious of cross contamination,’’ Mr 162 ha at Leitchville, the family has always happened.” Hawken said. focused on teat hygiene. The Hawkens have no plans to increase “We have a strict regimen to manage “If a cow comes into the dairy with wet mud herd numbers in the future; they are environmental factors; we maintain our we wash that off and give them a couple of comfortable with where they are sitting and shed and plant to a high standard and we laps of the rotary to dry before we put the at their current stocking rate are able to are constantly improving shed practices,” cups on, but if there is dusty dry mud we grow some of their fodder requirements. Mr Hawken said. just leave that. Cows with mastitis are treated and records “I believe the more you touch the teats, the are kept on the computer but anything that We don’t let the cows more mastitis you get, so we try to touch repeatedly offends is sold. them as little as possible.” sit in mud and are When milking year-round wet conditions The family pays particular attention to their are unavoidable, but the family tries to very conscious of cross limit contact with mud as much as possible. cows at dry-off time and has trialled many contamination . . . different ways of drying off over the years. Cows are always put in the driest and Garry Hawken highest paddock and the cement feed pad is They have found slowing milk production utilised in wet conditions. and cutting back feed over a week and then Their irrigation land was recently upgraded Pastures consist of lucerne, annuals milking once a day has helped the herd. to a pipe and riser system through the On

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FEBRUARY 2014

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Words and pictures: Sophie Bruns

A regime of hygiene helps keep cell counts low.

Farm Water program, which has made a big difference to their farm management. The system has been set up for automation although they are waiting for that technology to be refined before they implement it on the farm. Dairy Farmers chairman Duncan McInnes said his suppliers had worked really hard in what had

•

• • •

been a pretty tough year for the dairy industry. “This farm has shown some fantastic results and at DFMC we believe in recognising our members who provide top quality milk,” Mr McInnes said. Kaid and Joanne were recently presented with their award at a gala dinner at Lorne.

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Managing heat stress Take steps to keep your cows as cool as possible during hot weather 2014 is shaping up as another hot year.

With a run of two heatwaves already across northern Victoria, the region has been warned to be on alert for signs of heat stress in dairy cows. Dairy Australia’s animal health and fertility program manager Kathryn Davis said increased heat load in cows was not just a result of high maximum temperatures, but was also caused by the accumulative effect of hot spells over time. ‘‘This is particularly exacerbated by high night-time temperatures and humidity,’’ she said. Consequences of heat-stressed cows can include decreased milk production, reduced feed intake, potential loss of body condition, mastitis and the potential to not conceive or to abort. Veterinarian Steve Little suggested strategies to help cows cope with a heatwave: • Make sure your cows have access to plenty of cool drinking water wherever they are during the day and night (cows need 200-250 litres/day in hot weather — double the normal intake). • Change your paddock rotation so cows have access to the most shady of the paddocks during the day and don’t have to walk too far to the dairy for afternoon milking. • If you don’t have adequate shade in the cows’ day paddock, bring cows back to the dairy yard around noon and use the sprinkler system to cool them.

• If possible, give the cows access to high quality hay or silage nearby (under shade if possible). • Pre-wet your dairy holding yard by hosing, flood washing or sprinkling for the hour before cows arrive for afternoon milking to dissipate the heat stored in the mass of the concrete. • Sprinkle your cows for 30 to 60 minutes while they stand in the dairy holding yard to encourage heat loss through evaporation, so they enter the milking parlour reasonably comfortable and willing to eat the grain/ concentrates offered in the bail. • For the best results, wet cows to the skin with medium to large-sized droplets, minimising wetting of udders (if cows’ teats do get wet, dry with a paper towel before putting cups on); cover the entire yard so all cows are wet in the first 10 minutes; and ensure cows are not packed too tightly so there is sufficient air movement for evaporative cooling to work. • If cows have plenty of shade in their day paddock, and it is practical to do so, delay afternoon milking until 5 pm or 6 pm. • Adjust your feeding program appropriately to help cows maintain their daily intakes of metabolisable energy and other nutrients, and digestibility of feed in the gut (both of which are depressed during hot weather).

• For the best result, feed the the bail during milking (if not, highest quality and most and grain or concentrate is left palatable fibre sources available behind in bails, the next cows in to help maintain a stable rumen those bails may over-consume, and contribute energy rather leading to ruminal acidosis). than just gut fill (this is crucial • If you have a mixer wagon, and for high production herds can prepare a mixed ration already being fed plenty of containing fibre sources and starch via grain or concentrates); other feeds, feed it under offer cows the highest quality shade between the morning pasture available to graze and afternoon milkings. Farmers can also consider longer overnight when they are cooler; term strategies including building ensure cows have enough infrastructure and planting trees time to consume the grain or concentrate allocated to them in to help manage heat stress.

MONITORING COW HEALTH To assess how well your cows are coping in the heat, and whether you need to do more to cool them, the easiest and best thing to do is to monitor their breathing rate: 40 to 60 breaths/ minute is normal for a cow; 70 breaths/minute indicates a cow is starting to struggle; if in the 80s, heat stress is severe; and if more than 90, cows may die.

What you should do: • Check cows’ breathing rates twice daily. • Check using a watch and count the number of breaths in at least 20 cows by observing flank movements over a 20-second interval and then multiply by three. • Check your best-producing cows first; they will be the first to feel the effects because of the extra heat developed in their gut and the higher tissue metabolic rate due to the demands of higher production.

Did you know? Moving animals during cooler hours can decrease the impact of high temperatures on production performance. For example, a delay in milking by an hour or more in the evenings can result in an increase in production of up to 1.5 litres/day/cow.

FEBRUARY 2014

Dr Jon Kelly outlined how to use sexed semen to improve fertility rates.

Sexed semen can combat

fertility drop Improve herd fertility and create a better herd structure Declining fertility rates in Victorian dairy herds is a major concern. Dairy Australia and DEPI recently ran a fertility information night which heard that no single factor had been identified for the poor in-calf results during the past 10 years, which was not unique to Australia. However, several speakers who addressed the 50 people in the audience outlined ways of improving fertility and getting the best from herds. Warrnambool Veterinary Clinic vet Jon Kelly advocated the use of sexed semen to lift the numbers of young heifers in herds. Dr Kelly said sexed semen provided more potential replacements, gave more opportunities to cull and could create a better herd structure. ‘‘If we can get more young cows into the herd and get rid of all these old girls, we are going to help ourselves straight away.’’ He said an aged profile could quickly drag down the average in-calf rate and he demonstrated the effect by showing several herd profiles.

There was a dramatic reduction in the in-calf rate for cows older than six years. ‘‘Hopefully 90 per cent of the offspring are heifers coming out of cows so they will be smaller and there is a calving ease aspect to it. ‘‘Sexed semen will drive more heifer replacements and if you do the whole job properly, grow them out well, get them in the herd and feed them well, they will produce.’’ Dr Kelly took the audience through the challenges of using sexed semen. ‘‘It takes a lot of time to create and costs more to buy. It is very different to conventional semen. ‘‘It will lower the fertility of underlying semen. With the same amount of semen the conception levels will be less, so we are dealing with a compromised product from the beginning.’’ The dose is a lot less than a conventional straw. Dr Kelly said the basic premise was that the more semen you put into a cow the more likely she was to get pregnant.

Also, in some sires, the act of sexing the semen will decrease the fertility rate. He demonstrated the effect with evaluations from several farms which used particular sires. He said more detailed research was needed on these sires. ‘‘I am convinced that sexed semen is the answer to a lot of fertility questions. ‘‘Look at all parts of the puzzle and make sure everything we can control, we do really well.’’ In summary, Dr Kelly made the following points about improving fertility: • AI timing. A window of 12 to 18 hours prior to ovulation is the prime time. • Don’t experiment with a new heat detection system and expect to get the best results. Use your current system well. • Use the best technician you have. • AI preparation is important with practical facilities and staff available. • Heifer condition — you can control what the heifers eat. The more times they have cycled before joining, the better chance of getting them pregnant. It is really crucial to grow your heifers out well.

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Beth Tivendale, 7, likes to help her parents around the farm.

Continuing

the farming tradition Help from extended family makes life on the farm easier

Glenn and Sally Tivendale love bringing up their children Grant, 3, and Beth, 7, on the farm. 18

FEBRUARY 2014

Sally and Glenn Tivendale both “There are some good young Australian bulls at the moment,” grew up on farms and couldn’t Sally said. imagine anything else for their own young family. Sally is also the Victorian branch secretary of Guernsey Cattle Society Their two children — Beth, 7, and of Australia. To further promote the Grant, 3 — love having space to breed, they also show cattle at the play and enjoy helping around the Royal Melbourne Dairy Show and farm. Grant’s favourite time on the farm is when calves are dropping — International Dairy Week. Both Sally and Glenn’s parents the farm operates on a 60 per cent (Heather and Alex Tivendale) spring and 40 per cent autumn live nearby and help the couple calving pattern. with farm work and minding the “I name the girl calves and Grant children. names the boy calves,” Beth said. Sally said extended family’s support Sally, Glenn and farmhand James was vital. Peck work full-time on their 214 ha farm at Murchison, where they now She said working with family let milk 200 cows and run the Glenally them do jobs together, share goals and be home with the children Guernseys stud. In 1999, they when needed. started with 30 Guernseys from They have a pasture-based feeding Sally’s parents Rhonda and Gill system with about 174 ha irrigated. Livesay and have gradually built up the herd. Running a dairy farm makes taking family holidays a bit difficult, but They do six weeks of artificial the Tivendales try to have one week insemination before putting a bull off together each year. out. The genetic material brought When a family’s livelihood is tied in is from Australia and overseas.

Words: Laura Griffin Pictures: Bianca Mibus

(From left) farmhand James Peck and the Tivendales — Sally, Beth, 7, Grant, 3, and Glenn.

to a farm, the prevailing seasonal and market conditions can have an enormous impact. Sally and Glenn bought the farm in 1999 and had two good years before drought hit. Both took jobs off-farm to keep their heads above the financial water. In declaring 2014 the International Year of Family Farming, the United Nations aims to “stimulate active policies for sustainable development of agricultural systems-based farmer families, communal units, indigenous groups, co-operatives and fishing families”. Sally and Glenn said broadening government financial support would help farming families, for example so more could qualify for low interest loans when buying land.

Grant Tivendale, 3, is excited when calves are born.

Family farms celebrated UN declaration will raise profile of farming The United Nations’ declaration of 2014 as the International Year of the Family Farmer has been welcomed by farming groups including the NFF, VFF and Australian Dairy Farmers. Australian Dairy Farmers president Noel Campbell said farming families were the bedrock upon which the dairy industry was founded and integral to its success and resilience. “As we celebrate the International Year of the

farming landscape, and Family Farmer in 2014, I long may this remain so in encourage all Australians future. to take a moment to reflect on the enormous and often “We should never lose sight unheralded contribution of this or the substantial that farming families social and economic make to this country,” Mr benefits that dairy farming Campbell said. families contribute to communities across rural He said more than 90 and regional Australia.” per cent of dairy farms in Australia were family-owned The International Year enterprises and remained of the Family Farmer a source of strength and campaign aims to stability for the industry. encourage the worldwide adoption of policies “The family-owned and for sustainable rural operated farm is an iconic development. part of the Australian dairy

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Cross-breeding can offer benefits Farmers encouraged to look at Australian data rather than overseas studies He encourages farmers to look at Australian Only a small percentage of Australian dairy data on cross breeding, rather than US or even herds run cross-bred cows yet research New Zealand. shows there are some positive outcomes for farmers battling with fertility and other He recommended the APR and ABV lists in herd performance issues. choosing sires for cross-breeding performance. Michael Pyman from the University of “If we don’t use local data we are going to be Melbourne presented research on the topic led incorrectly by false information that does at a recent Dairy Australia and DEPI fertility not apply to our systems and environment.” information night at Numurkah, which Looking at the six-week in-calf figures, Dr revealed some fascinating facts. Pyman noted a study had shown how Jerseys Dr Pyman said studies had shown that crossoutperformed Holsteins. breeding not only reduced dystocia (calving difficulties) but progeny seemed to have better But the first-cross Jersey Friesian animals, with considerable hybrid vigour, outperformed all health. the other animals, with the Friesian Jersey In-breeding was starting to rear its head cross not so well performed. overseas, he said, and cross-breeding was one “That’s on the first cross; when we back-cross way of moving away from that. one of those animals … a Jersey Friesian here “Cross-breeding in other countries to improve the productivity in indigenous animals is fairly has been mated back to a Jersey bull with 75 per cent Jersey — performance of that animal common,’’ Dr Pyman said. is considerably better than first cross. According to figures referred to by Dr Pyman, “Looking at the 21-week not-in-calf rate, the in-calf rates have been shown to improve in Holsteins led the way with a fairly high notcross-bred Jersey and Holsteins with age, until in-calf rate, Jerseys were a little better but still nine or 10 years where the rates between quite high, but first crosses and back crosses Holstein and cross-breds were about equal.

were better than both individual breeds; and back crosses performed as well as first crosses. “Hybrid vigour in the six-week-calf rate is present in the first crosses and back crosses, and the Jersey sire is probably the superior sire in both those first crosses,’’ Dr Pyman said. In the 21 not-in-calf rate, both cross-breds were lower than the parent breed and just as strong in the back-cross. “Irrespective of hybrid vigour, selecting sires with high fertility ABVs will produce the greatest increases in reproduction performance,’’ Dr Pyman said. “Back crossing with sires with high fertility ABVs will reduce the extent of loss of hybrid vigour. “It’s important when selecting the Holstein or Jersey breed that high fertility ABVs are taken into consideration.’’ In his summary, Dr Pyman said crossbreeding complemented genetic improvement within breeds and could overcome lower reproductive performance. He said farmers must use highly ranked AI

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Nichol Trading Fertilisers want to introduce dairy farmers to a quality granular Calcium fertiliser known as CALCIPRILL that can be spread as a straight product or blended with other granular fertilisers to increase Calcium levels. Nichol Trading Fertilisers want to introduce dairy farmers to a quality granular Calcium fertiliser known as CALCIPRILL that can be spread as a straight product or blended with otherGlenda granular fertilisers to increase Calcium levels. Through soil testing on dairy farms, Nichol explains she is continually finding low Calcium levels. Her concern is that farmers are paying way too much for Calcium applied in liquid form. “There is no doubt that liquid fertilisers are taken up by the plant much quicker but Through soil testing on dairy farms, Glenda Nichol explains she is continually findingGlenda low Calcium levels. Her concerntoislook thatinto farmers are make sure you do your homework and work out what you are getting for your dollar” says. This fuelled a pursuit products paying way too much to forhelp Calcium applied in liquid “There is no and doubt fertilisers are she taken up across by the CALCIPRILL. plant much quicker but and cost comparisons farmers achieve a costform. effective solution shethat wasliquid very excited when came Nicholsure Trading want to introduce farmers a getting quality granular CalciumGlenda fertiliser known CALCIPRILL that spread as a make you Fertilisers do your homework and workdairy out what youto are for your dollar” says. This as fuelled a pursuit to can lookbe into products and costwas comparisons to calculate help farmers cost effective solution and shelevels. was veryfor excited when came across CALCIPRILL. straight product or blended with other granular fertilisers to increase Glenda horrified to thatachieve one of a her customers is payingCalcium 47 times more Calcium in ashe liquid form. The comparison is for the same amount of Calcium applied as granular Calciprill vs. Liquid Calcium per hectare and it is noted that there are other nutrients in the liquid Glenda was horrified to calculate that one of her customers is paying 47 times more for Calcium in a liquid form. The comparison is for the as well as Calcium. Through soil testing on dairy farms, Glenda Nichol explains she is continually finding low Calcium levels. Her concern is that farmers are same amount of Calcium applied as granular Calciprill vs. Liquid Calcium per hectare and it is noted that there are other nutrients in the liquid paying way too much for Calcium applied in liquid form. “There is no doubt that liquid fertilisers are taken up by the plant much quicker but as well as Calcium.

Calciprill 100 kg/ha $24.90/ha (+getting spreading + gst) Liquid Calcium make sure you do@ your homework and = work out what you are for your dollar” Glendavs says. This fuelled a pursuit to$1,187/ha look into products and cost comparisons to help farmers achieve a cost effective solution and she was very excited when she came across CALCIPRILL. Calciprill kg/ha + gst) Liquidrequire Calcium $1,187/ha It’s a well-known@ fact100 the cheapest way= to$24.90/ha apply Calcium is in(+ thespreading form of Lime however, notvs all paddocks raising the pH and it is not

cost effective to spread Lime at such low rates just to increase your Calcium. It’s a well-known fact to thecalculate cheapest wayone to apply is inisthe form47 oftimes Lime however, not all paddocks the pH andisitfor is not Glenda was horrified that of herCalcium customers paying more for Calcium in a liquidrequire form. raising The comparison the cost effective Lime at such lowsaying ratesCalciprill just to increase your Calcium. In conclusion Glenda states, “I am do not use liquids, they give results use them conjunction solids in and same amount to of spread Calcium applied asnot granular vs. Liquid Calcium per great hectare and itbut is noted thatin there are otherwith nutrients thealways liquid ensure you work out the nutrient value you are getting for the dollars you are spending”. as conclusion well as Calcium. In Glenda states, “I am not saying do not use liquids, they give great results but use them in conjunction with solids and always ensure you work out the nutrient value you are getting for the dollars you are spending”.

Contact to find=out more details and to start saving……. 54841094 Calciprill @ 100uskg/ha $24.90/ha (+ spreading + gst) vs Liquid Calcium $1,187/ha

It’s a well-known fact the cheapest way to apply Calcium is in the form of Lime however, not all paddocks require raising the pH and it is not cost effective toFEBRUARY spread Lime 2014at such low rates just to increase your Calcium.

WHAT IS HYBRID VIGOUR? The positive difference in the average of a trait measured in a cross between two breeds that exceeds the average for that trait for the two parent breeds. It may exceed the higher breed average, but this is not essential. Effects of cross-breeding and hybrid vigour may change with time or age. The extent of hybrid vigour varies between crosses and between individuals.

bulls to ensure genetic improvement, regardless of whether pure or crossbreeding. “Cross-breeding can be seen as a fasttrack solution to improving fertility and longevity, but it is not a longterm solution.’’ He said the system he favoured was alternating between two breeds and using high ABV fertility bulls to minimise the loss of hybrid vigour. In his own research Dr Pyman found

a cross-bred herd could deliver increased milk income, reduce feeding and agistment of young stock, lower calf rearing costs, produce longer herd survival, lower lactational somatic cell counts, and offer more efficient feed conversion and a higher stocking rate. “All of which led to a more profitable and sustainable enterprise.’’ *Michael Pyman works with the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne.

CROSS-BRED COMMERCIAL HERD STUDY CONCLUSIONS • Superior reproduction in cross-breds • More compact calving pattern • Fewer replacements • Lower rearing costs • Longer survival in herd • Lower lactational somatic cell counts • More efficient feed conversion • Higher stocking rate with increased milk income

What to look for in a cow on heat A cow is most likely to be on heat if: • she is starting to be mounted by other cows; • tail paint is removed; or • heat mount detector is triggered. A cow may be on heat if: • she attempts to mount other cows; • tail paint is rubbed but not removed; • she is restless or bellowing; • she has poor milk letdown; • you see mucus around the vulva; • you see mud marks on the flanks; or • the heat mount detector is lost. Cows with at least two of these signs are possibly on heat but showing only weak signs. Some will not be on

heat. Make sure everyone knows what to do with cows that are showing weak signs of heat. Normally, you can expect a cow to show signs of heat every 18 to 24 days with an average of around 21 days in cows and 20 days in heifers. Cows often have a short cycle after their first heat and are in heat again eight to 12 days later. The average interval from calving to first heat in pasture-fed cows in good body condition is 30 to 35 days. It is about 10 days longer in first calving heifers. It is important that everyone on the farm knows the signs of heat. You may know them, but do all the members of the farm team know them?

FEBRUARY 2014

Have your say, Become involved with Dairy Extension Through Murray Dairy, five regional network groups operate under the Regional Extension and Education Committee (REEC). The regional network groups, through the REEC, are the central communication point for extension and education across the Murray Dairy region. The REEC receives information about each region’s needs through the regional network groups which represent the central, north-east, eastern, north-west and Riverina regions across Murray Dairy. This information feeds through to the Murray Dairy Board, Dairy Australia, NCDEA and DEPI to inform dairy extension actions. This review is underway to ensure the REEC and regional network groups are operating to their optimal potential and are effectively representing dairy farmers’ priorities. To receive more information or to have input to the review please contact Murray Dairy on (03) 5833 5312 or email admin@murraydairy.com.au An update of review outcomes will be publicised through the next issue of Dairy Direct.

FEBRUARY 2014

Dairy farmer representatives on the REEC are: • • • • • • •

James Dillon (Chairman) (eastern region) Stuart Crosthwaite (north-east region) Stephen Henty (north-west region) Ian Goodin (eastern region) Tony McCarthy (central region) Robert Schloss (central region) Kristen Clark (Riverina region)

Your cows can influence breeding value calculations Contributed data helps give better picture of fertility effort to boost dairy cattle fertility. “Dairy farmers need breeding values in order to select for fertility, and breeding values are only reliable if they are based on plenty of good data,” Dr Nation said. “Improving dairy cattle fertility is one of the Cooperative Research Centre’s key research focuses, and we know that a lot of quality fertility data is being lost. Farmers collect it for their own herd management, but it does not always flow from farms to data processing centres.” The research centre, herd improvement scheme and other organisations are working together to maximise the industry benefits from work being done on farms. Since early 2013, the fertility data project team has been working to identify and remove barriers that prevent fertility data being included in breeding value calculations. Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme extension and education manager Michelle Axford encourages farmers to ensure their data is included in Australian

breeding value calculations. “We know there is a lot more quality data on farms that could be used to bring about faster genetic gain within herds,” she said. “We’re asking farmers who use herd management software to check they are using the most recent version, and make sure they enter mating data by midFebruary so it can be included in the April 2014 Australian Breeding Values calculations.’’ Dr Nation said fertility work such as including more fertility-related indicators in breeding values and collecting more fertility data were some of the ways the research centre was working with other industry organisations to improve dairy cattle fertility. “Collectively, we believe our fertility work will increase the six-week-in-calf rate by 10 per cent over time, which would return the fertility of the national dairy herd to levels not seen since the 1990s,” he said. The research is being conducted by DEPI.

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Do you want your cows to be counted? Dairy farmers are being asked to provide as much mating data as they can for inclusion in the April Australian Breeding Values, to help improve fertility in the dairy industry. The amount of fertility-related data contributed by dairy farmers to the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme, supported by Dairy Australia, has already increased significantly. Between last October and December, dairy farmers submitted 858 110 mating records, of which 123 325 were from cows that had not previously been part of ABV calculations. This is more than double the average increase during the past three years for the same period. The increase follows a recent upgrade of one of the key herd management software packages used on dairy farms, Easy Dairy. Dairy Futures Cooperative Research Centre chief executive David Nation said this was an excellent start to a co-ordinated industry

L-R. Summa Trimby, 14, Jessica Trimby, 16, Richard Trimby, Lisa Trimby and Ryan Trimby, 18.

Farming is a

family affair Husband and wife team say they work on the same wavelength.

Summa Trimby, 14, and Jessica Trimby, 16, feed the calves.

Cows calve most of the year to help keep milk supply stable. 24

FEBRUARY 2014

Katunga’s Richard Trimby joked most of supply incentives. the best way to work with family The girls’ brother Ryan, 18, is is to “. . . stay away from each doing a fabrication engineer other”. apprenticeship at Mick Hogan Excavations. “No, no, it’s pretty good really. It’s good to be able to work together, to Mr and Mrs Trimby grew up on help each other out,” he said. dairy farms and couldn’t imagine Mr Trimby runs one of the farms his doing anything else with their parents Ray and Lorna own. In total, family. the family has about 1000 ha over “I think it’s great for kids to grow up four blocks and about 800 cows. on farms, there’s plenty for them to Of them, the 300 cows Richard and do that keeps them out of trouble,” wife Lisa milk produce A2 milk, Mrs Trimby said. which is supplied to ACM. The husband and wife team said “We’ve got to genetically test all cows they worked well together and were to see which proteins they produce,” on “the same wavelength” about Mr Trimby said. business decisions. Mrs Trimby either milks at the One downside of a family dairy family farm or at another farm at farm is not having much time off, Katunga, depending on need. but Mr and Mrs Trimby did get to Mr Trimby said screening and go on a 10-day farm tour trip in separating the A2-producing cows recent years. had been worthwhile. Although, The cows are fed a pasture-based their daughter Summa, 14, said diet. The family makes hay and there was a particularly friendly cow, silage, but also buys in hay and corn. Natalie, that had to be moved to During the United Nations’ the other dairy because she didn’t declared International Year of the produce the right kind of protein. Family Farmer, Mr Trimby said Summa and sister Jessica, 16 governments could help dairy — both students at Numurkah farmers by releasing the water they Secondary College — help with bought. milking and feeding the calves. Mrs Trimby said it would help the Having the cows calve most of whole industry if more support was the year (except in January and provided for young people to get February) keeps milk supply stable started in dairying. throughout the year to make the

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Drought-proofing

reaps benefits

Ian Litchfield in front of one of the shelter sheds inspired by a farm tour in the United States.

New feeding system limits milk drop-off in hot weather

The 50-stand dairy has been fitted with electronic drafting and milk metering systems.

FEBRUARY 2014

Adapting their farming based on grazing cows on annual pastures from April to system to deal with the November and feed-lotting drought continues to benefit them from December to dairy farmers Ian and Karen March. Litchfield. The Litchfields bought a farm A farm tour to the United States, including to California at Mayrung in 2000, after and Arizona, showed the more than a decade shareLitchfields they could set farming with Karen’s parents up a dry-lot feeding system Gary and Helen Chesworth with limited capital and that at Finley. this system could improve Like many in the southern feed use and cow comfort, to Riverina, they saw a steady maintain high production decline in average annual during hot weather. rainfall and water during the millenium drought. They had They built two 110 m x 9 m shelters in 2007 and a third little to no water allocation in 2013. and temporary water was so expensive that irrigating “Milk production might have perennial pasture became dropped off 20 per cent in unviable. really hot weather when the cows were out in the sun They decided to shift from entirely pasture-based feeding, grazing, but now it is about 10 per cent,” Mr Litchfield with perennial and annual said. ryegrass forming the base Mrs Litchfield said when of all rations, to a system

“

Now we put water into growing annuals and probably make more silage than most people. Ian Litchfield

“

the quality of pasture dropped during the summer, they were able to provide cows with better quality feed. They feed out lucerne, hay, ryegrass silage, corn silage, whole cotton seed and some wheat grain. “Now we put water into growing annuals and probably make more silage than most people,” Mr Litchfield said. The family has grown their herd from 170 in 2000, to 650. They have also expanded their farm to 400 ha, of which 280 ha is on the home block and 120ha is about 5 km away, where they grow corn and rear heifers. Four full-time staff mainly help with milking. The feed shelters are close to the 50-stand rotary dairy, which has been fitted with electronic drafting and milk metering systems that make animal management — including targeted feeding and treatment — easier. The herd calves for four weeks in March, May, August and November, which allows a steady supply of milk to Parmalat. Mr and Mrs Litchfield said expansion and capital development was necessary to remain viable. “If we didn’t expand, we might not be milking cows,” Mr Litchfield said.

Keeping cows in sheds during the hotter months improves animal comfort and feed use efficiency.

On a day when the temperature reached the mid 40s, cows stay out of the sun’s hot rays.

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Never far from an esky … Shane Hellwege from Dairy Australia with the Employment Starter Kit

Labour issues

covered

Free kit helps answer farmers’ questions A folder setting out guidelines on a range of employment issues has been released by Dairy Australia. The information for the kit was drawn from Dairy Australia’s website on People In Dairy, which covers legal requirements, recruitment, position descriptions, candidate selection, payroll, long service leave, superannuation, farm safety and terminations. The free kit includes check sheets and examples farm enterprises have used. Dairy Australia’s industry, people and capability group manager Shane Hellwege outlined the resource at a seminar at International Dairy Week in January. Farmers attending the seminar raised questions about how to employ backpackers and other overseas labour. Mr Hellwege said while it was possible to employ backpackers for three to six months, employing skilled labour for longer periods was more difficult.

He said those farmers who were using short-term labour seemed to be getting good results, but the outcomes were only short-term. He said Dairy Mr Hellwege said Dairy Australia was Australia was working with the Immigration preparing guidelines for share-farming. Department to see how more skilled labour “We want to be able to give some guidance as from overseas could be employed under 457 to whether share-farming arrangements are visas. legal. Some arrangements were already working at “Because if you think you have an agreement farm manager level, but Dairy Australia was which is compliant with share-farming and wanting to be able to get approval for skilled down the track it’s proven it is not, down the labour at lower levels, he said. track a disgruntled sharefarmer might come Mr Hellwege said Dairy Australia was working back and say `It was not a legal contract and with selected farms to get some examples to now you owe me superannuation, leave and a put to the Immigration Department. whole range of other things’. “I think it will open up another avenue for “We will form a code of practice around shareskilled labour to come into our industry.’’ farming so people can be better informed.’’

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Smart cow app Helping you keep score Dairy Australia has released a smartphone app to help body condition score cows more effectively. Designed in consultation with dairy farmers and advisers, the Cow Body Condition Scoring Tool app is easy to use and features large graphics to help dairy farmers and advisers get a standardised measure of cows’ body energy and protein reserves at critical times of lactation. Dairy Australia’s feedbase program manager John Evans said the app would help farmers working with seasonal and split calving herds take greater control of their herd’s feeding. “The app has been designed to make the body condition scoring process easier so farmers can realise the benefits in their herd’s reproductive performance and milk production,” Mr Evans said. “In the past, farmers and advisers would have referred to photos in books such as the Condition Magician. This app uses the same simple scoring method using the graphics and the touch screen and it takes only seconds to score each cow.”

The app features three scoring methods to suit beginners, intermediate and advanced users. Herd results are compiled instantly after each scoring event with suggested actions to consider. A results summary including a graph can then be emailed to the home computer or to others including veterinarians and farm owners. Tasmanian-based herd nutrition advisor Pip Gale said the app would make the recording process easier for farmers and the high quality of reporting would be of great value. “The great thing about the app is that you can take it anywhere, anyone can use it and you can circulate the information on the spot,” Mr Gale said. “It’s often the case that you are out in the paddock with your pen and paper and you

Herd nutrition adviser Pip Gale using Dairy Australia’s body condition score app that he said would make recording information easier.

are trying to record your BCS average by hand, so the app makes the process easier that way. Sometimes you lose the piece of paper so to have a permanent record saved on the phone for next time that you can immediately compare with is very handy.” The app is available for Android smartphones and iPhone. To download it, visit www. dairyaustralia.com.au/BCS, Google Play or the Apple iTunes store. For farmers without a smartphone, Dairy Australia has also created a new body condition scoring handbook and recording sheets that will be available from the Dairy Australia website.

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Striving for milk quality Consider the importance of trace minerals in limiting milk cell count As somatic cell count (SCC) limits become more stringent, producers continue to look for opportunities to improve milk quality. The role of trace mineral nutrition in lowering SCC is one area receiving renewed interest, as research is well-documented when considering the positive impact improved trace mineral status has on mammary health and immune competence. Dairy producers and their nutritionists have many things to consider as they evaluate solutions to improve milk quality. 1) Which trace minerals are important? Zinc, copper, manganese and selenium each play critical roles in skin and mammary health, somatic cell count function and disease resistance (immunity). For example, all four minerals help to protect cellular membranes from damage by removing superoxide radicals (free radicals) from the body. Superoxide radicals are normal by-products of cellular protection against infection. However, these radicals disrupt cellular membranes and cause cellular damage, leaving the mammary gland more

susceptible to infection, scarring and lost milk production. • Zinc helps maintain the health and integrity of skin due to its role in cellular repair. • Copper affects the killing ability of white blood cells such as neutrophils (somatic cells) to kill pathogens. It is also required for antibody development and lymphocyte (white blood cell) replication. • Manganese helps improve immune function through enhanced macrophage (white blood cell) killing ability. Macrophages are one of the types of somatic cells released into the mammary gland in the highest concentration to help protect against intramammary infections (IMI). • Selenium plays a vital role in immune response and has an associated role with vitamin E in protecting the mammary gland. Selenium also allows for more rapid neutrophil (somatic cell) influx into milk following an IMI bacterial challenge and increased cellular kill of ingested bacteria by neutrophils. Ask your nutritionist to monitor the levels

of each mineral being fed, and determine whether the source of each trace mineral is highly bio-available (easily absorbed). Quality and performance do matter, and not all trace mineral products are the same. 2) When is trace mineral supplementation most effective? In a summary of 14 trials, research showed feeding a combination of highly bio-available complexed zinc, manganese, copper and cobalt, beginning in the dry period and continuing through lactation, decreased SCC by 25 per cent. In comparison, in the trials when the same complexed trace minerals were fed only during the lactation period (not pre-partum), SCC only decreased by eight per cent. Ask your nutritionist to investigate data on this kind of performance, and discuss how feeding highly available forms of trace minerals during the dry period and throughout lactation can positively impact SCC, mammary health and immune function. — By Zinpro Corporation dairy research team leader, Dr Mike Sochais

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Make informed irrigation scheduling choices Get the best results from your water use with soil moisture monitoring Adopting soil moisture monitoring technology on-farm enables irrigators to make more informed decisions about plant water requirements. Such decisions can result in improved water use efficiency and farm productivity. A number of different types of soil moisture monitoring equipment exist. These devices range in the amount of information collected and unit cost. • Some simple, relatively inexpensive soil moisture devices give a ‘wet/dry’ measurement. They provide a basic guide to reducing plant stress and minimising irrigation water losses in the field and are a good ‘entry level’ system. • Other more expensive devices (such as multisensory capacitance probes) gather complex information. This includes infiltration depth of irrigation and rainfall, root activity, irrigation timing and forecasting based on water use and movement of solutes (salts) through the soil profile, as well as soil temperature. DEPI Farm Services staff recently completed field trials across the Northern Victoria Irrigation Region. These trials aimed to examine the use of soil moisture monitoring equipment for irrigation scheduling. Multi-sensor capacitance probes were used predominately. Through having a number of sensors at various depths inside a vertical tube, the probes are able to

detect soil water content accurately. Once collected, this data can be downloaded in the paddock, either for transfer to a computer later or directly to a computer with internet connection, through a telemetry system (a wireless system that uses the phone network or radio). The data collected is graphed using a computer software program and it is this graph that is used to assist in irrigation scheduling. Graphed results illustrate schematically the information that can be interpreted from the data collected. For example, it shows the soil moisture collected by probe sensors at 10 cm intervals from a depth of 10 cm to 50 cm (represented by five different corresponding graph lines). After irrigation, there is a period of waterlogging when the plants do not extract water from the soil because they are under stress. Once the excess water drains the plants are able to extract soil moisture, with the most rapid extraction occurring in the top 10-20 cm of the soil profile. As the soil moisture in the top of the profile depletes, the plants extract soil moisture from deeper within the profile. Farmers involved in the field trial identified many benefits of soil moisture monitoring for their properties. The key ones include the ability to: • Identify the depth of root zone activity where moisture was being used by the plant roots,

and periods when a plant was not using moisture and therefore not growing at full potential. This may have been the result of waterlogging or the soil being too dry. When these are identified, management practices can be adopted to minimise these occurrences. • Determine when the first irrigation should be planned at the start of the season. The sensors were also able to detect a reduction in plant water use as autumn approached, allowing for strategic planning of the last irrigation for the year. These two irrigation times are hard to estimate yet crucial to maximise production and/or fill the feed gap. • Maximise the opportunity to effectively use rainfall events and information about the depth of irrigation water that enters the profile, minimising water going beyond the root zone and waterlogging. For more information phone Dale Boyd at DEPI Echuca on (03) 5482 1922 or email dale.boyd@depi.vic.gov.au For further information on choosing the right soil moisture monitoring device, visit http:// www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farmingmanagement/soilwater/soil/choosing-soilmoisture-monitoring-device — By Dale Boyd and Sarah Brown, DEPI Echuca

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• 93 acres in one title situated on Hickey Rd, Katandra West. • 6 aside double-up dairy with inbale feeding, 8-tonne silo and currently milking 87 cows that start calving on the 15th August. Lots of shedding including calf and machinery. • Well laid out in 18 paddocks and sown to 85% permanent pasture and the balance in annuals, sub and rye. • Three-bedroom weatherboard family home with three living areas and set in matured tree gardens. • Stock and domestic via channel, Category A drainage and GMW delivery share in place. • Faithfully farmed by the same family since the mid 1960s. Still milking 85–90 cows with a very comfortable lifestyle. • All this for $345,000.

• Outstanding water security delivered via a 963 meg Deep Lead bore license pumped with three-phase power delivering up to 8 megs per day. GMW Delivery share in place. • 305 acres in one title situated on Ross Rd, Katunga. • Extremely tidy 34 aside dairy complete with feed system, pellet silo, 3rd line wash, 7,400 litre vat and 350 cow circular yard. • 95% lasered and very well laid out with 10% sown to permanent pasture and the balance in rye and shaftel. • Five-bedroom family home that has recently been renovated with two ensuites, master with walk-in robe, open-plan living, gas and electric cooking and evaporative cooling. Outdoor decking around the pool. • Asking $1,295,000 including water.

• 800 acres (STCA) in two titles situated on Dansons Rd, Yalca. • 50 Bale Rotary dairy complete with 11,600 litre vat and 400-cow yard with feed pad, with calf facilities. • Three-bedroom family home with office set well off the road down a long treed driveway with very good shedding • Large machinery shed and lockable workshop. • 370 megs of low reliability water, 100% recycled with large Turkey nest dam for on-farm storage. S&D Bore which supplies water via two-inch lines to stock troughs. GMW delivery share is in place. • Very well laid out currently sown to 120 acres Lucerne, 75 acres permanent pasture and the balance in annuals. • Currently in full production, your chance to purchase scale. • Priced to sell at $2,250,000.

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Jessica still going strong Cow family has top producers and show-ring winners.

Steven Hore from Leitchville with Reserve Champion Holstein cow and Best Holstein Udder. Next to him, Matt Templeton leads the honourable mention cow, Highgreen Bolton Noni.

Leitchville cow Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 4-ET, owned by Steven and Deanne Hore, won Reserve Champion Holstein Cow and Best Holstein Udder at International Dairy Week. Consistency and good udders characterise the Jessica family, which has been a mainstay of Elmar Stud since Mr Hore bought the calf that started it when he was 17 — about 28 years ago — from an elite stud sale held by Congupna’s Barry Mason. This year’s Reserve Champion Holstein is the granddaughter of Elmar Leader Jessica that was Grand Champion Holstein at the 2003 International Dairy Week. Elmar Stud, which has been going since 1928, also won Grand Champion Holstein Cow with Elmar PC Farlex in 1990. Mr Hore said Goldwyn was an older bull, but probably one of the world’s best. ‘‘From the same flush, we got four ‘excellent’ (classification) sisters, including the Reserve Champion Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 4, and five ‘very good’ sisters,’’ he said. As well as strong show cows, the Jessica family of cows is also among the top producers of the 380 cows the Hores milk. Mr Hore continues to be passionate about breeding top dairy cows and plans to continue showing while his children Kelsie, 19, Marty, 17, and Brady, 15, are keen. The family is deciding whether to try to get Jessica 4 pregnant again and possibly show at next year’s event or put her on an embryo transfer program. ‘‘International Dairy Week is an elite show and there are strong cows from across Australia competing,’’ Mr Hore said. Jayden Londrigan, 15, Hannah Londrigan, 12, and Abbie Londrigan, 10, of Tatura presented the top award in recognition of their grandfather Vince Londrigan, who gave tirelessly to the Tatura community before his death last year.

International Dairy Week results Australian supreme champion — Fairvale Morty Lady 51, owned by LR, SJ & LA Thompson of Bracknell, Tasmania HOLSTEIN SHOW Grand champion — Fairvale Morty Lady 51, owned by LR, SJ & LA Thompson of Bracknell, Tasmania Champion cow — Fairvale Morty Lady 51, owned by LR, SJ & LA Thompson of Bracknell, Tasmania Reserve champion cow — Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 4-ET, owned by Elmar Holsteins of Leitchville, Victoria Honorable mention cow — Highgreen Bolton Noni, owned by Beclah Park and Quality Ridge, Broadwater, Victoria Intermediate champion — Murribrook Talent Robina, owned by MJ Sowter 32

FEBRUARY 2014

of Mossvale, NSW Reserve intermediate champion — Missy Moo Ladino Cathy-ET, owned by Kayla Bradley of Lockington, Victoria Honourable mention — Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 11-ET, owned by Elmar Holsteins of Leitchville, Victoria Junior champion — Murribrook Dundee Pam, owned by MJ Sowter of Mossvale, NSW Reserve junior champion — Cairnhill Braxton Perky 2, owned by the Zanders family of Kialla, Victoria Honourable Mention — Murribrook Destry Velvet, owned by MJ Sowter of Mossvale, NSW Best Udder — Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 4-ET, owned by Elmar Holsteins, Leitchville, Victoria

Brunchilli Sambo Priscilla defeated the 2012 Interbreed Champion, Willow Dell Fancy 512, to take out SevenYear-Old Jersey In Milk and went on to be named Senior Champion and Supreme Champion Jersey. She’s pictured with Melissa Bowers from sponsor Semex, judge Michael Heath, and is led by Nathan Thomas from Ohio in the United States.

Janette Falls may be all smiles but admitted she shed a tear after Pasadena Comerica Olive won Six-Year-Old Jersey in Milk then Reserve Champion Senior Jersey. The cow is one of 20 she has boarded at Zeerust with Bluechip Genetics after she sold her Finley dairy farm.

Brunchilli Jerseys co-owner Lyn Boyd with Junior Champion Jersey Brunchilli Reagan Rose, a late entry which replaced another member of the Finley-based team that went sore.

Following her brother’s lead New to the job, young leader places well in the show ring

In only her second competition Erica Quinn (left) from Macorna led Gorbro Stanley Cup Kassie to top honours in the Junior Champion Heifer class. Owner Glen Gordon (right) was pleased with the way his show team performed this year.

Erica Quinn doesn’t have too much experience when it comes to leading cows, but that didn’t seem to matter at this year’s International Dairy Week when she placed among the winners. It was only the second time 17-year-old Erica had led a cow around the ring and she was lucky enough to lead the Junior Champion Heifer — Gorbro Stanley Cup Kassie — in the senior leader class, to the winning position. Erica only decided to have a go at leading because her brother Kaleb was involved and it looked like fun. “I liked the heifer Kaleb was showing and when he was working with her at home I got interested. I have been

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to Royal Shows around the country with stock horses and riding so I have a bit of an idea, but I just love animals and working with them,” Erica said. Erica recently attended this year’s dairy youth camp in Melbourne where she worked on all aspects of cattle husbandry, including clipping which she particularly enjoyed. She has also done a bit of work experience with Holstein breeders Gorbro at Cohuna. She has plans to continue working on and improving her leading skills and is currently in the process of convincing her parents to buy a Brown Swiss cow of her own, so she can continue to work on her skills.

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Much interest in auction Prices high but not record-breaking Records remained intact at International Dairy Week’s premier auction, but buyers paid consistently high prices for more than 30 Holstein lots. A crowd of about 1000 people at Tatura’s Blackmore-Leslie complex saw bidders go up to the top price of $12 000 for a Numero Uno heifer offered by the Gordon family from Cohuna. Although the prices did not reach last year’s top of $14 000, buyers paid more than $70 000 for the first 10 lots of young stock. The average lot price was $6823. Sold under the hammer of veteran auctioneer Brian

Leslie, the crowd was not disappointed with the rapid fire delivery of commentary on bidding, punctuated by the breeding history. One three-week-old calf from an imported embryo that was not born when the catalogue was put together and was not at the auction, owned by a NSW stud, was sold for $11 000. Buyers saw a video of the calf projected onto a large screen. At Tuesday’s Jersey sale, the average was $4734 with the top price of $9250. The Broad family of Lockington scooped up two lots, paying $8400 and $5750. The Guernsey sale average was $4016.

Passion for cows shows Youngster’s skills lead to junior handler title You couldn’t wipe the smile off the face of Cohuna girl Kaitlyn Wishart after she was crowned junior handler at this year’s International Dairy Week. Twelve-year-old Kaitlyn has been showing cows under the Rowlands Park prefix at local shows and dairy week for a few years and loves competing against other studs. She has a real passion for cows and cow families and can reel off the names and sires of many of the cows in her family’s herd. She was happy and excited with her win. “I was really surprised to win because I still have another year to go in that age group. I had to put in a lot of work to get 34

FEBRUARY 2014

my calf right and she was really good in the ring,” Kaitlyn said. Rowlands Park Medallion Trina had only been broken in a couple of weeks before the show and was the wildest member of the Wishart show team. Kaitlyn’s mum Tina said Rowlands Park Medallion Trina was the prettiest calf in the paddock but the craziest when they bought her in, but none of that mattered as she faultlessly paraded around the ring. Judge Matt Templeton was impressed with Kaitlyn’s knowledge of her animal and the way she handled her around the ring, particularly as she stood the calf for judging. He pronounced her a clear winner on the day.

This heifer from the Gordon family from Cohuna fetched the top price at the auction.

Kaitlyn Wishart from Cohuna has been showing cattle for years.

calendar of events

Looking at a Permanent or Temporary Water Trade?

Please check www.murraydairy.com.au for updates or phone (03) 5833 5312. February 12 Murray Dairy Business Forum Annual Murray Dairy Business Forum Moama Bowling Club Register by calling Christine Tyrrell on 5833 5312. February 14 – 16 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo February 25 – 27 Australian Dairy Conference www.australiandairyconference.com.au February 21 Kyabram discussion group Kyabram Discussion group with Murray Dairy, Presentation by Charlie Perotti — “Management and Environment; Biggest Influences on Reproductive Performances”, DEPI conference room Tatura, 10 am to 2 pm. Lunch will be included. February 22 – 23 Rochester A&P Association Show February 28 – 29 Deniliquin P&A Society Show March 14 – 15 Cohuna AP&H Society Show March 29 – 30 Wodonga Show Society March 31 – April 4 Countdown workshops Workshops throughout the Murray Dairy Region April 28 – May 2 In-Calf workshops Workshops throughout the Murray Dairy Region NCDEA Courses Monday, February 3, 10, 17, 24, and March 3 (9 am to 4 pm) Contribute in OHS Processes and Respond to Emergencies (Fire and First Aid); at William Orr Campus, Shepparton. For more information, contact James Goulding on 5833 2864.

Sales of High Water Shares have been strong over the past few months. If you are considering selling or purchasing water, phone us today and speak directly with an experienced broker.

We are locally owned and operated, servicing our clients for over eight years

Thursday, February 6, 13, 20, 27 (10 am to 3 pm) Supervise Work Routines and Staff Performance; at William Orr campus, Shepparton. For more information, contact Sue Milne on 5833 2840. Tuesday, February 11, 18, 25 and March 4, 11 (10 am–3 pm) Planning Your Farm Business Future at the William Orr campus, Shepparton. For more information, contact Jasbir Singh on 5833 2855 or 0478 689 593. Wednesday, March 5, 12, 19 and 26 (10 am–3 pm) Dairy Herd Health; at William Orr campus, Shepparton. For more information, contact Ian Carkeek on 5833 2841 or 0438 621 183.

(03) 5824 3833 49 Casey St, Tatura FEBRUARY 2014

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