Dairy News Australia May 2012 by Rural News Group

Holstein calf sells for $101,000 Page 3

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

farmers in sight

Telehandler all Claas Page 30

District recruiting plan Page 10-11

may, 2012 Issue 25 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

Warning SIGNALS Increased supply softens price outlook PAGE 5

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Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

news // 3

Calf smashes auction records THE Australian

Gippsland’s Luke and Mel Wallace have moved into farm ownership. PG.20

record for a dairy animal was smashed at the Bluechip Invitational Sale last month when a 3-monthold dairy heifer sold for $101,000. The price more than doubled the previous record of $50,000 and produced wide smiles on sale vendors Dean and Dianna Malcolm of Bluechip Genetics, Zeerust, near Shepparton. The calf – Bluechip Apple Spice-Red – is one of three red and white daughters in the world sired by

Destry out of KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET EX95, or “Apple”. Apple is the reigning Grand Champion Red and White Holstein from the biggest dairy show in the world, World Dairy Expo (WDE), which includes more than 2500 animals. She sold for US$1 million. Apple completes seven generations of highly classified EX dams and Apple’s progeny and clones are excelling at every level. None of her daughters had

been offered in Australia before. The calf sold to a Victorian syndicate, Apple Investments, who had the choice of two calves. The two calves are two of only three Red and White daughters in the world (sired by Destry). The syndicate chose Apple Spice because it looked more like her mother, and will flush her for embryos. Dairy Livestock Services auctioneer Brian Leslie said there was huge demand for good red genetics and the

calf would attract international interest. The man who has been in on Apple from the start and who has managed her career, Mike Deaver, travelled Wisconsin in the US to be at the sale. Deaver said that it was not a surprise to him that everyone wanted a slice of Apple. “We’re competing at the highest levels possible and what we have on our hands now is a huge Apple deal not only because of Apple’s individual achievements but

because of the exceptional way she is transmitting,” he said. While the other 75 lots of the Bluechip Invitational Sale couldn’t command a similar price, there were 12 lots that managed to reach into the double figures. Eclipse Shottle ParadiseET, offered by Eclipse Holsteins, was next highest at $30,000. Eclipse Snowman Cinderella-ET sold for $19,000. The sale gross was $602,600 and averaged $8487.

Brad Missen has conducted a transition feeding trial on his Gippsland property. PG.26

Western district farmer Casey Taylor has put his Claas telehandler though its paces. PG.30

News ��3-15 Opinion �� 16-17 Agribusiness ��18-19 Management �� 20-24 stock feeds report �� 25 Animal Health �� 26-29 Machinery & Products ��30-33 motoring ��34

At last month's Northern Lights sale at Girgarre, Vic, 47 Jersey lots averaged $3025. The sale's top price was $8100 for nine-month-old Broadin Ilagay 2898-ET, sired by Elton.

Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

4 // news

Vote postponed as states question ADF restructure Australian Dairy Farmers will hold another meeting in a bid to get its proposed restructure over the line. The original vote was scheduled for April 30 and if passed would have come into effect on May 1. However, it never even made it to a vote, with the vote cancelled. The ADF needed five of the six farm lobby groups to agree to the changes. The SA Dairyfarmers Association had made its intentions clear, saying it would not agree to the changes unless it was represented on the proposed fiveperson board. Chairman of the NSW Farmers Association dairy committee Terry Toohey told ABC Radio the changes would ensure the industry lobby group would be financial into the future. He said the postponement of the final vote would give other states time to have confidence in what move they support.

The Australian Dairy Farmers needed five of the six farm lobby groups to agree to the changes.

Chris Griffen

“We’re currently in favour of the new structure. “There’s a couple of questions that need answering and we just need everyone from each state to be happy with the answers that are negotiated.” SA Dairyfarmers Association president David Basham told ABC Radio that the ADF needs a representative board

“so each state has an ability to be heard through someone that it knows”. Under the proposed changes, the number of ADF board members would be reduced from 15 to five, of which four would be dairy farmers. There would be a national council comprising 14 members, which would feed information to the national board.

The first directors will be Chris Griffin and Noel Campbell from Victoria, Peter Evans from WA and Roger Swain from Tasmania. An independent director has been advertised. ADF CEO Natalie Collard said the smaller board would focus on strategy and oversight of ADF operations. The National Council would have representatives from the State groups and would be tasked with providing input on strategic direction and policy matters. ADF president Chris Griffin said the board was not there to be representative of the states but to manage the business. ADF CEO Natalie Collard said the cost of bringing the current 14-member board together meant it met only four times a year and rubber stamped decisions that had already been implemented. Under the plan, processors will con-

tribute $1.125 million of funding for the proposed restructured Australian Dairy Farmers, enabling a similar amount to be used at a State level. Under the new proposal, the processors directly contribute to the Australian Dairy Industry Council for advocacy and policy work done on behalf of the whole industry. This work, including funding the fight against the supermarkets last year, would be funded by processors while the $1.125 million funded by State farmer organisations and investment dividends would be used for farmerrelated activities. Collard said this would include returning money to the State organisations to help them increase membership, as well as a project fund of $300,000 per annum, where each state can apply for funding from between $2000 and $40,000.

WA farmers must fight for higher prices Western Australian farmers

should use the shortage of milk in the state to leverage higher prices. That’s the message from the WA Farmers Federation (WAFarmers) who will work with farmers to ensure sustainable long-term deals are signed. Concern over milk purchasing agreements has led WAFarmers to assist the reconvening of the WA Dairy Farmers Collective Bargaining Group. A negotiation committee has been selected for Harvey Fresh suppliers and the Collective Bargaining Group is in the process of organising a negotiating committee for Brownes suppliers. WAFarmers president Dale Park said recent milk purchase agreements, provided by some processors, could put dairy farmers at a disadvantage, in light

of the likely shortfall of milk in Western Australia in coming years. “WA dairy farmers are in a strong position, due to the shortage of milk in WA, to negotiate with the processors to force the price of milk up at the farm gate,” Park said. “There are concerns that the new contracts may lock dairy farmers into lower prices and less favourable contractual terms than they may otherwise be entitled to negotiate. “WAFarmers urges all dairy farmers to carefully consider their long term contracts and not sign until satisfactory clarification has been received from the processors.” Park has urged all WA dairy farmers to consider membership to the Collective Bargaining Group in order to help

Mike Norton

strengthen the united voice of the Western Australian dairy industry. The group is chaired by former

WAFarmers president and Capel dairy farmer, Mike Norton, to ensure that all WA dairy farmers receive the best pos-

sible price for their product. Norton said new contract offered by Harvey Milk effectively locked farmers into supplying for two years. He said the contracts were one sided, offering farmers only an indicative price for six months at a time. “They announce a summer and winter price, but they reserve the right to change it,” he said. Their validity has been questioned in a legal opinion provided by WAFarmers. Norton said farmers had previously enjoyed a good relationship with Harvey Milk which had significantly increased its processing volumes in the last few years. The new contracts were eroding confidence of producers which was already at a low ebb, he said.

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Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

news // 5

Global supply, strong dollar prompt processor warning Australian

processors

have signalled a softening in the market outlook, reflecting a fall in prices in the world’s largest dairy auction platform, GlobalDairyTrade (GDT). Murray Goulburn and Warrnambool Cheese & Butter signalled a softening in global demand while announcing price rises late last month. The first GDT auction of the month saw the major indicator fall a further 2.4%, after a 9.9% fall in mid-April, which was the largest fall since July 2010. GDT is an auction platform for internationally-traded commodity dairy products, which Dairy Australia analyst Jo Bills says is becoming an increasingly useful indicator. Murray Goulburn managing director Gary Helou advised of a price increase of 20c/kg for protein and 8c/kg for butterfat backdated to July 1. This took their price to $5.35/kg milk solids exceeding its recent end-of-year forecast of $5.30. Helou said the price increase had been achieved through cost reductions and operational efficiencies, which have

improved our margins despite a softening in world market prices and unfavourable foreign exchange conditions. In regards to next season, Helou said MG was currently completing the budget process for 2012/13 which would Jo Bills determine the opening milk price. “The market outlook continues to soften in the face of increased international supply and a strong Australian dollar,” he said. “We will focus on delivering internal efficiencies and lower operating costs to minimise the impact of lower international prices on our suppliers.” WCB lifted their milk price by 6/ kg for butterfat and 15c/kg for protein, backdated to July 1. Managing director David Lord said the rises took the company’s average price across the 12 months to about $5.35/kg milk solids equivalent. “As you may be aware, since the

January review there has been some softening of dairy prices and the Australian dollar has remained strong and reasonably stable against the US dollar,” Lord said. “These conditions are likely to impact our final quarter performance. “As a consequence of the softening conditions and the potential impact on our last quarter performance, we are taking a cautious approach to the remainder of the year.” Lord said the company would review the milk price next month. Dairy Australia manager strategy and knowledge, Jo Bill, said the GDT needs to be viewed in a wider market context but in broad terms, the past month of GDT activity does characterise the nature of the wider dairy market at present. The last two events have been characterised by large volume offerings and the lowest participation rates from registered bidders for some time, she said.

With New Zealand enjoying a bumper season, volumes of dairy products sold through global auction have tripled in 12 months.

“There is lots of supply – due to all exporting regions enjoying favourable seasonal conditions,” Bills said. “Buyers are indeed holding back, with falling prices and high product availability there is a reluctance to commit too far forward, so many are only covering their immediate requirements. “With new sellers joining GDT over the past year (including Murray Goul-

burn), and New Zealand enjoying a bumper season, volumes offered in the past two auctions are around three times the amount on offer at this time in 2011.” Bills said some caution needed to be used when assessing these results for commodities that are not sold in large volumes on GDT or in spot markets generally such as cheese. Global Impact, page 19

Murray Goulburn expands into Asia Murray Goulburn has begun

further expansion into Asia with the decision to open offices in Singapore and Vietnam. The co-op will open a regional head office in Singapore to oversee its sales, marketing and distribution functions in South-east Asia. It will also establish an office in Vietnam to focus on sales growth in that market. Countries in the South-east Asian region include Singapore, Hong Kong,

Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. The region represents 15% of world dairy trade with imports of about 1.8 million tonnes valued in excess of $6 billion a year. MG managing director Gary Helou said South-east Asia was categorised by rapidly growing populations and demand for dairy was growing as real incomes rose. “The region’s local dairy production will not meet future demand growth and

consequently these markets will continue to look to key exporting countries like Australia to meet future dairy food demand,” Helou said. “The MG and Devondale brands already have a strong reputation in the region. “The MG offices will improve the effectiveness of current market channels and grow markets for MG products.” Helou said MG would establish a regional office in Singapore to develop strong relationships with key custom-

ers and increase the marketing of the Devondale brand to consumers and customers. “It will be led by experienced executives who will take charge of the mission to significantly expand our presence in this high growth dairy market.” Singapore and Vietnam will be MG’s third and fourth international offices. It has offices in Tokyo, Japan and the recently announced Dubai office that will service the Middle East and North Africa.

The office in Vietnam will work as part of the South-east Asia team. Helou said the Vietnam team would increase the profitability of MG’s sales into this market and drive long-term growth. “Vietnam has a population in excess of 90 million people and is the world’s thirteenth most populist country. “Dairy food consumption growth is forecast to be in excess of 10% per annum and local milk supply will be insufficient to meet this growing demand.”

Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

6 // news

Buyback scheme hurt flooded communities Christopher, Rosemary and Stuart Murray refused the buyback offer for their flooded property.

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Stuart Murray is a born and bred Murrabit west local. The family dairy farm he runs with his wife Rosemary and son Christopher has been in the family for over a hundred years. He didn’t even stop to consider the buyback offer on his 455ha properties under the Federal Government’s flood buyback scheme. “This is my home,” he said. “I have lived here all my life and I’m part of the place. We’ve had floods before and we’ll have them again but life goes on. You can’t dwell on things - we will just keep on doing our own thing with our own farm.” During the flood peak the only thing that remained dry on the Murray’s property was one house and around 8ha. Christopher’s house was flooded and 15 months later he still hasn’t been able to move back in. “The flood water was 6-8 foot deep in some places and the water gouged out holes you could fit a semi trailer in,” Stuart said. The 270 cow herd were walked off the property on January 23 last year and didn’t return again until the roads were passable on April 30. When they did finally make it home it was to paddock after paddock of beautiful green feed. “I have never seen so much grass, our poorer soils grew better which I guess was due to all the sediment in the water,” Christopher said. The family have dealt with the unavoidable production losses, mastitis and foot problems and today the girls are milking better than ever. “The stress on the cows at the time was ter-

rible though,” Rosemary adds. And while there is still much work to be done to fix up damaged irrigation infrastructure including channels and pipes and a bit of lasering, the family are more than happy to continue dairying on the property that has been in their family for over a century. They have no immediate plans to expand herd numbers, perhaps just become more self-sufficient if the opportunity arises for them to expand their land holdings in the future. “There is a place across the road we have our eye on and we did buy some of that well before the last flood, but we’ll just have to wait and see.” Stuart remains unconcerned about irrigation water delivery. “I have my delivery shares and my water right so they still have to supply me with water. There are three different options available to us.” Stuart will meet with the Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Project to discuss these options. “The buyback has been no good for the area and those surrounding it. While we may not make a lot of money we certainly spend it in the surrounding towns and we have lost all that. “Seven hundred cows have left the district and there are a lot of locked gates around which is no good for anyone.” Stuart believes the whole process could have been managed better. “Farmers should have been helped out with low interest loans instead of selling them out. They should have farmed with them and not against them.” “The buyback was the wrong thing to do the whole area has been affected including our schools,” Rosemary said.

Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

news // 7

A tough decision to leave SOPHIE BRUNS

Stephen Hawken was in his ninth

year of a 10 year plan for his 259 hectare Benjeroop dairy farm when the floodwater hit and turned his world upside down. He had thrown his heart and soul into improving the rundown property situated only a short distance from the Murray River. “The home farm was fully developed,” Hawken said. “We had lasered, improved pastures and were just waiting for some irrigation automation and dairy upgrade to finish things off. “I had been miles in debt but had crawled my way out milking 250 cows and everything was good – we had just started kicking some serious goals and then the floods came.” When the flood water was on its way, Hawken and his partner Jacqui Challis made the tough decision to relocate their herd to another district in what they thought was just a short-term solution. Initially Callis moved with the cows while Hawken stayed on to battle the water. As time progressed and it became apparent things weren’t going to improve in the short term, they made a more permanent move to a dairy farm across the border in NSW. They always had every intention to return home to Benjeroop and continue where things were left off, but the voluntary buyback changed all that. In the end it was the fact they couldn’t be guaranteed any sort of water security for the future that forced the couple into making the difficult and very unwanted decision to sell their farm. “The financial offer was reasonable and I certainly don’t want to sound like a whinger, but when it boils down to it, we really felt we had no other choice but to accept. “I think the whole thing was ill-conceived and poorly managed and instead of encouraging farmers to be pro-active and move on, they have just shut down the area and decimated the community. “Some people will think we got a golden handshake by selling our water as well as both farms but the reality is we had to sell something we never really wanted to.” Hawken said the community did ini-

Stephen Hawken with partner Jacqui Challis and their son, Henry.

tially call for government help but that was only to pump flood water off and improve the flood management systems. “I cannot tell you whose idea the buyback was, I’m pretty sure that idea came from someone outside our community.” While it is fair to say the couple

weren’t happy to leave Benjeroop they eventually moved onto a new 178ha property near Echuca on January 30, this year, shortly before the birth of their son, Henry. It is a new beginning for the family in more ways than one and they are determined to look forward and not back.

The new farm has a rotary, good shedding and house, and some automated irrigation infrastructure but the soils are poorer and they are now farming without any High Reliability Water Shares (HRWS). “I had to sell my irrigation water to buy a smaller farm and I’m really not

Buyback scheme shuts gates The northern Victorian dairying communities of Benjeroop and Murrabit West were amongst some of the hardest areas hit by the floods in January, 2011. Water lay around for months as farmers were forced to move their stock to higher ground,

or in some cases, move them from the district all together. In April 2011, the state Government made the controversial announcement under the $21 million Lower Loddon Floodplain buyback scheme to allocate $12.3 million to purchase land

and irrigation water through a voluntary buyback scheme. Under the scheme, 15 properties affected by the floods were sold, including three dairy properties. Two dairy farmers accepted the package and moved their operations

to other areas while one exited the industry all together. As a consequence, over 700 cows were stripped from the area, along with the associated irrigation entitlements of several other farmers, including hay and broadacre farmers.

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very comfortable with that. I have traded permanent water for dairy infrastructure,” he adds. Looking to the future, the couple remains passionate about the dairy industry and they have plans to rebuild herd numbers up to around 280 cows. “I have milked large herds before but I’m comfortable around 280 cows. We have put the hard work into breeding high production, sound cows and we will concentrate on milking the numbers we have better.” The couple are also investigating supplying the A2 milk market. A firm believer in good soil health, Hawken had established his own worm farm at Benjeroop (which grew to just over 1ha in size) where he spread the castings and used the liquid fertilisers to grow vast quantities of feed. This is something he has plans of restarting at his new property. “At the end of the day we have to look forward with no regret, get the job done and move on.”

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Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

8 // news

Brothers make farm changes after US visit RICK BAYNE

Bernie Baxter

The feedpad

installed five years ago on Erwin Vandenberg’s farm at Katamatite in northern Victoria has helped his production, but it’s nothing compared to what he saw during a recent tour of dairy farms in the USA. Vandenberg was one

of 43 farmers from the Murray region to take part in a tour to Arizona and California organised by CRC Agrisolutions. Vandenberg and his brother Iwan are now milking 1100 cows on their 660 hectare property (420ha home farm, 240ha run off) but they remain a long way from the intensive feedlot operations in the desert

Real farmers. Real results. HOLLODDON HOLSTEINS NEWBRIDGE, VICTORIA A TESTIMONIAL BY JON & NADINE HOLLAND www.performanceprobiotics.com | Phone 1800 118 872 I began investigating different options with my fresh cow transition diets. I was not happy with the levels of ketosis and sub clinical acidosis in my fresh cows, particularly in the younger cows. We had been using the Healthy Herd for a while and were pleased with the results, and so gave the Performance Fire-Up a try. What are the things you like most about Performance now that you have been using our product/s for a little while? What does it help you achieve?

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Since using the Healthy Herd, our cases of acidosis has dropped to virtually nil. The Fire-Up lead feed has also had a very positive impact. The transition from dry cow to lactating cow has been much smoother, with a dramatic reduction in the cases of ketosis. Fresh cows have a much stronger appetite post calving which allows them to maintain body condition through the transition. The Healthy Calf Plus has greatly reduced the cases of scours. Calves are clearly healthier with shiny coats. Their intake of pellets has increased, and from an earlier age. The biggest difference has been the late born calves. They now compete much better and catch up to the other groups faster, whereas traditionally they have often struggled. What would you say to a friend who was thinking of investing in Performance Probiotics, but wasn’t sure? When you consider your feed budget is by far the biggest cost on any dairy farm, Performance Pro-Biotics are a way of ensuring you are maximizing the return on your feed investment. Has it saved you time/money/effort? How? The reduction in sick calves since introducing the Healthy Calf in their diets has been significant. The time/money/effort now saved that was previously spent on caring for sick calves has had a great impact on the calf rearing program. The milking herd has also benefited through less health issues during the calving transition, which then results in earlier and greater production peaks and earlier onset of reproduction cycles. How easy is Performance to use in your system? The Healthy Cow and Healthy Calf additives have been very easy to implement and have very little impact on day to day workload. The Fire-Up has required a few alterations before finding a system that worked. However I believe any lead feed system requires a degree of effort, and I’m confident the system now in place is affective, and the benefits far outweigh the additional workload. What is the ‘major benefit’ you see in using Performance? Healthier cows. In a herd of 150 with fresh cows currently entering the herd, there is not a single cow in the herd that does not have a shiny glossy coat. It is a simple inclusion to the overall management and diet that ensures they are able to maximize their potential.

areas around Tempe in Arizona that boast up to 7500 cows based around one massive dairy. Economies of scale, around-the-clock dairy operations and efficiencies gained by feedlot housing have inspired Erwin to look at new ways to improve his farming operations. “They’d have 500 cows milked and back in their sheds within two hours,” he said. “They are very well organised while also looking after the health of their animals, which was good to see.” The tour visited several farms in both states, including many largescale feedlot operations in difficult desert environments. Vandenberg said he had learned a lot from seeing first-hand the different style of farming. “They’ve got their dairies spinning 20-24 hours a day and they achieve an 8% production increase by milking three times a day. “Because the cows are all in feedlots, they’re close to the dairy and they don’t have to walk too far. “That means milking three times a day is not a big issue and you get the better production response by emptying their udders more often.” This system also reduces mastitis and lowers cell counts. “They’ve getting a better product and more from it,” he said. Those on the tour were impressed by the quality of the feed and the efficiency of the feeding system. “Their cost of feeding is no worse than ours because of their economies of scale, and then because production is so high they further dilute the costs. “There had been some talk about how they feed their cattle but they have a safe mix of rations and high quality forage feed.” A lot of feed is brought in but with irrigation a few farmers are starting to grow their own. “Considering they’re

smack bang in the middle of the desert it’s pretty impressive,” he said. The intensive production systems appeal to Vandenberg. “They are high production cows and that is where we need to be heading,” he said. “I think our industry will start moving more and more towards feed pads. I hope grazing remains part of it but to get big feedlots will make it easier, especially in our climate.” Inspired by the American operations, the Vandenberg brothers have installed showers to keep their cows cool at the feed pad and are planning to erect a roof over the loafing areas. “The floods made it very difficult to graze. The fact that so much pasture was damaged meant that everything got re-sown which meant that the cows tended to damage new pastures before they really got established. “Loafing areas would have come in handy at that time.” At the US farms gull-time milkers are employed on either eight or 12-hour shifts to keep the dairies in production around the clock; however Vandenberg sees Australia’s labour laws as hindering that happening here. “If that was to happen here we’d need to look at freeing up the labour laws. The only other options we have are more automated dairies and robotics. “The workers in America are well paid but the penalty rates would kill us in Australia.” Drought, a lack of water and more recently floods which extensively damaged the Katamatite farm have prompted the brothers to look into other options for saving costs. They plan a return trip to the US to inspect even larger properties in New Mexico and Texas. “This was my first time to the States and my first organised trip. I’d certainly recommend it to anyone,” he said.

Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

News // 9

Feedlot dairies dominate US landscape The sight of a dairy farm emerging from between the cactus and desert vistas of Arizona was a real eye-opener for a group of Australian dairy farmers. Finding out how those farms feed and house their cattle and operate their dairies around the clock was even more enlightening for the group. Forty three farmers from the Murray dairy region recently returned from a study tour to the United States which took in large-scale feedlot-type operations around Tempe in Arizona and Fresno in California. Although based in hot and harsh desert climates, dairy farming prospers in Arizona thanks to irrigation, efficient management and a well-developed feedlot system. The tour was organised by CRC Agrisolutions and director Scott Rathbone said farmers and their staff and managers appreciated seeing innovations first hand. “On this trip we had clients send managers and key staff to see what they are trying to implement. To see it first-hand helps them to understand what the owners are trying to achieve,” Rathbone said. “It’s always good to get out of your backyard and see what others are doing.” The tour aimed to give young farmers the opportunity to experience how USA farmers implement strategies to tackle areas such as forage production and conservation, cow comfort, herd health and

Riverina farmers Steven Kydd and David Owen at Wreden Ranch Dairy, California.

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The milking shed in an Arizona dairy farm. Photo: Bernie Baxter.

fertility, free stall and dry lot designs, effluent management, calf rearing and dry cow facilities. They saw farms that are home to up to 10,000 cows, all based on feedlot operations. “We can certainly learn from farming systems that cope with 5000 cattle and use feedlots,” Rathbone said. The tour took in a variety of farms with a strong focus on feedlot operations and gave participants the chance to hear from researchers working to improve Arizona’s dairy industry. Dr John Smith from the University of Arizona outlined developments in cow cooling to help dairy cattle to avoid heat stress in the harsh climate and maintain a high level of milk production. His colleague Dr Bob Collier spoke to the group about the environmental effects on gene expression in animals such as dairy and beef cattle. The tour met with several farmers highly regarded in the USA for their profitable operations and also visited the Tulare field days, one of the biggest events of its kind in the country. Rathbone said that following the tour, participants had renewed motivation to make positive changes to their businesses. They have also shared their experiences with other farmers at forums in Tocumwal and Tallangatta. CRC Agrisolutions has been hosting tours for five years and plans more to South America and the United States.

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Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

10 // NEWS: MURRAY DAIRY RENEWAL

Marshalls return to industry through unique lease deal RICK BAYNE

Robert Marshall was looking for a way to get back into the dairy industry when a tempting proposition came his way. Robert had advertised for a farm to lease and jumped at the option to share a farm at Wunghnu (pronounced ‘one ewe’) near Shepparton with a small cheese operation, Locheilan Farmhouse Cheese. He now milks 120 cows and provides milk to the cheese makers as part of a leasing arrangement which is benefitting both parties. The partnership between Robert and his wife Raewyn with Sue and Bruce McGorlick from Locheilan Farmhouse Cheese is one of many novel set-ups being developed in the Murray Dairy region. The partnerships are luring former farmers back to the industry and the district while also attracting newcomers to the area. Robert and Raewyn had moved to Australia from New Zealand 15 years ago and worked around Mooroopna and in Tasmania before moving to northern Victoria and entering a share farming agreement. However, they got caught up in a prolonged drought and in 2008 decided to sell the bulk of their herd. “We kept the best of them, about 40 Holsteins, and parked them with some friends,” Marshall said. He moved to Western Australia and worked in the mines at Kalgoorlie for a year but when the Global Financial Crisis hit he was forced to move. “I went back to what I knew -milking cows. We spent two years at Dubbo, NSW, waiting for the right opportunity to come along. “We intended to come back to northern Victoria. We always called the area home. We both had jobs in Dubbo so we could wait for the place that we wanted.” That opportunity came up when the McGorlicks saw the potential in a fresh leasing arrangement. “We pay the lease in milk which they use to make cheese. It’s a different sort of partnership but it works out well for both of us,” Marshall said. The McGorlicks had sold their cows and were buying milk but then decided it made better business sense to provide their own milk. They had been milking 50 cows but were struggling to maintain the dual aspects of the business. “They didn’t want to be milking cows and making cheese at the same time,” Marshall said. Marshall said the time was right for his return to dairying in the Murray Dairy region. “Water is available and cheap, there’s plenty of hay and the price for our milk is not too bad.”

“We pay the lease in milk which they use to make cheese.”

Above: Raewyn and Robert Marshall returned to northern Victoria through a unique leasing arrangement. Left: The Marshalls supply milk to Locheilan Farmhouse Cheese. Right: The Marshalls milk 120 cows.

After managing a property with 1400 cows in Tasmania and previously having his own herd of more than 200, Robert has settled in nicely with his current 120 cows. “We’re on 360 acres and we’re milking 120 cows. We can make a decent living out of 120 so why do more? “It’s a good balance. We can keep our stock at home, grow our own feed and get on well with the people we work with.” The only drawback since resuming in the region was the summer flood. “All we could see was about 15 acres

that weren’t under water. We’ve resown now and we’re getting on top of it.” Likewise the McGorlicks are pleased with the arrangement. They buy milk from the Marshalls three times per week (the remaining milk is sent to a local processor) and have now regained balance in their lives after previously juggling the milking and cheese making with a bed and breakfast business. “When we were milking on our own it was nearly killing us,” Sue said. “I said

`that’s enough...we’ve got to think of something else’.” They had tried other options, including parking their remaining 50 cows with a neighbour who milked them once per day, employing someone to run the farm and milking the cows on their own. But each of these options had flaws. “When we saw the ad for someone looking for a place to lease it sounded perfect. Nobody else milks and makes cheese on the same property so we needed to make a change.” Marshall bought their remaining

cows and the farm machinery as part of a three-year leasing deal. Because the cheese making has an average 12% yield, there is enough milk left for the Marshalls to make a comfortable living from their 120 cows. Both businesses are now doing well. “Effectively we now have two businesses running successfully off the one property,” Sue said. “Because we’re on the farm we can help out if anything goes wrong. We get on well and it’s working out well. “We’re both happy.”

Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

NEWS: MURRAY DAIRY RENEWAL // 11

Targeting new farmers aids Northern Vic production region of northern Victoria has been reinvigorated with innovative ownership models, available land at an affordable price and access to water attracting new dairy operations. The new operations have contributed to an 18% increase in production in the region, which has been underpinned by improved production rates on existing dairy farms. It follows on from a decade of challenging operating conditions including drought, locusts, reduced access to water and more recently major flooding in two successive years. However, local farmers have emerged from these challenges with improved knowledge and skills and despite setbacks caused by floods over recent summers, the region is poised for more growth. Murray Dairy has delivered a number of projects and tools designed to support farmers in growing their business within the region. The Cluster Farms project funded by the Gardiner Foundation developed a number of different ownership and partnership models to attract new start-ups to the region and encourage existing farmers to grow their businesses. The initiatives are starting to pay off. Chief Executive Officer Sarah Parker said the promotion of new ownership and partnership models and cluster farms had helped to ignite fresh interest in the Murray region. “There are good opportunities for dairy in our region at the moment and people are taking advantage of that,” Ms Parker said. “Land is relatively cheap and viable for dairy, water is available at good prices and there are options available for farmers to improve business performance,” she said. Murray Dairy has instigated a series of projects

accounts for around 21% of Australia’s total milk production. About 90% of this milk is produced on farms located in the irrigation

districts of northern Victoria and southern NSW. “The access to secure and reliable irrigation water and proximity to major hay and grain pro-

ducers are competitive advantages for our region,” Ms Parker said. Murray Dairy is using its various partnership models to target both

interstate and overseas investors as well as existing farmers interested in expanding. “There is a lot of interest for expansion from

within the region along with the new start-ups with competition for milk supply and capacity amongst processors,” Ms Parker said.

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umbrella, or they can be more simple arrangements for leasing land between neighbouring farms. “Cluster farms are one of the ways for the future,” Ms Parker said. “We’ve already had a number of farmers become involved. “It could be a dairy farm and a hay farm forming a partnership and farming together, agisting cattle on a neighbouring property or growing crops for a neighbour. “There is also a silent investor model where an investor can buy the property and hire back the previous owner to be manager.” Other farmers are seeking to buy small neighbouring blocks to boost their land and pasture capacity. “Farmers are becoming self-sufficient and looking to manage their business more effectively with improved infrastructure and feed systems, which for some farmers includes utilisation of feed pads,” Ms Parker said. The Murray Dairy Business Tool has also been developed to assist dairy farmers to make better informed decisions and manage current seasonal conditions. The Murray Dairy region has about 1840 dairy farms producing 1.8 billion litres of milk which

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Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

news // 13

Government must invest in water infrastructure The Australian Dairy Indus-

try Council wants the Murray-Darling Basin Plan to include lower water recovery targets and more investment in infrastructure to meet environmental objectives. The claims were made in ADIC’s submission on the draft Murray Darling Basin Plan. Submissions and the consultation process closed last month. ADIC chair Chris Griffin warned that the draft Basin Plan imposes unnecessary hardship on irrigation dependent communities, when the MDBA itself recognises that similar or better environmental outcomes can be achieved with less than the proposed 2750GL. “The Government’s Water Recovery Program, with its heavy reliance on

buyback for most of the environmental water, will not deliver communities that are better adapted to reduced water availability,” Griffin said. In its submission, ADIC has recommended: ■■ Environmental water holders must demonstrate they can use the water already recovered effectively before more water is removed from productive use. ■■ The water recovery targets (1636GL) should be changed to 247GL in the northern system, 1318GL in southern connected system, 71GL in southern disconnected valleys. ■■ The remaining buyback and infrastructure funding must be pooled and the Government must commit

■■

to investing in a package of environmental works, improved river operations and other measures as the priority. The 2015 review should assess progress in achieving downstream objectives. The costs for the Basin Plan’s management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting regimes must be shared among all Australians – not just passed on to those who live and work in the Basin itself via higher water bills. The plan should be revised to include more recent, positive environmental data reflecting the environmental response since the drought ended.

Vic economy takes $2.7b hit under plan The Murray Darling Basin

Plan would wipe $2.7 billion a year from Victoria’s economy, under its draft plan to divert 2750 billion litres of irrigators’ water to the environment. Victorian Farmers Federation analysis shows the state will lose 400 billion litres from irrigation under the MDBA’s draft basin plan. Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2011 analysis of irrigated agriculture shows Victoria’s water users deliver a gross value return of $2725 for every million litres used – or almost $1.1 billion a year. Applying a standard economic multiplier of 2.5 in terms of the flow-on effects of irrigated produce to the rest of

the economy means an annual loss of $2.7 billion to farmers, their towns and the industries that depend on them. The VFF said the only way to sustain the health of basin communities in Victoria was to recover water through efficient use of both irrigation and environmental water. “The plan in its current form will see the Federal Government once again wade into the water market rather than investing more in water savings,” outgoing president Andrew Broad said. “So far it has spent more than $1.7 billion on purchasing 990 billion litres of water, 379 billion litres of which has come from Victoria – that’s

38% of all Commonwealth purchases. And it has still got $1.4 billion more in its back pocket to spend. “These dollars would be much better spent on irrigation infrastructure and using water more efficiently in operating the river and watering wetlands.” The VFF has rejected the current plan and has called for alternatives in its submission. “The MDBA hasn’t even justified how it will use the massive volumes of water it wants to acquire. “The authority can’t expect regional communities to buy into a plan which won’t even explain where their water is going,” Broad said.

“The MDBA itself recognises similar or better environmental outcomes could be achieved with less water if these other options are factored in,” Griffin said. “But the draft plan as it now stands doesn’t have the flexibility for less than 2750GL in entitlements to be recovered, regardless. “Without this flexibility, there is no incentive for government to invest in programs other than buybacks when it is needed for infrastructure and environmental works.” ADIC Basin Taskforce chair Daryl Hoey said water availability and affordability are the dairy industry’s key issues, along with the plan’s effects on the viability and vibrancy of country communities. “The draft Basin Plan will result in a

30% reduction in water diversions for agriculture, and drive up prices for trade in temporary water,” Hoey said. “Less water delivered through shared irrigation districts will also put water companies under intense pressure to increase charges to cover the costs of maintaining and operating the system. “ In the meantime, ADIC wants the remaining buyback and infrastructure funding ($2 billion in Water for the Future Fund plus a further $1.4 billion committed for further buyback 20152019) pooled and reprioritised. ADIC has identified a range of projects using this government funding such as on-farm efficiency, irrigation infrastructure upgrades, environmental works and supplementary licences.

Greens, irrigators want changes National

Irrigators

Council chairman Stewart Ellis has rejected the Murray-Darling Basin Plan as unacceptable. Ellis said the NIC submission highlighted the major concerns irrigators had with the draft Basin Plan and said it was now up to the MDBA and the Government to take on board those concerns. “The NIC has found that the Draft Basin Plan in its current form is undeliverable and without changes there is the very real risk of catastrophic environmental, social and economic mistakes being made,” Ellis said. “The current trajectory of reform is too heavily biased towards water as the only management solution, and that the environment takes precedence over people, communities and food and fibre production. “The National Irrigators’

Council believes the Sustainable Diversion Limit (consumptive use) needs to be increased. “There has been no justification for the massive social and economic dislocation the recovery of 2750 Gl/y of long term cap equivalent water will unleash on communities across the Murray Darling Basin. “Nor has there been adequate explanation of how the water recovered for the environment will be used, where it will be used and for what purpose it will be used.” Ellis said the NIC believed the 2015 review needs teeth to ensure its findings can be acted upon. “Water recovery should not just be focused on privately held water entitlement and must also look at operational efficiency of 70% of all water flows in the MDB already allocated to the environment,” he said.

Greens leader Christine Milne is also opposed to the plan, but for very different reasons. The Greens hold the balance of power in both houses and Milne, on a recent visit to the lower lakes and Murray mouth, said 4000GL of water was needed for the environment. Milne said the draft plan needed significant changes and that her tour made her more determined to force the government to acknowledge what they’re proposing is a “recipe for disaster and can’t be passed through Parliament”. Milne is backing the SA government’s opinion that 4000GL is needed. Milne said the Greens were standing by the scientists “who say taking the 2009-year water levels as a baseline is not a fair representation of what’s going on in the system.”

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Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

14 // world news

US farmers subsidise exports A UNITED States dairy

farmers group is subsidising the export of 824 tonnes of cheese and 487 tonnes of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The product is to be delivered by September. Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) says it has accepted 16 requests for export help from Bongards Creameries, Dairy Farmers of America, Dari-

gold, Foremost Farms, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Upstate Niagara Cooperative and United Dairymen of Arizona. CWT has also announced it will begin assisting sales of whole milk powder. CWT is a voluntary, producer-funded scheme by the National Milk Producers Federation to strengthen and stabilise milk prices. Dairy farm-

ers in every state, producing almost 70% of the country’s milk, have

signed to give 2c for each 45kg of milk they produce. The federation says the

export market is growing eight times faster than the domestic U.S. market. CWT decided in 2010 to focus on increasing sales of dairy products overseas via the export assistance scheme, rather than funding a wellknown herd retirement scheme. It says an analysis shows that for every dollar spent by CWT in helping members export dairy products, $16.59

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59,000 cows. CWT says this help to its members supports producer milk prices short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese and butter prices. “In the long-term, CWT’s [scheme] helps member co-ops gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for US dairy products and the farm milk that produces them,” it says.

NZ delays ETS for ag

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is returned to dairy producers. This export funding means CWT this year has now assisted member cooperatives to sell cheddar, monterey jack and gouda cheese totalling 19,685 tonnes, and 17,463 tonnes of butter, to 25 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 562,000 tonnes, or the same as the annual milk production of

20/04/12 4:25 PM

plans to change the law on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to make it easier to defer bringing agriculture into the scheme in 2015. This provision is one of many contained in a consultation document released last month. The other major aspect for agriculture is a provision to allow ‘offsetting’ of forest land, a move that would greatly benefit Landcorp and others developing dairy farms in the central North Island. Under the current law agriculture is scheduled to be included in ETS in 2015, subject to a review in 2014. The review will assess availability of technology for farmers to reduce emissions and whether major trading partners are taking steps to reducing their emissions. The Minister for Primary Production, David Carter, said if the 2014 review said the entry of agriculture into ETS should be delayed, the Government would have to rush through legislation. “What we are proposing in the ETS Amendment Bill is to put in a provision that if the review says ‘don’t put in agriculture in 2015’, we make that change by regulation rather than by legislation.” But Carter believes agriculture will eventually

be a part of an ETS – it’s a matter of timing. “At this stage, despite a lot of research into ways of reducing methane emissions, there are no known economic solutions available to farmers. But I am confident that over time science will give us some solutions to methane emissions. That’s why we are putting so much money into science and research to find solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – particularly methane. Once those solutions are available then we would quickly encourage farmers to use them.” Offsetting emissions with forestry would mean an owner of pre1990 forest would be able to convert the land to another use, such as dairying, provided they plant a similar area of land in trees. Under current legislation the cost of converting pre-1990 forested land is very high due to its carbon liabilities. Carter agrees this will benefit Landcorp but there will be trade-offs. “The government previously gave allocations of carbon credits to the owners of pre-1990 forests because of the potential loss of value because of the difficulty of converting it... With offsetting available, the government may claw back some of the previously promised allocation of carbon credits.” The document is out for consultation until May 11.

Specialist livestock agency servicing Australia’s dairy industry Vicstock, with its head office located in Geelong Victoria covers the dairying districts of Gippsland, Western and Northern Victoria, the Riverina in NSW, Tasmania and the South East of South Australia. Fonterra wants 30 farms like this in China by 2018.

Fonterra: 30 farms in China SUDESH KISSUN

FONTERRA SAYS it

plans to operate up to 30 Chinese farms by 2018, producing 1 billion litres of milk for consumer and food service products for the growing market. The limited New Zealand milk supply is prompting a search for milk pools overseas to meet global demand. The co-op, which recently opened its third Chinese farm in Yutian Province, will run some farms with partners, but will control the farms’ management. It is also looking at processing milk with Chinese partners. Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings said the co-op is targeting China as part of a ‘strategy refresh’ and wants hubs of four to five farms in main provinces. The farms will be close to major cities. “China is a continent and each region is basically a country,” he said.

“We have a reputation in China for producing safe and high quality milk. We’ll use Chinese milk to build and grow consumer positions and deliver our food service potential.” Spierings and Fonterra chairman Henry van der Heyden will be in Yutian on April 12 to open the 40ha farm. Fonterra’s three Chinese farms produce 170m litres of milk annually. Spierings wants milk production in China to grow to 500m litres by 2015 and 1 billion litres by 2018. Spierings said by 2020 demand for dairy in China will grow 7% while its milk supply will grow by only 4%. While New Zealand sells 20% of its milk to China, demand will grow for more milk imports into China. Spierings wants Fonterra to take a share of increased imports and local milk production in the country. “We want to step up the pace and invest in more Chinese farms.”

New Zealand milk will continue to be used for paediatric and nutrition products and infant formula for Chinese consumers. Fonterra also has a growing number of New Zealand customers exporting infant formula to China. Fonterra has four business units in China: ingredients, food service, consumer and nutritional products. Spierings said a high quality milk supply will allow close integration with these business units. “We see potential to significantly grow milk volumes outside of New Zealand by developing a high quality local milk supply and integrating it more closely with our business in China. “Our pilot dairy farms in China are producing some of the highest quality milk in the country and we are looking to accelerate the development of a quality milk supply in China and integrate that with our businesses there.”

Our core business of supplying various domestic and export abattoirs with dairy cows and calves is continuing to expand, as does the export heifer market and the private sale market which enables us to supply a complete service for the dairy/beef industry. Our newly appointed Tasmanian team has also expanded, with 7 agents now servicing the whole of Tasmania, specialising in dairy, but also servicing the beef and sheep grower sector. We offer a personalised agency service through our one to one on farm dealings, benefitting both the vendor and the purchaser. We have a good market for cull cows, bull and bullocks, as well as some exclusive export heifer markets into China and South East Asia that are being cemented through our Vicstock International team consisting of Mr Will Crozier (Managing Director), Mr Harold Sim and Mr Bruce Tang.

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Tapping into global milk supply FONTERRA SAYS it will maintain a strong milk supply position in Latin America. The co-op’s joint venture partner with Nestle – Dairy Partners Americas – collects three billion litres of milk from Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Bermuda and Ecuador. DPA runs 13 factories in these countries. Theo Spierings says it’s a different model from the Chinese.

“We don’t own farms but we ensure quality milk is collected.” In ASEAN markets the co-op will try to grow its brands business with milk collected from its farmer shareholders in New Zealand. The co-op wants to set up milk pools in India with partners. In 2010 it agreed with Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative and Global Dairy Health to look at a pilot farm.

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Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

16 // OPINION Ruminating

EDITORIAL

Alarmist reporting hurts entire dairy industry Any future media inquiries should investigate tabloid journalism at

milking it... Old TV tricks There was a beaut show on ABC TV in the 90s called Frontline. It was produced by the team behind the hit movie, The Castle, and laid bare the outrageous techniques used by commercial current affairs shows. Fair dinkum, I thought Channel 7 had resurrected it when I turned on Today Tonight and watched its beat-up on permeate. This was the lowest form of TV. It wasn’t journalism. Shows like Housewives of Beverly Hills are more constructive than this. Repeating a story A Current Affair aired three years earlier, Today Tonight “found” a “whistle blower” who revealed the use of permeate in milk. Apparently, this whistle blower couldn’t be named so they used an actor to “use the same words” but in alarmist, exasperated tones. Cue the use of coloured lighting to make permeate look like a chemical additive; cue the slow motion for images of liquid

poured into a vat to make it look more threatening; cue terms like “tightly held secret”. One of the fictional producers on Frontline told a junior reporter that the weaker the story, the more elements like these had to be included to make it look convincing. This Today Tonight piece was straight from that text book. It would have been funny if it wasn’t so damaging to the industry.

Karma Bus One company to benefit from the Today Tonight “report” was A2 milk. A2 Milk CEO Peter Nathan was happy to appear on the show and tell the audience of one million Australians that milk with permeate doesn’t taste the way milk should taste. “The public have a right to know about this ingredient because they’re not told about it,” Nathan said. He then goes on to spread the virtues of his own company’s milk and Today Tonight helpfully visited his factory to give A2 a plug. It wasn’t helpful to the

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industry as a whole. The timing of A2’s product recall less than a week later had us thinking of the karma bus. After spruiking about the health benefits of A2, the company had to recall batches of its milk because it was contaminated with foreign synthetic fibre.

understand what Murray Goulburn means when it says they will pass the costs onto farmers or c) is simply treating farmers with contempt. We think it’s option C – turn up to the conference, say my approved lines and then get out. That is disgraceful.

Second worst job? Oh Joe, not again! It’s not hard to see why the Federal Government has a credibility problem. Here’s a classic example from the recent Victorian Farmers Federation annual general meeting. It features Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig, so those who are exasperated by him should look away now. Ludwig told the delegates – with a straight face that the carbon tax does not affect agriculture. Western Victorian farmer Nicholas Renyard summed up the mood when he tweeted: Oh relief. My power bill will NOT rise, my milk price will NOT fall. Yeah right. We can’t work out whether Ludwig is a) not listening b) can’t

There are so many surveys out these days that they have to be taken with a grain of salt. So we shook our heads when an American HR Group said dairying was the second worst job out of 200. The company said it gathered “mounds of data” (we can only imagine the lack of scientific scrutiny there) to decide on the best and worst jobs. Those considered better included HR manager (what a surprise considering who compiled the report), actuary and software engineers. Now, actuaries interpret statistics to determine probabilities of accidents. Deskbound and poring over statistics, or working in the dairy industry – we know which we’d choose.

its very worst. The recent Today Tonight beat-up on permeate is a prime example of alarmist reporting extremely detrimental to an industry. The dairy industry is not the only sector that has been kicked by the likes of Today Tonight and A Current Affair. However, when it’s close to home like this, it really makes you angry. About one million people watch Today Tonight each night and most of them would have left with the message that somehow, some sort of chemical is being added to milk. The show was short on facts and the average consumer would not have the time or inclination to investigate what permeate is. They wouldn’t have time to discover permeate is produced when milk is passed through a sieve to separate the milk-sugar, vitamins and minerals components from milk protein. They may not have time to discover permeate is a natural product of milk processing and not a foreign additive as suggested by the program. They may not have time to find out dairy manufacturers can adjust these components to produce a variety of different types of milk such as low fat, high calcium, no fat, to meet customer demands. They may just decide to drink less milk, or switch to soy. Of course, there was no mention that the composition of milk is governed by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Food Standards Code, which ensures consumers purchase nutritionally consistent, high quality and safe products. The FSANZ Food Standards Code allows processors to adjust the components of milk delivered from farms, when necessary, to produce a wide variety of nutritionally consistent and safe products. The report was a blow to the product’s credibility and one that will take time to fully recover from. Alarmist reporting in a high-profile spot like this can undo much good work done by Dairy Australia and processors to build milk’s reputation as a highly nutritious, safe and consistent product. Programs like this, which would do anything to boost ratings to increase advertising revenue, undermine products through the provision of misleading information to consumers. It’s also disappointing to see dairy processors seek to benefit from this. A2 featured prominently in the program and promoted its range of milk, which it said did not contain permeate. It was free advertising for A2 in a prime time spot, but in a program that cast an appalling and unfair light on Australian milk and the industry. We’re not naive. We realise processors have to gain an edge, but there has to be a better way than joining in disparaging programs like this.

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Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

opinion // 17

Clock ticking on Basin Plan JOANNE GRAINGER

THE Murray Darling Basin Authority has called time on submissions to the proposed Basin Plan, but the water reform process is far from over for all those with a stake in the health of this vast river system. The authority is now reviewing about 12,000 submissions lodged over the last 20 weeks of consultations, which were preceded by numerous other submission rounds, focus groups, community meetings, and other consultation events. With these final submissions, it amounts to about 200 submissions per day the authority must deliberate upon in the next two months if it is to incorporate the information into a revised draft plan to present to the Murray Darling Ministerial Council mid-year. Even discounting the very large number of campaign submissions

which were entered via websites, there are serious questions about how much consideration the authority will give to these submissions. However, the real test will be whether the authority can deliver a final plan that would be accepted by communities and irrigators, which they have failed to do with the proposed plan. The authority has failed one of the most fundamental tests for irrigation communities, and that is to justify its proposed Basin-wide cutback of 2750 gigalitres. Regional communities have also long been emphasising that improving the health of the Basin’s rivers can be achieved in a number of ways other than water buyback. The proposed plan fails to justify the provision of specific figures for environmental water and to provide plans for the efficient use of this environmental water. We are faced with dealing with a

security of entitlements or reliability of those entitlements. One solution that QFF has proposed in our submission is a localism initiative, which would allow local entitlement holders and the community to investigate solutions that minimise the economic impacts, The QFF is concerned about in conjunction with the what process the government Commonwealth and would take if diversion limits State. This inadequate procannot be achieved through vision for the socioecovoluntary means. nomic impacts of the Basin Plan has probably ments – comes at a great cost to the been the draft’s biggest flaw – and thereFederal Budget, and may fail to meet the fore localism is one practical means of targets if sufficient willing participants seeking to rectify this problem in the for either recovery program cannot be final plan. The proposed plan tries to deal with found. We are therefore concerned about all these uncertainties by allowing for a what process the government would review of progress in 2015. While QFF take if diversion limits cannot be supports this approach, the proposed achieved through voluntary means, plan fails to explain what the review will which may impact adversely on either cover. This may suit Canberra bureauhuge negative socio-economic impact on regional communities, without the confidence about precisely what would be achieved for the environment. Also, continued reliance on the current recovery programs – buyback and on-farm water use efficiency invest-

crats but leaves irrigation communities facing uncertainty, particularly over the next three years. The next step in the process is for the authority to deliver a final plan to the Environment Minister Tony Burke. He may seek changes to the plan before submitting it to the Parliament which would have 15 sitting days to accept or reject it. It remains uncertain what the Parliament would do with the plan given the unfertile political ground in Canberra. However, irrigators will be looking for certainty from the process and certainly won’t be wishing for the plan to become a political fatality and thus initiating more and more public debate about the need for a solution. It is clear that the authority will need to deliver significant improvements to its final plan if it is to be accepted by irrigators and the community. Joanne Grainger is Queensland Farmers Federation President.

Ensure feed wedge keeps you covered JOHN SHEDDAN

WHEN YOU’RE buying a rural

property, the general rule is that sufficient feed is left on the property. Due to the way the ‘feed wedge’ is calculated, however, you could be left short of sustenance for your stock. Frequently in rural property sales a standard clause is included in the sale and purchase agreement that defines the average grass cover the seller is to leave on settlement. Why include that clause? The purpose of such a clause is to ensure the arriving farmer has some degree of confidence in the quantity of feed available as often the agreement has been drafted months before. Some more elaborate feed clauses provide for the situation where feed isn’t available and include a mechanism where any feed shortage

will be remedied by the departing party providing additional grain or dry feed to compensate for the shortfall. The underlying concept is that the ‘feed wedge’ for the property is maintained. The feed wedge is a diagrammatic view of the average grass length in each field plotted out in a bar graph format. The resulting graph ideally displays a range of grass length from the most recently grazed – and therefore field with the shortest grass – to that field which has remained ungrazed the longest and is due to be grazed next. The principle behind this is that stock are rotationally grazed through the property’s fields allowing each grazed field to be rested to ensure the maximum period of recovery for grass to re-grow. As the combined measurements are given as an average, it’s possible to compensate for an unduly short field by leaving grass longer in others.

Feed clauses in sales and purchase agreements leaves the new owner confident in quantity of feed available.

Two problems can theoretically arise from the feed wedge calculation: ■■ Additional feed can be eaten off by leaving all fields at the same length; this disturbs the grazing rotation;

■■

One or two paddocks are sacrificed due to feed or weather conditions to allow the remaining fields to remain undamaged. The point with the second problem

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is that while the overall grass cover meets the agreement’s requirements, the incoming farmer has a situation where the affected fields may be so badly damaged from pugging or compaction that growth is retarded for the coming season. The standard protection for such a situation is the insertion of a clause such as the good husbandry provision – that the farmer should follow usual farming practices; this test can, however, be difficult to quantify and enforce. A more certain alternative is to have a lawyer flesh out your agreement to provide that no individual field should have grass cover less than a minimum value and that there should be no excessive pugging or compaction in any field. This will provide you with a known, measurable and enforceable position. John Sheddan is a partner in New Zealand law firm Bannermans.

Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

18 // agribusiness

Upbeat A2 eyes China in expansion plans pam tipa

TWO New Zealand farms will

initially supply a2 milk for processing into infant formula. But more farms may be needed if A2 Corporation’s (A2C) realises its hopes for exports of the specialty milk powder into China, says Australian-based managing director Geoffrey Babidge. A2C last month announced an agreement with Synlait Milk to process the a2 milk formula at its Rakaia, NZ, plant. A2C will rely on partners to market the product in Asia and particularly China. Synlait Milk’s general manager, nutritional, Tony McKenna, says the two farms identified should be suf-

ficient for the start-up. With A2 milk find they can drink a2. The comdriving the market side, they will wait pany claims people who believe they are for the signals for increased volume and lactose intolerant are in fact reacting to the A1 beta-casein. potentially extra farms. Babidge says A2C is prioritising A2 milk is little known in New Zealand, but has taken off in Australia with plans to market infant milk formula in A2C last month opening a processing plant More farms may be needed if A2 in Sydney. It has also Corporation realises its hopes just announced a joint venture with Robert for exports of the specialty milk Wiseman in the UK. powder into China. Most dairy cows today produce A1 and A2 type beta- China, and hopes to have a distribution casein protein, but a2 milk comes from partner this calendar year and to build cows which naturally produce only some “meaningful” volumes in the A2. A2C promotes its product as help- short to medium term. Having done the research, A2 is now ing digestive well-being; it says many people who have problems drinking intent on commercialising the opportu-

A2 managing director Geoff Babidge says more New Zealand suppliers may be needed to meet its moves into China.

nity. “There is sufficient evidence and a growing body of science to support the health benefits of A2 milk for certain people. We are building successfully on that.” Babidge says A2’s difficulty in establishing itself in the New Zealand market results from mistakes 10 years ago when it was “adversarial to the dairy industry generally”. A number of licences were given to suppliers, but they have been bought back except for one exclusive licence

to Fresha Valley, Northland. “We are [discussing with them a reshaping of] our relationship so we can become more active in fresh milk in the New Zealand market,” Babidge says. A2C also last week announced a review with Greenhill Caliburn as principal advisor. “The review is in response to the increasing interest being demonstrated and approaches to the company from parties to look at potential partnership,” Babidge says.

export market for dairy products and one of the most important for Synlait Milk. “The infant formula market in China is worth an estimated US$10 billion,” says Penno. “Our fundamental business driver over the next five years is to continue to develop our nutritionals business and capitalise on the opportunities

this market presents.” Based in Canterbury, Synlait Milk combines farming with processing to produce nutritional milk products. These include infant and adult nutritional formulations, food ingredients and milk powder products. The company has 150 employees and at least 150 milk suppliers.

Chinese leader visits plant CHINESE LEADER Jia Qinglin last month visited Synlait Milk in New Zealand to see an example of successful bilateral investment between the company and Bright Dairy, China. The visit by Qinglin, chairman of the national committee of the People’s Political Consultative Conference, was his only appointment with a New Zealand company during his official tour. “We were honored by the visit and welcomed the opportunity to showcase our leading infant nutritional manufacturing capability to such an important leader and influential Chinese media,” says Synlait Milk chief executive officer John Penno. “The prospect of positive exposure to consumers though the big Chinese media networks such as Xinhua

and CCTV is invaluable to building our brand, and reinforcing New Zealand’s world-class reputation for food safety and quality to the lucrative Chinese market.” Qinglin and his entourage of at least 40 people met Synlait Milk executives before viewing the plant – Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most sophisticated making infant formula. The $100 million facility opened late last year. Qinglin also visited a farm supplying Synlait Milk and spoke with the family about the quality and care taken in the production of milk supplied to the processor. China is now New Zealand’s second-largest trading partner and export market. It is New Zealand’s biggest

Chinese leader Jia Qinglin visits Synlait.

China is New Zealand’s biggest export market for dairy products.

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Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

agribusiness // 19

World milk glut causes fall in auction prices After a long period of

relative stability, helped in part by increased frequency of auctions, it has been an action-packed month for the GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) platform. Now, all in the industry are once again awaiting the next event for an indicator of the market heading into the 2012/13 season. How has the GDT developed over the past year and how much does it reflect the wider market? In mid-April the GDTTWI (Trade Weighted Index) indicator fell 9.9%, the largest fall since July 2010. At the latest event on May 1, the GDT indicator fell a further 2.4% - with anhydrous milk fat (AMF) and milk protein concentrates (MPCs) suffering the greatest falls. The question is: How

global impact joanne bills representative of the wider market are these changes in the prices of products sold through the GDT? Around 788,000 tonnes of product have been sold on the platform over the past 12 months, representing under 9% of world trade in all dairy products. However for whole milk powder (WMP) the GDT share is just under 25% - a significant share of trade for this product. There is no butter sold on the GDT platform and

the volumes of cheese and AMF (anhydrous milk fat) are relatively small. AMF sells at a significant discount on GDT to butter spot prices which is difficult to explain, as AMF is a more concentrated and generally more valuable form of dairy fat. Based on this analysis it would have to be said that the GDT provides a much better indicator for WMP prices than for cheese or AMF. There are currently 620 buyers registered to buy product on GDT, however the number of participating bidders is typically a fraction of the number registered. The last two events have been characterised by large volume offerings and the lowest participation rates from registered bidders for some time.

With new sellers joining GDT over the past year, and New Zealand enjoying a bumper season, volumes offered in the past two auctions are around three times the amount on offer at this

time in 2011, while the number of registered bidders has doubled. In broad terms the past month of GDT activity does characterise the nature of the wider dairy market at present.

There is lots of supply – due to all exporting regions enjoying favourable seasonal conditions. Buyers are indeed holding back, with falling prices and high product availability there is a reluctance to

commit too far forward, so many are only covering their immediate requirements. However, some caution needs to be used when assessing these results for commodities that are not sold in large volumes on GDT or in spot markets generally such as cheese. In addition, the structure of the GDT auction itself - with each auction starting at a 15% discount from the price determined in the previous event - means it tends to reinforce downward trends in a weakening market. So while the GDT does provide an increasingly useful indicator it is not the only one, and needs to be viewed in a wider market context. Jo Bills is strategy and knowledge manager at Dairy Australia.

Queue growing for Chinese trade pam tipa

MAKE HAY while the

China sun shines because it won’t last forever. That’s the advice from an Auckland University business study group recently back from a trip to the region so as to advise Kiwi businesses. The China-NZ Free Trade Agreement (FTA) provides a significant cost advantage to New Zealand, Paul Hosking from the university’s business school reports in the BNZ’s ‘Growing with China’ report. “The favourable conditions are not expected to continue indefinitely as other nations are ready to sign FTAs,” he says. Meanwhile BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander, who produces ‘Growing with China’ once a month, says some Kiwis fret about ownership of New Zealand farmland extending to the Chinese. But the chances of strong

New Zealand.” Our primary sector is heavily capacity-constrained, he says, unlike Australia where primary exports can be expanded. Investment of at least A$400b is underway or planned. “So we have no choice other than to expand our farming sector Chinese through involvement investors are in the same sector offnow preferring shore,” he says. “There are, howto target Europe. ever, strong premium market opportunities offshore for New ZeaBut a third factor is, land food and beverage according to an Ernst and Young report released this products. In other words, more than just the good month, Chinese invesold fashioned bulk milk tors are now preferring to target Europe, citing “pric- powder, wool, meat and fruit and veg. ing, exchange rates and “But often our business deal dynamics”. On another issue, Alex- models overseas leave a ander says as large compa- lot of value in the market. We too easily give away the nies search the world for bigger margins to those on better technologies, there is strong demand for farm- the ground simply in the interests of securing some ing systems. “Our chalsales which will provide lenge is to figure out how some money for a bit more to supply such demand while maximising value for R&D.” capital inflows into any sectors in the near future do not look high, he says. The Crafar farms saga is one reason and Australia’s banning of Huawei from participating in the national broadband project will also deter the Chinese.

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Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

20 // management

Genetic base helps succession plan a feedpad 15 years ago after the wet year of 1997. They were milking 150 cows and converted the concrete exit yard into a makeshift feedpad by placing feed bales. The current feedpad went in the following year and Luke’s future plans include installing a roof to cover it. Cows usually eat after milking. Many Gippsland farmers installed makeshift feedpads last year after an extremely wet year and are looking to install permanent pads this year. The Wallace’s feedpad has helped reduce costs and maintain consistent Mel and Luke Wallace on their Poowong North dairy farm.

STEPHEN COOKE

A passion for elite

genetics helped subsidise Luke Wallace’s wage on his family dairy farm and is now helping he and his wife Mel fulfil their dream of farm ownership. The couple are both third generation dairy farmers – Mel was raised on her parents’ farm at Murraydale and Luke on their current property at Poowong North. They progressed to a 50:50 share farming arrangement with Luke’s parents, Cliff and Marieka, and farm ownership last October, when they purchased half the 81ha property. Luke had previously managed the property for 10 years in what has been a long transition to farm ownership. Before this, when he finished school

and first returned to the farm, he took the responsibility of herd management. “I was running the farm with my parents and working for the bare minimum otherwise the opportunity wouldn’t have been there as they couldn’t have paid any more,” Luke said. “It was a short-term sacrifice.” Luke implemented new management techniques with the support of his parents when he returned, which included reducing the size of paddocks, and started improving the quality of the herd through AI and ET programs. He essentially paid for his wage by improving production. He added to it in future years through selling cattle and embryos from his registered herd. “We couldn’t have survived without money from sales and embryos from the registered herd,”

Who:

Luke and Mel Wallace Where:

Poowong North What:

Succession Planning

Mel said. Although working hard for the bare minimum, Luke was able to indulge his passion for breeding. That passion remains. “We have undertaken a heavy ET program over the last five years and have concentrated on extending the base families using North American genetics.” The herd of 215 registered Jerseys now averages 6150 litres annually, comprising 310kg fat and

230kg protein. Luke and Mel plan to maintain that number and concentrate on improving the quality. “I’d actually like to milk a few less,” Luke said. “We could do that if we changed our calving patterns and have more cows calving in the off-peak period.” Currently, 40% of the Wallacedale herd calve from late February to early May with the balance calving from August 10 to early October. “This spreads the workload out more evenly. You can give more individual time to cows and calves when you don’t have 50 newborns in one week,” Luke said. “Most people start calving July 1, which is too wet here anyway. As growth rates slow down in July/ August, we don’t have an influx of cows to feed.” It also helps them pro-

duce more milk in UDP’s off-peak price schedule. “We peak in May when autumn calving is finished and send milk in the offpeak period when prices are higher. We get our second peak in early October when all the spring cows are in. “Our peak at the start of May is almost as high as the spring peak in early October. Our highest income months for the year are in June/July, when most have cows dried off and people don’t have a milk cheque, or a very small one.” The couple is now aiming to achieve the financial incentive for supplying 48% of their milk in the off-peak period. “If we can calve another 20 cows in February/ March that should get us into the next bracket. That’s the aim.” Luke’s parents installed

production. “We use it all the time in winter and summer,” he said. “It paid for itself pretty quickly all those years ago when you take into account the alternative cost of pasture renovation, feed saved and the increased production as a result. It’s still paying for itself.” Luke’s goal to hold the first on-property sale since 1984 will reach fruition when Wallacedale hosts a sale on May 31. “It’s been my longtime goal since I took over stud management,” Luke said.

Difficult process pays off Succession planning can still be a dif-

ficult process even with good will between the families involved. Luke and Mel Wallace continued their transition to farm ownership, purchasing 40ha of the 78ha property from Luke’s parents, Cliff and Marieka, last October. When it came time to discuss the progression to a 50:50 share arrangement – with Cliff and Marieka owning the property and Luke and Mel owning three quarters of the herd and the main tractor – they turned to a consultant. Initial discussions started five years ago. “It can be a delicate situation with family so we all thought it would be better to have someone come in and help you work through it,” Mel said. Luke and Mel made the decision to purchase the land because they wanted security. Cliff and Marieka also wanted to sell, to be less tied to the farm and for Cliff to concentrate on his passion – breeding Quarter Horses. “They probably wouldn’t still be milking cows if it wasn’t for Luke’s interest,” Mel said. “Even now, we have locked mum and dad in,” Luke said. “Their debt is minimal

but we need the labour unit. They own the dairy as the infrastructure is on their title. We would like to move to 100% farm ownership down the track.” When they came to a purchase price, Luke’s parents took into account his minimum wage paid when he returned to work on the farm. The consultant helped the family members come to an agreement but acquiring a loan proved the next stumbling block. The banks would not agree to a loan with the existing debt Cliff and Marieka had taken on to fund an earlier purchase of a 42ha blocked used to run dry cattle. Dividing that block into two titles and selling the second title of 1ha with a building permit helped reduce debt and Rabobank agreed to the loan. “The banks looked at our management history and saw the farm had performed well above average. “They also took the registered herd and the potential income from that into consideration. “Without mum and dad being so supportive and also making many sacrifices it is hard to see how we would have managed to move forward to farm ownership”.

Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

management // 21

Farmers clear the soil fog Farmers had the

opportunity to `clear the fog’ about alternative fertilisers - including some biological products - at a series of workshops held by WestVic Dairy this month. The workshops were arranged to address concerns raised by farmers during the WestVic Dairy Focus Farm program. WestVic Dairy Focus Farm facilitator Peter Wearne, who has organised the workshops, said they would help farmers to make better fertiliser and soil health decisions. “Farmers in our Focus Farm group wanted to find out more about the various alternative fertilisers that are on the market,” Wearne said.

“They were keen to get information on independent analysis of the products so they don’t have to rely solely on what the manufacturers claim.” The results of independent trials on eight different alternative fertilisers were outlined by Cam Nicholson from Nicon Rural Services. Wearne said farmers were keen to improve their soil health and there was growing interest in biological farming. “However, claims by some commercial enterprises that their products can help soil quality are not always backed by scientific research,” he said. Nicholson is carrying out independent trials on

products that companies have provided to compare against a control site. “The results show which products improve soil health and productivity under Western District conditions and will be a good guideline for local farmers,” Wearne said. “To give farmers more knowledge to improve management of their soil health will help every local farmer.” The sessions aimed

to increase farmers’ soil health knowledge to help them make more informed decisions in matching fertiliser applications to soils and pastures. Nicholson also outlined results of lime application trials conducted over 10 years to address soil acidification problems. The Glenelg Hopkins CMA and Bega Cheese sponsored the workshops with funding from Caring for our Country.

Government scraps drought safety net Farmers have

It will take two

called on the Fedyears to develop eral Government to a replacement urgently develop a new strategy. drought strategy, after announcing it would scrap exceptional circum- a sound strategy ready to stances interest rate subsi- replace it?” Tuohey said farmdies on June 30. ers would benefit from a The Federal Governdrought relief strategy that ment has announced it encouraged them to invest would take two years to in on-farm infrastructure develop a replacement and strategies that minidrought assistance stratmised their financial and egy for farmers. production risks. However Victorian “The government can Farmers Federation Pressupport these plans by ident Peter Tuohey said providing dollar-for-doltwo years was too long. lar grants towards drought “We need the governmitigation works, or by proment to act quickly, so viding tax incentives such farmers can prepare for the next drought,” Tuohey as accelerated depreciation. “It’s about getting tied said. grants or tax incentives “Farmers are now to buy silos, hay sheds or facing at least two years improved watering syswithout a safety net to tems, which ease the guard against exceptional circumstances. That’s just impacts of drought,” he said. not good enough. Tuohey said it was “We don’t want to have to wait until after the next crucial the government retained farm managefederal election. ment deposits, which were “Scrapping the interan important tool in allowest rate subsidies will not ing farmers to reduce their save the government any tax burden of highly varimoney, so why haven’t able incomes. they waited until there is

Make the most of more colostrum Less colostrum collection by some processors could leave farmers with more of the milk so vital for newborn calf health.

Visible faecal material should be removed where possible, wet teats should be dried and teat ends should be wiped with an antiseptic wipe.

Farmers can benefit by learning how to store this valuable, health-boosting milk. The rich source of antibodies can help protect young stock, but it needs careful harvesting, storage and feeding out.

Colostrum which contains flakes and clots has a high likelihood of being contaminated, and should be discarded. Containers used to hold or feed colostrum should be thoroughly washed with hot water and detergent and kept clean until required.

Even good-quality colostrum can become contaminated and then it becomes a health hazard to newborn calves. Milk tainted with faeces and dirt is not safe to give to newborn calves. Contaminated colostrum can cause scours and increases the risk of infecting the calf with Johne’s disease. In a scientific study the bacterial count of colostrum was found to be very low when sampled as it left the teat (which had been cleaned and wiped prior to collection) but was very high when it was sampled from the bucket or calf feeder. High bacterial counts can interfere with the absorption of antibodies during the critical first 24 hours. Bacteria also tend to produce acid, which can cause the breakdown of antibodies. Colostrum is an ideal medium for growing bacteria. Even colostrum taken straight from the udder is not sterile and the number of bacteria will quickly rise if it is not handled properly. Make sure that the udder is clean, using a similar procedure to that used for dry cow therapy. Gloves should be worn at all times.

Colostrum should be fed as soon as it is collected. If it has to be stored, freeze or refrigerate within one to two hours. To rapidly cool colostrum, place sealed ice packs in the colostrum collection containers. A scientific study has shown that refrigeration slows bacterial growth for up to 24 hours. By 48 hours after collection, there was no difference between immediately refrigerated colostrums and samples left at room temperature. If you need to store colostrum for more than 24 hours, consider using a preservative such as potassium sorbate added to make a final concentration of 0.5%. This has been found to keep immediately refrigerated colostrum to acceptably low bacterial counts for up to six days. Pasteurisation of colostrum has become popular on some dairy farms in the US. The antibodies in colostrum are easily damaged, so pasteurisation of colostrum needs different temperature and time regimes to those used for whole milk. Pasteurised colostrum has been found to remain acceptable for eight to 10 days if refrigerated.

This is one of the many examples of the dairy service levy at work locally. For more information on this and other levy investments visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au

Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

22 // management

‘Keep OAD milking simple or lose’ PETER BURKE

A FARM consultant at

Tom Phillips says OAD milking can be a viable option financially.

New Zealand’s Massey University says some farmers doing once-a-day

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(OAD) milking are in fact working twice a day and losing some of the benefits of OAD. Tom Phillips works for the university’s Centre of Farm Excellence but has

spent the past 30 years as a consultant in Australia, UK, France and Ireland. He was a keynote speaker last month at a DairyNZ run discussion group on a farm near Eketahuna, NZ. Phillips says he’s surprised to see some OAD farmers using supplements such as PKE (palm kernel extract) and other supplements not grown on their property. “The groups I’ve been dealing with in Europe have taken every cost out of the system. They strip it bare so you’d have to be a very brave person to get up and say you’re feeding concentrates or supplements,” he says. Phillips says he’s comfortable with OAD farmers using supplements grown on the milking platform. He says OAD is an extremely viable option financially and potentially the most profitable. Phillips says OAD is also a lifestyle choice and he’s ‘uncomfortable’ about measuring the success of dairy farming on a single issue, such as per-cow or per-hectare production. “There’s far too much measurement on a single factor no matter which country you go to. That’s why this sustainability approach – which includes people sustainability and profitability, herd fertility and extending the life of cows – is so important because it’s a much broader measurement.

“The core reason people are in business is to make profit but with OAD you can make very large profits and still be familyand staff-friendly,” he says. To achieve profitability, Phillips says there should be more emphasis on the amount of milk solids per kilogram of live weight. He says this is the measure used in Europe and he notes that this theory was developed by scientist John Penno at Ruakura. “The ultimate goal is to get a kilo of milksolids per kilo of live weight off pasture. So you are looking for a cow that forages and grazes very well and you’ve got to produce the right quality feed to get that result.” Phillips says a key objective of OAD farmers is to get the right cows and he’s an advocate of a somewhat harsh culling regime. “You want to be culling 25% of the cows primarily for production, but also for the ability for them to be in calf in the first three weeks. They must have the ability to milk OAD with a low cell count and no lameness. The cows you never see are the ones we want on OAD.” Phillips says it’s possible to produce a good cow for OAD within five years. This requires culling, getting young cows into the herd and focussing on breeding objectives.

New extension officer The Australian

Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) has appointed Sarah Saxton as an extension officer to support farmers in improving genetic gain in their herds. Sarah said she was excited with her new role which involves helping farmers and advisors to make better use of Australian Breeding Values (ABVs). “The reliability of ABVs is improving rapidly with

the inclusion of genomic data in recent years. We want to help farmers get the best value from this leap in genetic technology,” Saxton said. An animal science graduate, she has specialised knowledge in genomics, having spent time at Genetics Australia and the Dairy Futures CRC. Daniel Abernethy, ADHIS general manager, welcomed Sarah to the team.

Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

management // 23

Brave new world of dairy apps The techno world has

reached the dairy industry, with a range of applications that add convenience and power to the business of producing milk, without costing the earth. FutureDairy post-graduate students, Nicolas Lyons and René Kolbach, provided an insight at the Australian Dairy Conference into some of the apps now available to Australian dairy farmers. Applications which

gave the ability to log onto the farm remotely held the greatest appeal. Lyons outlined the first remote access application: the use of cameras installed at critical places on the farm that can be viewed through a home computer, lap top or smart phone. “The cameras are not expensive; they are the type commonly installed for security purposes,” he said.

DNA samples improve ABV accuracy Dairy farmers can

have greater confidence in the Australian Breeding Values (ABVs) released last month by the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) as their evaluation is based on more data than ever before. ADHIS general manager Daniel Abernethy said the reliability of ABVs had steadily improved since they were first introduced almost 30 years ago. “The amount of genomic data available has doubled in the past year, due to the addition of DNA samples from more proven bulls and the Dairy Futures CRC 10,000 Holstein cow genome project,” Abernethy said. “More data means improved reliability and that means farmers can have more confidence in ABVs.” Recently, bull companies, resellers and individual farmers have actively contributed DNA samples from bulls of all ages and covering a diverse range of pedigrees. The increase in available data means some bulls will move in their rankings, particularly young bulls. “As we get more information from genotyping and from herd testing, a bull’s ABVs can move, so the April 2012 ABVs are a more accurate reflection of his genetic merit.”

The reliability of ABVs based on genomic testing – ABV(g)s – for young bulls will increase on average by 8% for production traits and 4-7% for other traits in the April 2012 ABV release. “The easiest way to identify bulls to suit your particular breeding objective is to refer to the Good Bulls Guide, which is updated with each ABV release. “Dairy farmers can choose any bull in the Good Bulls Guide with confidence that it will improve the genetic merit of their herd,” he said. The latest edition is available now at www. adhis.com.au and the printed version will be sent directly to farmers. Data from the 10,000 Holstein cow genome project is expected to provide further advances in genetic evaluation of the Holstein breed. Dairy Futures CRC chief executive officer, David Nation, said the project had delivered a significant step up in the reliability of genomic based breeding values from the genotyping of 10,000 well-recorded Holstein cows. “Further improvements in the use of genomics will arise from completion of the Jernomics project for the Jersey breed, research into entire DNA sequences of dairy cattle, and new traits such as feed conversion efficiency,” Dr Nation said.

For example, a dairy farm in South Australia has a camera installed at the calving shed which is accessed frequently to monitor calving progress. “You could get on with other jobs, say down the paddock, while keeping a check on progress of a calving cow,” he said. FutureDairy’s robotic milking shed at Camden has five cameras, which staff use when they receive an alert from the auto-

matic milking system (AMS). “When we get an alert we can view the cameras

and decide on the best follow up action. “For example there’s a camera over the entry

gates so we can see if a cow is blocking access for other cows. It is really handy if we are away from the dairy or when the alert is received out-of-hours.” The second application allows the farm computer to be accessed remotely, using remote log in software. The software allows a computer – say in the dairy office – to be accessed from a smart phone, laptop or computer

located elsewhere. Remote log in software has been commercially available for a number of years, with a wide range of applications. What’s new is its application in the dairy situation. “For instance, you may be down in the paddock and notice a sick cow. Remote access would allow you to use your smart phone to look up the cow’s health records on the farm computer in the office.”

Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

24 // management

Ryan rewarded for cutting energy use Grassmere farmer Liam Ryan

has reduced fertiliser use by 20%, energy use in the dairy by 85% and feed grain by 40%. This work was rewarded with the Natural Resource and Sustain-

ability Management award as part of the Great South West Dairy Awards held last month. Judges said Ryan demonstrated high level strategic business management skills, impressive adoption of technology, innovation

and commitment to sustainability. Ryan, 29, has been on the family farm at Grassmere since 2003 after he completed his Agricultural Science Degree at the University of Melbourne.

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When designing a new dairy as part of a larger expansion, automation and making it a “one-person shed” were paramount in his thinking. “I wanted one person to be able to do it all. A lot aim for that but don’t succeed because of issues with mastitis which means they have to have someone to take the cups off to check the cows. We’ve got milk meters and low rates of mastitis so we’ve managed okay. “We wanted to save cost and time and we have. Basically all you have to do is put the cups on.” Ryan’s features automatic cup removal, feeding, teat spraying and drafting. He now milks about 300 cows per hour, a big improvement on the 180 put through the old dairy. He is one of a number of dairy farmers in the region to install an automated water reclama-

Grassmere farmer Liam Ryan in the new dairy installed recently on the family farm.

tion system for his milking plant. With limited groundwater in the area, the Green Cleaning System was a wise investment. “The groundwater is just enough for watering cattle,” Ryan says. The re-use system works by reclaiming the acid and alkali cycles of the wash process. The system features three storage tanks to deliver the water required for the cleaning process. He now uses about 7000 litres per year of freshwater for the acid and alkali wash cycles; compared to about

400 litres daily in a conventional system. “It has been a massive saving in freshwater plus we have savings in heating and chemical costs.” The farm’s milk quality tests have been consistently premium since installation of the new system and Ryan is pleased with the cleaning results. “It doesn’t take much work, just checking the pH levels, changing the cold and hot water once or twice a year each and topping the hot alkali up fortnightly to cover evaporation.” The new dairy has also resulted in time savings for cleaning up, thanks largely

to a circular holding yard washing system on the backing gate and the automatic flood wash on the feed pad which source recycled water from the second effluent pond. “The clean-up takes us about 15 minutes as opposed to 45 minutes in the old dairy,” he says. Ryan remains keen to implement new environmentally friendly, labour saving initiatives and has taken part in a WestVic Dairy Focus Farm group to look at other options. “It’s good to discuss ideas and see how others are doing things and then maybe adapt them to your own system,” he says.

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Attention to detail and appreciation of the needs of staff have earned Heywood farmers Stephen and Tania Luckin the title of Employer of the Year at the 2012 Great South West Dairy Awards. Judges praised the couple’s documentation and detailed employee management practices “The I’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed on this property,” the judges said.

The Luckins are both undertaking diploma courses through the NCDEA and they encourage their staff to have ongoing involvement in deciding how things are done on the property. Safety is a strong focus on their farm and policies, documentation and resource material are available to staff. Leighton and Karen Hart, from Deans Marsh, won the share farmer

award and Ben and Anna Kenna from Terang were named runners-up. The judges said the Harts have a remarkable working relationship with the farm owner and are in regular communication with the owners to ensure they are doing the best for the business. “Leighton and Karen have a very thorough understanding of the industry and the impact

that changes in the industry can have on both their position and the farm owners. “They are dedicated to improving their position whilst also ensuring the farm owners are getting the most out of the agreement as possible,” the judges said. Twenty five finalists had been shortlisted for the five major awards after organisers received a record 80 nominations.

Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

stock feeds // 25

Farmers turn to stock feed, supplements AUSTRALIAN DAIRY cows are

eating more grain/concentrate supplements despite better pasture conditions. The most recent Dairy Australia figures, released in the 2011 dairy feeding update, revealed the average grain/ concentrate feeding rate on Australian dairy farms in 2010-11 increased 2% on the previous year from 1.58 tonnes/cow/ year to 1.66t/cow/year. This continues a long-term trend in Australia. On average, larger herds were fed higher rates than smaller herds, although all herd sizes recorded slight increases. Slightly more than half (54%) of farmers nationally chose to graze their herds and feed more than 1 tonne grain/ concentrates in the dairy bail. This resulted in an average 6310 litres and 476kgMS/cow. While farmers using partial mixed, hybrid and total mixed ration feeding systems totalled only 18% of farmers nationally, they produced 26% of total annual milk production. The dairy industry’s total feed grain

An increase in feed supplements continues a long-term trend in Australia.

requirement was around 2.5m tonnes per year. Steve Little, leader of Dairy Australia’s Feed2Milk program, said farmers continue to prefer to spot-buy their grain/concentrates as required. “However, more farmers with 300+ cow herds used forward contracts, up to 26%, compared with 15% the previous period. “Among extra-large herds (500+ cows), the proportion was 36%, up from 21% in 2009/10.”

More farmers bought grain/ concentrates directly from a stock feed mill and fodder directly from a farmer; fewer bought through a merchant or trader. Nationally, 65% of farmers implemented a transition feeding program pre-calving. However, only half of these used an approach which might provide cows with all the nutritional components of an integrated transition diet, and well over half did not feed the transition

diet for long enough to gain the full cow health, fertility and milk production benefits. On-farm capital investment in feed systems was unchanged from 2009/10 at 10% of respondents, with the number intending to invest in the next 12 months also very similar to last year. To help farmers navigate their way through the grain buying process, Dairy Australia has released a guide from its Feed2Milk program. Little said “A dairy farmer’s guide to buying grain” was written from the dairy farmer’s point of view. The guide can be downloaded at www.dairyaustralia.com.au “The guide will help farmers understand how the grains industry contract system works and how to use it to manage the quality, supply and price risks associated with buying grain,” he said. “It will be useful to any dairy farmer who buys grain, whether it is on a ‘spot’ or ‘forward’ basis.” The dairy RAPID Feed Analysis service, offered by George Weston Technologies, is also available to dairy

farmers across Victoria and Tasmania. “Feed test results mean you know what the cows are really getting in their diet or exactly what a potential feed supplier is offering,” Little said. The service provides an analysis of the most important nutrients including dry matter, metabolisable energy, crude protein, fat and ash for a range of feeds including pasture, silage, hay, straw, grains, meals and pellets. “The RAPID Feed Analysis kits are simple and easy to use. The information on the package is self explanatory and the samples are picked up by the tanker driver at the dairy,” Little said. “Most results are available within two days from George Weston Technologies and are sent via fax and email. The quick turnaround time means you can make decisions quickly.” Little said farmers could also get help interpreting test results by using the My Feed Report tool on the Dairy Australia website. For more information on the RAPID Feed Analysis service contact Dr Steve Little on telephone 0400 004 841.

Strike right balance when transition feeding Dairy farmers implementing a

transition feeding program for the first time either achieve the results they were looking for or fail to strike the right balance. However, understanding the how and why of transition feeding will help more dairy farmers achieve tangible benefits in both herd health and milk production. That’s the belief of Rivalea Australia animal nutritionist Bridget Kase. “In simple terms, transition feeding ensures a smooth, hassle free and healthy progression from the late stages of preg-

nancy through to lactation, which in turn helps to produce a successful lactation,” Kase said. “In more detailed terms, transition feeding provides exactly the right balance of nutrients needed by a cow in late pregnancy so she can make the ‘transition’ to lactation without difficulty or complication during calving, without loss of body condition before or after giving birth, and avoid milk fever and its many resultant complications, including mastitis and grass tetany.” Kase said the three weeks prior to

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calving is a period of important change and adjustment for a dairy cow. “The foetus is growing rapidly at this stage and major shifts in hormones and metabolism occur. “These metabolic changes can be actively managed by providing optimal dietary requirements. “There are several key components to this strategy, and understanding them gives farmers the background they need to provide a cow in transition with the diet she needs.” She said manipulating dietary elec-

trolytes with anionic salts assists calcium utilisation and reduces the risk of milk fever. This is achieved by optimising the balance of sodium, potassium and magnesium relative to chloride and sulphate, whilst also maximising the phosphorous and calcium available to the animal. Calcium pathways are also mobilised by feeding cereal hay or straw. These feeds are low in calcium and help the cow utilise her own calcium stores at calving. Increased salivation helps leave the system acidic which also helps the bones

to release calcium. “The next steps involve feeding supplementary grain to help prepare the cow’s rumen for the high level of grain in the post-calving ration, as well as including bypass protein to help with the increased demand for protein at this critical phase. “During this time it’s also vitally important to restrict access to lush pasture, as this can enhance the risk of milk fever. “A springer paddock is the ideal solution during the transition period.”

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Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

26 // animal health

Rivalea Australia’s Bridget Kase and Gippsland dairy farmer Brad Missen worked together during a transition feeding trial. The primary objective was to reduce the number of cases of milk fever.

Dairy farmer Brad Missen said he felt the 2011 transition feeding trial contributed to overall herd health and wellbeing, and therefore calving ease. Post calving, these cows are thriving.

Transition feeding trial boosts milk production A transition feeding trial has ist Bridget Kase to see whether a balhelped Gippsland farmer Brad Missen anced transition feeding program that reduce the incidence of milk fever in his included Rivalea’s Optimilk Pre-Calving Pellets would reduce the number of herd and boosted milk production. Missen runs 320 cows near Maffra cases of milk fever. Kase said the trial’s primary objecin the Macalister Irrigation Area and in 2009 had about 15-20 cases of milk fever tive was to reduce the number of cases of milk fever amongst all cows in and with no discernible pattern. heifers coming into the On top of this, some milking herd. cows experienced birth“An important secing issues and some had ondary objective was to trouble adjusting to see if transition feedconcentrate levels once ing contributed to less back in the milking herd. calving difficulties and Missen did some improved concentrate research and rather than intake post-calving.” simply feed out hay to Missen’s 2010 tranthe springers as he had Who: sition feeding program in the past, he introBrad Missen Where: included a 3-4kg ration duced magnesium chloMaffra of triticale, 7-10kg of ride to the water trough What: cereal hay, magnesium and fed out a half ration Transition feeding chloride in the trough of crushed grain. and limited access to “This lowered the incidence of milk fever, but it was also 1-2kg of grass (dry matter). In 2011, this program was altered to a catalyst to aim for even better results,” include 3-4kg of Optimilk Pre-Calving he said. He developed a trial protocol with Pellets instead of the triticale. At spring calving in 2010 there was Rivalea Australia animal nutrition-

ration in the evening and said this resulted in 99% of calves born between 5.30am and 8pm. “I have done this for many years and I find the majority of calving in daylight hours gives me the opportunity to better observe. There are less crossmothering mistakes and disease control is easier to manage.” Missen and Kase also wanted to observe whether the transition feeding program affected concentrate intake post calving. “Post calving, no Missen feeds out the entire pellets were left in the springer ration in the evening trough, which means no wastage costs of course, and said this resulted in but also means all avail99% of calves born between able nutrients were 5.30am and 8pm. utilised,” Missen said. “Plus, new heifers adjusted better to the milking ration. therefore calving ease. “I used to use transition feeding as “Overall, we appear to have had less a training tool to get new heifers used calving issues. “With the improved energy to feed to the shed, but this is no longer necesratio, cows calved more quickly and sary as they were already used to pelmore easily. There was lower calf mor- lets, aiding a smooth transition into tality. And that means less work for me.” the herd.” Missen said the transition feeding Missen feeds out the entire springer five cases of milk fever in a herd of 200. In 2011 that number was only two cases in a herd of 170. “We started off a reasonably low base, and improved on it. I’m happy with the results achieved,” Missen said. He also observed there were less calving difficulties in spring 2011 compared to the previous year. He thought this could be the result of combined factors, however he felt that the 2011 transition feeding trial contributed to overall herd health and wellbeing, and

trial was one of a series of management changes that aimed to lift milk production and hold it for longer. He tested 309 cows in late October, 2010. They produced an average of 23.1 litres/cow, with 0.82 kg/cow of protein and 0.95 kg/cow of fat. He tested 302 cows in late October, 2011. They produced an average of 27.2 L/cow, with 0.93 kg/cow of protein and 1.11 kg/cow of fat. “Every downer cow costs me half a day,” Missen said. “And with every three or four, you lose one. Reducing milk fever cases from 20 down to two or three is a massive saving, in time and in money. “Plus, sub-clinical milk fever is a hidden cost because it lowers production. “The biggest thing is realising there is a problem with milk fever – not just the clinical cases, but the sub-clinical cases as well – and doing something about it. “A transition feeding program like this one is the simplest way of treating the problem, and it can fit with any system. I’m happy with the results,” he said.

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Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

animal health // 27

Fresh lepto risk for herds Farmers must

act quickly to prevent the deadly livestock disease, leptospirosis, from infecting their herd, especially in post-flood conditions where the disease flourishes. Australian Cattle Veterinarians past president Dr Rob Bonanno has strongly advised farmers to take preventative measures to protect their cattle against disease outbreaks following the recent flood crisis.

Dr Bonanno said leptospirosis could threaten Australian cattle as the bacteria can flourish in the moist paddocks and flooded regions of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. “Farmers should also be concerned for the health of their staff, themselves and others in contact with cattle as leptospirosis can also spread to humans,” Bonanno said. “The disease in humans is a moderate to severe illness with ‘flu-like’ symptoms, which can later

Blood parasite found in Vic North East Victoria

and Gippsland dairy farmers have been warned of an increase of cases of a blood parasite transmitted through tick bites. The Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has advised cattle producers in North East Victoria and Gippsland to be aware of the recent increase of theileriosis (T. buffeli) cases. DPI district veterinary officer Lee Manning said while theileria was common in northern NSW and Queensland, and that cattle there had developed immunity and didn’t show any illness, it had rarely been seen in Victoria. “Theileria is a blood parasite, which typically infects cattle through a tick bite,” Dr Manning said. “Victorian beef and dairy herds have been infected when cattle from the northern states, carrying ticks infested with theileria, are introduced into a herd or on to adjoining properties. “The parasite can cause illness and even death to cattle that have not previously been exposed to theileria. “Theileria is transmitted by blood-sucking ticks, including the common bush tick, which is widespread in Victoria. It can be carried by all mammals, including wildlife, dogs and cats, as well as birds.” Other instances where blood may be transmitted between cattle, includ-

ing blood sucking insects, needles, ear notching and castration, could also potentially transmit theileria. Dr Manning said there was no specific treatment for theileriosis; only symptomatic treatment could be provided, including good nursing, but cattle with severe anaemia may not recover. “The disease causes mild to severe anaemia due to destruction of red blood cells and this can be seen as lethargy, weakness, pale mucous membranes, a drop in milk production, going off feed, difficulty breathing, abortions, jaundice and sudden death,” Dr Manning said. “Cattle are more likely to show signs when stressed, especially at the point of calving but most infected cattle will have benign theileriosis and show no signs of illness.” Bush ticks are almost impossible to eradicate from a property because they are on and off the host in a week and live in pasture for many months, as well as surviving on wildlife. “This parasite is not T. parva, which is an exotic parasite causing East Coast Fever in Africa. It is endemic in northern Australia, although rarely diagnosed in Victoria.” Farmers should contact their vet for advice if their cattle were showing multiple abortions, signs of anaemia or any other unusual signs.

Leptospirosis thrives in post-flood conditions.

develop into more serious conditions including meningitis.” Dr Bonanno, who

recently contracted leptospirosis himself, said the current moist and humid conditions

are ideal for the spread of life-threatening livestock diseases across Australian farmlands. “Diseases like leptospirosis can spread through contaminated water and can have serious consequences for livestock, including reduced reproductive performance. “Controlling leptospirosis is all about prevention. Vaccination is the safest and most cost effective way of protecting livestock against this disease, particularly

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during this post-flood recovery period.” The leptospirosis bacterium is spread through urine and bodily fluids, and can survive in stagnant water for several weeks. Infected cattle may present with fever, abortions or the birth of weak or stillborn calves. “The good news for farmers is they can easily protect themselves, their staff and their herd through the use of vaccines specially designed for cattle which

prevent their cattle becoming a source of infection,” Bonanno said. “Good hygiene and use of personal protective equipment is important when working around cattle, in stagnant water or in areas affected by flooding. “Farmers should speak with their vet about preventing leptospirosis and the precautions they can take to minimise spread of the infection through their cattle herd,” he said.

Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

28 // animal health

Facial eczema risk eases Dairy farmers,

particularly those in Gippsland, can breathe a sigh of relief, with conditions over the past four weeks showing an easing of risk of facial eczema to cows. Dairy Australia’s Feed2Milk program leader Dr Steve Little said dairy farmers who had been feeding preventative zinc

to their herds could plan to discontinue in the week beginning May 7. “The most commonly used approach for preventing facial eczema in milking cows is to include zinc oxide in the grain/ concentrate fed in the dairy,” Dr Little said. Dairy Australia’s facial eczema spore monitoring program shows spore

“The colder night temperatures mean it is unlikely that another period of spore multiplication will occur this season.” counts have dropped significantly over the past four weeks in virtually all areas of Gippsland, including the worst-affected area of West Gippsland. The risk of facial

eczema is greatest in late summer and autumn when periods of rain or high humidity occur in combination with high night time minimum temperatures.

“The colder night temperatures mean it is unlikely that another period of spore multiplication will occur this season,” he said. Dairy Australia’s spore monitoring program, which has been operating in Gippsland since midDecember, will finish on May 7. It has been supported by 24 sentinel

farmers, the Maffra Veterinary Centre and DPI Victoria. Dr Little said despite a season of very high risk conditions for facial eczema, the number of reported outbreaks had been low. “We won’t know the exact numbers for several weeks but it appears that the number of reported

cases this summer/autumn is less than last year which also had very high risk conditions,” he said. “The introduction of the spore monitoring program this season alerted dairy farmers to the high risk conditions, allowing them to start zinc treatment in time to prevent serious problems for most herds.”

Management plan crucial to beat FE THE LIVER disease

facial eczema (FE) comes in erratic annual and monthly cycles during the summer and autumn months. Moist humid weather and paddocks containing increasing volumes of dead or dying grass litter provide the perfect conditions for the fungus Pithomyces chartarum to grow

and for animals to develop FE. No cure exists but practical management helps avert and minimise the risk. FE occurs when ruminants eat pasture containing spores from the fungus Pithomyces chartarum. These spores contain sporidesmin, a mycotoxin that once in the blood stream reach the liver and cause

The key to preventing facial eczema is a management plan.

IN UDDER WORDS...

Scours planning starts now There are few things more depressing than walking into your calf shed and finding a scours outbreak in your young heifer calves, the lifeblood and future of your operation. Suddenly you worry about lost genetics, treatment costs, calf welfare, and stress on calf rearers. TAKE ACTION NOW. If scouring calves were a problem for you in autumn you can expect major issues again this winter, unless you plan ahead. Many of the pathogens that cause scouring in your young calves survive for long periods in the environment and are present from season to season in carrier cows. Properties who have implemented vaccination programmes continue to reap the reward,with lower rates of scouring calves and much healthier, well grown calves who don’t have that initial setback that scouring calves do. Coopers® Technical Services Veterinarian, Dr. Damian O’Brien, states that “Salmonella continues to be a major issue on many dairies, as does E. coli in young calves. Both of these are preventable through vaccination of pregnant cows, as long as colostrum management is addressed and calves receive a good volume of high quality colostrum early on.“ “Herd vaccinations should commence at Dry Off, or shortly afterwards (6-8 weeks before calving), and then cows will receive annual boosters 2 or 3 weeks before calving.”

“Hygiene is another area to focus on, Coopers encourage producers to thoroughly clean and disinfect sheds between batches of calves, and to think about shed design and type of bedding used. As dairies increase in size, overcrowding can occur in the calf shed, increasing pressure and increasing the incidence of calf scours,” Damian said. “Proper diagnosis of the cause is the beginning of a plan and it is important to continue to monitor through regular testing. Producers should consider discussing their calf rearing management with their vets to make sure they are doing everything possible, not only for treatment but also vaccination programmes for prevention,” Damian went on to say. “Many producers don’t realise just how much calf scours costs when reduced growth, calf deaths, diagnosis and treatment costs are added up. Coopers’ investigation found that a typical herd of 200 with an 18% incidence was losing $5200 a year due to calf scours.”

TOll FrEE 1800 885 576 www.coopersanimalhealth.com.au ® registered Trademark

inflammation of the bile ducts. Andrew Oakley, Agrifeeds, NZ, technical manager, says liver damage will occur from continual exposure to low pasture spore counts or from a single high spore count. “The myth is that an animal only has FE when you see them seeking shade or you start to see lesions on their ears and nose etc. But only about 10% of affected animals show clinical (skin peeling) signs. For every clini-

cal case there will be 10-35 cows with sub-clinical FE.” AgResearch data suggests survival to second lactation in younger cattle is lowered by 10%, milk yields decrease and mean body condition score can drop by up to 23%. Oakley says although you can’t see the physical symptoms the disease may be impacting stock. “While the liver has some capacity to heal and regenerate, there is often long term compromise to its function, affecting perfor-

mance of affected animals for the rest of their life.” The key to preventing FE is a management plan. Oakley says farmers are aware of the damage FE can cause and treat at a certain time of year regardless of the challenge. “However, on a seasonal risk basis, it is important to monitor pasture or faecal spore counts on the farm to know when to start a prevention plan.... Choose an option that will ensure stock are adequately protected.”

NZ salmonella outbreaks prompt new study A NATIONWIDE study on salmonella is to be done by Massey University epidemiologists. The survey, commissioned by MAF, dairy companies and the New Zealand Veterinary Association, is to find out more about an unusual pattern of salmonella that affected dairy cows during this spring and summer. Veterinarians in Taranaki earlier this year reported a higher incidence than normal of salmonella in cows in the region. Outbreaks also struck Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury. The disease is not uncommon in New Zealand but the extent of the outbreaks in the past season is unusual. MAF’s response manager, Katherine Clift, says it hopes the study will identify risk factors associated with the salmonella cases to help provide advice for managing dairy herds next

season. She says findings will be shared with dairy farmers, dairy companies and rural vets. Clift says a preliminary survey during summer showed a possible association between salmonella and the use of mineral feed supplements. “The nationwide study will consider this as well as other risk factors,” she says.

The disease is not uncommon in New Zealand but the extent of the outbreaks in the past season is unusual. Veterinary Association spokesperson Roger Marchant says one reason for the expanded study is to make it more relevant to other parts of the country and to get more robust information about salmo-

nella risk factors. Marchant says though feeding of supplements and minerals have been identified as possible causes, any variation in feeding which causes a change in the environment in the gut can allow salmonella to proliferate. “Traditionally we used to see salmonella cases in the late winter and spring in dairy cows. Now it tends to be spreading to other times of the year. For example the cases in Taranaki were more in the October/November period in the flush when people were feeding high levels of concentrates.” Marchant says animals are sensitive to feeding levels and notes that “way back” sheep transported for long periods on trucks were susceptible to salmonella because of the resulting variation in feed pattern.

Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

animal health // 29

Helen Chenoweth

The common question of how to improve cow reproductive performance on our dairy farms was tackled at a recent Heywood Discussion Group. Ann McDowell, DPI Dairy Services project leader – animal performance, explained there is a strong link between getting cows in calf when planned and how they are managed over their transition period, as defined as 3-4 weeks prior to calving to 3-4 weeks post calving. Farmers want their cows to come through their dry period of 6-8 weeks fit for an uneventful calving, set up for a productive lactation and able to “fire up” for subsequent matings. A key to achieving these goals is to implement an effective transition feeding program. The benefits of such a program include more milk, more milk protein, a shorter time to first service and a shorter time to conception. There’s an increased risk of mastitis, but this can be managed as we shall explore later. The four steps to a successful transition: 1. Dry off the cow in the condition you want her to calve in (score 4.5-5.5) so farmers will need to score the herd 8-10 weeks before dry off so lighter cows are pampered. Check out the Dairy Australia website (www.dairyaustralia.com.au) for information on how to condition score cows. 2. Maintain that condition over the dry period. Work through your diet plans and ensure there is sufficient energy, protein and fibre in the diet for each class of stock. 3. Set the cow up for the next lactation by helping the cow’s rumen adapt to the new milker diet. The transition

diet should be fed for 21 days pre-calving and ensuring any feed changes happen gradually, building up to feeding half the milker concentrate rate (note limestone as a calcium source and bicarb additives should not be included in the dry cow ration, so a specific lead feed may need to be organised). 4. Prepare the cow for a trouble-free calving and reduce the risks of milk fever by not feeding high potassium hay/ silage to the dry cows and adding anionic salts to the ration. So if buying hay for the dry stock, ask the supplier for a mineral analysis as well as the usual feed test. If cutting fodder from your own farm for dry cow use, choose paddocks where potassium levels may be lower such as away from the dairy, areas where hay has been cut often and where effluent hasn’t been spread. Cows fed well in transition are more likely to drip milk, which would increase the risk of mastitis if not managed. The way to overcome this risk is to milk any cows that drip milk. Implement your usual mastitis control program from then on (ie spray teats and keep the first eight milkings separate as per usual re: colostrum requirements). By getting this management area right for your system, many reproductive issues can be addressed before they become problems and that is often the best way to handle a challenge: prevent it in the first place. For more information, check out the Dairy Australia website for useful fact sheets or contact your local vet or advisor to discuss how to implement a plan on your farm. Helen Chenoweth is a member of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries Dairy Services team, based in Warrnambool.

Calf residue risks A Dairy Australia investigation has revealed taking shortcuts when medicating calves greatly increases the risk of antibiotic residues. DA has been investigating the causes of antibiotic residue detections in dairy calves sent for processing over the past two years. DA animal health manager Kathryn Davis said most violations involve antibiotics used to treat calf scours, particularly the

oral “sulfa” products such as Scourban, SD333, Streptosulcin Forte and Neosulcin tablets. “The most common mistake identified by the on-farm investigations is accidentally feeding calves destined for sale using contaminated equipment,” Davis said. “To save a few minutes farmers may mix a calf scour treatment in milk and put it in a multifeeder to medicate a group

of heifer calves without realising that the antibiotics contaminate the equipment and are very difficult to remove, even if the feeder is thoroughly washed.” “One of the best things farmers can do to prevent accidental contamination of sale calves is to purchase separate feeding equipment for their bull calves, label it accordingly and use it only for this purpose. “Dosing and route of

administration should always follow the labeled directions instead of relying on memory or habit. “If a calf is ill enough to need a dose of antibiotics, it should be injected with antibiotic or dosed individually with a syringe or a pill dispenser to ensure that it receives the correct dose. “This equipment should also be clearly labeled and used only to treat calves. “It’s also important

that your calf housing system allows you to physically separate replacement calves from sale calves and treated animals from non-treated animals.” The DA publication Rearing Healthy Calves – how to raise calves that thrive devotes a chapter to the managing residue risks in dairy calves, based on the findings of over 50 in-depth residue investigations.

TR MA NE EA ST W TM IT EN IS T

Four steps to boost production, fertility

Time will be on your side when treating mastitis. We know that getting milk into the vat quickly after treating mastitis is really important. That’s why Pfizer Animal Health has released a new mastitis treatment with great benefits. • Shortest milk withholding period available – 48 hours • Successfully treats the most common causes of mastitis, including E.coli • Short 7 day meat withholding period • Trusted worldwide This makes it the perfect first choice mastitis treatment for your dairy. Talk to your vet and ask them about the latest in clinical mastitis treatment and put time on your side.

Dairy Health. Performance. Growth. www.pfizeranimalhealth.com.au 1800 335 374 Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd 38–42 Wharf Road, West Ryde NSW 2114 ® Registered trademark of Pfizer. PAL0609/DN

PAL0609_DairyNews_260x187_V3.indd 1

9/02/12 11:20 AM

Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

30 // machinery & products

South West Victorian farmer Casey Taylor (left) with his new Claas Scorpion 7030 telehandler, which has a lifting capacity of 3300kg and a lifting height of 7.1m.

No mucking about with telehandler They have two CASE Casey and Bonnie tractors on the place, a Taylor from Heathmere, Puma 180 and a Maxxum just north of Portland MXU110. in Victoria’s Western Last year, they were District, milk around considering upgrad450 cows on their 415ha ing to a new tractor and home farm, Surrylea. front end loader, but A few years ago they had experienced a return working clothes instead had a good look chris dingle at a Claas Scorpion 7030 to wetter autumns and telehandler and purwinters so, during April 2009, they put in a ‘Waste-Not Fair Go’ chased one in June through their local feedpad which has space for 80 cows on dealers, Agrimac at Warrnambool. “This the best piece of machinery each side of the pad as they come out of we’ve ever bought. It is so versatile. This the milking shed. It was installed to take the pressure is a 10-year investment,” Casey said. The 7030 has a lifting capacity of off the paddocks and laneways in wet 3300kg and a lifting height of 7.1m. conditions. It is powered by a four cylinder “The feedpad is an extra manageDeutz motor developing 88kW (120hp) ment tool,” Casey said. “We can hold them longer in wetter using the Claas VARIPOWER hydrotimes to ease the pressure on the pad- static power train. A load-sensing system on the lift docks.” They use their own silage grown on delivers up to 150 litres of oil per minute the farm plus top quality cereal hay from but the load-sensing pump only delivers the Wimmera in the feedpad and they if hydraulic power is needed. This avoids unnecessary heating of fill it about every two days.

“When we bought the machine it the oil and the loss of power it can bring. Casey is particularly enthusias- coincided with a training session that tic about the all-wheel steering, which we had here for us and our staff over three days. It covered the enables a turning radius tractors, ATVs and the of just 3.6m. telehandler, and there “The crab steering was a major emphasis on is great - we can move safety.” diagonally and it makes They have a full-time working the feedpad a employee, Daniel Ross, lot easier. who does five milkings “The main reason each week, and looks after that we bought it was the majority of the tractor for the feedpad, but Who: work. we’ve done twice the Casey and Bonnie “Daniel would now jobs around the farm Taylor rather use the telehanand double the hours Where: Heathmere dler than the tractor for of what we expected. What: the more mundane jobs “The balance Claas telehandler around the place,” Casey through the centre of said. gravity is really good “Sometimes when there’s a job to and it is absolutely fantastic rolling the be done, I see him drive the ute past silage pits. the tractor to go and get the telehan“We use it every day.” He explained that filling the feedpad dler from up at the silage pit. “When you’re working on the silage with silage took about 20 minutes with the Claas telehandler, or half an hour pit, you would normally get a lot of dust flying around but the telehandler came with the tractor.

with an auto-reverse fan to blow dust out of the radiator. “We worked 10 hours one day and the temperature gauge didn’t move.” In the Claas telehandler the operator’s left hand stays on the steering wheel, and all the major functions are performed using the joystick at the right hand. For road travel, operators can change simply to front wheel drive, and the rear axle will lock automatically in straightahead position. It is possible to travel at speeds of up 40 km/h. On the Taylor’s property the telehandler is also used for cleaning up tracks and they have even dug a silage pit with it. “We have our own quarry pits and can now load all our own stuff. Unloading trucks takes about one-third of the time that it used to.” Working Clothes will focus on the performance of a new machine each month. Send suggestions to Chris Dingle on 0417 735 001 or email chris@springbankfarm. com.au

Hoof trimming that is safe and secure . Self-locking headgate Hot dip galvanised finish . Made in Australia . Hoof Works Crush

Contact Philip Thompson . 02 4473 7276 . philip@rpruralengineering.com.au . www.rpruralengineering.com.au

Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

machinery & products // 31

Strong start to 2012 tractor sales Tractor sales in

Australia have made a strong start to the year, with delivery figures for the first quarter sitting at record levels. Data released this week by the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia shows 2238 tractors were delivered during the first three months of 2012 – a record for this period since the TMA’s

record-keeping began in 1989. The next best result to that was back in the mid2000s. The figures show January sales were 60% higher than the previous year, February sales were 35% higher and March was similar to last year. The strongest growth was seen in North Queensland, central west-

ern New South Wales and South Australia. Alan Kirsten, of industry analyst Agriview, said the sales figures showed a general push right through the range, but one market sector stood out. “The lifestyle market has been particularly strong and continues to be so,” Kirsten said. “Compact tractors up to about 60hp continue to

be very popular and have for the past two or three years.

demand in the lifestyle market. “At the top end, the

January sales were 60% higher than last year, with February sales 35% higher. “It’s a similar story with out-front mowers, again showing very strong

200hp-plus market has also been strong, but at a more subdued level, with

investment levels remaining solid.” Kirsten said other machinery sectors were considerably quieter than the buoyant tractor market. “Despite the fact that it’s off-season in the combine market, that area is still slightly up on deliveries,” Mr Kirsten said. “Forward order demand is slow, but last

ORDER NOW FOR SPRING!

INTRODUCING THE BRAND NEW...

Larpent farmer John Boyd and Wrightson Seeds agronomist Roger Trigg with the new pasture guide.

Wrightson Seeds launches pasture guide Wrightson Seeds

has launched its 2012 Pasture Guide. Wrightson Seeds said the Pasture Guide would help farmers identify the right growth strategy and best seed varieties for their farm. Wrightson Seeds National Sales Manager Kelly Burke said there is an enormous amount of information in the market. “In fact for many it’s a case of information overload,” she said. “By contrast, the Wrightson Seeds 2012 Pasture Guide includes easy to understand information on a whole range of pasture products and management system. “We know farmers are busy people, and through this guide we wanted to make it easier for them to access the right advice quickly and easily.” The Wrightson Seeds 2012 Pasture Guide features simple easy to understand information on: ■■ The full range of Wrightson Seeds products including lucerne, ryegrass, sorghum, clover,

brassica and cereals Key uses and benefits of different varieties ■■ Planning advice, productivity tips and field services ■■ A sowing guide for each variety ■■ Advice on creating a successful growth plan ■■ A pasture performance checklist “Farmers using the guide can have the confidence of knowing that it is based on Wrightson Seeds’ comprehensive Australian and global research effort. “This year alone we will undertake over 130 trials in Australia and invest millions of dollars in research to continue to deliver improvements for Australian farming.” Wrightson Seeds is committed to providing farmers with quality pasture and crop solutions that not only give great pasture and crop performance, but most importantly, deliver outstanding animal productivity, Burke said.

year was a record – the best since 2002 for combine harvester sales. “We don’t expect to see that this year. “Balers are in their fifth year of declining sales, which, ironically, happens to coincide with better conditions, more hay and fodder around and rain. “The baler market is subdued, but, again, it is off-season.”

SEEDMATIC AIRPRO 4132T MK2 ®

■■

The guide is available at www.wrightsonseeds. com.au or tel. 1800 619 910.

Aitchison uses the world renowned Aitchison inverted ‘T’ boot system mounted on a coil spring and disc coulter undercarriage.

Despite a sowing width of 4.8m the Aitchison 4132T MK2 can be comfortably towed by a 120hp tractor.

›› Excellent trash clearance

›› Direct drill into existing pasture

›› Straighter lines & unique Aitchison boot design

›› Direct drill into maize stubble

›› European airseeder technology

›› Able to drill in arable conditions

›› Transport width 2.75m

›› Better contour following abilities

›› Large capacity seed & fertiliser hoppers

›› Sowing width 4.8m

The Aitchison 4132T MK2 Airpro folds down to a narrow 2.75m transport width this together with large flotation tyres ensures easy and fast transport even over narrow farm roads or bridges.

SUPERIOR PASTURE DRILLS Contact your local Reese Agri Aitcheson dealer for details, or free phone 1800 140 196 Brendan Prentice 0400 540 300 www.reeseagri.com.au

Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

32 // machinery & products

Hygienic bedding for healthier cows

Tornado wraps 70 bales/hour THE ATTRACTION

of higher-tech baling prompted New Zealand firm B&B Contracting Ltd’s October 2011 purchase of a Lely Welger Tornado baler-wrapper. B&B Contracting, Featherston, is co-owned by Jake Hawkins, Richard Blundell and Sandy Bidwell. They do all sorts of agricultural contracting except finechop silage, running a large fleet and employing six permanent staff and up to 10 operators at peak season. The Lely Welger Tornado variable balerwrapper combination also has automatic wrapping that’s variable. Hawkins says the Tornado replaced another baler and is the latest

technology – the main catalyst for the upgrade. “We didn’t have any issues with our previous baler but [seeing this new machine] we thought we would give it a go.” B&B Contracting has done 12,000 bales with the Tornado this season – 9000 baleage and 3000 hay. “We’ve baled lucerne, oats, clover and ryegrass for baleage, as well as hay. It’s been really good and I can’t fault it. We had a second-hand Welger baler we bought a couple of seasons ago and we had good success with that on hay and baleage, so we knew what sort of bales we’d be getting out of the new Tornado. I’ve operated it myself all season and it’s run well.”

Hawkins says the speed of the wrapping is second-to-none and the transfer of the bale to the wrapping table is good. With its automatic wrapping system, the Tornado wraps bales so quickly that the output of the variable round baler can be utilised to its full potential, Lely says. “The Welger has high capacity and it can do the job, so we’ve been getting through a large number of bales a day. It produces a dense bale. We’ve been averaging 60-70 bales an hour in good going.” Hawkins likes the bale transfer system, Lely says. The transfer table folds up out of the way. “The wrapping system is good and quick. It’s got a solid ring on the back

NO WASTE OF FEED EASILY TRANSPORTED

MAXIFEEDER

and I’m quite impressed with it. It doesn’t seem to leave big tails on the bales. When it cuts the wrap off it leaves them tidy. “I was making 1.4m bales and they were big bales. It was on a hill block and they were popping out and hitting the ring and I was impressed with the robustness of the machine.” The Tornado suits experienced operators, he says. “It’s not a machine you would put the new kid on the block on because you’re not just operating one machine, you’re operating two. But... once you get your head around all the electronics and computer it’s easy to operate.” Tel. (03) 5484 4000 www.lely.com

RUGGED DESIGN

Farmers – sick of wasting your expensive fodder?

ADULT CATTLE MAXIFEEDER CALF THROUGH TO YEARLING • Measures 9’ x 8’ takes all size bales and chopped silage. • Replaceable hungry boards front end loader friendly. • Elevated form ply weather proof floor. • Internal shields saves more hay and helps protect your cattles eyes. • Internal cradle centres feed away from sides & saves waste. • Replaceable skids.

MAXIFEEDER

• Measures 9’ x 6’ takes all size bales and chopped silage. • Internal deflector allows animals of all sizes to reach food. • Drop down legs enables feeder to raise by 350mm which is needed as calves grow.

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De Laval has introduced DryMaxx to improve hygiene in calf sheds and barns. The new, natural bedding treatment will absorb moisture and ammonia from the environment. The company said this lead to hygienic resting places, a better atmosphere and therefore healthier cows. It can be applied in stalls, in barn walkways, calf pens, maternity pens, trailers and around water troughs.

DryMaxx provides a three in one solution - it neutralises ammonia and odours for a healthier environment, and is noncaustic, non-toxic and non-corrosive. It can also soak up more than its own weight in moisture so it will provide a dry barn environment, which helps to reduce bedding and house-keeping costs. These features result in lower moisture and odour levels, which reduce bacteria and flies, along

with animal stress levels. DryMaxx has a moisture absorption level of up to 140% and a neutral pH so it is very skin friendly. It is easy to remove once it has absorbed liquid, and will not stick to the floor. It makes minimal dust and is safe for people and animals. DryMaxx also improves cow comfort in the barn while helping to maintain good udder and hoof health. Visit www.delaval.com.au

Power steering helps win the day BERNARD LILBURN

YAMAHA HAS always fronted the pack on technology, chiefly with its class leading 2-wheelers, in off- or on-road form, and the company has enjoyed many victories over the years. The Yamaha Grizzly range of farm quads were first with automatic transmission, and the range now has the 4 Ultramatic, as the company calls its constantly variable transmission. There are models from 400cc to 700cc. New for 2012 in the Yamaha 450 Grizzly is electronic power steering as standard. The speed-sensitive system reduces the physical effort demanded of riders, lowering fatigue levels on long

working days. As well as easing the steering effort, EPS dampens any steering kickback. Higher power and greater physical size – not only on Yamaha machines – make power steering desirable for control and safety. Many of the bigger machines have it, easing the load especially on female and young riders. Yamaha fits doublewishbone independent suspension to all models, including the manual-only Big Bear, giving a more comfortable ride, maximising wheel contact with the ground and getting the best out of the push-button On Command 4WD system. Yamaha already has power steering on its 550 and 700 models in the Grizzly range. The 450

is the company’s biggest seller. It has a dual-range gearbox the 400 doesn’t have, making hill climbing and towing a breeze on this bigger machine. This reviewer’s pick of the Yamaha range is the 550 Grizzly built on the 700 frame, so wider and slightly longer, making for better stability and comfort. Yamaha’s new WR450F has an alloy frame and smart graphics. And it has, for 2012, ‘remote’ adjustable suspension. A handheld remote unit about the size of a cellphone simply connects to the quad, enabling you to dial up a firm suspension for a morning thrash or an easier ride for an afternoon cruise. Nifty. www.yamaha-motor. com.au

Dairy NewS AUSTRALIA may, 2012

machinery & products // 33

User-friendly blaster Aussie Pumps’ new 4000psi portable enginedrive Scud range of pressure cleaners have been designed specifically with plant operators in mind. Pressure can be increased to 6400psi when used with an Aussie Turbo Lance. Aussie Pumps’ Dean Fountain said the Scud can be configured to the operator’s needs to fit specific applications. For example, the basic Scud 400 can be equipped with an integrated lifting bar for use on-site, can come in a “mine spec” version with a Yanmar diesel engine, and can be fitted with a hose reel with up to

50m of high pressure hose on board. That integrated hose reel means the operator can clean a big piece of plant without having to move the machine, saving time, water, and money. The heart of the system is the Big Berty Bertolini pump, fitted with ceramic pistons for a long life. An innovative design valve cap system prevented the cap failure due to over pressurisation by isolating valve cap thread, an exclusive Big Berty feature, Fountain said. A range of engines are available, from Honda standard recoil start petrols to electric start

Minimise feed loss with MaxiFeeder Tongala dairy

farmer Greg Regan designed the MaxiFeeder range of hay feeders after the last drought. Regan, whose family has been dairying in the Goulburn Valley for 40 years, was paying over $300/tonne for average quality hay, only to see stock waste most of it when feeding from hay rings and trough type feeders. To combat this, the MaxiFeeder design has the hay centred in an internal cradle which also has shields keeping it away from the sides. “This forces stock to angle their heads to reach in so they tend to keep their heads inside,” Regan said. “Any feed that is dropped lands on a form ply floor which is loose and lifted easily to clean

out any dirt. It can also be removed if feed is rejected by stock which will then fall to the ground when lifted by a front end loader. “If good clean hay or silage is fed they rarely need cleaning out.” The feeders weigh about 500kg. “We have improved the design from the original to what it is today and have had good feedback from farmers,” Regan said. “The two sizes cover all size stock and can easily be fitted with a tarp to keep out wet weather. “We have also been experimenting with a false top that will hold a bigger number of bales that will have a truck type roll over tarp. This will allow farmers that have remote stock to save time by not having to load feeders as often.” Tel. 0428585573

versions and optional diesel drives. The standard diesel is the Yanmar 10hp but bigger horsepower Kohler engines are also available as an option. The Scud’s unique frame is heavy duty onepiece steel construction and hot dip galvanised for

a long life. Integrated tie down points and lance holder are incorporated into the design. Four big steel wheels with 13” pneumatic tyres are standard. Wheels are designed into the frame in such a way that the machine is extremely manoeuvrable and opera-

tor friendly. The Scud is regarded as being the safest machine of its type on the market, incorporating a safety valve as a failsafe on standard integrated unloader valve, to eliminate the possibility of pressure spikes. For more details see www. aussiepumps.com.au

Aussie Pumps’ Dean Fountain with the Aussie Scud pressure cleaner.

Dairy News AUSTRALIA may, 2012

34 // motoring

V6 clinches thumper’s title ADAM FRICKER

WHEN IT first arrived in 2005, the

Nissan Navara ST-X set a new benchmark for utes. It was bigger inside, gruntier and provided a more car-like driving experience than other utes. In 2010 it maintained its lead with a useful performance and specification upgrade, lifting the torque of the excellent 2.5L diesel from 403Nm to 450Nm. The new offering from Ford/Mazda has eclipsed the Navara in some regards, particularly in ride comfort and steering response, and its 5-cylinder diesel is slightly more powerful than the 4-cylinder of the ST-X 450. However, the V6 turbo-diesel STX-550, Nissan comfortably retains its title as most powerful. As the name suggests, the 550 produces 550Nm of torque (@1750rpm) and with 170kW of power (@3750rpm) is the undisputed heavyweight champion. All the good things about the Navara are still there – excellent ride, handling, space, specification, towing capacity (3000kg braked) – and the V6 adds to the appeal.

Our review vehicle had fewer than 1000km on the clock and the engine was still tight, but the grunt was there in spades and will only improve as more miles break the engine in. On paper, the V6 is a couple of seconds quicker from 0-100km/h than the 450 and would wipe the floor with any other Japanese ute in a drag race. In everyday driving, the 4-cyl 450 never feels underpowered, but then again, it doesn’t sound anywhere

The Navara ST-X comfortably retains its title as most powerful. near as good as the V6 of the 550. Economy remains good: Nissan claims 9.3L/100km and with a steady boot that was nearly achievable. No point having all that grunt if you’re not

going to use it though, and we burned through 11.0L/100km – it was worth it. The 7-speed automatic is also worth a mention. Gear changes are silky smooth and the extra two ratios mean the V6 stays in the sweet spot more often than not. Power and economy are both the better for it. Downshifts are executed just when you need them; smart gearboxes like this are making manuals seem redundant.

The Navara is still one of the best looking utes around, regardless of what’s under the bonnet. At $62,990 the 550 is not the cheapest on the market, but if you have to have the biggest and baddest, this is it. For your money you get features such as privacy glass, fog lamps, chrome power folding mirrors, dual zone climate control, drive computer, ABS, ESP, side and curtain airbags, big alloys, and more.

Subaru Impreza now 22% more efficient FUEL SAVINGS of 22%

in the new Subaru Impreza (symmetrical AWD) compare dramatically with the car’s forerunner, the maker says. The fuel-usage figure is attributed chiefly to the transmission – Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT style). The car uses 6.8L/100km, 22% better than the superseded Impreza automatic. The 6-speed manual model consumes 7.1L/100km, 20% better than the outgoing 5-speed manual model. Emission reductions are also notable: the Impreza with SLT produces 157g of CO2 per km, 24% ahead of

the outgoing 4-speed automatic. The manual produces 164 g/km - a 21% improvement. Features new on this model include fuel-saving Auto Stop Start, a newgeneration ‘flat’ Boxer engine and interactive multi-function display computer options. “Our all-new Impreza will attract new customers to the brand with its focus on improved exterior styling and interior space, comfort and design,” says Wallis Dumper, managing director, Subaru of New Zealand. “And it’s more fuel efficient, environmentally friendly

and better equipped. “The Impreza sends a strong message that Subaru’s new design direction is a winner on many fronts – technology, quality, comfort, efficiency and style. “It’s surprisingly spacious internally so those driving previous Legacy and Outback models who want a comparable sized car internally will be surprised. Impreza appeals to people with an urban lifestyle and a spirit of adventure.” Prices start at $23,990 (plus dealer charges and taxes) for the 2.0i manual sedan and hatch.

Six goes into seven for Subaru family wagon Subaru’s Liberty Exiga family wagon will add a seventh seat for the 2013 Model Year, due on sale by late July. In response to customer demand, the popular six-seater has now “grown” a seventh seat. Subaru Managing Director Nick Senior said ever since the Exiga was launched, the company had received feedback that a seventh seat would be “the icing on the cake”. Premium variants will also add a new 17-inch wheel design for the

2013 model year and there will be new-look door mirrors too. “It was only in January that we announced that entry-level Liberty Exiga 2.5i was adding a reversing

The popular six-seater has grown a seventh seat. camera plus dusk sensing headlights and steering wheel Bluetooth controls, voice command, audio streaming, USB connectivity and

AUX jack,” Senior said. “So it’s fair to say that the Liberty Exiga range is undergoing considerable change that makes it an even better value proposition for families.” The dusk sensing headlights were also added to the MY12 Liberty Exiga 2.5i Premium specification. Liberty Exiga 2.5i’s factory-fitted 4.3” LCD screen displays audio information and reversing camera images. Pricing for MY13 variants is yet to be announced.

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We were in the middle of a drought, everything was just falling apart

”

Ian Shippen Sheep and wool producer. Moulamein NSW

Caught in a devastating drought and with no money coming in, Ian faced some tough decisions. He needed a bold plan to keep his ewe population alive. His answer: buy more property. It was ambitious, but Bankwest took the time to understand his vision and made a commitment to back Ian all the way. Today, Ian’s business is one of Australia’s leading sheep farms.

That’s Seriously Happy Banking

µ To learn about Ian’s vision, watch his story at bankwestagri.com.au Bank of Western Australia Ltd ABN 22 050 494 454 AFSL / Australian credit licence 236872.

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