Hay making september 2015 (low res)

Page 1

ountry News Co Reaching Australia ’s richest agricultural region

Hay Making

E 20-PAUG RE T 2015 FEA tember Sep

A bird’s eye view – page 4

Spring weather critical – page 5

Coping with a dry spring – page 10

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The role for hay preservatives – page 18

PAGE 2—‘Hay Making’, September, 2015

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hay making Hay Production under medium climate scenario

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Average variable costs ($/ha)

3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

ECONOMICAL MADE TOTO LAST MADE LAST

llucerne hay

cereal hay

maize silage

pasture hay

Figure 1. Average variable cost per ha for lucerne hay, cereal

silage, maize silage and annual pasture hay production under the medium climate scenario.

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Plan now for drier conditions

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ood management is necessary to G achieve maximum fodder yields in drier climates, a research project has

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Contract mowing and windrowing Massey Ferguson Swather Self-propelled Massey Ferguson swather, this machine has two fronts, one is a 30-foot windrower front with side knives for cutting through tangled crops and can deliver the crop to the left or right side of the front or in the centre. The other front is a 16-foot mower conditions front. What sets it apart from the rest are its five steel roller that condition the stalk and crimp every inch and a half for a much quicker drying time. Both machines also have auto steer. Is now available to spray Roundup underneath canola.

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found. Climate change, water buybacks and continuing water reform such as the Strategic Connections Program are likely to increase the number of properties that will shift from intensive irrigation to opportunistic irrigation. Climate change in particular could reduce the proportion of grazed pasture in the diet, increasing the reliance on purchased supplements, or the production of conserved fodder on out blocks. This study investigated the cost of growing fodder on an out block in northern Victoria under moderate and severe (run of dry years) climate scenarios. The crops grown were: ➤ Lucerne for hay (50 per cent). ➤ Cereal for silage (20 per cent). ➤ Maize for silage (10 per cent). ➤ Annual pasture (rye-grass/shaftalclover mix) for hay (20 per cent). A partial budget over 10 years was used to investigate the cost of purchasing an out block to grow fodder. The two measures considered were variable costs per hectare, which has cash flow and risk implications, and net cost of estimated metabolisable energy (ME) produced and conserved over the 10 years.

Results

Dry matter (DM) yield, ME (MJ/kg DM), and crop sensitivity to water use were key determinants in the cost of producing fodder and therefore profit. High variable costs for some crops can lead to cash flow problems and therefore have risk implications which should be considered. The economic ranking of crops changes considerably when ME yields are considered. Growing and conserving lucerne is likely to provide a cheaper alternative compared to purchasing lucerne hay, while the opposite seems to be true for pasture hay. Under a drier climate, lucerne appears to be cheaper than other forage crops due to a smaller reduction in DM yield. The net cost per MJ for maize silage and annual pasture hay is more variable (greater standard deviation) due to the wider range

in estimated ME yields under the severe (run of dry years) climate scenario and increased water requirement. Cereals perform better under drier conditions as ME yields are maintained compared to other crops, and cereals have a relatively lower water cost component as a percentage of total cost. Water use rises under drier conditions to maintain production. When assessed across the entire 10-year analysis period for all crops under a moderate climate scenario, the total cost of ME was less than $0.025/MJ kg DM in 95 per cent of years. If DM yields were assumed to decline with ME yields under a drier climate scenario, then the number of years where cost was less than $0.025/MJ kg DM significantly decreased, to 0 per cent. This is due to the combined effect of reduced DM yields, decreased ME yield and higher costs under the drier climate situation. It highlights the importance of management expertise under drier climates to minimise DM yield reductions. — Future Farming Systems DEDJTR

‘Hay Making’, September, 2015—PAGE 3

hay making

Market waiting for next harvest ith the 2015 harvest only weeks away, the hay W market remains fairly static

throughout Australia with buyers and sellers awaiting new-season hay. Dairy Australia reports any pricing increases are linked to tight stocks of cereal and protein hay coupled with consistent demand due to colder weather over the past week. There are isolated reports of prices softening as growers clear out sheds in preparation for the

coming season. However, the general trend of tight stocks across most regions is buffering large scale price movement. Many regions are reporting hay crops are coming in ready for harvest sooner than expected, with the key drivers being below average rain and an expected tight finish to the season. For southern regions there is a big variation in crop performance and expected yields for the coming season.

While most of NSW is looking good for the harvest, most areas in Victoria and South Australia will require further spring rains to carry hay and silage crops into harvest. If follow-up rains are not received in the coming week, Dairy Australia expects to see crops coming off earlier than expected. In particular this may see early sown vetch crops being harvested in the next week to capture quality.

With strong rainfall throughout NSW, farmers are optimistic about the season ahead. With the run-off filling dams and catchments, there is some speculation if this will transfer to a greater water allocation in irrigation areas. Sellers continue to empty hay stocks from sheds in preparation for the fast approaching harvest. This is providing buyers access to a range of hay and straw but pricing remains firm.

Hay prices: Goulburn/Murray Valley price range: Cereal $210-$270 Lucerne $310-$360 Straw $80-$100 Pasture $150-$180 Hay prices are delivered, GST exclusive, based on shedded hay without weather damage, of good quality and colour. It should be noted there is a wide variation in quality for hay, so prices are indicative for a mid-range product.

— Dairy Australia

Making lush hay for lucky dairy cows uring the drought, Graeme D Pyle made many trips up the highway in his truck,

selling small squares of lucerne to a horse owners’ market seemingly impervious to the high price the fodder then commanded. Fast forward a few years and the family’s Rothiemay property at Finley is still turning off high quality hay among other crops such as wheat, barley and faba beans. This year’s shaftal clover hay is being grown for the dairy market and the way the crop is looking, these are some very lucky cows.

‘‘This is the best season we have had here in my 40 years of farming,’’ Mr Pyle said as he pulled up a sample from the paddock, a sea of thick green stems and clovers. He estimates the crop will go 8 tonnes/ha. ‘‘The breed is Persian shaftal clover and we do it in rounds for the dairy farmers and also to feed our sheep,’’ he said. Mr Pyle and sons Will and Jak will also make rye and oat silage this spring. They use a Vicon1601 baler pulled by a New Holland 7740 Mr Pyle described as so awesome it never puts a foot wrong.

Lush growth points to a high yield for this shaftal clover at Rothiemay, Finley.

Graeme Pyle checks the growth on the Persian shaftal clover that will be made into hay for the dairy market.

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PAGE 4—‘Hay Making’, September, 2015

hay making

A drone camera shows a different perspective of hay making on the Snowden property at Tocumwal.

Pictures: Vince Bucello

Hard to top Hay Caps for ease

pecialist fodder S producers Phil and Lynda Snowden at

Tocumwal took the opportunity last spring, while making dryland oaten hay, to make a YouTube video of their hay operation. The video was produced by Vince Bucello of Midstate Video Production and

Mowers

includes some spectacular overhead footage using drones and GoPro cameras. The video also shows how easy and efficient the Hay Cap covering system is to use, whether stacking hay with front-end loaders or bale stackers. The Hay Caps are proving to be an affordable option with the ability to cover any

volume of hay. ‘‘Whether you have limited opportunity and volume for hay making or having a good season, we can’t emphasise enough the importance of protecting the hay,’’ Mr Snowden said. ‘‘If you are going to make hay, make sure it goes undercover to protect the quality ’til you need it.’’

Mr Snowden has been covering hay for 26 years and looked at the major problems with the systems that had been used, before coming up with his simple and safe way to cover large bale stacks of hay eight years ago. He said Hay Caps had proved to pay for themselves in the first

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The affordable route to high quality forage. BILINE RO FI C O M P O R U E w Australia Ne available in w o n ls e d mo

season by protecting the hay. ‘‘With the added bonuses of efficiencies in handling, safety and durability, Hay Caps have now been widely accepted as a better way of covering hay with over 800 farmers and contractors using them,’’ Mr Snowden said. The uniquely Australian

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‘Hay Making’, September, 2015—PAGE 5

hay making

Kuhn baler good in wet and dry ay contractor Steve Black H has one eye on the windrows and one eye on the

weather. He believes the next few weeks will be crucial to northern Victoria’s hay making season after a low rainfall winter and speculation over the impact of the El Nin ˜o phenomenon. ‘‘We’re short of moisture at the moment,’’ Mr Black said. ‘‘East of here (Katandra) has been good and should be okay if we get finishing rains, but further west has not had so much. ‘‘Right now we’re in limbo. ‘‘My concern is that some people will drop out of hay making because of the temporary water price going up over $200/Ml. ‘‘Potentially, some dairy guys will be saying, ‘We’re not watering our pasture’. ‘‘In my own case, if I have to water my lucerne and pay temporary water prices, it will not be worth doing it.’’ He believes without a good spring rain, and with the high water prices, the hay prices are likely to rise. Mr Black believes speculators without land should not be allowed to trade water and push the price up. He will be dusting off his Kuhn balers for the approaching hay season. One of Mr Black’s favourites is the Kuhn VG2160 round baler which he has used for four hay

Contractor Steve Black with the Kuhn baler. seasons and handles between 7000 and 10 000 bales each year. ‘‘They make a good bale and they’re pretty reliable. They’re quite simple to work, and handle dry and wet conditions,’’ Mr Black said. ‘‘Sometimes in contracting you don’t get a choice in the conditions, so this one is flexible.

This one has a drop-away floor; if you get a blockage, you can clear it quickly. ‘‘If I need to sell this one, I would get another.’’ For most of its life, it has been hauled by a 120 hp Case but Mr Black is about to move to a new 150 hp Massey Ferguson.

Tedding up silage on an oats paddock at Katandra last week.

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PAGE 6—‘Hay Making’, September, 2015

hay making

Neil Jackson with the Mahindra on the job, dropping about 400 posts into the ground at Waaia last week.

The Mahindra is central to the fencing operation. Last week they were constructing calf pens with pine posts and galvanised iron.

Mahindra does job

hen fencing contractor Neil W Jackson was looking to upgrade his mid-size tractor he decided to stick with the machine that had proven its worth. After a number of years of faithful service from a 55 hp Mahindra model, Mr Jackson decided to go for a bigger 75 hp Mahindra 7520. It has a 2 m bucket at the front and an El Gra hydraulic post-hole rammer on the back.

‘‘This will give me a bit more lift on the linkage and more oil capacity through the pump,’’ Mr Jackson said. ‘‘This one is also a four-wheel drive.’’ He likes the reliability of the Mahindra. ‘‘The only issue we had was with the control bank at the back, but that was fixed under warranty. ‘‘It’s a solid unit — all steel and no plastic. ‘‘It’s been pretty spot-on.’’ The smaller model has been

dispatched to Mr Jackson’s father’s property for orchard and general work. Mr Jackson’s preference for his type of work is to operate without a cab, but he has one modern concession that his fellow contractor Adam Ford enjoys. Mr Jackson noticed a friend had an impressive GME stereo fitted to an ocean-going boat; he has fitted the unit under the tractor’s roof and placed the two 140 W speakers into 15 cm PVC pipes.

Adam Ford appreciates the custom fitted stereo on the Mahindra.

‘Hay Making’, September, 2015—PAGE 7

hay making

Sow earlier to cut summer risk oming into spring the indications C from various models are that an El Nin ˜ o event is more likely than not.

temperature levels, seed bed) must be spot on.’’ However, this was only one part of the summer cropping phase in the whole farming system. ‘‘Hard-to-control pests and weeds have seen many farmers move away from growing some of the brassica-type crops but for all effective control, use the correct chemical for the right weed, pest or disease, apply the correct application rates at the right time with the correct water rate and use the appropriate application method,’’ Mr Mickan said. ‘‘Many so-called failures due to insect pests have been due to insecticides being sprayed throughout the morning and early afternoon when they should have been applied near dusk when the insects start to feed. ‘‘There is now an alternative control spray based on new chemical structures that showed desirable biological activities by fermenting specific bacteria in controlled conditions, however it’s not cheap. ‘‘This spray has resulted in very good control of insect pests if applied when and as stipulated.’’ Water volumes at spraying have also been too low whereas applying high volumes of water ensures better coverage of the topside and much of the underside of the leaves where the insects hide. A new herbicide is also now available to control many of the broad-leaved weeds in brassicas, another reason to reconsider sowing brassicas this year.

If you’re into minimising risk, seriously consider sowing this year’s summer crops earlier than normal. DEDJTR Ellinbank pasture specialist Frank Mickan said the weather outlook was behind his thinking for encouraging earlier sowing of summer crops. ‘‘Earlier sown crops (mid-September to mid-October) will establish deeper, more robust root systems and tap into subsurface moisture if it all turns belly-up later in the season,’’ Mr Mickan said. ‘‘This will increase the success rate of getting higher yielding, high quality and healthy summer crops that are much cheaper than purchased grain, fodder and home-made silage. ‘‘If crops are sown late (mid to late November), they will have shallower root systems, be lower yielding and be vulnerable to insufficient moisture and, being stressed, more prone to insect attack. ‘‘Sowing earlier will result in some springgrown pasture being foregone but this sacrifice will be more than offset by the higher yielding, better quality summer crop, especially if the season cuts out early. ‘‘If the season does turn out ‘normal’, I would be very surprised if these early sown summer crops don’t impress you and still be very economical. ‘‘As always, the old pasture/weeds must be well controlled and the establishment (sowing depth, soil nutrient levels, soil

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PAGE 8—‘Hay Making’, September, 2015

hay making

New Vicon ‘ground-breaking’ he new Vicon RV 5000 T series balers received the thumbs up from

dealers at PFG Australia’s product launch in Echuca recently.

Improvements, including the new patented net wrapping system and a new software package for ease of selection and adjustment of the desired bale density, were described as ‘‘groundbreaking’’ by Kverneland Group’s Tim Comer in Ravenna. PFG’s northern Victoria territory manager Christian Barnett said the new generation Vicon round balers would make Vicon customers happy and make rival manufacturers take note. ‘‘The new features are very impressive. It’s good to see some commonsense applied to baler design and technology,’’ he said. The Vicon brand has earned a loyal following worldwide for its strong, durable balers and practical application of technology. Today it stands as a key global player in a highly competitive market. The new patented PowerBind net wrap system has one of the fastest, easiest and most reliable net wrap actions ever developed, and has

A new Vicon baler is about to hit the market. eliminated the need for feed rollers. Mr Barnett said the PowerBind system’s injection arm fed net directly into the bale chamber and kept the net tight. The net is constantly retained by the injection

arm, which moves forward when the bale is 90 per cent complete in readiness for prompt net injection. PowerBind also has a conveniently low net wrap loading height. To reload, the operator simply swings out a shaft and replaces the net roll.

Performance, reliability and longevity KUHN has been the unrivalled leader in hay-making equipment for more than 40 years. Its mowing machines and rakes are world famous for their quality of work. Harvesting high quality fodder and return on investment are core issues and therefore provide the focus for KUHN’s innovations.

Haeusler’s Shepparton 219 Numurkah Rd Ph: (03) 5820 9700

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Setting and selection of correct bale density is vital to the quality of the end product. When working with different crops, it is important to be able to easily adjust the bale density to suit. Minimising any chance of error in changeover from

one crop to another, the optional Intelligent Density 3D allows the operator to select from three preconfigured bale densities at the menu control, each of them tailored for straw, hay or silage. If necessary, the operator can still customise the bale

density in three separate zones, each with a choice of diameter and pressure to match specific requirements, ensuring optimum bale formation. PFG Australia’s Vicon national sales manager Phil Hickey said he was pleased with the dealer response to the new model. ‘‘We know we have got a very well-priced new model baler with all the great features that customers have been asking and waiting for, and it’s fantastic to get this kind of confirmation from dealers. ‘‘The recent Vicon RV5000R Series baler launch at Echuca gave us all the chance for some great networking, and the atmosphere of The Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum was a lot of fun,’’ he said. With a number of these new model Vicon RV5116RN balers already delivered to new owners throughout Australia, Mr Hickey is looking forward to an exciting silage and hay season ahead. ➤ For more information on the new release Vicon RV 5000 Series Round Balers, visit www.vicon.com.au or phone PFG Australia on 8353 3600.

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‘Hay Making’, September, 2015—PAGE 9

hay making

CONTRACT HAY MAKING Reduce risk this hay season

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35ft Swathing front with vertical knives, cross auger and auto steer for a neat consistent feeding windrow in all crop conditions. Spraying of weeds also available. Echuca CIH has grown from 14 staff to 38 and a new showroom reflects the growth of the business over 20 years.

New showroom for Echuca CIH By Sharon Wright

n 20 years, Echuca CIH has grown to Icalled the point where a new showroom was for.

The business is an authorised dealer for Case IH, Polaris, Horwood Bagshaw, Flexicoil, Hardi, Kubota, Topcon, Krone, Manitou, Honey Bee, Trioliet, Taarup, McHale, Great Plains and many others. New to the line-up is Truckline products. Dealer principal Darren Stephenson, son of Echuca CIH founders Murray and Jan Stephenson, said the new facility doubled the size of the existing showroom and created a larger boardroom, staff and customer training area, additional offices and a staff kitchen. ‘‘The original building was built 20 years ago when we had 14 staff; our staff numbers are now at 38,’’ Mr Stephenson said. ‘‘We have been able to expand the level of stock we keep on the floor, increase the parts inventory and install a new precision farming guidance display, which is a real growth area for our business.’’ Mr Stephenson said the continued philosophy of the Echuca CIH team was to sell quality agricultural equipment and back that up with excellent advice, service and parts support. The impressive glass-fronted building was two years in the planning and included inspections of similar facilities at other dealerships in Victoria before the final design was confirmed. The Stephensons began Echuca CIH in response to the closure of the region’s Case IH dealership — the business offered product support to the many Case IH, International, David Brown and Steiger equipment owners in the area. As the business progressed it outgrew its 166 Ogilvie Ave premises, and in 1996 relocated to its present site, 43 Sturt St, which has now undergone an extensive redevelopment to accommodate the 38 staff. Mr Stephenson said one of the company’s best achievements was continual growth despite the challenges of tough economic times and drought. He said selling quality machinery and backing that up with excellent service and parts support was the key to maintaining that growth. In 2003 Murray and Jan Stephenson retired and, in 2007, Darren Stephenson, David Jackson and the late Geoff Chivers were appointed directors. Mr Stephenson was involved in

machinery manufacturing prior to joining the business and Mr Jackson has a background in accounting, grain trading and transport logistics. Echuca CIH has won numerous awards and has become one of the largest aftersales departments in northern Victoria and southern NSW, with trained technicians, parts interpreters and apprentices aiming to have machinery serviced regularly and up and running quickly in the event of a breakdown. Mr Stephenson said the company remained committed to the region, and offered employment opportunities plus support for community events and sporting clubs. The well-equipped service department at Echuca CIH carries out routine machinery maintenance and provides emergency breakdown assistance to customers. Service manager Andrew Hall oversees 21 technicians, including five apprentices, who are constantly updating their skills to accommodate ever-changing technology and products. Mr Hall said the company took great pride in offering employment opportunities to young people from the region and always had several apprentices on staff learning from skilled technicians. Technicians Glen Harris and Mitch Columbine have recently returned from a five-day training program at the Krone factory in Spelle, Germany where the focus was on the Krone Big M, a self-propelled mower-conditioner. As well as carrying out work in the four workshops — three in Sturt St and one in Reliance Crt — Echuca CIH also has 14 fully equipped mobile service vehicles that travel to farms in northern Victoria and southern NSW. Mr Hall said the service department worked closely with the parts team to ensure farmers and contractors experiencing machinery breakdowns were operational again quickly with minimal disruption. The company’s Western Star truck, which delivers new and used machinery, is also available to transport large equipment back to the workshop for repair. The Reliance Crt facility, a purpose-built workshop opened in 2006, is mainly used for the assembly of larger equipment such as air seeders, hay and harvest machinery.

Kelly Ag can supply the cutting of your hay or a complete hay making service. • Twin-rotor rake hire • Hay baling – Square 8x4x3, Round 5x4 • Transport of hay, B-Double and Semi Dropdecks and articulate loader.

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PAGE 10—‘Hay Making’, September, 2015

hay making

Dry times need consideration his year is shaping up to be T very dry over most parts of Australia, many areas having

received well below long-term average rainfall. Several farmers have exhausted normal fodder supplies and many drought storages have already been opened. If grain and fodder prices are high again due to short supply during the 2015-16 season, we could be in for another challenging year financially; not to mention flow-on effects such as animal health issues resulting in such things as thin cattle and low fertility. Farmers must continue to be proactive and look at all options to ensure enough feed to carry their stock through. Once again, forage production of pasture and crops needs to be pushed along this year as they will still be the cheapest source of feed, despite the seemingly high cost of conservation. Cutting for fodder, at or just after the ideal grazing height and before canopy closure, ensures the highest quality of milker feed. However, if more bulk (either as silage or hay) is required, cut when pastures are about 10 to 20 per cent in head. Remember, if pastures get too long and mature, not only is quality unsuitable for good milk production, the regrowth will be much less and summer weeds

Work out whether bought-in fodder or home-grown fodder would be cheaper.

may invade the bare ground left behind. Other management decisions worth considering include:

Nitrogen Use urea or blends containing nitrogen (N) to boost spring growth to increase silage and hay yields. If the season even hints at being short, a nitrogen-type fertiliser will be essential to grow as much grass or crop as possible in the growing period available. Don’t forget to add the cost of ensiling or harvesting as hay and also allow some wastage factor for storage and feed-out losses (10 to 30+ per cent) depending on detail to management and storage/ feed-out systems used. Even so, this year home-grown fodder may be substantially cheaper than bought-in fodder — do your sums to find out. If ensiling nitrogen-fertilised pastures, allow at least three weeks between nitrogen application and harvesting. In early spring when pastures remain vegetative, cut the pastures before canopy closure, when leaves start dying underneath. As pastures approach the start of heading, cut before the heads appear.

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‘Hay Making’, September, 2015—PAGE 11

hay making

of all feed options Purchased fodder

Use whatever information you can muster, your own experience and sometimes even gut feel, to decide whether to bite the bullet and buy fodder early when it may be cheapest and gives you a greater range of high quality from which to choose. Think back. Often we wait to see what happens — and then, when we are finally forced into a tight corner, prices have often skyrocketed due to diminished supplies.

Agistment/selling culls

Although scarce in these sorts of years, getting cattle off early

might allow some extra fodder to be harvested at home. Selling off culls or poor producers earlier rather than later will also reduce feed need.

Lease/run-off blocks

This could be the year when under-producing land may be your saviour. Don’t forget this land is often under-fertilised, so consider soil testing and applying what is needed to boost growth. However, there’s no point in ‘geeing up’ the weeds or rubbish grasses such as bent grass — so get in early to renovate or oversow.

Odds same for more or less rain

Make the land work by sowing pasture or crops that can be conserved and carted home.

outh-eastern Australia can S expect an equal chance of above or below average

Improved knowledge

Finally, another beneficial option is to pursue knowledge and skills on how to grow more pasture, through programs such as DEDJTR/DA-funded Feeding Pasture for Profit, Feeding Impact and Profitable Feeding Systems programs, or talking with farmers, agronomists and field officers to change grazing management to increase pasture growth and quality.

rainfall in spring, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Warmer nights are likely for most of Australia, with warmer days likely along the east coast. The current outlook reflects the record warm sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean, and the El Nin ˜o in the Pacific. The equatorial Pacific Ocean has warmed to a borderline strong El Nin ˜o temperature. All other indicators are in agreement with El Nin ˜o indicating this event is coupled properly with the atmosphere. The bureau statement said a weak, positive Indian Ocean Dipole had been in existence for the past three weeks. In the past 10 years this has been a poor omen for rainfall, but historically not all positive dipole springs have been poor. The Coral, Arafura and Timor seas have cooled further in August, but the band of cooling is further north than previous events. Currently the water from

— Frank Mickan pasture and fodder conservation specialist, DEDJTR

Nitrogen can boost silage yields.

Brisbane round to Broome is still at a normal temperature. The Southern Annular Mode has spent most of winter in the positive phase which drags frontal triggers further away from Victoria. All models believe the El Nin ˜o will continue through until February. The Indian Ocean predictions are mixed. The current Indian Ocean Dipole is a different type compared to many seen in the past 10 years, with cooler water leaking through the Indonesian islands from the western Pacific. In recent times many have occurred from cold upwelling disturbances off Sumatra. High pressure has existed over Victoria for the past six months, helping to chase rain triggers away. Half the models suggest drier tendencies for spring and half suggest average is possible, with the exception of Predictive Ocean Atmosphere Models for Australia that suggest wetter is possible.

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PAGE 12—‘Hay Making’, September, 2015

New to the region – Arcusin Autostack FSX and XP Discover why Arcusin’s state-of-the-art technology is the world leader in the bale handling sector

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Growers’ hay efforts hailed best hay growers in 2015 across TheVictoria, South Australia and NSW

will be announced during a Feed Central supply meeting in Shepparton this week. The winners of the Feed Central National Hay Quality competition will be recognised for the best visual appearance and best feed analysis of cereal, vetch and lucerne crops. The Queensland winners were announced last month. The national award winners will also be announced during the pre-baling supply meeting at the Feed Central Shepparton office. The 2015 national competition has attracted more than 1000 entries. Hay listed with Feed Central in preparation for sale is inspected on-farm by a certified Feed Central inspector. All of this inspected hay is eligible for entry. During the 2014-15 season, Feed Central inspected 250 000 tonnes of hay and straw nationally, ensuring winning lots were the best of a large pool of hay. Feed Central managing director Tim Ford said the competition promoted the importance of good quality hay and recognised the excellent work of growers. ‘‘The awards are a way that we can recognise, encourage and reward growers for their efforts,’’ he said. ‘‘I believe the awards act as a benchmark

❝I believe the awards act as a benchmark of quality and will in time play a big role in growing the industry and improving the consistency of hay quality in Australia.❞ Feed Central managing director Tim Ford of quality and will in time play a big role in growing the industry and improving the consistency of hay quality in Australia.’’ Mr Ford said hay buyers were becoming much more aware of hay quality and increasingly they asked about and investigated quality before purchasing. ‘‘All buyers need to be conscious of quality, particularly in dairy areas where quality and consistency of product is crucial,’’ he said. The pre-baling supply meeting at the Feed Central Shepparton office at 38 New Dookie Rd on September 18 will also focus on longterm contracts for hay and straw, Feed Central’s grading and quality assurance system, feed testing and sampling services, and the current state, national and international market conditions for hay.

‘Hay Making’, September, 2015—PAGE 13

hay making

New Case has greater capacity ase IH has unveiled a new C generation of hay balers with the Australian release of

the RB5 Series round baler. Redesigned for the toughest crops and conditions, Case IH says the RB5 Series features a superior bale shape and density. Case IH hay and harvest product manager Geoff Rendell said the variable chamber round balers were the result of three years’ rigorous worldwide field testing. ‘‘We’re thrilled to present Australian producers with a new level of baling technology and performance,’’ Mr Rendell said. ‘‘We tested the balers worldwide in a variety of conditions, and found that the RB5 Series has an increased capacity of up to 20 per cent and a bale density improvement of up to five per cent over the previous RB4 series. ‘‘That’s no surprise, since the RB5 Series pick-up is made for greater capacity and durability. It combines cutting-edge components, including a new overshot rotor pick-up, perfect for more aggressive feeding.’’ The RB455 and RB465 produce bales of up to 1.5 m and 1.8 m in diameter respectively. Both models also feature a new dual cylinder hydraulic density system. ‘‘The two cylinders have 2000 psi, providing more force than a single cylinder at 2600 psi — increasing bale density,’’ Mr Rendell said.

Case IH’s new RB5 Series round baler offers greater capacity and durability with superior bale shape and density. The enhanced five-bar pick-up reels feature bigger, stronger components. ‘‘By boosting the number of pick-up reel bars from four to five, farmers get more consistent feeding, a more efficient movement of crop from the pickup to the feeder, and more tines to

get all of the crop picked — especially short crops.’’ There’s also a new 2 m-wide overshot rotor pick-up. ‘‘This eliminates crop hesitation, resulting in a more consistent crop mat fed into the bale chamber, giving an even bale formation. ‘‘Plus, the in-line augers handle

heavy thick windrows, dramatically reducing the chance of plugging.’’ Case IH has repositioned the baler augers so the crop is fed into the centre line, increasing capacity. Since the pick-up guards are the same height, there’s a better

transfer of the crop from the augers to the rotor. Adding to these industry-leading features are: ➤ A new enhanced net wrap system, with easy tractor hook-up; ➤ New optional twine wrap system for greater accuracy; ➤ More durable endless bale chamber belts; ➤ New in-cab controlled drop floor for rotor unplugging; ➤ Rubber-mounted tines for optimal performance; ➤ New endless belt with a true spliceless design; and ➤ Rotor feed and rotor cut configurations to choose from. The RB455 and RB465 balers feature a new ISOBUS electrical system, enabling greater control. They come standard with the AFS Pro 300 touch-screen, offering better graphics and easier navigation. Or you can use the new baler with an existing virtual terminal on any ISOBUS-equipped tractor. There’s also a new CAN-based electrical system, with an H-Bridge used to control power to the electric motors. The solid-state design is more durable than mechanical relays used previously. ➤ The Case IH range is available at O’Connors Farm Machinery, Shepparton, phone 5821 4555.

THE NEXT GENERATION The best winter active lucerne for a combination of yield, hay quality, pest and disease resistance and grazing tolerance. The new SARDI 7 Series 2 supersedes the old and well respected SARDI 7. Broadly adapted, SARDI 7 Series 2 is a multi purpose variety which offers performance where persistent, high producing lucerne stands are required.

Key features: • Winter activity 7 (winter active). • High yielding, multi purpose variety bred for

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from sites on-farm right across Australia. For further information about SARDI 7 Series 2 and the full SARDI lucerne range contact Heritage Seeds territory manager Reece Hardwidge 0428 178 719 or visit www.heritageseeds.com.au

PAGE 14—‘Hay Making’, September, 2015

hay making

Heavy-duty Fella illiam Adams Ag in Shepparton is W the distributor of the German-built Fella agricultural equipment, and if you

drive by its Kialla dealership on Goulburn Valley Hwy you can’t miss a giant hay rake parked out front. Territory manager Christian Barnett said the TS 8055 PRO Fella model was a heavy duty twin-rotor rake capable of handling tough paddock conditions and was ideal for contractors.

Mr Barnett said the rake guaranteed a top-quality swath and folded up to a transport width of less than 3 m. The rake, pictured with William Adams Ag staff member Luke Stammers, is specialised for straw recovery. Its rotor chassis has been equipped with six rather than four wheels and has a tandem axle with 18-inch tyres, which ensures optimum ground following.

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‘Hay Making’, September, 2015—PAGE 15

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Hardy, high-yield lucerne a winner ew Heritage Seeds legume N varieties are proving to be a winning formula for fourth-

generation Riverina farmer Chris Stillard and his wife Belinda. They have been achieving outstanding results in their hay enterprise with SARDI 7 Series 2 lucerne and Antas clover, and are looking to the future by trialling some exciting new vetch varieties. The Stillards farm 160 ha at Barooga. They supply premium quality hay in small bales to the horse industry in Melbourne and on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as high quality large bales to the mill and to dairy and cattle owners across southern NSW and Victoria. Their lucerne paddocks are watered with flood or sub-surface drip irrigation set up for high intensity, heavy yielding production. Drip tape buried 30 cm below the soil surface and in rows 1 m apart allow for precise irrigation of their medium to light loam soils. Being able to water every four to five days in the peak of summer with high water use efficiency really helps push the production envelope. ‘‘Our three-year-old stand of SARDI 7 Series 2 lucerne is every bit as good as the SARDI 7 variety, which was a great lucerne compared to other ones we’ve tried,’’ Mr Stillard said. ‘‘It’s capable of very high production in this intensive

Riverina farmer Chris Stillard has been growing SARDI 7 Series 2 lucerne, Antas clover and some of Heritage Seeds’ new vetch varieties with great success. management situation with consistent dry matter yields of 18 to 20 tonnes/ha/year on the subsurface drip. ‘‘Because I’m watering every four to five days, if a thunderstorm dumps two inches of rain we can have waterlogging issues. This lucerne copes very well and its ability to withstand waterlogging is impressive. It’s a hardy plant.’’

The Stillards plant their lucerne from late April to July at a rate of 15-20 kg/ha. They cut lucerne from late September until early April. Compared with drip irrigation the flood-irrigated lucerne yields about 12 tonnes/ha and is cut five times each year. The sub-surface irrigated lucerne is cut six times each year.

Heritage Seeds says SARDI 7 Series 2 performs well in dairy, beef and sheep production systems in the high rainfall zones of south-eastern Australia, where dormant or semi-dormant varieties have traditionally been grown. Mr Stillard said they were also thrilled with another Heritage variety, Antas.

‘‘It is a monster when it comes to clover. It has been very easy to grow and we continue to be astounded by its massive yields. ‘‘The crop is so thick it’s incredible, and it has turned out to be a very hardy plant with no real issues,’’ Mr Stillard said. The Stillards’ crop of Antas clover has been yielding between five and six tonnes/ha for the past few years. Customers keep coming back for the clover hay, according to Mr Stillard. ‘‘The customer is boss and they love it, so we’ll stick with it.’’ He said water was a crucial aspect of getting the plant up and running on his farm, which has an annual rainfall of 450 mm. ‘‘We pre-irrigate and sow into moisture which helps it get off to a good start.’’ In previous years they have planted the clover in mid to late April at a sowing rate of 10 kg/ha. Mr Stillard said it was a little later than normal in the planting window, although they were not chasing any large amounts of autumn/winter grazing off the crop. ‘‘We might run the odd light lamb on it once it’s been cut, but that’s not our main aim.’’ ➤ For more information on Heritage Seeds varieties phone territory manager Reece Hardwidge on 0428 178 719.

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PAGE 16—‘Hay Making’, September, 2015

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Optimal harvest speed delivered ohn Deere has added three new Jself-propelled models to its line-up of 8000 Series forage harvesters.

• Inoculant or hay preservative application available • 10m Berrima Rake and Tedding • High density 8x4x3 square baling with chopper and scales • Square bale tube wrapping • Round baling • Round bale silage wrapping • Self propelled double roller conditioner — faster drying

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These machines offer forage producers more productivity, increased up time, decreased cost of operation, and are designed with the latest forage harvesting technology. ‘‘We took the momentum from the 8000 Series roll-out last year and added to an already stellar line-up of forage harvesters,’’ John Deere marketing division manager Tim Meister said. ‘‘The three new models make the John Deere SPFH line-up even stronger with the ability to deliver optimal harvesting speed, reliability and forage quality.’’ Growers can choose from three new models: ➤ 8300, 360 kW (483 hp) with a Tier-II 13.5 litre engine; ➤ 8700, 563 kW (755 hp) with a Tier-II, non-EGR 19.0 litre engine; and ➤ 8800, 620 kW (832 hp) with a Tier-II, non-EGR 19.0 litre engine. Each model can be equipped with HarvestLab, an advanced crop analysis and documentation component that uses constituent sensing to improve forage quality. Headers for the SPFH machines include the John Deere small drum rotary harvesting units from 6-12 rows, John Deere large drum rotary harvesting units from 6-10 rows, and the new 9 Series hay pick-ups. All the John Deere headers are automatically speed-matched to the length of cut.

‘‘The new 8000 Series models provide value to forage producers in three distinct areas,’’ Mr Meister said. ‘‘The new models feature a new 770 Plus rotary harvesting unit, which reduces stalk and ear losses and improves ability to harvest down corn. The units also reduce plugging in weedy conditions. ‘‘Improved capacity adds another element to the performance of the new 8000 Series. The channel width is matched to engine horsepower, which customises capacity to customer needs. ‘‘Also included is a new spout design and turning mechanism, which allow for higher speed of operation and increased productivity.’’ Another new feature, John Deere Active Fill Control, increases productivity and accuracy in the field. This new capability allows for automated filling of trucks and wagons, which results in reduced operator fatigue and crop losses. Other available features include a dual tyre option for reduced soil compaction and better traction in wet soil conditions, lengthened service cycles, reduced daily maintenance and cleaning needs, and a new and innovative stone detection system. ‘‘Our goal was to deliver an efficient, highperforming self-propelled forage harvester that producers could rely on year-in and year-out,’’ Mr Meister said. ‘‘The new 8000 Series models do just that, and provide innovative technology to help producers run more efficiently in the field.’’

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‘Hay Making’, September, 2015—PAGE 17

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Store hay carefully to avoid stack fires ay can self-ignite when H excessive heat builds up under a process called

spontaneous combustion, or spontaneous ignition, and is the leading cause of haystack fires in Victoria. Haystack fires can happen in any type of bale stored in a haystack. Even hay stored as single bales can spontaneously ignite under some conditions. Haystack fires can spread quickly into the surrounding area and often result in thousands of dollars of damages.

Why does hay heat?

Spontaneous combustion is the leading cause of haystack fires in Victoria.

If hay is too green (the internal plant moisture content is too high) or if some of the hay becomes damp before, during or after baling, a complex series of biological and chemical processes may cause the hay to heat. This is because the plant material is still alive and using energy (respiration), and micro organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, are able to grow in the moist environment. These processes, alone or in combination, generate heat, which may result in the loss of dry matter, nutritive value and reduced palatability. If heating remains undetected

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and the stack is not pulled apart to allow heat and moisture to escape, such processes may continue and internal bale temperatures will keep rising. Once temperatures reach about 70°C, they may then increase rapidly to the point of spontaneous ignition (about 180°C). Spontaneous ignition may occur within two weeks of baling and may continue to pose a threat more than three months afterwards.

Signs of heating hay

Regularly monitor all haystacks for signs that the hay is heating by using a temperature probe or a crowbar, although this will not detect heat deeper into the stack. Other signs of heating include: ➤ Steam rising from haystacks. ➤ Condensation or corrosion under hayshed roofing. ➤ Mould growth in or on bales. ➤ Unusual odours (burning, musty, pipe tobacco or caramel). ➤ Slumping in sections of the haystack.

Minimising the risk

Make sure hay is fully cured (dead and dry) and at the recommended moisture content before baling. The recommended moisture

content will vary depending on the type of crop and bale being used. Use a correctly calibrated moisture meter to check hay moisture levels throughout the baling process. Be sure to test plant nodes and heads inside leaf sheaths for hidden moisture, particularly if baling droughtaffected cereal hay. It is important to remember that just one damp bale is enough to ignite a haystack, so make sure all bales are protected from rain, leaking roofs and spouts, and run-off. If some bales become damp, they should be stored separately and closely monitored. Make sure haystacks are limited in size and have enough airflow to allow heat and moisture to escape. It is important to know the history and moisture content of any hay purchased. Store hay away from possible sources of ignition (such as roadsides, workshops, and fuel and chemical storage areas) and away from vegetation that may produce embers if a fire does occur. Be careful when using vehicles, machinery and equipment near haystacks, especially on high fire risk days.

— Country Fire Authority

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Cut losses with preservatives

ay preservatives are products that H allow the baling of hay at higher moisture contents, thereby reducing

drying times. They work by limiting the growth of bacteria, yeast and moulds in the hay through different mechanisms. If used, the cost of the hay preservative must be offset by an advantage being gained in one or more broad areas: ➤ An increase in the value of the hay due to reduced leaf loss or when potential quality loss from incoming rain is avoided; ➤ Improvements in nutritional quality that arise when a less mature product can be cut and baled earlier in the season with lower lignin levels; ➤ Increasing machinery running hours across a day or a season, improving the ability of producers to get hay baled at the correct time; and ➤ Managing the risk associated with spontaneous combustion that results from high microbial counts in hay. Most, though not all, hay preservative products require uniform distribution across the fodder being baled. This aspect is very important in some classes of products in order to avoid pockets of heating (potential for spontaneous combustion if very moist) and mould growth. Some products do not require complete coverage of all fodder entering the baler to be effective, but consistent delivery remains important to avoid hot bales. Baling hay at moisture contents slightly above recommended levels for each bale type may lead to some heating due to the activity of aerobic micro-organisms and possibly some plant respiration. The hay would be expected to eventually cool to the ambient temperature. However, if hay is baled with moisture contents well above (more than three per cent) the suggested levels, particularly the large rectangular and round bales, their temperature will rise substantially. The warm, moist conditions in this wetter hay will provide the ideal environment for growth of spoilage bacteria, yeasts, moulds and fungi. These organisms utilise the energy and protein of the hay and can lead to a substantial increase in their respective populations. The resultant heating causes a reaction between the carbohydrates and proteins, rendering both less digestible as temperatures continue to increase. Hay preservatives work by inhibiting or reducing the growth and activity of these aerobic micro-organisms. This stops their activity so stops production of water and heat and a further

Using a hay preservative has a number of benefits. build-up in their populations. Mould growth and heating is avoided so negligible nutritive value is lost. Note that most hay preservatives do not improve the nutritional quality of the forage, but do prevent the decline in quality caused by the micro-organisms. Benefits of using hay preservatives are that they: ➤ Allow the safe baling of hay from slightly above target moisture levels up to 25 per cent (or 30 per cent) moisture depending on preservative type. ➤ Allow baling after a shorter curing period which reduces risk of rain damage and sun bleaching. It may also allow baling earlier in the season in certain areas, when fodder is less mature and nutritive value higher. ➤ Reduce dry matter and nutrient loss caused by leaf loss and shatter, microbial activity and moulds. ➤ Enable baling over a longer period each day, resulting in more effective machinery and efficiency of labour usage. ➤ Maintain hay colour (due to increased leaf retention) and the hay often smells better. ➤ Prevent dry matter and quality loss in storage due to bacterial, yeast and mould activity. ➤ Reduce risk of spontaneous combustion. ➤ May increase animal intake. ➤ Animal and human health is not affected, due to lack of mould spores.

— DEDJTR

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‘Water Talk’, September, 2015—PAGE 19

hay making

One-day silage an energy saver aking silage in a day. Despite M having been practised for about 10 years, the mention of it

The nutritional benefits of silage made in one day include increased energy and minimal protein loss.

NEW

still raises eyebrows. As my sons and I realised the relationship between moisture and lactic acid content in silage, we started checking moisture straight out of the mower and hourly from then on to ensure we achieved the 65 per cent moisture goal. The real shock was how little time this took, especially on sunny days. In regard to cutting and baling/ ensiling in one day, the key phrase is ‘‘on sunny days’’. What was once done from observation and practice is now well fortified by science and research. The sun is absolutely critical to drying time for two reasons. First, early dry-down is driven by photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process of the plant using water and atmospheric carbon dioxide to make carbohydrates to grow and expel oxygen for us to breathe. Sunlight drives photosynthesis. The more sunlight, the faster the photosynthesis process dries down the cut material; possibly in as little as two hours. Moisture is also leaving the plant leaf through stomata (pores) as they will be wide open in bright sunlight. Carbon dioxide enters via the stomata and oxygen exits there too. This process will continue until the moisture content is down to 60 per cent — bearing in mind our goal is 65 per cent. Conversely, photosynthesis and

moisture exiting via stomata cease without sunlight. The other benefit here is this process is producing carbohydrates (sugars and starch) increasing the energy value of the silage because the plant has been cut and these carbohydrates cannot move to the root system — win, win. The second and more obvious impact of sunlight on cut material is its drying capacity from physical reasons; like anything else that’s wet, when exposed to sunlight evaporation occurs. After photosynthesis, this is the next most important drying influence. A wide swath has obvious benefits. Sunlight can access more leaf surface area, air temperature in the swath will be higher, and there will be a greater capacity for water vapour to escape. Disc mowers generally give a wide and thin swath compared with mower/conditioners or mower windrowers. Some easy adjustments/removal of deflectors to these two mowers to prevent windrowing can produce a wide swath. In very heavy crops, particularly dense clover contents that tend to ‘lump’ out of the mower, tedding may be necessary. Deflector shields on mowers cause non-drying clumps. The higher quality of the forage (lower maturity/less lignin), the worse the clumps (tighter). Tipped knives on disc mowers and

high coned drums do not produce wide swaths. Likewise, overlapping with the mower leaves varying thicknesses in the swath and produces different drying times within the swath. Very dense/heavy yielding crops such as cereals/legumes greater than 5 tonne of dry matter/ha will require help from tedding to achieve the one-day silage job. The recommendation is tedding two hours after cutting. This exposes the bottom of swaths to sunlight. The benefits of one-day silage include: ➤ Logistics — For the farmer, to do a paddock a day is manageable and to pick a sunny day to do it is easy as opposed to guessing if the weather will be favourable for several days. I deal with contractors who have told me one-day silage has been a boon for managing logistics of machinery and labour. The mower, rake and baler leave their depot only hours apart and are on the same farm; not spread all over the district. ➤ The additional preservation of forage nutrient for conversion to milk. The benefit is estimated to be 150 litres/tonne of silage harvested. — John Lyne Dairytech Nutrition

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PAGE 20—‘Hay Making’, September, 2015

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