Dairy direct murray february 2016 (low res)

A

Country News PUBLICATION

MURRAY Issue 22, February 2016

Investment comes to fruition » page 16

Deadly grain threat » page 10 Experience lays foundation » page 12

Information flows on change project » page 26

2

FEBRUARY 2016

contents Dairy news

5-9

Doing Dairy

Revise water and feed budgets for autumn With the summer season quickly coming to an end, we enter a critical period of planning in our businesses.

In the next few weeks we need to revise our water and feed budgets and take the appropriate action to ensure we have adequate feed on hand for the autumn/winter period, making sure we include the young stock when making these decisions.

Understanding our water strategy (for example, water ownership vs temporary water, carryover and spillable accounts) is integral to when and how we kick-off the annual pastures.

Murray Dairy and DEDJTR are currently running a series of ‘shed days’ in various locations across the region, aiming to get people together on-farm and discussing strategies in preparation for autumn start-up. If you aren’t able to attend any of these sessions, contact the Murray Dairy team for resources and information from the days.

For those of us with autumncalving herds, now is the time

to pregnancy test and cull any passengers (good for cash flow), dry-off those who are due to calve and make sure all nutritional needs of cows in different stages of lactation are catered for.

This year’s Australian Dairy Conference will be held in Shepparton on February 16, 17 and 18.

With the Murray Dairy region hosting the conference, multiple elements of the program aim to promote dairying in the area with sessions focusing on the importance of water and irrigation, along with pre-conference farm tours showcasing leading farmers in northern Victoria and southern NSW. The conference is regarded as Australia’s premier dairy event, so if it’s a viable option for you to attend, make the most of having this national conference at your doorstep All the best and let it rain, rain, rain.

— Rick Cross Murray Dairy chairman

6

Animal health

10

Experience lays foundation for future prosperity

12

Beware heat stress

14

A taste of Jersey success

16

Aiming to maximise reproduction

18

Taking a quantum leap in breeding

20

Focused on making the best decisions

22

Effects test needed to foster stronger business environment

24

Data informs decisions

26

Cut stress for better calves

29

Positives and negatives experienced

30

Plan’s impacts assessed

32

Compost ain’t just compost

34

Easy steps to understanding soil

35

Long-time involvement in dairy industry leadership is acknowledged

36

Dry time is of the essence

37

A new way into farm ownership

39

Challenges are many

40

AI is way to go

43

Is your farm ready for extreme weather conditions?

44

Export price rise forecast

45

Cool cows means more milk

46

Keeping business on track

48

Dookie Dairy Report

49

Life’s work is honoured

50

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Murray region profile Editor Geoff Adams editor@countrynews.com.au

Enterprise phase 2014

42% 32% 33%

36% 11%

Expanding

Writers Geoff Adams, Sharon Wright, Sophie Baldwin

2015

Photographers Ray Sizer, Julie Mercer

19%

Steady

Steady

(where want to be)

(unable to Expand)

8%

2% 3%

1%

Rebuilding

New farm

6% 7% Winding down

Cover: Andrew Brown from Leitchville.

Story page 16

The ‘average’ Murray Dairy farmer: 92%

Works on family owned farm

60%

Feeds moderate to high level of concentrates

58%

Has split/batch calving system

Age

51

79%

Is likely to encourage family or employees to remain in dairy industry

53%

Has a written annual budget for the farm

84%

No change/intention to change company supplied

Graphic design Teresa Lagozzino, Brendan Cain, Alysha Bathman, Bella Considine Advertising James MacGibbon james.macgibbon@countrynews.com.au Published by Country News PO Box 204, Shepparton, Victoria 3632 (03) 5831 2312 www.countrynews.com.au

Supported by:

Source: Dairy Situation Outlook June 2015

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Shed Days — autumn start-up The host farmers will provide an informal overview of what decisions they’ve made to deal with the season so far and their plans for the autumn with water, bought-in feed and pasture management.

Autumn start-up information from DEDJTR will cover the risks of establishing pastures and the lessons learnt from previous seasons.

All events: 10.30 am – 1.00 pm Date: Thursday, February 11 Where: M & J Williamson’s Farm — (Carport) 264 WaaiaBeeri Rd, Waaia Date: Friday, February 12

Where: A & S Ross’ Farm — 154 Loofs Rd, Katamatite Date: Monday, February 15 Where: T, C & K Oliver’s Farm — 647 Prairie Rochester Rd, Bamawm Date: Tuesday, February 16 Where: Peppertree Dairies — 1169 Peppertree Lane, Kyabram Date: Friday, February 19 Where: J & L Brennan’s Farm, 1176 Henderson Rd, Tongala Further information: Murray Dairy 5833 5312 or admin@murraydairy.com.au

dairy news Towards sustainable profitability Fonterra has sold its yoghurt and dairy dessert business to its competitor Parmalat.

As part of the decision, Fonterra will relinquish ownership of manufacturing plants in Echuca and the Tamar Valley.

Fonterra has confirmed all employees at both plants will retain their jobs under Parmalat.

“Our people have worked hard to improve the returns from our yoghurt and dairy dessert business, and their efforts have resulted in good performance from Tamar Valley and agreements achieved with key customers to drive volume and category growth,” Fonterra Oceania managing director Judith Swales said.

“It is a sign of respect for their hard work that all employees at our Echuca and Tamar Valley plants have received offers of employment from Parmalat.”

Trade deal praised as good for agribusiness

The divestment is aimed at improving Fonterra’s business.

“The decision to sell our Australian yoghurt and dairy dessert business is part of a comprehensive plan to return Fonterra’s Australian business to strong and sustainable profitability,” Ms Swales said.

“It’s no secret our yoghurt and dairy dessert business has been challenged in recent years.

“The sale will allow us to focus on what we do best, and lock in our competitive position in the Australian market.

“We will focus on investing in the growth of our other market-leading brands, including Western Star, Perfect Italiano, Bega and Mainland, and our recently launched Anchor brand,” Ms Swales said.

Fonterra has implemented a number of changes to its business in recent months, including a $120 million investment in its Stanhope factory.

The historic Chinese Australia Free Trade Agreement came into force in December, bringing with it reduced tariffs for Australian exports to China.

“The start of the FTA will be good for agribusiness,” Federal Member for Murray Sharman Stone said.

Under the FTA, high tariffs on key growth commodities will be eliminated over the next seven to 11 years.

“This will give many of our farmers the ability to open new export markets and make a better return for our great products,” Dr Stone said.

“China is already

Australia’s second-largest market for dairy exports, worth $331 million in 2014–15, and the removal of tariffs of 10 to 20 per cent under the FTA will expand industry opportunities and open many new doors for a number of our large businesses.

“Just one example of the new agreement is the 12 to 15 per cent tariff on Australia’s cheese export to China.”

Dr Stone said it was reduced to 10.8 per cent on December 20, and cut further to 9.6 per cent on January 1. Australia’s cheese exports to China were worth $72.3 million in 2014–15.

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FEBRUARY 2016

5

Doing Dairy

with SOPHIE BALDWIN

Farmers’ pride and joy on display at IDW Happy New Year everybody, let’s hope it is a ripper for us all.

As usual 2016 started off with my annual trip to visit my brothers at Nelson Bay —10 days of beach fun, skiing for the girls, sunburn (even though I never sunbake and always put on sunscreen), plenty of good food, great company and a bit of shopping.

I also spent a fair bit of time running, riding and swimming because I competed in my first ever triathalon in Echuca the day after I got home — 700 m swim, 20 km ride and a 5 km run. It was tough but I made it and I might regret saying this but I don’t think it will be my last. It is quite an addictive sport.

For many people, though, January also means one thing and that’s Dairy Week — and what a week it was.

This year like every year I was blown away

by the quality of cattle on show — across all breeds. And the dedication of the strappers and handlers as they primped and preened these beautiful animals and the pride in the eyes of the owners as their beloved animals were paraded around the ring.

IDW certainly proves one thing and that is dairy farmers love their cows. It also provides an opportunity for farmers to get together, network and forget about the problems at home for a short time. And in a tough season like this, that is so very important.

Dairy Week does so much for the dairy industry and is always a great event to attend. It also provides a great cow fix for those who are no longer farming.

As I travel around and listen to farmers talk I am always amazed by their resilience in tough times, the passion they have for the job and their unwavering faith in the belief that things will be better next season.

That’s not to say I am not concerned by how hard it is for some and I do hope that people continue to remember that help is only a phone call away if things do get too tough.

I urge people to contact rural counselors, and from personal experience I can say they provide a great service. Sometimes getting someone from outside your business to have a look at things might be all you need.

Since Christmas we have had a couple of good rainfall events in Echuca — 11 mm and 35 mm — and while they have been great for my garden I would much prefer it fell on farming land. There is nothing like a good rain to boost confidence and settle the dust that is always horrendous at this time of year.

I have fingers, toes and everything crossed for an early autumn break this year because we certainly need it.

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FEBRUARY 2016

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dairy news India offers ‘vast potential’ for Australian dairy India is the world’s largest producer of milk but exports very little of its production.

Its population of 1.3 billion people consume an average of 102 litres of milk and dairy products per person every year.

India is largely a protected market based on high tariffs with limited opportunities for Australian exporters but this will probably change, according to Dairy Australia manufacturing capability and innovation program manager Mani Iyer in a podcast interview released in January.

“The coming decades will present vast potential opportunities for Australian dairy companies in India, but it is a big and complex marketplace, and one that needs to be approached with thought and care,” Dr Iyer said.

“The opportunities are scattered in different product categories, market segments and geographical regions, so it is a matter for each company to decide where its strengths lie and

where those strengths can best be utilised.

“Above all, Australian companies need to build their profiles in India by creating partnerships with established players who know the ground rules.

“Better for companies to start early on this process, and even if they don’t start exporting straight away at the very least they are building the relationships that are so crucial for long-term success.”

India is the largest producer and consumer of milk in the world, producing 140 billion litres of cow and buffalo milk each year which is around 13 to 17 per cent of world production, but India only accounts for 0.3 per cent of world dairy trade. In comparison, Australia produces two per cent of world dairy but garners seven per cent of world trade.

“India’s milk production is growing at about four per cent per annum, but demand is growing at six to eight per cent, coming mainly from middle-class Indians who are

looking for branded premium quality dairy,” Dr Iyer said.

He said 300 million of India’s 1.3 billion people were in the middle-class.

“I see opportunities in three main sectors for companies wanting to export to India: retail, food service and ingredients.

“In retail, branded products (like) cheeses, butter, yoghurts and probiotics offer good opportunities, while in the food service area it is high-end five-star restaurants looking for high-quality foods that will appeal to exporters.”

But to gain a foothold in India, Australian companies will need to plan and invest time, effort and resources, Dr Iyer said.

“For us to build a profile will require a significant effort just like what we have done in China. And the need is for co-ordinated and sustained action at government, industry and company levels.”

The podcast is available on Dairy Australia’s website.

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dairy news International Dairy Week branded a huge success Close to 1000 cattle were exhibited at the largest dairy exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, International Dairy Week in hot conditions, but the heat did not keep people away from the event.

IDW event manager Robyn Barber said the show was a huge success.

“The judges were very impressed and blown away by the standard of cattle,” Mrs Barber said.

About 120 international guests visited Tatura Park during the week and an estimated 7000 visitors in total attended the event.

Mrs Barber said figures from the live streaming of the event were strong and more than 6500 people had logged on for a continual period (more than one hour) between Monday and Wednesday and she estimated that Thursday was the biggest day for online viewing (firm figures could not be supplied before Dairy Direct went to print).

“The live streaming is an enormous success. It gets the exhibitors and cattle so much more

exposure,” Mrs Barber said.

Mrs Barber said the field days and 15 seminars were also well attended during the week, while the virtual farm tour and the Power of Women in Dairying Launch dinner, both held on Tuesday, attracted 120 people and 100 women, respectively.

The RASV interbreed champion, presented for the first time at IDW, was awarded to Shirlinn Icy Eve, owned by the Wilson family from Tamworth, NSW. Shirlinn Icy Eve also won champion Jersey cow.

Champion Holstein went to Windy Vale Contender Rose, owned by Dean and Dianna Malcolm of Bluechip Genetics, Windy Vale Holsteins and Frank and Diane Borba from California.

IDW director Brian Leslie was thrilled with how the event came together and said everyone — especially the judges — were impressed with the quality of the shows.

Royal Melbourne scholarship winner Keeley Warren with Clare Modra and Stuart Modra from Gunbower at the dairy leaders’ breakfast.

Seeking to work together

Organisers of the mid-year dairy show, the Victorian Winter Fair, have met with The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria to discuss how the two dairy shows can work together.

One of the key Winter Fair organisers, Stuart Modra, attended an RASV leadership breakfast during Dairy Week.

“I would like to think we can work together,” Mr Modra said. “It will be beneficial to both of us.”

The Winter Fair, largely catering for autumncalving cows, is now in its third year and attracted about 250 entries last year.

This year’s event will be held between June 28 and 30.

FEBRUARY 2016

9

animal health

A regular column from Rochester Veterinary Practice

Grain overload can be deadly

Excessive grain can kill young calves.

Take steps to prevent losing calves to lactic acidosis.

Recently we had to attend a case of grain overload in calves. Despite treatment, 15 out of 60 calves died — which once again highlights the potential for disaster if calves get access to excessive amounts of grain.

The main complication of grain overload is lactic acidosis. This is caused by bacteria in the rumen breaking down the carbohydrates in the grain to form lactic acid and other volatile fatty acids. The acid production lowers the pH of the rumen to a point where the microbes are killed and the rumen stops contracting and ceases to function.

A normal rumen has a pH of 7, whereas in acidosis the rumen pH is less than 5.

High amounts of acids in the rumen have a tendency to draw water from the body, so causing the calf to become dehydrated. In severe cases of overload the calf will be off its feed, sunken-eyed, have diarrhoea and may be down and unable to rise.

These animals require urgent veterinary attention, and treatment involves giving bicarb as a drench and/or intravenously along with a number of supportive treatments. Best results are achieved when treatment is given early, while any delay increases the chances of irreparable damage to the rumen, and death. Those that survive may still have damaged rumens and may need a cud transfer to get fired up. Liver abscesses are another possible complication to rumenitis.

Feeding concentrates to calves has become commonplace in order to achieve today’s targeted growth rates. Calves are more likely to be limited by protein than by energy so protein levels should be greater than 16 per

cent. Where cereal grains are fed, they should be limited to 2 kg/day and supplemented with other protein-rich foods such as pasture silage. It is also important to ensure that calves are getting enough fibre such as hay and straw. This reduces the risk of acidosis, because the fibre is digested more slowly so there isn’t a rapid rise in acid production.

In hot weather, calves will often reduce their fibre intake because digesting roughage increases body temperature, but they will continue to eat all the grain offered — so special care needs to be taken with grain feeding at these times.

Obviously, prevention is far better than treatment, so what can you do to avoid grain overload?

Including buffers (sodium bicarb) in the grain mix will help to control the rumen pH; also, products such as Eskalin work by modifying the rumen microbes so that there are less of the bacteria that produce the lactic acid. Both these methods reduce the risk of acidosis but if the amount of grain consumed is excessive then acidosis can still occur.

The crushing of grain, while increasing the food conversion rate, also increases the risk of acidosis occurring so extra care should be taken if feeding crushed grain.

A lot of pellet mixes have rumen modifiers included, which can reduce the risk of acidosis.

The main priority is to control the calves’

intake of grain. Initially grain should be introduced to the diet gradually to allow the rumen time to adapt.

Self-feeders are great time savers but they must be used with care, as they are often the cause of accidental grain poisoning. It is vital that the feeder is adjusted correctly to deliver only the required amount of grain. Problems can arise where the feed is changed from whole grain to crushed grain, for example. If the settings are not altered, the crushed grain can flow more freely so giving calves access to greater amounts.

When feeders are introduced for the first time or when a new grain mix is used, we recommend that only one-and-a-half days’ ration is used initially. That way, if there is a problem with the setting, the calves will only get 50 per cent extra which shouldn’t cause too much trouble. ur milk If you have•any grain bunkers or stores on ect yo Prot the property, qu ensure alitythat they are securely fenced off and gates are keptonclosed togavoid coolin ergy stock access.• Save en Stop your vat — Dr Keith•Fletcher sor operating compresPractice Rochester Veterinary all day

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FEBRUARY 2016

11

Norm Humbert has spent most of his working life farming at Calivil. He is a firm believer in attending industry events and learning new things so he can keep moving his business forward. Son Craig is currently working full-time on the farm.

Experience lays foundation for future prosperity Learning from industry highs and lows to find a healthy balance.

“Some land came up for sale which we It is fair to say Norm Humbert knows his Calivil dairy farm pretty well; after all, he has bought first and then it was so dry. We wanted to make sure we had water right and spent the past 44 years of his life building it the reservoirs were full before we invested in up and farming it. a new dairy because we thought there was no He has certainly ridden the highs and the point continuing if we didn’t have water.” lows of the industry over that time but he Building the dairy has made a huge has hung on and is still farming.

“There used to be a dairy farm on every block difference and will allow the business to comfortably milk 400 cows in the future, if milking around 90 cows, now there are just the Humberts decide to expand. larger dairy farms milking more cows and The 300-cow herd is total spring calving, there are less farming families left in the starting in July. district. Dairy businesses have just expanded over the years,” Mr Humbert said.

The carryovers and late calvers are milked Three years ago the family decided to build a through because, as Mr Humbert said, “You have to keep paying the bills.” new 44-stand rotary dairy after growing out of their previous shed.

The mixed herd of mostly Holsteins and a “If we were going to stay in the job we needed few Jerseys is joined for 10-12 weeks; six to something better. We were spending way too seven weeks is AI and the balance is joined using mop-up bulls. much time milking in the old shed, but it did take us a few years to be in the financial The cows are milked off 100 ha and the position to afford it,” Mr Humbert said. balance of 335 ha is used for growing out

12

FEBRUARY 2016

young stock, cutting hay and growing cereal grains.

Mr Humbert is a big supporter of industry events and he firmly believes you are never too old to learn new things.

“The industry is changing all the time and you can always learn new things. We pay our levies for research anyway and if we don’t attend these days they will stop running them.

“I also find them a great way to keep in touch with colleagues and you can discuss problems on your farm. Someone might have the same issue as you but they have resolved it in a different way that you can learn from.

“You can also build up a network. Sometimes you feel like you are farming on your own but you aren’t really, there are other people out there with the same problems as you.”

Like so many of our region’s farmers, Mr

Investing in a new rotary dairy three years ago will allow the family to take its business to the next level if it chooses. The 44-unit rotary could comfortably milk 400 cows in the future.

Humbert lists water as one of his major concerns moving forward.

He believes too many people now have control over water which is detrimental to agriculture in general and dairy in particular.

“These days we are even competing against other states for our water.

To many it is just a revenue stream, but to us it is our livelihood. I don’t think water should be owned by anyone other than landowners.”

The Humberts make a point of keeping up with what is going on with water and storage levels.

“We need to know what is happening with the reservoirs and if it looks like being a low allocation season then we need to be aware of that,” Mr Humbert said.

This season the business is using

carryover water from last season combined with its high reliability water allocation to get through but the Humberts are keeping a tight rein on the water budget and hoping for an early autumn break.

Mr Humbert currently farms with his wife Dorothy, son Craig, daughter Tanya, and has help from a full-time worker.

The business also runs a couple of hundred first-cross ewes and a 30sow piggery.

“We have always had pigs and having the additional income streams provides a good balance for the business. If one is down the other one is usually up and it just seems to work well for us.”

FEBRUARY 2016

13

Beware heat stress Hot cows can cost more than just lost milk production.

Jefo global technician Dr Abdallah Zanker said heat stress could cause a loss in milk production.

A seminar at International Dairy Week last month shared some important tips on improving transition on the dairy farm.

Jefo’s global technical manager, Dr Abdallah Zanker spoke about improving the transition phase to increase production performance.

Dr Zanker said heat stress and a lack of B vitamins could contribute to a decrease in milk production and an increase in contracting infections.

He said the effects of heat stress could impact the transition phase, cause a drop in feeding, and a loss of fat from the reserve, which could result in lower milk production.

A low feed intake caused by heat stress could also reduce fertility because of a loss in body condition.

He said to help increase feed intake, farmers should find the best hay for their cows, and change their feed routines to include smaller, more frequent portions, roughly about four to six feeds per day.

A drop in feed could increase the risk of ketosis, a metabolic process that occurs when the body doesn’t have enough glucose for energy; metritis (an inflammation of the womb); and mastitis (an inflammatory reaction in the udder tissue).

Dr Zanker said B vitamins could optimise feed cost, based on cows that were not pasture-fed, but should not be injected.

“Injections of B vitamins are not sufficient —they are stressful, impractical and costly,” he said.

“Supplementing the B vitamins into the diet

is the better way.”

He said B vitamins were important for hoof health, increasing milk production, cell growth, metabolism of carbohydrates, and the synthesis of proteins.

Based on trials by Jefo on 12 farms with 1216 cows, Dr Zanker said B vitamins could increase milk production by 35 litres, butter fat by 3.65 per cent and protein by 3.2 per cent.

Dr Zanker gave some tips to help alleviate heat stress: • Most importantly, allow cattle to have access to clean and cool water; • Install a proper cooling system; • If you can, avoid direct sunlight by installing shade; • Avoid crowding cows.

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Champion heifer Merindah Tee Faiza.

Years of sound Jersey breeding have paid off for the Brown family and they are reaping the rewards.

The Brown family — Hec and Judy, and son Andrew — have been milking Jersey cows for many years. They purchased their dairy farm on the edge of the bush on Gunbower Island near Leitchville in 1968, milking a mixed herd, but it wasn’t until 1980 that they were able to convert their herd to full Jersey.

A family history and personal choice were the reasons behind the decision, and years of dedication to the breed has seen them build up a reputable herd that has tasted success over the years through their local Jersey club — Murray Valley Jersey Breeders.

Last year was no exception for the family, with two-year-old Merindah Tee Faiza round and probably one of the better cows winning her class and champion heifer, while we have ever bred,” Andrew said.

Merindah Tee Firecracker took out the fiveJudy takes an active role in the breeding year-old class and best udder. decisions and the family has had particular Breeding a good cow rarely just happens. It success with the bulls Valentino and Tee often takes years and years of sound breeding Bone. decisions, but for the Brown family the stars “We breed for type, production and seem to have aligned with Firecracker. The temperament and don’t seem to have too family firmly believes she is one of the best many issues with our cows,” Hec said. cows they have ever bred.

“She has a teriffic udder, is a good cow all “The On Farm Challenge is an enjoyable

Best udder and five-yearold champion, Merindah Tee Firecracker.

experience. We have formed great relationships with other breeders and it is always great to see where your cows sit compared to others.”

The 260-cow spring-calving herd is milked off 80 ha of permanent pasture. The family also has run-off blocks for cutting hay and agistment of young stock.

“We do milk through but it is usually at low ebb so we can take it easy over the winter months and enjoy a bit of a break,” Hec said.

FEBRUARY 2016

17

Farmers at the Glass family’s Gundowring Focus Farm.

The farm is working on improving cow submission rates.

Aiming to maximise reproduction Improving soil and increasing fertility to boost herd size.

Gundowring dairy farmers Pat, Kerrie, Brendan and Sarah Glass held a meeting in December as part of their Focus Farm commitments, with more than 90 people in attendance.

Discussion for the day centred around soil and herd fertility, fertiliser usage and the current position of the milking herd.

As at December 7 the 458 cows were producing 26.6 litres of milk with a test of 3.7 per cent fat and 3.2 per cent protein.

They were fed 6.2 kg of wheat, 1.4 kg of canola, 4.5 kg of home-grown silage, 10 kg

of pasture with 200 ha (out of 280ha) included in the 30-day rotation.

above average), not in-calf rate 25 per cent and the conception rate 46 per cent.

The herd was getting a full feed of pasture at night and a pick during the day supplemented by silage, but with no rain the pick would dry up and silage would be fed twice a day.

Looking to the future, the business would like to have 85 per cent of cows calved in 15 weeks and 95 per cent of the heifers in 10 weeks.

A total of 14 ha of sorghum has been sown for summer grazing.

The Glass family already had a compact calving pattern as evidenced by an analysis of the 2014 joining results — the six-week in-calf rate was 60 per cent (10 per cent

They are looking for more AI calves and are happy to use PG or joining programs, but they want to avoid an over-dependence on drugs.

Calving has been moved forward by two weeks so the operation can maximise milk price and feed growth and this has resulted

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in 22 per cent of the herd not in-calf, a figure the family was expecting.

The business will need to work on strategies to improve submission rates during the AI period which could include a synchro program (with clear exclusion lists) and early treatment of non-cycling cows.

Heat detection, especially return heat, is another area the business needs to pick up on to achieve its desired target. Making sure the bull team is fit and ready to work and taking a closer look at cows for culling will

also help achieve the desired target.

The in-depth analysis of the calving has shown that the Glass family is going through a challenging time with the herd but past reproduction history has been excellent and, keeping this in mind, they should be able to implement strategies to get themselves back to where they want to be.

Soil tests indicated there was a fair bit of seasonal variation between 2014 and 2015; nitrogen requirements for 2015 were double that of 2014.

Traditionally phosphorus was applied up front prior to the autumn break but in 2015 they applied phosphorous with nitrogen after the autumn break and prior to grazing.

Most of the milking area received 50 kg/ha N and 12 kg/Ha P prior to grazing.

The mix of pasture is about 60 ha perennial rye-grass, 200 ha Italian rye-grass and 30 ha annual rye-grass. Oats are used throughout autumn to speed up access to grazing and are sown alone or with rye-grass.

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19

Taking a quantum leap in breeding Genomics are being used in many dairy herds around the world and while debate rages about whether it is a good thing or not, Scott Ruby from Fir Ridge Holstein Farm, Oregon, in the United States believes it is.

Mr Ruby runs two farms milking 650 cows which graze pasture for seven months of the year.

He spoke about how he has implemented genomics in his herd at a seminar at this year’s International Dairy Week.

Mr Ruby said he was in the business of improving the female population of the herd, not selling bulls to AI, so that is where his breeding program is focused.

He has created his own index for bull selection, breeding 35 per cent for production, 35 per cent for type and 30 per cent for health and fitness.

All his bull choices are based on that index.

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FEBRUARY 2016

“I think it is important that you have your own index, what you want to achieve for your own herd, Scott Ruby uses genomics as part of the breeding program on his farm in Oregon, in the United States. and follow that,” Mr Ruby said.

He believes there is a great future for it in the dairy “We like to spread the risk and industry particularly when it comes to breeding the type of cow you want for your own dairy herd. use many different genomic bulls, around 30–36 each year. needed to be addressed and it was always “We breed for type and production and we important to look for unique matings and genomic sample the top 25–30 per cent of outcrosses. our calves each year. The top animals are “We live in the most exciting time in used to create IVF embryos for transfer.” cattle breeding history. Decide which Kevin Jorgensen from Select Sires said technologies help you achieve your longwhile there would always be a place for term goals and if you select for what you proven sires in the dairy herd, genomically want when it comes to breeding, you will tested bulls would help farmers achieve make progress.” their breeding goals quicker by shortening the interval between generations.

Mr Jorgensen said it was also important “You can make quantum leaps genetically to remember not to give up on breeding and there has been a lot of work done, from the best genetics when times were particularly around polled bulls for tough. He said those who continued their example,” Mr Jorgensen said. breeding program would be well rewarded when things turned around.

He said in-breeding was a problem that

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Brad Adams has been involved with Murray Dairy’s Focus Farm project for 18 months. He has found it to be beneficial for his business.

Focused on making the best decisions Mywee farmer appreciates feedback and support.

The decision to plant a summer crop of “It is a bit of a gamble but every day you labour and shed costs,” Mr Adams said. get out of bed you are taking a risk and we corn was not taken lightly for Murray Dairy “The home farm has milked 500 before so I are pretty confident of getting something Focus Farmer Brad Adams. know we can do it comfortably.” reasonable in return.”

It was one of the many topics up for The cows will graze millet and summer crops He is hoping to replace some of his grain discussion when he hosted a meeting at his grown from water from a deep lead bore. usage later in the year with the maize.

Mywee farm in December.

They will also be fed silage and hay.

“If I can feed less in the bail and replace it Facilitator Phil Shannon and the group spent Mr Adams was lucky enough to receive with more home-grown fodder then I am the day discussing Mr Adams’ operation, 115 mm of rain back in November on his bringing down the cost of the $400/tonne summer cropping, water prices, cool cow Koonoomoo property which resulted in feed.” strategies and the tough season. him capturing around 100 Ml of water in a The business relies fairly heavily on turkey nest dam. He then decided to plant The business milks 480 to 500 Jersey and backpacker labour, but Mr Adams has found 17 ha of maize. cross-breed cows. Originally the herd was this to work really well. milked on two farms — the home farm “It is a bit of a gamble but we have done our at Mywee and a new farm purchased at sums and we think we will get away with the “We have a constant stream of workers Koonoomoo in 2013. Due to this season’s crop costing us around $200/tonne,” he said. coming through but we have a transition tough conditions, Mr Adams decided to period and it seems to work all right for our “It was a freak rainfall event and we did toss combine the herd and bring the whole dairy business.” up whether to leave the water for autumn operation back to the home farm at Mywee.

Mr Adams is 18 months into the Focus Farm but the dam has a fairly large surface area “We will restart Koonoomoo back up in project. He has found it to be beneficial in and we worried about evaporation so we many ways. decided to go ahead with the maize. autumn. In the meantime I am saving on

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FEBRUARY 2016

The milking herd.

“We have a support group that gives us good feedback. The famers involved are good farmers themselves and can take things we have discussed back to their own businesses, and when you are involved with something like this it pays to keep an open mind.”

Mr Shannon said in a season like this it remained important that each farmer knew exactly where they were sitting financially and made business decisions accordingly, especially when it came to irrigating.

“Make sure you do your figures for your own farm and if the numbers say to irrigate then do it,” he said.

“Your gut feeling is usually right but you do have to be aware, especially in a high water price year, where the point is where homegrown feed becomes too expensive and purchasing in fodder is a cheaper option.”

When it came to managing cows during hot weather, the consensus among the group was to milk early, keep the cows in nearby shaded paddocks and keep the feed up.

One farmer did pose the question to the group about splitting up the herd but it was generally agreed by the group that there was no real benefit. In the long run it only created more work for little gain.

Facilitator Phil Shannon passes on some tips for keeping cows cool over summer.

FEBRUARY 2016

23

Effects test needed to foster stronger business environment Australian Dairy Farmers has continued calls for the Federal Cabinet to adopt stronger misuse of market power laws to foster a more competitive business environment.

Tuesday, January 26, marked five years since Coles’ supermarket dropped the price of its home brand milk to $1 per litre, igniting a price war with Woolworths that reduced the value of milk to an unsustainable level.

ADF president Simone Jolliffe said there had been important breakthroughs for competition policy since 2011.

“The introduction of the Food and Grocery Code, which included a large number of ADF’s recommendations, was a constructive first step toward fostering a more competitive business environment.

“Further to this, the Australian Government’s support for key

recommendations from the Harper Review of Competition Policy is extremely positive,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

“ADF also welcomed the announcement in the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper of $11.4 million over four years to boost the ACCC’s engagement with the agriculture sector including a new Agricultural Engagement Unit.”

However, Mrs Jolliffe said the industry would continue to advocate for improved transparency regarding the impact of retailer actions on suppliers.

ADF also continues to advocate for the regulating bodies to have the power to prevent predatory pricing in the future.

“ADF also strongly supports the Harper Review’s recommendations for any updated competition and consumer law to include an effects test,” Mrs Jolliffe said.

“Addressing the misuse of market power is crucial in determining the Australian dairy industry’s future profitability and sustainability.”

Mrs Jolliffe encouraged consumers seeking to show their support for farmers to “buy branded”.

“The more branded milk we buy the more money stays in our dairy value chain,” she said.

“By keeping these dollars in the value chain, dairy has the capacity to reinvest in industry research and innovation — which helps to strengthen our farmers, improving their efficiency and prospects of long-term sustainability.

“Farmers need every opportunity to improve their negotiating power for profitability and returns at the farm-gate to be achieved.”

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Data informs decisions The Accelerating Change project, run through Murray Dairy, is starting to pay off for the Matthews family.

After a slow start, Kelvin and Shelley Matthews, and Don and Meg Stewart are starting to see some good information flow through as part of Murray Dairy’s Accelerating Change project at Pyramid Hill.

Data collected from five moisture probes is being utilised to make informed business decisions on-farm, and regular pasture sampling is starting to pay off.

“The project did get off to a slow start, but now the probes are in the ground and the monitoring has begun we are really starting to see some results,” Mr Matthews said.

“We have made a few changes to our grazing.

“I found we were probably grazing the lucerne a bit too late previously, and by moving that forward we are now hitting it at the optimum time, giving the cows that extra protein and energy.”

The nutritive sampling conducted to date has revealed the lucerne pasture has ME of 11.5MJ/kg DM, crude protein of 33.2 per cent and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of 34.2 per cent, making it a far higher quality than the group initially expected.

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FEBRUARY 2016

Working with a nutritionist, the business pasture that has been dried off and will be has been able to work out the cows were watered in March. receiving an extra 30MJ ME/day than was The group is hoping to collate the results at needed. the end of the three-year program and have The business has since reduced each cow’s some concrete information about irrigation grain intake by 1 kg/day, a significant saving and growth rates. over the 500-cow herd.

“I have more confidence in my own watering The installation of the Observant decisions now and I have changed my capacitance probes has generated a fair bit thoughts a little,” Mr Matthews said. of debate amongst the group about how to “I seem to be able to get an extra five days use them effectively. out of a paddock before it needs to be Two probes have been set up on similar watered, and while this doesn’t change how lucerne paddocks but different watering much water I use, I am able to utilise the strategies are being applied — one follows resource better and achieve better growth the moisture probe and seems to be rates.” averaging three waterings and two grazings, Mr Matthews said it was great to be while the other is receiving one watering challenged by the discussions generated by and one grazing, regardless of what the the group. probe says.

At the last meeting there was some debate The other three probes have been set up about baling lucerne compared to grazing. on permanent pasture. One is on pasture watered on an eight-day cycle as per ‘normal’ Mr Matthews is a firm believer in grazing as much of his pasture as he can. management; another is on pasture watered “Grazing is the cheapest way to farm. I using data from the probe, which appears to be every 10 to 12 days; and the last is on would prefer to graze everything we have

Group members try guessing the feed value of the permanent pasture.

The Accelerating Change team — Tom Farran, Kelvin Matthews and Amy Fay.

John Keely

than use expensive equipment to make hay,” am happy,” he said. he said.

“Part of this project is to look at different species to work out what is ideal for us to “With a farm my size I can’t be everywhere, grow.” so if I can measure the grass and it is at a certain feed quality I am more than happy Eventually Mr Matthews is hoping to have to turn the cows in there and graze it.” a third of the farm sown to lucerne; and, despite the current tough conditions, he still The Stewart property currently has 75 ha believes his future lies firmly in dairying. of lucerne; next season, Mr Matthews is hoping to sow another 15ha.

“I am hoping to buy this place eventually and I still think there is a great future for us “Lucerne is a great summer feed and if I can here.’’ give the cows two green feeds a day then I

RAB00116-11331

“

“

I am particularly interested in increasing the biological methods we use here at home.

Five Observant capacitance probes were installed on the farm as part of the Accelerating Change project.

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Cut stress for better calves The less stress calves are subjected to, the better for overall results.

According to calf rearer Jannine Brennan the “Ideally a cow should be milked out as soon as she has calved. A calf sucking off a cow single most important piece of advice she with faeces on her teats is enough to make a can give to people rearing calves is keep the calf sick,” Ms Brennan said. process as stress-free as possible.

Calves can easily pick up bugs during Ms Brennan spoke at International Dairy transport so make sure trailers or utes are Week. clean and disinfected with a product such as She rears about 800 calves a year through Virkon. her Geelong facility, calves that she picks up Ms Brennan feeds her calves with milk in the from many different farms. morning and electrolytes for the first seven She has seen it time and time again, calves to 10 days at night; after that it is just the that receive adequate, quality colostrum at morning feed. birth and are kept as stress-free as possible, Calves have adlib access to hay, grain/pellets grow out the best and are the easiest to rear.

Causes of stress include a difficult birth, poor and clean water.

To avoid stress Ms Brennan usually or inadequate colostrum intake, separation inoculates, ear tags or castrates while the from dam, transport, milk feeding and calves are drinking. treatment.

She recommends farmers stay away from She recommends a calf be fed no more using antibiotic milk during rearing because than 1.5 to 2 litres of colostrum at birth the bugs living in the milk can make calves (dependent on size: 1.5 litres for Jerseys, sick. It can also contribute to antibiotic 2 litres for Friesians) and then six hours later resistance in the future. another feed.

Calf rearing tips: Bring milk to the calf, not the calf to the milk.

Avoid temperature variations (milk should ideally be close to body temperature).

Keep quality and milk volumes consistent.

Keep feeding times consistent.

Avoid antibiotic milk; it destroys good bugs.

Use teat feeding over bucket feeding.

Keep areas clean, well ventilated and avoid cramped pens — industry standard is a minimum of 2 cubic metres per calf.

Keep dogs away from calves.

At weaning keep the calves in the same pen, just stop feeding milk. They will adjust better if they stay in a familiar environment and will also increase their grain intake faster.

The use of probiotics encourages good gut health and improves overall calf health.

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Positives and negatives experienced

Focus Farm Pic: focusfarm11215c.JPG Pic caption: P Pic: focusfarm11215b.JPG Pic caption: Pic: focusfarm11215d.JPG Pic caption:

Farmers and guests of the Focus Farm event went on a farm walk and were greeted by one of the Weardens’ friendly cows.

Focus Farm event hears of exceptional fertility but also of water woes.

The third of four Focus Farm open days at Peter and Susan Wearden’s Kyabram dairy farm heard of the successes and obstacles the pair has endured in the past six months.

On Tuesday, December 1, farmers from across the Goulburn Valley heard a farm progress report and how the Weardens had worked to achieve their Focus Farm plans and goals.

Their property currently totals about 271.49ha, which includes a recently purchased 84.09 ha property on the south boundary of the dairy block.

Unfortunately, recent dry weather affected plans the pair had for a recently purchased adjoining property.

The Weardens were forced to reduce the over-all farm property they irrigate and consider drying off their property for January and February, depending on summer rainfall and the price of water.

“We bought it, and the dry weather has meant the plans we have for that land had to be changed; the temp water market is out of our reach,” Mrs Wearden said.

“We did our budget on water being around

the $180/Ml but it has hit $300.”

Focus Farm facilitator Cameron Smith from Farmanco ran those in attendance through an analysis of drying off pasture with research evidence from the DEDJTR and anecdotal evidence.

By drying off the pasture during January and February, the Weardens will save 6.32 Ml/ ha of irrigation water across eight planned waters, but will accumulate $991/ha of extra costs come autumn and their overall breakeven price for water will equate to $186/Ml. Guest speaker Dr Mick McAuliffe from

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Peter and Susan Wearden welcome farmers to their Focus Farm event so they can assist and learn about the management of an expanding dairy farm.

Kyabram Veterinary Clinic discussed the farm’s fertility focus results.

Dr McAuliffe helped the Weardens organise their first fixed-time AI synchrony program, which they utilised in June this year.

“With the fixed-time AI program they joined 171 cows and got 88 in calf, so that was a really brilliant start,” Dr McAuliffe said.

“That was just over 50 per cent conception rate, that is an excellent and above average result.

“It is more costly to perform a fixed-time AI but they will reap the benefits at the end.”

Dr McAuliffe said the Weardens’ herd calved down twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn, and their fertility was excellent.

“I just did not expect that high rate with a fixed AI program, it’s very unusual but it’s because they’re such good managers, and they’ve got a high-fertility herd,” he said.

“Their fertility is excellent.

“It’s a product of how they feed their cows preand post-calving and how well they grow their heifers into adult cows.”

The addition of 55 heifers calving in spring this year brings their total to 360, and another 30 to calve in autumn will mean the Weardens will have accomplished one of their Focus Farm goals: to grow from 250 cows in 2014 to 400 cows.

ANZ insights and research manager Taf Shaamano spoke to farmers and explained the impact of the Chinese – Australia Fair Trade Agreement.

Murray Dairy Industry capability development officer Sarah Thompson and productivity officer Lisa Birrell observed the event and provided a sausage sizzle for guests after the farm walk.

FEBRUARY 2016

31

Plan’s impacts assessed Leadership forum to investigate socio-economic impacts of Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

LEADERSHIP GROUP MEMBERS

Greater Shepparton City Council chief executive officer, Peter Harriott, Gannawarra shire councillor Neville Goulding, Moira Shire Council chief executive officer Mark Henderson, ADIC council member and farmer Daryl Hoey, Murray Goulburn director and farmer Natalie Akers, G-MW managing director John Calleja, GV Water managing director Peter Quinn, Goulburn Broken CMA chief executive officer Chris Norman, M J Hall and sons director Peter Hall, SPC crop supply manager Simon Mills, VFF water policy chairman Richard Anderson, and MDBA community representative and farmer Russell Pell, Committee for Greater Shepparton chairman David McKenzie.

A GV water group will get its own report on socio-economic impacts of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Goulburn Murray Irrigation District Water “At the moment we are seeing significant Leadership Forum will engage its own movement of water from the GMID to consultant to expedite a socio-economic other regions along the river including huge impact assessment of the Murray-Darling almond plantations in the north-west of the Basin Plan, specific to this district. state, as well as to the environment,” Ms Sheed said.

The forum, chaired by Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed, pinpointed “The impacts of the Murray-Darling Basin several critical issues associated with the Plan and the movement of water out of the implementation of the plan and the future of GMID are becoming evident. These issues irrigation throughout the GMID region at need to be much better understood, and will its first meeting. be addressed by the forum.”

Ms Sheed said the broad spread of industry, The forum will soon call for tenders for agriculture and environmental expertise on consultants to prepare an independent sociothe forum would guarantee it was afforded economic impact assessment of the impact respect and credibility with governments. of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan on the GMID as evidenced in 2016.

It was formed following the water summit convened by Ms Sheed, the Committee for Ms Sheed, Committee for Greater Shepparton Greater Shepparton and Greater Shepparton chair David McKenzie and water expert City Council on October 28, 2015 at Tatura Rob Rendell of RMCG Consulting will give which was attended by Victorian Water, evidence to the Senate Select Committee on Climate Change and Environment Minister the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in Canberra on Lisa Neville.

Friday, February 5, 2016.

Save in excess of 50% on cost of heating dairy hot water

Their submission outlines the impacts of water losses to our region to date and the likely impacts of further reductions and has been endorsed by the GMID Water Leadership Forum.

“The future viability of the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District and indeed Goulburn-Murray Water itself is critical to the future of our region,” Ms Sheed said.

“There must be sufficient water left in our system for productive horticulture, dairying and agriculture.

“The Federal Government buybacks have left a ‘Swiss cheese’ effect of unusable land across the whole of the GMID. At the same time we are faced with producers with deep pockets downstream of the GMID wanting to buy permanent water out of the Goulburn system to water their highvalue almond crops.’’

heat Turn waste A TER into HOT W

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Seasonal Conditions — Shed Days Autumn Start Up Shed Days have been designed for small casual groups and will be set on local host farms. These days will offer the opportunity for discussion to focus on the upcoming season.

Shed Days – Autumn Start Up to include: •

•

The host farmers will provide an informal overview of what decisions they’ve made to deal with the season so far and their plans for the Autumn with water, bought in feed and pasture management Autumn start up information from DEDJTR will cover the risks of establishing pastures and the lessons learnt from previous dry seasons

Event Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm

Please note, some previously advertised dates and venues have been changed for this series of events.

Date

Host

Location

09/02/16

Lachlan Ralphs

291 Blows Rd, Calivil

10/02/16

Arthur Marshall

699 Hill Rd, Stanhope

11/02/16

M&J Williamson

264 Waaia-Beeri Rd, Waaia

12/02/16

A&S Ross

154 Loofs Rd, Katamatite

15/02/16

T, C & K Oliver

647 Prairie Rochester Rd, Bamawm

16/02/16

Peppertree Dairies

1169 Peppertree Ln, Kyabram

19/02/16

J&L Brennan

1176 Henderson Rd, Tongala

Lunch provided. Please BYO Chair Shed Days are a joint collaboration between Murray Dairy, Tatura Milk, Parmalat, Murray Goulburn, Fonterra and DEDJTR (Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources).

For more information please contact: Murray Dairy on (03) 5833 5312 or admin@murraydairy.com.au

Where to find Seasonal Conditions Information Do you need support in managing this challenging season?

Murray Dairy’s website includes information regarding Seasonal Conditions. Here you will find information and resources to assist you in planning and managing your business in the areas of water, feed, animal welfare. Also listed are workshop dates and workshop resources, and key contacts to get further support.

Please visit www.murraydairy.com.au/seasonal-conditions FEBRUARY 2016

33

Compost ain’t just compost Compost has many positive attributes including the addition of organic matter to the soil over time, helping to improve soil structure and water-holding capacity — but how do the nutrient values of compost compare?

The major difference between conventional fertilisers and compost is the nutrient availability.

Nutrient availability refers to how quickly the nutrients can be taken up by the plant.

Conventional fertilisers, such as urea, contain nitrogen in a readily usable form, whereas compost has only a small proportion of nutrients readily available, the rest are released slowly or are unavailable to plants due to their high organic matter content.

Ask for a laboratory analysis for the compost you are purchasing.

How does nutrient availability of compost stack up?

Only a small proportion of the total nutrient content of compost is immediately available to plants. As the organic matter breaks down, other nutrients are slowly released. However, this process can take years.

In a typical compost, two to three years after application the nutrients available to the plant are about: nitrogen 0–15 per cent, phosphorus 20–40 per cent and potassium 80–100 per cent.

Therefore, if the analysis says it contains 100 kg/tonnes DM of phosphorus then in the first three years only 40 kg/ tonne

will actually be available to be used by the plant, and only 0.2 per cent is available for immediate use by plants.

Compost is not a reliable source of nitrogen, particularly in the short term.

In fact, depending on the compost’s carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio, once compost is applied you may need to apply extra nitrogen because some of the soil nitrogen may bind with the compost’s organic matter (carbon). A C:N ratio greater than 25:1 will ensure nitrogen is not taken from the soil to decompose the carbon in the compost.

Compost can be an effective source of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium for plant growth over time.

However, heavy applications of compost are required to provide enough nutrients to replace conventional phosphorus and potassium fertilisers up front. This can be quite expensive and may create an imbalance of the different nutrients.

For example: To apply 40 kg of phosphorus per hectare for the year from a conventional fertiliser, you would need to apply 455 kg/ha of single superphosphate.

With a compost of 0.3 per cent phosphorus on a dry matter basis (as per table 1), you would need to apply 13.3 tonnes of compost/ ha.

Because compost normally contains 30 per cent moisture, that would need to be increased to 19 tonnes. If you were also only wanting to apply 17 kg/ha/year of potassium,

by applying 19tonnes of compost you would be applying 48 kg of potassium, more than twice as much as required.

Therefore, as with most recycled organic fertilisers, it can create an imbalance of nutrients.

Compost products can vary greatly, so when buying compost ask for an up-todate analytical report for the product, which includes nutrient and heavy metals concentrations.

These will be on a dry matter basis, not a fresh weight/as received basis.

Typically compost contains about 30 per cent water, therefore you will be applying two-thirds of what the lab analysis listed.

If possible ask for the nutrients to be listed as kg of nutrients per cubic metre spread. This will tell you what you are applying: what is it made from? Was it made from prescribed waste (ie milk waste)? Does it meet the Australian Standards for compost (AS 4454)?

Has the compost been pasteurised at the required temperatures for the required times?

Remember to test your soils, understand your nutrient needs and consider what is the right product for your situation.

This article has been adapted from the Understanding Purchased Compost Products fact sheet produced by Dairy Australia. It is available at www.dairyingfortomorrow.com For more information contact Sarah Killury, DEDJTR Maffra on 5147 0845 or sarah.m.killury@ecodev.vic.gov.au

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Tailored feed supported by quality advice

Easy steps to understanding soil Understanding and interpreting soil test results has been made easier thanks to a step-by-step guide produced by Yea River Catchment Landcare group and soil scientist Cath Botta.

“Soil tests are an important and routine management tool for farmers,” Ms Botta said.

“They offer a useful snapshot of soil nutrient status and help farmers make more informed decisions about soil management.

“However, understanding soil test results and their interpretation is somewhat more difficult. This new guide, Understanding Your Soil Test Step By Step, is a small reference book created specifically to demystify the complexity of soil tests and to support key farm decisions.”

Yea River Catchment Landcare member Judy Brookes led the development of the booklet on behalf of the group.

“Because our soils are probably our biggest asset on farm, and fertiliser programs can be a large financial commitment, it is vital to have at least a basic understanding of our soils and how we can use a soil test to guide us,” Ms Brookes said.

“This booklet is designed to sit alongside soil tests to help with interpretation of the results and their meaning.”

The guide was funded through Goulburn Broken CMA’s Beyond SoilCare Project and will be launched at a free soil test interpretation workshop in Yea on Thursday, February 18 from 10 am to 3 pm. Phone Yea River Catchment Landcare group on 0448 972 563 or email juncball@ bigpond.com if you would like to attend.

Phone Goulburn Broken CMA on 5797 4400 or email chrisb@gbcma.vic.gov.au if you would like a free copy of the Understanding Your Soil Test Step By Step guide.

The Beyond SoilCare Project is funded through the Federal Government’s National Landcare Programme.

Using local grains and our wide range of reputable additives our feeds are tailored to individual herd needs.

With a high commitment to quality backed by Feedsafe and HACCP accreditation schemes and more than 30 years’ experience our high-performance products include:

P Grain mixes P Protein mixes P P P Whole or cracked grains P Delivering across the whole Murray Dairy region

Feed additives Specialty mixes Including calf starters, weaner mixes, lead feed and custom blends.

Adopting an integrated approach our nutrition and agronomic team are available for on farm consultations ensuring you get the best out of every dollar spent.

Our accredited team are ready to offer support for all your animal nutrition and agronomy questions.

www.jamesstockfeed.com.au info@jamesstockfeed.com.au 1 Murray Valley Hwy, Nathalia Vic 3638 Ph: 03 5866 2771

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FEBRUARY 2016

35

Max Fehring, AM.

Long-time involvement in dairy industry leadership is acknowledged “Always be yourself, and respect the right of others to hold an opinion.”

Farmer and dairy community leader Max Fehring has tried to live up to those principles, and was recognised in the Australia Day awards as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

He is well known to many Goulburn Valley people for his leadership of the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria in the late 1990s, and other dairy involvements including the Australian Dairy Farmers, Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Service and the Geoffrey Gardiner Foundation.

Mr Fehring, 71, and now semi-retired from the family dairy farm at Cohuna, was closely involved in the debate over the deregulation of the dairy industry and the establishment of new trade relations

with New Zealand, which led to the Closer Economic Relations agreement.

He is a former president of Ganawarra Shire and counts the 2011 floods as one of the toughest challenges of his public life.

“That was a horrendous event,” he said.

His citation is for service to the dairy industry, local government and the wider community of Gannawarra Shire.

“I feel very honoured. It’s as much for the community and the industry as it is for me.

“When you think about these awards, it’s only possible because the individuals and

the industry has given me the opportunity to serve them.”

Denise and Max’s son, Clark, now runs the family-owned dairy farm at Cohuna, but Mr Fehring is on the property quite often.

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Mark Humphris is a qualified veterinarian and has been involved in dairying since the age of 10, growing up on dairy farms in South Australia and Victoria.

Dry time is of the essence

Take the opportunities that cows’ dry time offers.

Dairy farmers are always aiming to get the best production from their cows and the dry period is the most important time to ensure not only the best production, but the best quality of milk.

Veterinarian and consultant Mark Humphris spoke at a 2016 International Dairy Week seminar about how to optimise the dry period in terms of achieving the best milk quality and also ensuring disease prevention in cows.

“There is great room for improvement with the dry period … and some of that thinking is born out of the fact that we see very big variations between the performance of herds over that dry cow time,” Mr Humphris said.

The seminar focused on dry cow therapy which included what dairy farmers should try to achieve in the dry period, how they can measure performance, what can go wrong and the strategies that can be used to improve performance.

The importance of treating existing diseases — specifically mastitis — and more importantly, preventing new diseases from forming during the dry period, was also a central focus of the discussion.

“The dry time is the best time to treat those infections,” Mr Humphris said.

While Mr Humphris said it could be tempting to attempt treating infection during the lactation period, he cautioned against it.

“The chances of success are so low — keep you money in your pocket.

“You’d have to treat 10 cows for subclinical mastitis during lactation to get one success — I don’t like those odds.”

Mr Humphris focused on ensuring no antibiotic residues are remaining when the treated cows re-enter the herd.

The second half of the seminar explored what can go wrong and what strategies can be used to improve calving time mastitis and set cows up for a good lactation period.

Mr Humphris used a graph to demonstrate how risky the dry period is regarding the risk of new infections.

“The highest chance of getting environmental mastitis occurs just after drying off and the rate of new infection goes up significantly, and then goes down, and then up again near calving,” he said.

“The dry period is the most critical time of the cow’s lactation cycle with regard to milk quality and preventing environmental mastitis.”

Knowing the calving mastitis time is one of the most critical ways to measure how well the dry period has been managed.

“If you don’t know your calving time mastitis, I don’t think you can really think about changing your management of your dry cow … once you know that figure you can actually say, `I didn’t do as well this year, what did I do wrong?’.

“If you get the dry period wrong, my experience has been, looking at different herds, that you’ve got a year of pain, you’ve got to wait until the next dry period.”

Key messages: • The dry period is the most important time for new udder infections • Work out your calving mastitis rate for cows and heifers • Use the Countdown resources to plan your dry period

Mr Humphris also suggested avoiding the use of teat sealant where possible.

“I don’t like when farms use an internal teat sealant when they don’t need to.

“If you’re achieving 4–5 per cent calving mastitis, without an internal teat sealant, I’d be loath to introduce another fixed cost to your business.”

Mr Humphris finished by emphasising how worthwhile it is to take the time to prepare cows.

“It takes just three minutes to prepare a cow so make sure you do it properly.”

The seminar was highly interactive, as encouraged by Mr Humphris, and audience members were willing to share individual experiences from their work.

Mr Humphris consults for Dairy Australia and also highlighted how to use Dairy Australia’s Countdown program, a national mastitis and cell count control program.

For more information on optimising the dry period or to view webinars by Mr Humphris, visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au FEBRUARY 2016

37

Save time and labour Upgrade your dairy with the experts at Mark Angel Engineering with over 36 years of experience Pneumatic Entry and Exit Gates for Herringbone Dairies These newly designed gates have been refined for two years.

The heavy duty, one-piece gate is made to last with a 50 mm pneumatic ram and 20 mm shaft.

With the increase in herd sizes these gates can be mounted higher in the bale for clearance of large cows and milking operators.

Entry and exit gates can be operated through a solenoid control box with a red cord for exit and a blue cord for entry right through the full length of the pit.

Other options are a hand lever for gate controls.

If you have existing entry and exit pendulum gates they can be upgraded with our air-ram kits. This includes a heavy duty 50 mm pneumatic ram with a 20 mm shaft. Either a solenoid control box with a cord or hand lever operation an air compressor is required.

These kits can be supplied and installed. >> Brad and Michelle Seabrook Dairy, Rochester Entry Gate

New

Automatic Feed Systems for Herringbone and Rotary Dairies HERRINGBONE

These feeds systems are fully automatic with 65 mm PVC pipe supply filling 225 mm PVC hoppers.

Discharge is a 50 mm PVC which runs through the bottom of the hoppers. Push-button controls with timers for complete control in the bale. Direct geared motors drive this system. There are no belts or bearings making it maintenance free.

ROTARY FEED HEADS

We have Rotary feed heads in stock with either 65 mm PVC or 100 mm galvanized auger delivery pipes. The main control box with timer and sensor for bale activation, transformer box for clutch are all supplied and requires hard-wiring by your electrician.

Roger Towers Dairy, Beech Forest

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A new way into farm

ownership FarmPath leads farmers from leasing to owning their own properties.

A new farm ownership program has opened up an opportunity for a Gippsland family.

Graeme Hooker and wife Dianne, and son Steven, have signed up with FarmPath in a move that will hopefully enable the family to secure farm ownership, a long-held dream of Graeme’s.

They will soon move from their leased farm near Fish Creek, to near Simpson in the Western District, after successfully applying for the FarmPath program, developed by CowBank.

Mr Hooker has been farming in Victoria and NSW since 1982 and more recently has been running a 280-cow farm on a five-year lease.

He has moved from farm management and share farming and into leasing and hopes his next move will put him in a position to buy his own property.

Under the FarmPath deal, he will lease a farm which is owned by a trust. He will hold units in the trust and progressively, over eight years, buy further units until he has sufficient equity to qualify for a standard bank loan, enabling him to buy the property.

FarmPath has been developed by CowBank, which specialises in herd leasing.

CowBank’s Luke Fitzpatrick said the business had secured two properties, in the Western District and Gippsland, and was

now looking for more eligible farmers who owned a dairy herd of 300 or more with plant and equipment and who had a good track record in managing a dairy farm.

Mr Hooker said they had engaged their own consultants to check out the deal and had been through a rigorous selection process.

“They went through us pretty thoroughly.

You have to have a track record and some ability. We sat down and worked through it.”

He said the process started in July and was completed just before Christmas.

“There was a fair bit of double-checking I think because we were the first.

“This may not be for everybody, but it seems like a good way to get into farm ownership.

Younger people with a herd and wanting to get their own place could find it’s a good idea.”

From when he first started share farming Graeme has wanted to achieve farm ownership, but the past two decades have been a tough journey.The family moved to the Goulburn Valley in 1993, only to have to work through major floods. The global financial slump followed with a cut in dairy prices and then came the millennium drought.

“The year we bought the herd was the year the milk price dropped,” Mr Hooker said.

He said there had been times when they

could have walked away, but the end goal of getting their own place and the interest of his son, had kept him going.

The family will be moving to a 200 ha home block — carrying capacity of about 400 cows with a 60-stand rotary dairy and concrete feed pad, on March 1.

A major impediment to farm ownership has been getting the 40 per cent equity the financial institutions have required.

Graeme is planning to meet that requirement through this financing arrangement.

Mr Fitzpatrick said the fund had $50 million to invest in 2016 and was offering talented dairy farmers the next step to farm ownership. The initial farms purchased have been in Gippsland and the Western District but the fund is looking for expressions of interest from farmers in all dairying regions of south-east Australia.

Under the program, an approved dairy farmer finds a suitable farm, the farm is upgraded to optimise production, and then the lease is entered into.

Another farming couple, partnering with FarmPath to purchase a 160 ha dairy farm near Leongatha, have been dairy farming for more than 20 years as farm managers, sharefarmers and most recently as lessees.

Agri-Gene P/L: 03 5722 2666 Wangaratta & Surrounding Districts KOBER: 03 5480 7087 Nth. Central VIC & The Sth. Riverina Or your Territory Manager: Tania Guaran: 0417 396 637 For Sth NSW, Nth VIC & Gippsland

Contact your local Anipro Distributor and start supplementing your herd with Anipro, the supplement of choice of astute dairy producers.

FEBRUARY 2016

39

PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS DROP BOXES Prices start from $605 inc. GST

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Available in many different sizes, with or without doors, dual control.

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40

FEBRUARY 2016

Challenges are many Leadership is about managing change, says industry head.

For South Australian dairy industry leader David Basham, one of the most important breakthroughs for his sector was also the most challenging. Mr Basham, whose family has been in dairy for 120 years, is a former president of South Australian Dairy Farmers and described the challenges of leadership at a breakfast sponsored by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

He said leadership was about understanding history and managing change.

One of the most frightening moments he experienced was when his organisation decided to get into its own line of milk products in a bid to lift return for farmers.

The decision generated a lot of controversy and Mr Basham shared how he felt during a critical meeting with farmers to discuss the move.

He said farmers were angry and upset, but in the end he found sufficient support for the change and one of the most vocal opponents at the start of the meeting eventually joined the new company.

Mr Basham urged aspiring leaders to find mentors and named several people (including Pat Rowley) who had inspired and encouraged him.

“It’s also about maintaining relationships, so that if political leaders want to find out what’s happening in the industry they will think of you straight away and call you.”

In tough times, he said he learnt that it was also important to listen and engage key people in decision making.

He encouraged those present to find people who could succeed present-day leaders.

“Try to find people who want your job.

“I want to find the right person to take over when I go.

“You don’t want to get to the point where you leave and there is a complete void.”

Top dollar for top stock Holsteins sold to $15 000 in the premier auction held in conjunction with International Dairy Week.

The top-priced Holstein, Linsand Goldwyn Louisville, went for $15 500.

Not yet six months old, the impressive young calf was sold to Struan Trading of Jancourt East in the Western District.

Dairy Livestock Services managing director Scott Lord, said 164 prospective buyers had registered for the 2016 Holstein sale, the exact same number as registered prospective buyers to the 2015 sale.

A lot of the competition came from NSW, Victoria’s west, and Gippsland.

Other high prices included: • Lightning Ridge GC Adeen — $10 100; • Mario Park Red Hot Kiwi — $10 100; • Fraserlee Jordan Frosty — $10 000; • Fleyas Doorman Lorel — $7000.

Average price: $5935.29.

Top-selling cow Linsand Goldwyn Louisville with handler Charlie Lloyd.

Breaking records

IDW grand champion Holstein Paringa Fever Opa with handler Cam Bawden.

It was a big day for young cow Paringa Fever Opa at not only her first ever International Dairy Week, but her first ever show.

The three-year-old cow, owned by Pam Malcolm of Invergordon, took out the champion best udder in the Holstein section, the IDW grand champion Holstein and intermediate champion in the interbreed class.

Paringa Fever Opa was Mrs Malcolm’s only entry at IDW 2016 and has set a record as the first intermediate to win grand champion in the Holstein exhibit.

Mrs Malcolm was thrilled with the success and was especially grateful to Erin Ferguson and Andrew Cullen for preparing the cow for the show.

“They created one of the best days of my life, they did — it was a very special day for me,” Mrs Malcolm said.

After her first show Paringa Fever Opa already has an impressive resume, winning two other competitions including the Three Years In-Milk, which Mrs Malcolm described as a strong class, and the Intermediate Champion Holstein.

FEBRUARY 2016

41

Champion of all champions Todd Wilson with his family-owned Jersey cow, Shirlinn Icy Eve, which took out the RASV Interbreed.

Jersey cow Shirlinn Icy Eve was retired two years ago but the Wilson family brought her back just one last time for IDW 2016 — and the decision paid off.

Shirlinn Icy Eve won the Grand Champion Jersey and best udder in the Jersey competition, and was also the RASV Interbreed Champion, presented for the first time as part of International Dairy Week.

The nine-year-old cow, which has had seven calves, is part of the Wilson family’s Shirlinn Jersey Stud Tamworth in NSW. Shirley Wilson started the stud with husband Lindsay and said she was very proud of the results.

“You don’t win them very often so it’s a oncein-a-lifetime for us,” Mrs Wilson said.

Brian Wilson, Shirley’s son, showed Shirlinn Icy Eve in the Jersey competition and said she was the highest classified Jersey in Australia.

“She just loves it — she’s the first cow on the truck (when we go to shows),” Mr Wilson said.

The Wilson family has competed in four IDWs and the success at this year’s event marked the family’s first big win.

While they did not participate at last year’s IDW, a 13-hour trip did not stop four generations of the Wilson family attending the 2016 event — with a string of 18 cattle in tow.

“We had a big sale in 2014 and sold about 60 cows so we were down on numbers.

“Our plan was to get back to dairy week with a full team in 2016,” Mr Wilson said.

Shirlinn Icy Eve has had previous success at IDW, including Best Udder two years ago, and has won Supreme Champion Dairy Cow at the Sydney Royal Show, a feat Todd said had not been achieved by any other cow.

Brian and Todd Wilson said Shirlinn Icy Eve was likely to go into a flush program now and be officially retired (again), although Todd was not quite ready to make a final call on her showing future.

Strong performance Dean and Dianna Malcolm of Zeerust are no strangers to International Dairy Week, and their success has continued at the 2016 competition.

The Malcolms, who own and operate Bluechip Genetics, took out the titles of Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor, and their cow Windy Vale Contender Rose took out Senior Champion Holstein.

The Malcolms bought a share in Windy Vale Contender Rose last year from the Windy Vale Holstein Stud and have been developing her for 15 months.

The wins now mean the Malcolms have won Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor six times during the past seven 42

FEBRUARY 2016

years at IDW. Mrs Malcolm said she was both pleased and relieved with the results.

“We’ve put a lot of work in and we’re just really glad to see our cows coming out looking good,” Mrs Malcolm said.

Windy Vale Contender Rose is owned in partnership with Frank and Diane Borba, and Windy Vale Holsteins.

At her first IDW last year, Windy Vale Contender Rose placed second in the four-yearold Holstein class.

The Malcolms’ 2016 IDW string included 24 Holsteins and one Jersey and an international team of about 15 helpers.

Mr Veldhuizen in his 15 swing-over dairy.

AI is way to go Profit and production reap rewards.

Australian dairy farmers could be gaining more than $30 million a year by using more artificial insemination (AI) to create the healthiest and most productive herds.

“If you invest dollars and a little more time in AI and genetics you will make more money, it is that simple,” Dairy Australia’s Genetics and Data Management program manager Matthew Shaffer said.

The statistic was revealed in the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Report 2015 which analysed the productivity of AI-bred Holstein and Jersey cows in the national herd of herd recorded cows.

The total number of Jersey cows in this analysis was 55 633 (35 199 AI-bred, 20 434 naturally bred) and the number of Holstein cows was 315 574 (219 303 AI-bred and 96 271 naturally bred). The average value of the extra annual production for each AI-bred Jersey and Holstein cow was $234 and $288 respectively, making a grand total of over $30 million ($5 million for Jerseys, $28 million for Holsteins) of lost production every year for the naturally bred herd-recorded cows.

Mr Shaffer and Michelle Axford of the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) recommend farmers ensure they have enough replacements sired

by AI bulls from the Good Bulls Guide.

“Having the right genetics makes all the difference not only in terms of your cow’s health, temperament and milk production outcomes but also the bottom-line profit you can make in your farm business,” Mr Shaffer said.

“Don’t fall short with your AI program and give it that extra bit of time as the upfront costs will pay dividends for over the lifetime of the cow.”

“In 2015, for example, AI-bred Australian Holsteins produced 25 kg more fat and 23 kg more protein than those naturally bred, creating an additional annual production value of about $288 per cow,” Ms Axford said.

“The figures are a little lower for AI-bred Jerseys, but no less impressive and that means if you have 100 more AI-bred Holstein or Jersey cows in your herd, you can expect between $23 400 and $28 800 of extra production value every year.”

Stress on dry cows The impacts hot weather placenta and suppresses their immune system,” Dr Little said. can have on milking herds is well-known and dairy farmers “Heat stress on dry cows has throughout mainland Australia a dramatic effect on the employ shade and evaporative development of mammary cooling, with supporting herd tissue in the udder and management strategies, to that leads to decreased milk prevent stress. production in the following The effects of heat stress on dry lactation. Researchers have cows — those in the last two shown that this decrease can be months of pregnancy — have up to 5 litres per day for up to been less well understood, but 30 weeks.” recent research has brought to In addition to lost production, light new findings, according to heat stress on dry cows also Dr Steve Little, Capacity+ Ag affects placental development Consulting, for Dairy Australia. leading to smaller, lighter calves “The research clearly shows that being born, and a greater risk of if cows suffer heat stress through health problems around calving such as mastitis and retained the dry period it affects the membranes.” development of their udder and FEBRUARY 2016

43

Is your farm ready for extreme weather conditions?

Take steps to be ready in event of fire and flood.

“The goal is to reduce disruption to your Dairy Australia’s issues manager Julie Iommi in a short podcast available on dairy business and keep you, your family, the organisation’s website, says with the staff and animals safe,” Dr Iommi said. heightened risk of fire and flood farmers KEY TIPS should review their emergency plans and How can you find out about fires or preparations. floods near you? Who will monitor the “Dairy farmers have plans in place but it is Fire Authority apps, listen to the ABC, also worth taking a few minutes to make keep a watch on the weather conditions sure your preparations are still relevant,” and wind patterns? Have you signed up Dr Iommi said. for the Dairy Australia SMS local heat “Clearly a high risk on a dairy farm is an alerts? electricity outage: How will you milk your How will you milk and cool if the power cows and keep the milk cool if power is goes off? Can you test your back-up plan knocked out for a prolonged period? tonight/tomorrow — just in case?

“When was the last time you tested your back-up equipment? Having a practice Is your inventory up-to-date? Take photos run to check firefighting equipment, of your stored feed and machinery. Are generators for milking and your water chemicals recorded and stored properly pumps should help if the worst happens. and safely?

“These are just some of the questions you Are all your insurance documents, key need to address to respond to a disaster in contacts list, farm records and laptop the most effective way.” together and easy to grab if you need to leave quickly? And remember to keep The Dairy Australia website has resources available with practical tips. your mobile phone fully charged.

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Export price rise forecast Lower Australian dollar supports dairy export prices.

Australian dairy export prices are forecast to rise three per cent in 2015–16 to average $A3482/tonne, and the value of Australian exports to increase by 3.2 per cent.

The latest forecasts are available in the NAB Agribusiness Dairy in Focus report, released during International Dairy Week at Tatura.

National Australia Bank (NAB) Agribusiness is forecasting a slow recovery in global dairy prices in 2016, with ongoing support to local prices to be provided by the weak Australian dollar.

International dairy markets saw a tumultuous 2015, driven by weaker global demand, particularly from China, combined with adequate supply of most dairy products.

NAB’s Murray Valley Regional Agribusiness manager Dave Davies said Australian producers were shielded from much of the global dairy price tumult in 2015 by a low Australian dollar, and this was likely to continue in 2016.

“The Australian Dollar is already off by more than five per cent against the United States dollar since the start of the year and this will provide support to prices. The Australian dollar is expected to reach as low as 0.66 at the end of the second quarter, 2016,” Mr Davies said.

NAB sees the currency tracking lower in the first quarter of 2016 and has revised down the AUD/USD forecasts to 0.67 in the first

quarter (previously 0.68), climbing to 0.69 at the end of 2016 (previously 0.70).

“Australian prices are also likely to be supported by the ongoing international interest in our products,” Mr Davies said.

“Free trade agreements such as the China Free Trade Agreement will only help this trade, especially if we can operate on a more level playing field with the New Zealand industry.”

The NAB weighted dairy export price indicator started 2015 at $3309.25/tonne, and after some considerable variation ended a little higher at $3351.68/tonne. It is expected to approach $4000/ tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016.

NAB’s measure of dairy export prices, based on Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction results, is weighted by the quantity of Australian exports for whole milk powder, skim milk powder, butter and cheese.

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The north-south shade keeps the herd cool in the afternoons.

Cool cows

means more milk

Keeping cows cool is the number one priority for northern Victorian dairy farmers during the hot summer months.

Every farmer is familiar with the milk drop that comes along with prolonged periods of hot weather, and every farmer is keen to keep that drop to a minimum.

Rather than investing in infrastructure, Ross and Melissa Nicoll are utilising the assets they already have on their Numurkah dairy farm, which includes a couple of heavily shaded tree plantations running north to south.

These areas help keep the cows as comfortable as possible when the mercury rises and are one of the best assets the farm has according to Mr Nicoll.

On hot days, cups are on the cows about 5 am and the cows are back in the paddock by 7.30 am.

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FEBRUARY 2016

When the cows have access to pasture during summer, which is dependent on temporary water prices, they are moved to the shady paddocks in mid to late morning or before the heat kicks in.

Hay rings are placed into the water troughs to prevent cows from cooling off in the troughs and spoiling the clean drinking water for the rest of the herd.

Hay feeders are used to minimise wastage and are placed close to shade and watering points. Cows can access the hay at their leisure.

During summer the milking herd is supplemented with sub, lucerne and cereal hay.

Silage, with its higher moisture content, is used during intense periods of heat.

“It is noticeably cooler in the shaded paddocks,” Mr Nicoll said.

“These areas are our best option for keeping our cows cool … failing to properly manage animals during these periods will negatively impact our cash flow.

“Keeping cows cool combined with feeding high quality supplements will assist us to maintain production during the hottest periods and allow us to take advantage of higher milk prices when autumn comes around.”

While the business milks early on hot mornings, afternoon milkings stay around

The herd has access to ad-lib hay on hot days.

Good quality hay is fed out to the milking herd.

Employee Jacinta Dekker plays an active role keeping the cows cool on Ross and Melissa Nicoll’s dairy farm.

“

Keeping cows cool combined with feeding high quality suplements will assist us to maintain production during the hotest periods ...

“

the same time, usually about 3 pm.

“We take the radiant heat out of the concrete yard in the afternoon by pumping water through the flood wash prior to milking.

“Sprinklers are used to cool cows as required.

“The cows have access to drinking water at the dairy after each milking and most of the cows usually come out of the shed and head straight for a drink.

“We have placed an additional trough at the dairy specifically for that purpose, and it has served us well.”

Mr Nicoll believes in extending the knowledge his workers have by encouraging them to get involved in industry workshops.

“Having a small team of great workers really helps our business,” he said.

“Our employees are active participants in relevant industry workshops and their

Melissa Nicoll

involvement is reflected with increased responsibility of day-to-day decisionmaking.”

In an ideal world Mr Nicoll would have cows grazing additional summer crops and pasture, but unfortunately expensive water

costs this season have severely limited this option.

The farm currently has 10 ha of millet under a centre pivot irrigator.

A further 30 ha of perennial under pivot is being nursed through the summer, waiting for a hopeful early start in autumn.

The majority of irrigation water has been saved for autumn.

Mr Nicoll has also found establishing relationships with hay suppliers to be beneficial.

It ensures he has a regular supply of good quality hay every season and takes the worry out of sourcing hay.

“We have been using local reputable hay suppliers for a number of years, and these connections play an important role in our business in providing addition supplement.’’

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47

Keeping business on track A new online program aims to help improve farm business performance. time is the best thing you can do.

Business analysis may not be the most exciting phrase but it is an essential activity “Every farm has a unique set of resources and when trying to successfully manage a dairy operators have different skills, experience and farm. attitudes to risk.”

Farmanco farm consultant Tom Farran Mr Farran also discussed the importance of spoke about a new online program to help understanding the difference between cash improve farm business performance, known and profit and accounting for appreciation as DairyBase, at a seminar during the 2016 and depreciation.

International Dairy Week.

“Cash flow might struggle, but you have to DairyBase, developed by Dairy Australia, is a account for the increasing value of stock.” free online tool designed for farmers to enter Reports and analysis can be monitored at any the physical and financial data about their time on DairyBase however the physical and farming business and extract detailed reports financial data only needs to be input once a analysing this data. year.

The analysis aims to help farmers make more Since the product was released in May last informed business decisions, measure their performance against other farms, reduce risks, year, Mr Farran said the feedback had been identify opportunities and assist with business positive and many had commented on the user-friendly nature of DairyBase. planning.

Program uptake has been positive with well Mr Farran said users could set their data to over 500 registered users nationwide and 135 private so fellow users were unable to identify in the Murray dairy region. their farm.

While DairyBase provides valuable DairyBase delivers benchmarks which information, Mr Farran emphasised provide general trends and indicators that the importance of farmers having an are associated with high-performing farms, understanding of the information it produced. however Mr Farran emphasised that farmers should not get caught up on this detail.

“I think it’s extremely useful, but it’s how they (farmers) interpret information coming out “You can see characteristics of good farming that is the most critical part.” but that’s not necessarily the cause,” Mr Farran said.

To register for DairyBase, visit “The comparison with your own farm over www.dairybase.com.au

Tom Farran.

DairyBase: • Provides a good understanding of exactly where the business is at; • Provides the best indication of how the dairy farm business is performing in relation to: – Physical performance – Financial performance – Risk; • Provides baseline data which can be used to analyse potential changes to a dairy farm business; • Helps to determine what changes should be made to the business.

Remember: Concentrating on any individual (or set) of indicators when analysing business performance is likely to lead to a poor understanding of the performance.

Physical, financial and risk indicators all need to be considered; and in relation to business performance we should consider cash, profit and wealth.

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Dookie Dairy Report The University of Melbourne Dookie Campus dairy has received a Dairy Australia milk quality award for having an average bulk milk cell count in the lowest 100 farms in Australia.

During spring, Dookie’s BMCC ranged between 60 000 and 90 000 cells/ml, with less than 50 000 cells/ml recorded since October. Maintaining high milk quality is a top priority on the farm.

Early identification and proactive treatment of cows with mastitis is achieved using Lely’s Milk Quality Control-Somatic Cell Count Indicator. This checks milk samples for individual cows three times a week.

When a cow’s cell count increases above a set level, the farm manager is alerted and appropriate action taken. The cow then gets tested every milking until the cell count drops. The system also ranks the impact of a particular cow’s cell count on the whole herd.

The farm also uses a ‘gentle milking’ group for cows that tend to have a high cell count.

Cows in this group get two rounds of pretreatment before milking, a reduced vacuum pump level, and the cups are quickly taken off after milking.

In addition, the laneways from the dairy with high cow traffic were concreted for about 80m. This keeps the laneways nice and dry.

November 1, 2015

December 1, 2015

January 1, 2016

Cow numbers

154

152

149

Kg milk solids/cow/day

2.25

2.36

2.35

Kg concentrate/cow/day

8.6

8.5

8.7 *

Kg fodder/cow/day

3.0

6.7

7.1 **

Pasture (KgDM) /cow

9.6

12.2

6.5

Area in rotation

43

43

34.5

Av milkings/cow/day

3.0

2.8

2.7

No. of failures/day

1.5

3.5

3.5

No. of cows got/day

0

10

15

Litres/machine/day

1730

1700

1585

Rumination minutes/cow/day

404

346

365

* 12.5 MJ ME/kg DM, 16% CP.

** 11.0 MJ ME/kg DM, 12% CP.

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Life’s work is honoured

and exported cattle to New Zealand, “ Mr Ayrshire breeder Roly Canobie has been acknowledged for his lifetime contribution Leslie recalled. to the breed on the eve of his 100th birthday. “Through the 1970s they had an incredible He had an astonishing run of success in run, with champion and reserve champion showing Ayrshire cattle at Royal Melbourne cow almost every year.

Show, judged at many Australian Royal shows as well as overseas, and was responsible “The influence Roly Canobie has had on the Ayrshire breed is unmatched and his family is for breeding cattle that became the still showing here today.” foundation for many Australian studs.

Mr Canobie can remember milking five cows by hand before breakfast and going to school on the farm where he grew up.

The influence Roly Canobie He also recalls an inquisitive boy called Brian Leslie turning up at the Melbourne show has had on the Ayrshire asking lots of questions about the cattle. breed is unmatched and Last week Mr Leslie, who is now Australia’s foremost dairy auctioneer, introduced the his family is still showing special presentation for Mr Canobie during here today. the Ayrshire judging.

“I will never forget the line of cows tied along

Brian Leslie the fence in the Ayrshire pavilion, just about all by one bull, Blackwood Park Drummer Son Max Canobie was presented with a 2,” he said. trophy and a photo of his dad with one of “To this minute they are the best Ayrshire his champion cows from the 1970s. cows I have ever seen. They were champion and reserve and just about every other place.

Australian Ayrshires president Mike “They bred champions all over the country Hentschke presented Roly’s award to Max. 50

FEBRUARY 2016

“

“

“The award was recognition from Australian Ayrshires presented to Roly because he is turning 100 in March and International Dairy Week is a time when a large number of Ayrshire breeders are in one place and we can publicly recognise him,” Mr Hentschke said.

“The very first Ayrshire that we (Mr Hentschke and his wife) brought was from Roland Park’s Ayrshires.

“We founded our stud on Roly’s Ayrshires.”

Mr Canobie grew up on a farm in the Tatura district. With the assistance of his father in 1939, he moved to a property at Jindivick, Gippsland that eventually became Roland Park Ayrshires.

He had to drive the cattle and sheep to the Tatura railway station, travel with them to Newmarket in Melbourne where they overnighted, and milk them out in the yards. It took until 5 pm the next day to get to Drouin and a further walk to the farm finished in the dark, at 1 am.

Mr Canobie had already been made a life member of Australian Ayrshires and a life member of the Victorian branch.

Mr Canobie will turn 100 in March, and is a resident of Banksia Lodge at Kialla Gardens.

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