Dairy News Feburary 2013

FLOOD DAMAGE: Queensland hit hardest PAGES 10-11

MILK MONITOR Electronic ID PAGE 20

RUBBER MATTING

Easy fix for old dairies PAGE 25

FEBRUARY, 2013 ISSUE 33 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

Grassroots lobby group ignites. PAGES 4-6

NOW READ IT ONLINE

Reading the paper online has never been easier. (now compatible with iPad and iPhone)

BREAKING NEWS MANAGEMENT STORIES MACHINERY REVIEWS AND MUCH MORE...

www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

NEWS // 3

Gippsland farmers Tim and Grit Cashin carried out humping and hollowing to protect feed and reclaim land. PG.22

The Holstein judging had people hanging from the rafters at International Dairy Week.

Our coverage starts on page 18.

Extension officer Frank Mickan will start forage plan courses for farmers to make the most of their feed. PG.27

Landmark sources export heifers from NZ THE

Gippsland contractor Paul Wilms says his new scraper is perfect for repairing tracks and building feed pads. PG.30

NEWS �������������������������������������������������������3-11 WORLD ��������������������������������������������������12-13 OPINION ���������������������������������������������� 14-15 AGRIBUSINESS ������������������������������ 16-17 BREEDING MANAGEMENT ������18-19 MANAGEMENT ������������������������������� 20-21 ANIMAL HEALTH ���������������������������22-25 PASTURE IMPROVEMENT ����� 26-29 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS ��������������������������������������30-34

FALLOUT from the Federal Government’s decision to cancel live beef exports to Indonesia continues, with Landmark sourcing dairy heifers from New Zealand last month for export to China.

Landmark Global Exports recently sourced 7200 dairy heifers from all over New Zealand as part of its export program to China. Landmark now has a full-time lease on a large quarantine property in New Zealand.

It was the largest single shipment from New Zealand’s South Island to date.

The heifers were shipped late last month. Landmark

failed to return Dairy News’ requests for more information about the cargo, and refused to allow anyone alongside the ship or yards for photos “for security reasons”.

Landmark Global Exports exported around 12,000 head of New Zealand dairy cows to China in 2011.

China’s appetite for dairy livestock is driven by heavy investment in ramping up local milk production by both local and foreign companies.

The Australian company made the decision to source more dairy heifers from NZ in 2011 following the Federal Government’s decision

to shut down the live beef export trade to Indonesia.

Following the live export debacle – where shipments were closed to Indonesia overnight in response to footage shown on the 4 Corners program – Landmark changed its program. It went from sourcing as much as 95% of its heifers from Australia the year before the decision to 50%.

At the time, the company said the decision was made to satisfy its customers in China that it could still meet supply, should a total ban be placed on live exports from Australia.

“Their main concern

Landmark sources more export heifers from NZ since the live export debacle in 2011.

is that trade will be closed down without consultation,” managing director Richard Norton said in 2011.

“As an organisation, we are saying we can continue to supply and are mitigating our risk by getting more

shipments out of New Zealand.”

Landmark had always sourced 95% of its exports from Australia, whereas Elders sourced 50%. It decided to follow a similar path to spread its risk.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

4 // NEWS: FARMER POWER

UDV and Farmer Power join forces THE UNITED Dairyfarmers of Victoria and leaders of the Farmer Power movement have agreed to work together on gaining government financial assistance for dairy farmers.

Following a meeting in Warrnambool on January 31, the UDV and Farmer Power released a joint statement declaring they would work together to seek immediate financial assistance for farmers.

“Dairy is our state’s biggest export earner. Together we need to support our farmers for the future of the state,” the statement said.

Collaboration was not on the agenda at the initial Farmer Power meeting held in Noorat on January 14. At that stage, Farmer Power leaders met the UDV, VFF

and Dairy Australia but planned to continue as a separate grass roots organisation “until they are prepared to make changes and recognise the problems in the industry”, according to Chris Gleeson.

Gleeson defended the Kerry Callow formation of a new group despite criticism at the inaugural meeting that the industry was already overrepresented.

“At least we’re doing something. We want everyone to be united but the UDV doesn’t have the people power. I’d say 80% (at the inaugural meeting) were right behind us,” Gleeson said.

At the meeting, UDV state president Kerry Callow defended the organisation and said it wanted to work with farmers. “It would help if we had your help,” she said. “We are getting somewhere but it takes time.”

Now, both groups will be going to banks to get their support and then to government to get financial assistance for farmers.

UDV president Kerry Callow said the viability of dairy farmers has been threatened by unsustainable milk prices and they needed government support.

ers are facing a $260,000 cash flow problem as costs escalate and income drops.

Warrnambool-based dairy farm accounting specialist Garry Smith, from Coffey Hunt, told a Farmer Power meeting at Noorat that an average farm in his client base milking 450-500 cows would have

to pay an extra $150,000 for feed and $10,000 for power this season.

That represents a 15% hike in feed prices and an average 50% increase in power costs.

The additional costs are compounded by a 10% drop in earnings with an estimated $100,000 reduction in their milk price. He feared there would be only one more

step-up this financial year.

Smith said increases in living costs and other farm costs were putting a tight squeeze on dairy farmers.

“That projected $260,000 reduction in cash flow may need to be financed by some farmers and will reduce the farm profit in most cases,” he said.

“I’ve never seen it so bad.”

many workers on farms and in dairy processing,” Tuohey said.

The car manufacturing sector employs 45,000 people across the country compared to 43,500 dairy farmers and processing workers.

“Why is a Ford worker in Geelong more important than a dairy farmer in Noorat?” Tuohey asked.

Most experts recognise that the local car industry will not be viable in the long term.

“But most of us, including the Prime Minister recognise the enormous potential for our agriculture sector - with dairy being an important component - in the growing middle classes of our regional neighbours,” Tuohey said.

Surrounding towns feel pain

Rising costs stifle cash flow SOUTH-WEST VICTORIAN dairy farm-

“Dairy farmers are suffering from a dramatic slump in farmgate milk prices in the face of a high Australian dollar and rising input costs and the impact of the carbon tax,” Callow said.

VFF president Peter Tuohey said dairy farmers were sick of being ignored by governments, while other sectors were given vast sums to stay afloat.

“The federal and state governments – past and present – have a long history of pouring billions of dollars into keeping foreign-owned car makers in Australia,” Tuohey said.

“We’ve seen Toyota, Ford and General Motors (Holden) gaining vast sums to protect Australian jobs, yet dairying employs almost as

Smith said the flow-on effect was hurting rural communities. “It is hurting dairy service providers and rural regions. You can see why there are so many empty shops around.

“We need to let the politicians know the reality of the problem.

“We’ve got to get the message to Canberra and the message needs to be put out loud and clear.”

RURAL TOWNS and agribusinesses are feeling the pinch as dairy farmers close their wallets to ride out a financial crisis in the industry.

Tony McVilly from the Claas Harvest Centre in Warrnambool told a Farmer Power meeting in Noorat that businesses were struggling because dairy farmers were finding it tough.

“The money isn’t there anymore. Politicians need to understand how much it affects towns,” he said.

“There are plenty of spare shops around.”

McVilly said industry and government power brokers needed to be aware of the serious situation.

“If we can help from the trade services industry, we will. We’ve got to make sure we are heard in Melbourne and Canberra.”

Charles Dillon from Dillon’s Dairy Supplies said that last year 98% of clients were on trade terms but this year 60-70% were past 90 days with their bills.

“They haven’t got money to spend with us. Small towns will die because of it,” he said.

Coles’ claims of milk oversupply ridiculous – WA farmers THE WESTERN Australian Farmers Federation has rejected Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder’s claims that poor farmgate prices in WA were due to an oversupply.

WAFarmers Dairy Section president, Phil Depiazzi, has called on processors and retailers to meet to ensure the viability of the local industry.

“The issue with milk prices has gone on for far too long and now is the time for action,” Depiazzi said.

“Richard Goyder has made public comment stating that poor farm gate milk prices were due to an oversupply,

and that is simply wrong.

“There is no oversupply of milk in Western Australia and we will again be short of milk this summer, unable to supply domestic market needs.

“On projections using data from Dairy Australia, Western Australia will be unable to meet domestic market supply for six months of the year and there needs to be an understanding that to have a sufficient milk supply, there needs to be a slight surplus.”

Depiazzi said dairy farmers were struggling and the WAFarmers Dairy Section would now seek a joint meet-

ing between farmers, processors and retailers.

“If it was a simple case of supply and demand, as suggested by Mr Goyder, then farmers should have received around 55 cents per litre as we did in 2008 under similar conditions.

“Mr Goyder said ‘if farmers are prepared to sell milk to suppliers at the prices they do, then that’s their prerogative. This is the market at work’; we believe the market is not working.

“The last time farmers had any market power was in 1999, when farmers, processors and retailers were able

to negotiate a farm gate price.

“At the time, 48 cents per litre was required to ensure the State had sufficient milk supply to meet local demand.

“We don’t hold Coles responsible for what has happened to milk prices over the last 10 years since deregulation; however we do hold them responsible for the way they have used their power over last two years.

“Coles are a big part of the problem, but they can be a much bigger part of the solution.”

Depiazzi’s calls for a meeting follow a reported released by the WAFarmers

Dairy-Tech Refrigeration Registered Packo Dealer Australia

The dedicated milk cooling specialist • A Packo milk tank and system to suit all herd sizes, pick up schedules, and entry temperatures • Simple one button operation to activate either cooling or wash modes • Packo’s Patented fully automatic Rotojet cleaning system, ensures every square inch of the inside vessel is clean and hygienic.

• The choice is yours- Direct expansion or a glycol chilling tank • Pre, instant cooling systems available

New & Secondhand systems / Wash system upgrades for any make-model tank Call Dairy-Tech Refrigeration today for a no hassle quotation

Phone 03 56623277 email pgoiris@dairytechrefrig.com.au Web www.dairytechrefrig.com.au

Dairy Section Council and the Collective Bargaining Group of WA (CBG) into sustainable milk pricing in Western Australia.

Depiazzi said there were no surprises in the report which clearly showed current farmgate milk prices were not sustainable.

“WAFarmers’ long held position is that current farmgate prices are not sustainable. There is not enough return on asset to encourage new entrants into the industry and not enough return on capital for current dairy farmers to invest in their infrastructure.”

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

NEWS: FARMER POWER // 5

Power movement spreads RICK BAYNE

SIX HUNDRED southwest Victorian dairy farmers have united on a survival quest and more are expected to join the fold.

The farmers have launched an independent grass roots group under the banner ‘Farmer Power’ to fight for a fairer price for their milk.

The movement is now branching out from southwest Victoria into other dairying regions. One was held in Warrnambool, attended by Bob Katter, and the another is planned for Tongala on February 13 with Senator Barnaby Joyce, Dick Smith and Ausbuy’s Lynne Wlkinson.

The south-west Victorian farmers along with service providers and local community members held a ‘crisis’ meeting at Noorat on January 14 where they vowed to fight for better milk prices and more respect and leadership for dairy farmers.

Some speakers were reduced to tears as they told of their struggle to survive.

Others vented their anger at industry bodies, supermarkets, politicians and processors.

The ‘Farmer Power’ group has since been involved in a series of political and industry

meetings and is developing a list of demands to put to milk factories, politicians and industry groups.

At the inaugural meeting, dairy farmers and service providers painted a bleak picture of the immediate future with low milk prices unable to match increased production, feed and financing costs.

The meeting was organised by local dairy farmers Chris Gleeson and Phillip Bond who said it was prompted by ‘crisis’ in the industry and a lack of understanding by politicians and lack of action by industry bodies.

The group has established its own website, www.farmerpower.com.au, is becoming incorporated and has started a public awareness campaign, including tractor rallies outside supermarkets in Warrnambool, to draw attention to their plight.

Gleeson said the immediate aim was to keep farmers afloat.

“Our first priority is to get to the Federal Government to provide assistance for farmers. We have met with Victorian Minister Peter Walsh and he has agreed to help us get to the Federal Government.”

Admitting there was no quick fix solution, Gleeson said the group had not yet developed specific plans on how it would provide lasting change for farm-

DAIRY

not bad for a group that only started three weeks ago.”

The group is in the process of becoming incorporated and is encouraging farmers to join for what Gleeson said would be a “minimal fee”.

He defended the formation of a new group despite criticism at the inaugural meeting that the industry was already overrepresented.

“We want it to be positive, to get fair trade for our local milk, to get milk back into schools and to get an education campaign about the benefits of dairy.”

He said the attention grabbed by the group was already helping farmers.

Gleeson said the number of farms, production and profitability had fallen over the past decade while the average age of dairy farmers was increasing.

“It’s time for farmers to put their heads together and say we’ve had enough,” he said. “We’re in crisis and we have to do something about it.

“We should have had this meeting 12 months ago but our industry failed us so we had to do it ourselves.”

Major issues to be tack-

“we make farming ezy”

It’s like a bank balance... if you know what you’ve got, you know what you can spend... and what the returns will be.

ToP TECH™ GATE #1 high lift gate for your rectangular yard “Cows are relaxed and produce more milk, and it’s easy to separate mobs”

ANimAl CoNTrol UNiT This unit will revolutionise your animal handling, make it safe and ezy. Once you have one, you will never do without it ever again. Keep your staff safe and happy. Think OSH!

For the Herringbone shed.

ers but was determined to make a difference.

“It’s not going to happen overnight but we have to have change to survive. We’re already moving on our first priority to get assistance from the government to keep farmers afloat and then to address the farm gate price.”

Gleeson said he was buoyed by response to the new group. “It has been overwhelming…the phone hasn’t stopped,” he said.

“It’s going national now. We’ve had media calling from every state.

We had six ministers here for a meeting last week –

led by the farmers include people to join the industry. the need for a better and Australian Dairy Farmfairer farm-gate price for ers president Noel Campmilk, returning Austrabell said a lot was done lian dairy products back that wasn’t seen by all on supermarket shelves, farmers. gaining more industry support from governments, and an independent review of industry representative structures.

They also called for protection against subsidised dairy imports, more direct say for dairy farmers in industry organisations and incentives Phillip Bond and Chris Gleeson for young TH1354M 28/11/2012

PASTUrE mANAGEmENT

bACkiNG bAr - Too Ezy!

Garry Smith, Mike Hamblin and Chris Gleeson face the audience at Noorat.

HooFCArE HANDlEr Hooftrimming is vital for cow performance safe and ezy trimming means a good handler is needed to do the job. Make it ezy talk to our experts.

CASTrATiNG ToolS Better use of natural testosterone. Ring castration is safe and prevents growth set back. $$$ in your pocket.

TEAT SPrAy SolUTioNS

Speed sensitive targeted results, every time a winner. Ezy to install. Rotary on Herringbone.

DAiry CADDy™, mobilE SElF loCkiNG DAiry STool

Be safe and steady on your Dairy Caddy.

ONLINE SPECIAL

www.technipharm.com.au

milkCHECkEr™  New back-lit screen  Auto temperature compensator  Select cows for drying off therapy  Handy pocket-size, with wrist strap  Superfast digital, easy-tosee results

$1000 Normally

*Conditions apply.

All prices exclude GST,insurance & freight.

$1495

ADVANCE irriGATor™

NEW...NEW...

Scan the Code here using your smartphone



For more solutions to make farming ezy... FREE Ph: 1800 124 034 Go online: www.technipharm.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

6 // NEWS: NOORAT MEETING

Payment systems hurt farmers RICK BAYNE

A WARRNAMBOOL vet and farm

consultant told those at the Noorat dairy meeting that every farm he worked with would record a tax loss this financial year.

Mike Hamblin said processors were a large part of the problem.

“We need to discuss improved payment systems with the processors and be prepared to vote with our feet if they don’t change the structure,” he said.

“We grow most of our grass in four months but the seasonal pricing system is forcing farmers to go to split calving.”

Hamblin said many dairy farmers needed immediate help to keep paying their debts and he suggested “interestfree survival loans”.

“This is about the only measure

immediate enough to save farms in desperate trouble,” he said.

Hamblin also called for NonCommercial Loss legislation to be repealed to encourage more investment in the industry and advocated a consumer levy on white milk to be paid to dairy farmers.

“Our problem is that our expenses are more than our income.”

The Federal Government and dairy industry should negotiate free trade agreements, repeal the carbon tax, introduce tax incentives to invest in ‘real’ agriculture and introduce more practical work force regulations.

Hamblin asked the 500-strong audience if they knew the name of the Shadow Minister for Agriculture (John Cobb). Only a handful raised their hands. “I had to look up his name on the internet,” he said.

“The Government and independents

are not much help and Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig is missing in action. We need Cobb down here batting for us.”

Liberal Federal Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan, and State Member for South West Coast, Dennis Napthine, attended the meeting and vowed to help the dairy farmers.

Hamblin said the dairy industry was in crisis. “We need to send a strong message to governments and industry that we’re hurting,” he said. “We need to bombard politicians and the rural media and let them know what is really happening.

“There are farms that are going to the wall and there will be a reasonably significant number unless something changes soon. Those with significant debt are in a lot of trouble.”

Hamblin proposed a series of initiatives which he believed could ease

Warrnambool consultant Mike Hamblin says processors are a large part of the problem.

the burden for dairy farmers.

He also urged farmers to stop all shopping from the two supermarkets and to urge the broader community to follow their lead.

“You’ve got to wonder how milk can be cheaper than bottled water in this country and how an industry can survive when farmers are being paid less than the cost of production.”

Property prices plunge 45% Mortgagee auctions at record levels THE PRICE of dairy land

in south-west Victoria has fallen by up to 45% as “motivated sellers” seek to offload their farms.

However, farmers are still having trouble finding buyers due to low levels of confidence and financial impediments facing young people trying to enter the industry.

Charles Stewart Real Estate Warrnambool branch manager Nick Adamson told a dairy industry crisis meeting at Noorat that it was a “tough gig” trying to convince people to buy dairy farms in the current climate.

Financially stressed farms have seen their value stripped by up to 45%.

“If a farmer is highly motived to sell, their land has probably fallen

Nick Adamson

by 35-45%,” Adamson said. “Highly motivated means they are financially stressed which means their land often requires further capital investment to become a viable option.”

Adamson said the price of better quality farms without as much financial

stress and not requiring capital investment from a purchaser had fallen 8-15% since the peaks of 200809.

Adamson said Charles Stewart had 40 dairy farms for sale on its website from between Winchelsea and the South Australian border.

Some have been for sale for as long as two years.

“There has been a marked increase in the number of farms on the market, plus we have others not on the website. We’re only one of many companies selling dairy farms. From talking to industry colleagues and valuers, there is a complete over-supply at the moment,” he said.

Adamson added that grazing industries were not much better placed and properties had fallen 20-25% in the same period.

He said people looking to enter the dairy industry needed $2-3 million.

“It’s hard to get young people in because of poor return on current investments and bank lending criteria.” – Rick Bayne

THE NUMBER of mortgagee auctions on

farms in south-west Victoria is at record levels.

Elders Rural Services banking manager in Warrnambool, Barry O’Neill, told a dairy crisis meeting in Noorat that there were more mortgagee auctions recently than at any time in memory.

“A lot don’t advertise that way, but that’s the reality of it,” O’Neill said.

O’Neill said land values continued to fall due to lack of buyer pressure.

“Plenty of farmers who bought at the peak and borrowed plenty now owe more than what the farm is worth,” he said.

O’Neill told the audience that the low milk prices, the strong Australian dollar and over-supply of properties on the market had led to lower land values.

“If interest rates were high you would have a perfect storm,” he said.

“Most banks will fund a negative cash flow for a year or two, but if it is year upon year some tough decisions will need to be made.”

Barry O’Neill

“We have had a steady stream of phone calls from people you just cannot help.”

O’Neill said he knew examples of farmers with equity as low as 10-15%.

“Increasing income is the only answer,” he said. – Rick Bayne

MAXIMISE YOUR EFFLUENT INTO PROFITABLE PASTURES! Agricultural machinery manufacturer

Vacuum tankers (5,000 litres to 30,000 litres) • Solid spreaders • Injectors

Inquire how your investment today will create pastures with unbeatable growth and much more!

...also see the ROLLAND TCE spreaders (12 cubic metres to 25 cubic metres) Call Tom on 0419 851 543 or email muckrunnerptyltd@hotmail.com

AHC_MHM9440-107

MUCKRUNNER products and their many specialised machines are your answer!

Helix – feed when it is needed most!

Trial Data

To view the performance of Helix in trials, visit our web site: www.cropmark.com.au/Trial-Data.aspx

Helix – helping match feed supply and demand Helix Enhanced® perennial ryegrass is an exciting variety from the Cropmark breeding programme.

A mid heading variety at +6 days (cf Nui), Helix is showing exceptional yield across seasons, years and regions, but particularly over late winter and early spring – providing more HELIX IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR feed when it is needed most around calving and lambing.

LOCAL SEED MERCHANT OR FARM Helix is high in metabolisable energy and digestibility, and is MERCHANDISE OUTLET extremely palatable.

Stock love it and eat it readily. Helix is suited to high performance dairy, beef or sheep farms in regions which receive 600+mm rainfall; particularly areas which do not receive reliable late spring rain; or where grass staggers is an issue.

Helix is suitable for all pasture renovation, including over-sowing.

For further information on Helix, contact our regional agronomists: Western Districts, SA, Tasmania: Jason Hill – 0427 607 375 North & East Victoria, NSW: Adam Sheedy – 0428 132 096

Cropmark Seeds Australia Pty Ltd Freephone: 1800 889 039 Freefax: 1800 889 037

www.cropmark.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

8 // NEWS

New robotic arm fits existing rotary dairies A PROTOTYPE robotic milking arm unveiled in New Zealand recently could make automated dairies a realistic proposition for large pasture-based dairies in Australia.

The arm could be attached to existing rotary milking systems so farmers would not have to invest in a brand new milk platform.

The development has excited Tasmanian dairy farmer Paul Lambert, who has long been interested in robotic milking platforms. Lambert will speak at the Dairy Innovators Forum, to be held on the Sunshine Coast on February 26-27.

The Nuffield Scholar is planning to develop a robotic milking system dairy enterprise that would milk 2200 cows on 550ha of irrigation, producing 15 million litres per year and milking 270 cows per hour.

His vision is that the farm

would be operated as a semi-voluntary system with high labour efficiency (300 cows/FTE vs 125 cows/FTE compared with a conventional system), divided into three herds of roughly 730 cows each.

In addition his vision is the system would have a feed pad, automatic gates in the paddocks that are controlled remotely and powered by solar energy.

Lambert will discuss automated milking, explore virtual fencing and remote cow management and discuss energy alternatives including solar.

He said the recent development in New Zealand makes his ambitions much more realistic as costs of automated milking systems are much more expensive in Australia than in Europe.

Current automated milking systems also require a new approach to grazing that doesn’t

suit every farm.

Lambert met another Nuffield Scholar, Murray King, two years ago. King is developing the arm with several other NZ dairy farmers and New Zealand company Scott Technology through the company, Scott Milktech. They aim to commercialise the system within 12 months.

The “six-axis robot” uses an arm to lift milking cups on a rotary dairy milking system onto the teats of cows that are usually milked twice daily.

While other automated systems had been created internationally, the Milktech venture had focused on making the robotic arm suitable for existing rotary milking systems.

The joint venture had achieved a 95% success rate in the placement of the four cups within a 15-second to 20-second

time frame on a cow, King said.

“That is what is crucial to fit into a commercial dairy, to get the throughput of cows per hour.”

A demonstration on a New Zealand dairy farm in December showed the system, which uses a camera and software to co-ordinate then locate the cups on the udder and start the milking process.

Scott Technology chief executive Chris Hopkins said the robotic systems would retail for “several hundred thousand” with the robotic arms paying for themselves in three to five years.

The robots would be “progressively rolled out” to interested farmers so the system was further refined over time.

For more information on the Dairy Innovators Forum, visit www.australiandairyconference. com.au or call Esther Price on (08) 9525 9222.

Dairy exports up, total value down AUSTRALIAN DAIRY exports rose in the second half of

last year but total value fell, placing pressure on Australian exporters and suppliers.

Dairy Australia data showed exports from July to December was up 9.5% on the previous year but total value fell 2.6% Whole milk powder prices fell 15.3%. Volume was also down 6.7%.

However, there were better results with butter, with exports up 63.7% and prices up 8.2%, and skim milk powder, with exports up 42.1% in volume and 18.1% in value.

Australian milk production is also slightly ahead compared to the same time last year.

Dairy Australia figures show production was 0.5% up from July to December on the previous year but production for the month of December was down 1.3%.

The overall production figures are below Dairy Australia’s forecast of 2% for 2012-13. However, these were based on an assumption of normal seasonal conditions.

The Fonterra Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction on February 5 shows a solid rise in the GDT Trade Weighted Index (TWI), up 2.4% from the previous auction.

Most of the major product groups were up: the whole milk powder price up sharply at 5.4%, skim milk powder up 0.5%, and butter milk powder up 3.7%; cheese was down slightly -0.1%.

The recent issue of dicyandiamide (or DCD) detected in milk did little to curb buyer interest with participating bidders up to 212 from 202 in the previous auction.

NEW slurry fertiliser applicator ticks all boxes

Tow and Fert

The Tow and Fert is NOT “just-another-sprayer”, Tim Henman of Metalform emphasises. “It provides every farmer the freedom and independence they need when it comes to managing their fertiliser and animal health programme effectively.”

With the ability to mix and apply nearly every type of fine particle fertilisers, liquid fertilisers, bio fertilisers, humates, animal health products and weed control products - the Tow and Fert is no toy!

Metalform of New Zealand have been developing fertiliser application products for over 30 years from fine particle slurry applicators for helicopters to particle grinders for ground spread trucks. With more than 2 years of sales of Tow and Fert in New Zealand, every customer is now an advocate and have advised us it is critical in their farming operation. Now with an office and warehouse in Melbourne, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Tow and Fert into Australia in February 2013.

Don’t be fooled by the size of the Tow and Fert, as it can easily handle a 1 tonne bag of fine lime which it will mix into just 600 litres of water. With a 24 metre spread, the Tow and Fert can cover 1 hectare in 3 minutes at 12 kmhr.

A versatile machine Imagine being able to apply all products related to nitrogen (urea and gibberellic products), animal health products (mag oxide, fine lime, selenium, copper, iodine and zinc), fine particle fertiliser (including phosphorus, potassium and sulphur), liquid fertilisers (seaweed and fish based products) and soil conditioning products (humates) - all whenever you want to and the amount you need to.

Cost benefits are immediate Tow and Fert customers are reporting paybacks on their Tow and Fert of fewer than 12 months. When this is coupled with Metalform’s easy financing option, owning the Tow and Fert and removing the cost of a 3rd party to apply fertiliser and saving on actual fertiliser amounts - can often make this a cash flow positive purchase making the decision a real no-brainer.

The Tow and Fert’s multi role ability means you will be saving money in fertiliser, application costs, timely application of animal health trace elements, application of herbicides (thistle, dock spray etc) while simultaneously applying lime, urea etc.

In summary Like being in control? If you like the concept behind slurry, dissolved or bio fertilisers but want to know how many kg/ha of nutrient you are getting on your pastures and want to guarantee timely applications then call Metalform on 1300 630 279 to dicuss how the Tow and Fert can help you or to organise a no-obligation demonstration of the Tow and Fert. Then you can make your own mind up!

Available Feb 2013

1300 630 279

www.towandfarm.com

The benchmark for production and performance

Trial Data

To view the performance of Matrix in trials, visit our web site: www.cropmark.com.au/Trial-Data.aspx

Proven, reliable, persistent and high performing.

Matrix Enhanced® perennial ryegrass truly is the benchmark for production and performance on Victorian dairy farms. It is thoroughly proven, reliable, persistent and high performing.

Many farmers would argue that there is simply no better perennial ryegrass. And the cows won’t argue with that either.

MATRIX IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL SEED MERCHANT OR FARM MERCHANDISE OUTLET

They find it very palatable and eat it readily.

Farmers tell us the milk production lifts when the cows are grazing Matrix.

Matrix is suitable for all pasture renovation, including over-sowing.

For further information on Matrix, contact our regional agronomists: Western Districts, SA, Tasmania: Jason Hill – 0427 607 375 North & East Victoria, NSW: Adam Sheedy – 0428 132 096

Cropmark Seeds Australia Pty Ltd Freephone: 1800 889 039 Freefax: 1800 889 037

www.cropmark.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

10 // DISASTER Paddocks under water at Quesera Dairies, Queensland.

Half of Queensland h ABOUT 50% of

Queensland’s dairy industry has been impacted by the torrential rain and flooding from ex-Cyclone Oswald, with early estimates showing damage and losses to be near $40 million, according to the Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation (QDO).

QDO chief executive Adrian Peake said some dairy farms had been inundated and evacuated and

many have been without power, telecommunications, and tanker access, with a number of these farms having to discard milk. Other properties have experienced major damage to crops and infrastructure.

Peake said there were still yet properties isolated and facing significant issues in terms of power and infrastructure and said there would be some shortages of milk due to

the impacts.

“Even while the milk cabinet could get empty or near empty, there will be no increase in price paid to the farmers, despite the major losses they are now incurring. We call on the retailers to support the industry in this time of need.”

Peake said the flood was a devastating event for many farmers, coming just two years after previous natural disasters

had impacted the majority of the industry just 24 months ago.

“Clearly the situation is critical from this disaster for many farmers, and industry is working with the government on coordinating the response to help dairy farming families through this difficult time.”

Industry is working on the flood response as a partnership between QDO, Subtropical Dairy, Dairy Australia, milk processors, and DAFF Queensland,

including daily meetings updating the situation and critical issues.

State and Federal Governments have escalated Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) for five Queensland shires in the wake of ex-cyclone Oswald.

The shires of Bundaberg, Gympie, North Burnett, Lockyer Valley, and Fraser Coast were declared Category C yesterday, an assistance level which provides access to

MetiPEARL | LysiPEARL ™

™

Rumen Protected Amino Acids for Modern Dairy Nutrition

MetiPEARL™ and LysiPEARL™ are designed specifically for prevention of the limiting amino acids, methionine and lysine, being lost in the rumen and allowing the release and absorption of these essential amino acids in the small intestine.

MetiPEARL™ and LysiPEARL™ are produced from applying spray freezing technology to methionine and lysine. A technology application which: Prevents degradation of amino acid in the rumen and allows release and absorption in the small intestine.

Effectively and efficiently supplements cows’ amino acid supply.

Ensures correct supply and balance of crucial amino acids.

Flood waters have damaged paddocks across Queensland.

Northern NSW touched by floods INDIVIDUAL DAMAGE will be severe but only a small

“Lysine and methionine have been identified most frequently as first limiting essential amino acids” (NRC, 2001)

BEC FEED SOLUTIONS Pty Ltd

PH 07 3723 9800 FAX 07 3271 3080

CUSTOMER SERVICE

1300 884 593

www.becfeedsolutions.com.au

number of farms, probably under 20, will be affected by flooding in New South Wales caused by ex-Cyclone Oswald, says Dairy Australia.

No stock losses had yet reported for dairy in NSW, Dairy Australia’s Sue Webster told Dairy News Australia early last week. At that stage some farms will hadn’t been contacted.

“The main focus at present is contacting farmers and making sure they are ok – a couple of farm family farms flooded so it is a very stressful period for many,” she said. “Things are still very much in emergency phase – fodder drops, getting generators in, fixing broken milking machines and access issues. It will take a while for people to tour their properties to assess scope of damage and some will be under water for a while yet.”

It was also too early to tell with milk supply, but deliveries to factories were significantly down (10-15% of normal intake) for a couple of days, Webster said. – Pam Tipa

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

DISASTER // 11

d hit by floods grants and loans for cleanup and rebuilding measures.

QDO President Brian Tessmann said there were many dairy farmers in these shires severely impacted and the assistance would be vital to help them with the very difficult rebuilding pro-

cess.

“Individual farms have faced catastrophic losses and we have estimated that about half of the Queensland industry has been impacted by this disaster,” Tessmann said.

He said that as QDO continued to assess the damage, it was clear that

more shires and or part shires would need to be added to the list of those in need of greater assistance measures, including South Burnett, Gladstone, Wide Bay, Scenic Rim, Sommerset, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and parts of the Darling Downs councils.

He said farmers with urgent needs should contact processor field service officers or the QDO office on 3236 2955 or 24 hour number 0459 362 955 (after hours) while he encouraged farmers in a manageable situation to look out for their neighbours.

Andrew and Fiona Burnett’s property at Sexton received more flood damage.

Few dairy farms touched by fires season’s Gippsland bushfires so far – one was isolated for a time due to a road block, another had to evacuate the cows to a neighbour’s while others have lost a significant amount of pasture and fencing.

While most dairy farmers are situated in the flatter land and not in forested hill country, some were still affected by the fires – either directly (by bush or grass fires) or indirectly through loss of power or road blocks.

The situation around Maffra/Stratford proved worrying for locals as high temperatures and medium-strong northerly winds could have pushed the fire out of the hills and south to dairy country.

Milk production and collection has not been affected by the fires and hot weather to date.

Julie Iommi, Dairy Australia’s issues management manager, said: “The industry has been working hard since the Black Saturday fires and the recent flood events to capture lessons learnt by affected farmers – what worked and what didn’t work.

“Every fire is different and dairy farmers use their local knowledge to develop a plan that suits them and their farm.”

A 75-year-old man has been charged with causing the massive fire in Gippsland that killed one person and destroyed homes.

The fire started on a rural property in Aberfeldy, in Gippsland, on the morning of Thursday, January 17, police said. It burnt at least 75,000ha of land in Aberfeldy, Heyfield and Seaton.

Many Gippsland farmers were counting themselves lucky with lower stock deaths than expected and tales of cattle surviving on farms which were completely burnt.

About 60 beef cattle were destroyed on one property.

Department of Primary Industries animal welfare officers have been into affected areas of Dawson, Seaton and Glenmaggie, but they were unable to confirm stock losses.

In Tasmania, following fires in the south and north west of the state, farmers can gain access to $100,000 of funding to rebuild fences. The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) will administer it for all farmers, even if they are not TFGA members.

“This has been a really sensible way of helping farmers,” TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said. “Replacing lost fencing is a number one priority to prevent stock wandering onto roads or onto neighbouring properties but also for ensuring they can be controlled for mustering for health checks and feeding.

“You feel helpless until those fences are back in place.

“Red Cross Appeal money was not available to businesses, but through this arrangement with the SA and WA Governments, the Tasmanian Government has been able to provide the money and provide it quickly.

“We will be able to use it in conjunction with the suppliers and contractors who have already been so generous with their time and resources to leverage the best possible value for money.”

Ms Davis said farmers looking for assistance with fencing following the fires should contact the TFGA in Launceston (6332 1800).

“All our milking solutions come from one place”

Conventional milking systems Barn equipment and cow comfort

Robotic milking systems

Young stock solutions

Effluent management

Herd management

Cooling tanks Reliable dealer service

GEA Milking & Cooling GEA Farm Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Call 1800 789 100 for the name of your nearest dealer Email info.auft@gea.com www.gea-farmtechnologies.com.au

GEA Farm Equipment Houle Norbco

GEA Farm Technologies The right choice

GE11307

ONLY A handful of dairy farms have been affected by this

GEA Farm Technologies See the future

GE11307_280x187_DN.indd 1

31/01/13 7:57 PM

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

12 // WORLD NEWS

Arla drops Europe for China, Russia SUDESH KISSUN

DANISH DAIRY cooperative Arla Foods is ditching expansion plans in Europe and increasing its focus on China, Russia and Africa/Middle East.

The co-op aims to double sales of ingredients to the growing food industry outside the EU. At the same time, the focus in Northern Europe moves from expansion to increased profitability and innovation.

Arla notes in markets outside the EU, millions of people have achieved a better standard of living and are demanding healthy and safe food products.

Arla Foods chief executive Peder Tuborgh says its exports to Russia, China

and the Middle East & Africa region are growing rapidly.

“We will work hard over the next five years to build on the massive potential that these markets hold for Arla’s products,” he says.

Defining Russia, China and the Middle East & Africa as strategic growth markets will see Arla increase investment in marketing, distribution networks and cooperation with local partners in these markets between now and 2017. By 2017 the overall revenue from Arla’s strategic business generated in these markets is set to increase from approximately $760 million to $2.1 billion.

The revised strategy is linked to the abolition of EU milk quotas in 2015.

Without EU quotas it is anticipated that Arla’s milk farmers will produce at least one billion kilos of milk more each year than today. The extra milk cannot be sold as profitable products in the EU due to growth stagnating, it says.

“We have an opportunity to achieve profitable long-term positions in markets outside the EU, and therefore it is important that the strategy sends a clear signal to the organisation that we need to further develop our sales channels.

“Our dairy products need to reach many new consumers as these increased global sales will help to maintain a viable dairy business in northern Europe,” In recent years, Arla

Arla will drop its European expansion plans and expand in China, Russia and Africa/ Middle East.

has strengthened its positions in its core markets in the UK, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands. According to its Strategy 2017, these markets must continue to be developed, but with more focus on refining activities, not primarily through expansion via mergers and acquisitions.

Tuborgh says Arla has a lot of unutilised potential that

must be put to good use.

“We can do this by further advancing our relations with customers and consumers, offering more attractive products, and finding new ways to inspire our customers.

We will continue to focus on the three global brands of Arla, Lurpak og Castello, which must all grow via their individual unique profiles.”

UK farmers will name and shame UK FARMERS warn they will “name and shame” milk

buyers who don’t implement the voluntary dairy industry code of practice in milk supply contracts.

A dairy coalition, made up of farming unions and dairy groups, set up the code in September last year. It was designed to build a fair and functioning marketplace and help secure the long-term future of the UK dairy industry.

Farmers for Action chairman David Handley says despite their efforts, farm gate milk prices for deliveries in January are typically only 3c/L higher than in April 2012. Since then, however, costs of production have risen by 5c/L. “Farmers need to see improving dairy market conditions translated into farm gate milk price rises,” he says.

NFU dairy board chairman Mansel Raymond says the code applies to all milk buyers, irrespective of size.

“If co-ops, smaller processors or any milk buyer think the code doesn’t apply to them, they are wrong.

It is the responsibility of every milk buyer to ensure the voluntary approach to improving milk contracts succeeds.

The alternative is legislation and the coalition will not rest until we see better more balanced contracts for dairy farmers.”

NFU Scotland milk committee chairman Gary Mitchell says processors and Dairy UK have suggested the end of March is a realistic time by which contracts will be improved.

“While we’d like to see improvements before this date, we certainly will not sanction delays beyond this. We will challenge retailers and food businesses to only buy milk via compliant contracts or from processors who comply with the code and non-compliance will be made public.”

Water Solutions for Irrigators Providing customised Water Solutions to meet the needs of your business Entitlement Leasing Access the benefits of Victorian water entitlements: • lease both High & Low Reliability Entitlement • no capital outlay required • access to Victorian carry over benefits

Carry-over Capacity Securely store your allocation water against Victorian water entitlement: • a cost effective water storage solution – your own ‘virtual’ dam • preserve allocated water for use in later seasons

Water Share Farm Receive a fixed volume of water for a fixed share of your crop:

• allocation water can be purchased when prices are low assuring water availability when required

• minimal up-front costs to access the allocation water

Customisation Our staff work with you to build a Water Solution:

• certainty of water supply

• meet with you on-farm

• capacity to expand your production

• understand your annual seasonal needs and price points

• payment on crop delivery based on yield

• provide you with a customised solution • provide water for the short, medium or long term

For more information contact Rod Luke at Kilter on 0417 102 561 or watersolutions@kilter.net.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

WORLD NEWS // 13

Record production looms in NZ Dairy News.

“Most regions have had good growing conditions so far, but this is always THE DAIRY industry is on track to another record subject to change based on regional weather events.” milk production season.

The remnants of Fonterra has conCyclone Evan brought firmed milk production rain to parts of is slightly ahead of the upper and last season. But the central North weather could still Island. This has throw a spanner in helped farmers the works – pasture in these locagrowth is already tions while isoeasing in parts of the Steve Murphy lated rainfall North Island. has kept grass While most of growing in other centres, the 2011-12 season milk says Murphy. has been processed, an “The central South unfavourable autumn Island has seen hot dry would have a minor conditions but not unseaimpact on this season’s sonal for this time of year, production. However, while the lower South the main concern will be Island has continued to ensuring cows are in top see favourable conditions condition for mating and with regular rainfall and for milk production next good soil moisture levels.” season.

DairyNZ’s regional Fonterra’s general manager milk supply Steve team manager Craig McBeth says while it’s Murphy says the season been a good season to is going well and milk date, dry weather is creepflows are continuing to track slightly ahead of last ing into some parts of the country. season.

Production is falling “In general, the daily in Northland and weather over the ChristWaikato; Bay of Plenty is mas and new year period falling behind this time hasn’t had an impact on last year, although overour operations,” he told SUDESH KISSUN

all the country is slightly ahead.

McBeth says given these conditions, farmers need to start thinking about next season and not milk their lighter cows too aggressively and strip body condition.

“They need to be keeping an eye on the individual cows as well as the herd in general for body

condition score. Increasingly they should make sure they are well set up for next season because they have already got a lot of milk in the vat. Next season should start to enter more into their decision making from here on.”

McBeth says farmers should consider drying off lighter cows and shipping

known cull cows to the works early.

BNZ senior economist Doug Steel says milk production in New Zealand remains strong despite earlier reservations about weather. Steel expects 2012-13 milk production to be 3% higher than last season’s record production. “The risk of El

Nino about six months ago has dissipated,” he says.

New Zealand milk production data for November 2012 reveals an extended peak to the season. Milk production typically reaches its seasonal peak in late October.

In 2012 production continued strongly through the month of November. This resulted in production for

November exceeding the previous season by 17.5 million kgMS. Last season, dairy companies processed 19.1 billion litres of milk containing 1.69 billion kgMS, a 11% increase over the previous season.

The milk production increase was the first double-digit increase since 2000-01.

IMAGINE NOT LEAVING YOUR PROFITABILITY IN THE HANDS OF DYLAN

THE SALE of nitrification inhibitors containing dicyandiamide (DCD) has been suspended after minor traces of the compound were found in New Zealand milk powder.

DCD is used to reduce the environmental footprint by slowing the rate that soil bacteria convert ammonia into nitrate and nitrous oxide. Developed 30 years ago the compound is used in a wide range of industries and poses no food safety concerns.

Major fertiliser companies Ballance and Ravensdown have voluntarily suspended sales of their respective nitrate inhibitors, which contain DCD. “The reputation of New Zealand as a quality food producer is as important to us as it is to our farmer owners.

So it is reassuring that both the MPI’s and our own peerreviewed research shows there are no food safety issues with DCD or eco-n,” says Ravensdown chief executive Greg Campbell.

“What’s changed is that last year, organisations like the US Food and Drug Administration added DCD to a list of substances to test for. This, combined with increasingly sophisticated scanning technology now presents a possible trade risk.

“Given the risk to NZ’s dairy export reputation, Ravensdown has taken the initiative and is suspending the single product which uses DCD for this calendar year.

“As DCD has been used safely around the world for 30 years, there has never been a set of international standards around maximum residue level in food products. Because no standard exists for DCD, no detectable presence is acceptable. And because zero detection of DCD cannot be guaranteed, Ravensdown has taken the responsible, voluntary step to suspend its use while the trade issues are resolved.”

TRACTA40495-DNA

Tainted milk powder causes product ban

Spotting that unhealthy cow in the milking shed requires your full attention. Human error costs farmers thousands of dollars a year – not to mention the wasted time spent chasing false positives.

Best of all, because the Alpro™ system is modular, it paves the way for adding future management applications – like in-shed feeding, milk recording, sorting cows and more.

Take the risk out of your operation with the DeLaval blood and conductivity solution.

Upgrade your shed now to give you topof-the-line herd management, and another aid to help the detection of mastitis.

Talk to your local DeLaval dealer today and start imagining more.

Call 1800 817 199 or visit www.delaval.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

14 // OPINION RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

Farmer Power must cash in on noise

MILKING IT...

Minced meat

MASTITIS remains one of the main concerns for dairy farmers so it was no surprise to see a large crowd present to hear Dr Neil Charman from Pfizer at the International Dairy Week seminar marquee.

Charman was speaking about the difficulties of eradicating mastitis from a dairy herd and gave some tips on how to do so. When asked by one frustrated farmer how to cure some cows that had continued to resist several rounds of treatment, he responded: “The only treatment for those is McDonalds.”

We don’t think he was talking about buying them a Big Mac either.

Heard this before?

NAB rolled into IDW to speak and rolled out the old talk about Asia being the future saviour of the Australian dairy industry.

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this but it’s getting tired.

It was disappointing for NAB to blow into an event held a week after 600 dairy farmers had shown their obvious concern for the state of the industry and say: Everything will be great in the future.

Could they not have prepared something more current and relevant for the audience?

It seems they’re about as in touch with the industry as a long line of politicians out there.

The term ivory tower comes to mind.

Office dangers

WE ARE well aware of the disdain many farmers hold for the shiny suits and paper shufflers who work in offices. However, spare a thought for the dangers these people suffer in the day-to-day work life.

Reports from England say the Manchester NHS Trust has banned the use of paperclips because staff kept cutting themselves.

So, the trust sent out a memo telling employees that all paperclips ‘should be carefully disposed of’ and replaced with plastic fasteners.

And you thought life was tough down on the farm.

Blame it on the weather

A SEA-FARING mate tells of an encounter with a marine weatherman while boating there over the festive season.

This weatherman is responsible for broadcasting weather forecasts to boaties, although his run rate could have been better, says our source.

Picking the weather had become “impossible”, claimed the weather watcher, mainly to “global warming”.

Our salty sea-dog laughed out loud. What, he asked, had their excuse been before the world discovered global warming?

Advertising Hyde Media Pty Ltd PO Box 237, Seymour, VIC 3661 Phone 03.5792 1314

Editor Stephen Cooke 03.9478 9779 or 0427.124 437 editor@dairynewsaustralia.com.au Publisher Brian Hight

Advertising Manager

Dairy News Australia is published by RNG Publishing Limited. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written

Max Hyde max@hydemedia.com.au

THERE IS a groundswell of dairy farmers who want help during this period of low prices and rising costs and they have placed their faith in grassroots lobby group, Farmer Power.

The inaugural Farmer Power meeting at Noorat last month highlighted disenchantment with the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV), Australian Dairy Farmers and Dairy Australia.

To be fair, all farmers involved with these groups have the best interests of farmers at heart and volunteer many hours that could be spent on farm or with their families.

Dairy Australia is not a lobbying body. It does supply information to the UDV and ADF to use in their lobbying. If Dairy Australia took a political role it could lose in the vicinity of $30m of funding, according to managing director Ian Halliday.

ADF does not have the budget (or political power) of a Coles, which would spend the ADF’s entire annual budget on its My Kitchen Rules advertisements alone.

The UDV has its own financial pressures. But both lobby groups engage with politicians and industry groups behind the scenes.

Despite creating a new lobby group in what it said was an overcrowded market, Farmer Power has roused politicians by being so vocal.

It has demanded to be heard and politicians have come running.

It’s a good year to call for help. The Federal election will be held in September and the Victorian election, although not held for two years, will be closely fought.

Now that Farmer Power has the ears of the politicians, what will they provide? Will they exert enough pressure on the banks to ease the financial pressure? Will they do more than call for another inquiry into supermarket power?

Coalition politicians can talk about stopping soaring electricity prices but this is not believable. Opposition leader Tony Abbott won’t be able to repeal the climate change legislation that Gillard has offset with copious amounts of money for all. Most power cost rises have not come as a result of the climate change legislation, but because of electricity company hikes to cover new infrastructure.

Farmer Power must be wary of politicians and false promises.

Bob Katter wants to reregulate the industry. It will never happen, but it will get him headlines.

John Cobb (he who received less than glowing praise at the Noorat meeting) has used the farming community’s pain and angst to fire shots at Labour. Things are tough? Then elect me, he cries.

Farmer Power needs something concrete; something that will help those who have placed their faith in it to deliver. Whether that is short-term loans or something more long-term, now is the time to cash in their noise for something permanent.

We wish them the very best.

0408.558 938

Managing Editor Adam Fricker Production Dave Ferguson Becky Williams Published by RNG Publishing Ltd Printed by PMP Print

permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the staff, management or directors of RNG Publishing Limited.

WWW.DAIRYNEWSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

Head Office Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Auckland 0622, New Zealand Phone +64.9.307 0399 Fax +64.9.307 0122 Postal address PO Box 3855, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140, New Zealand

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

OPINION // 15 Grassmere dairy farmer Liam Ryan puts a different perspective on the ‘Farmer Power’ move in south-west Victoria.

Supermarkets not main concern THERE HAS been a plethora of media

coverage on all the things that are going wrong in the dairy industry — low milk prices, rising input costs, a dwindling ageing farmer group, lack of support from industry bodies and, most famously, the cheap milk available at a couple of well-known supermarkets.

However, quite unfortunately, as is the case with most emotive subjects, there are a lot of assumptions, halftruths and falsehoods being peddled around. The meeting held at Noorat last month was a classic example of this — plenty of emotion and passion for the industry, concern as to how we are all going to survive, but for all the noise and discussion it was concerning to see that the price of discounted milk and the perceived lack of industry support were two of the main topics raised and falsely portrayed as main contributors to this current difficult year.

Yes, the milk price is low, but not as low as it has been in the past and there’s a fair chance it will be lower some time in the future. As we are mostly exporting our product, more than 70%, the price is set by the world market. The price fluctuates, always has, always will.

It’s simple supply and demand.

In regard to input costs, the same applies. Some years are better than others. It’s the nature of all agricultural industries.

As for subsidies, well if you can show me an example in Australia or a comparable country where subsidies have had a positive impact, I’d be surprised — they are generally an invitation for

factory sell unbranded milk. Maybe a few more relevant issues to focus on LIAM would be the Aussie dollar, free-trade RYAN agreements, transport costs and the efficiency of our milk factories — overstaffed, over-capitalised?

The way I see it, the more we talk complacency or a delay of the inevitaabout this issue the more free adverble. Check out the Australian car mantising we provide for the supermarkets ufacturing industry. and the great deals they’ve got on milk.

As for the dwindling number and There are many issues that need carerising age of farmers, yes, I agree ful consideration, discussion and robust it is happening. In my opinion the debate that do and will continue most obvious reason is young to affect the dairy industry, some peoples’ expectations of what As for the discounted milk, more pressing than others. a job should be like — 9-to-5 the less said about this the However it’s not a time for hours, sick leave, holidays etc. panic, or crisis meetings, or blockAffordable entry-level farms better. It affects about 8% are small family farms (80-150 of the milk produced in ades of supermarkets. Rather, it’s cows) and they are disappearing Victoria and therefore I find a time to re-engage with industry as the aforementioned expected such as the UDV and help it hard to comprehend how bodies working conditions don’t apply. the people who do a huge amount The fact is that these working this is the cause of all of our of work helping us. conditions do exist in this problems.

Before you howl me down as industry. Medium to large farms a UDV supporter, ask yourself employ many people on flexible hours dairy industries in the world. We need these two questions: are you a member? with good pay. Unfortunately, we fail to to continue to support Dairy Australia And if so, how many meetings have you sell ourselves as a desirable workplace through the levy — not blindly but attended and made a meaningful contriwhere a rewarding and enjoyable career wholly — without this research and bution to in the last 12 months? development there will be no viable can be had.

If the people who attended on As for the industry bodies, they in my industry as we will fall behind our global Monday are the same as me they opinion cop plenty of unwarranted flak. competitors. wouldn’t have attended any meetings, As for the discounted milk, the less let alone contributed to them. I thereThe two most well-known and widely knocked are the United Dairy Farmers said about this the better. It affects fore find it extremely hard to listen to of Victoria (UDV) and Dairy Australia. about 8% of the milk produced in Vic- people criticise these organisations The UDV is a representative body for toria and therefore I find it hard to com- when, 1) they haven’t tried to contribute prehend how this is the cause of all of to them and 2) they often don’t properly dairy farmers in Victoria.

Their primary objective is to get our problems. The simple fact is that understand what their actual purpose is. local issues heard at a state level as well our milk companies are the ones that It would be interesting to know how as being a sure pathway to access rep- sell it to the supermarkets. If you don’t much time and effort the committee resentatives from local councils, milk want discounted milk, don’t let your members of the newly-formed Farmer factories or other government organisations. The majority of the people in this organisation volunteers their time and does a huge amount of crucial work on our behalf.

As for Dairy Australia, it is a research and development organisation, not a marketing body, partly funded by the government and partly by us farmers.

They are a key part of the reason why we have one of the lowest-cost, environmentally sound and efficient

Power have endeavoured to contribute to their local UDV branch over the years.

This, in my view, is a very worthwhile question to them in light of all the criticisms they have directed towards the people who have contributed. However, the meeting has been had and it was fantastic to see so many people interested in attending. It also has presented the industry with a fantastic opportunity to unite (Farmer Power and the UDV) and discuss and debate these issues and move the industry forward, together in one direction. When we get together in numbers the wider community does take notice and, to a certain extent, understand some of the difficulties we face.

However, we shouldn’t plead for their pity or expect them to understand our way of life. After all, we chose to be farmers and we can choose not to be whenever we want. Perhaps instead we should encourage them to buy and enjoy our produce and, if they can afford to, look to the shelf above or below the home brand milk.

It’s our industry and our responsibility to move it forward. It is an industry that is full of hard-working, knowledgeable people who are only too happy to represent us through the appropriate channels. This is not a time to divide further but to unite together to strive for a common goal — a rewarding, sustainable industry that the younger generation are encouraged to become part of and that the older generation are excited to hand on.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

16 // AGRIBUSINESS

Dairy farm leasing: An option worth considering LEASING OF farms has occurred for

many years and if done right it can offer DEAN all parties involved an opportunity to EDWARDS achieve long-term goals.

Landowners (the lessor) lease their property to another person (the lessee) own dairy business? in return for a set or variable amount, ■■ What is my motivation? depending on production or milk value ■■ Is the budget I have completed per year. The lessor effectively hands realistic and does it consider over control of the property to the all expenses, debt and lease lessee, although some terms and conpayments? ditions may be set on how the asset can ■■ Have I allowed an adequate physbe used. ical and financial risk margin?

Although each situation will be dif- ■■ Having met the lessors and ferent, a successful arrangement will discussed the details, am I clear in always be based on mutual respect my responsibilities and what I am and trust, and a written document that permitted to do with their asset? clearly states the expectations of each Lease Agreement party.

A written lease agreement is essenBeing a lessor tial because it defines the expectations Leasing may be an option for of both parties including who is responlandowners who want to retire from sible for what and financials. Any lease active farming but don’t wish to engage agreement will contain issues needing a sharemilker and are not ready to sell to be discussed and clarified, and it is the property. It may also be an option important both parties talk about their for investors who are mainly interested concerns and how they would work in capital growth of the land and them out. receiving a reasonable rental for the The discussions involved in preparasset. ing a lease agreement give both parties Before leasing your property, there an understanding of each other’s perare some important questions to ask spective – a good foundation for building a constructive relationship. yourself: ■■ What is my motivation?

Once the general conditions are ■■ Do I understand I am renting my agreed upon, the next step is to have them incorporated into a formal lease asset to another party so they can agreement. A solicitor may conduct a dairy be involved in this step. A business? This will “The lessee trusted farm advisor can result in limited receives all also help facilitate the discontrol. the rewards ■■ Have I completed cussion and come up with from their an agreed arrangement for a budget and am I skills, but also both parties. comfortable with For your lease agreethe rent being incurs all the ment, there are a number received? risk.”

■■ Am I aware of any of issues to cover and discuss. These include: agreed capital ■■ Titled area being leased, preferably expenses during the period of the lease or any likely items requiring with title details, and actual grazcapital replacement? ing area being leased – these can be ■■ Have my restrictions been agreed very different.

■■ Annual charge, method of payment, by the lessee?

■■ If I have too many restrictions, am I annual increments if any during the period of the lease. Any adjusttruly ready to lease the farm? ments in the event of drought or Being a lessee changes to milk price should also be Dairy farmers may lease a property included. as a step towards farm ownership but the most common reason for moving ■■ Lease term, including a designated date prior to the end of the lease for from share farming to leasing is to gain renewal discussions. complete control and reward for their ■■ Production records: this history efforts.

The lessee receives all the rewards may or may not be available, but from their skills, but also incurs all the should be requested, as it will prorisk, e.g. if the milk solid price suddenly vide an indication of the previdecreases it is not reasonable for the ous production levels the farm lessee to seek a reduction in rent. achieved.

In general, a lessee will be a rea- ■■ Insurance: both parties should sonably experienced dairy farmer and have public liability insurance to if they are good operators, then the an agreed amount. Insurers have leasing option will increase their net a requirement to be notified if a returns and build wealth. property is being rented to another If you are considering leasing a party. Property insurance, it is genproperty for a dairy business, there erally each their own. some important questions to ask first: ■■ Rates: land rates are normally the ■■ Do I have the skills to operate my responsibility of the lessee, as are

Leasing can work favourably for both landowners wanting to retire and farmers wanting to take a step towards farm ownership.

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

water rates.

Death or permanent disability, and the impact of an unfortunate event for either party on the lease.

Infrastructure: the lessor will define the optimum or maximum number of cows the farm can milk and if the lessee decides to milk more then changes to infrastructure will be at their cost.

Condition report: conduct a joint inspection and record the state of the farm, tracks, dairy and non dairy infrastructure, fixed plant and equipment, weeds and state of pastures. This is critical as memories are not reliable and it is particularly important to highlight and correct any OSH issues.

Lessor inspections: normally one inspection per year is adequate.

Capital improvements: these can be agreed and stipulated in the lease, including deadlines for work to be completed. The lessee is responsible for repairs and maintenance, and capital improvements and replacement by the lessor, but this is negotiable.

Plant and equipment: list the age and condition of any fixed plant and equipment at the start to provide a guide for replacement vs repair.

This is a major source of potential conflict and must be clear.

Disputes: all agreements need a clear method of arbitration, particularly for capital replacement vs repair, e.g. vat repairs are the lessee’s cost, replacement is the lessor’s cost, but this can depend on the situation and how any damage may have occurred.

Water supplies: sources, condition of pumps, and in particular position of water lines and the state of fill around troughs need to be investigated and noted.

Effluent disposal systems: the state, level of ponds, general level of adequacy of the effluent dis-

A major source of potential conflict is repairs of the dairy and equipment.

■■

■■

■■

posal system and the agreed cow capacity for the system needs to be recorded.

Fertiliser: The lessee should receive any soil test results and fertiliser histories, and details about the amount applied during the lease should be provided to the lessor. Capital amounts of fertiliser required should be discussed and incorporated into the lease. Parties who differ in their approach to fertilisers should not proceed to enter into a lease arrangement.

Weeds: current state must be noted. Annual control is the leesee’s responsibility.

Farm productivity: pastures, cropping, and pasture renovation are important aspects of the farm’s future productivity. Walk all paddocks to assess the productivity of the pastures and check the operation and state of the water supply, and condition of fencing. Some leases will specify maximum areas

that can be cultivated and cropped, re-sowing requirements and it is also important to discuss drilling programmes. Photographic records can be useful for comparing at a later date.

■■ Supplement reserves should be clearly defined, including any limitations on the amount that can be made and removed from the farm.

The lessee should purchase any supplementary feed at an agreed price at commencement and then any remaining at termination belongs to them and sale can be negotiated.

■■ Renewal and renegotiation: it is important to have a lease termination date and a date before the end of the lease for negotiation on future lease arrangements to begin.

Reference: Dairy Australia, the people in dairy, leasing a dairy property (planning for the future).

• Dean Edwards is a farm consultant with LIC FarmWise in New Zealand.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

AGRIBUSINESS // 17

A changing milk market

Dairy NewS aUSTraLia june, 2012

agribusiness // 17

Export demand remains strong

AUSTRALIA’S DRINKING milk market

With season 2011/12 only a few

smaller local brands and differentiated products incremental change in milk production (year-on-year) achieving sales and premium prices that are travelling well with bright prospects in a changing market.

• Glen Fisher is industry analyst with Dairy Australia.

cents/litre in March (AUD 41c/L) to 28

has been weeks changing Euro cents/litre (AUD 36c/L) in April. from ending, attention is now Profit margins are under pressure in the focused on 2012/13 milk prices as farmover recent years.

US, and in NZ Fonterra has announced ers consider strategies for the coming Supermarkets have been the final payout for the 2011/12 season year. In some domestically-focused has been cut from NZ$6.75-$6.85/kg MS selling a greater share of contracts incorregions, renegotiated gLobaL impacT to NZ$6.45-$6.55/kg MS (AUD$4.96lower prices and reduced ‘tier milk and,porating put simply, the JohN DropperT $5.04). one’ access are undermining farmer impact ofconfidence dollar milk has stability. For Effectively, global dairy markets are and supply GLOBAL IMPACT rebalancing. Lower prices will both label contracts and promany farmers in export-oriented Shifts in private been about selling more GLEN FISHER slow production growth and stimulate regions, a lower price outlook relative to cessor rationalisation have seen milk for less. the current season not only adds to the companies adjust their intake requiredemand, and as this occurs we will ultimately see a price recovery. Key factors But plenty of of attention challenges doing business, but seems ments and pricing to meet the changto watch on the global scene will be the ing demands of a highly pressured retail contradict the positive medium term supermarket Dairies’ is on the to private label rate at which milk production overseas outlook of Asia-driven dairy demand marketplace. Lower contract prices and sales volumes up over brands and marketing slows in response to lower prices, the a lack ofare alternative supply opportunigrowth. present per challenges in a market with flows. 2012 milk production in the US those in south-east Asia and the Middle impact of the current financial worries Dairy Australia’s indicative outlook 80% and ties average efforts of major for southern farm gate milk prices – limited manufacturing capacity. Despite is up around 4% on 2011 for the year to East maintain consistently higher eco- on consumer confidence, the path of litre retail prices of over processors, and for good published in the recent Dairy 2012: Sit- these challenges, the underlying domes- April (leap year adjusted), whilst early nomic growth rates that support China’s economic growth, and the value (for 12 months to steady per-cap- data suggests EU-27 milk production increased dairy consumption. How- of the Australian dollar. tic market is stable, with uationthey and Outlook is for an the reason given are report,$2 Demand for exported dairy prodita dairy consumption and a growing finished the March 2012 quota year up ever, the surge in supply has outpaced range of $4.05-$4.40/kg mid January 2013, the 12 ‘the core’opening of theprice market ucts remains a positive and will conMS and a full year average price range population providing a degree of cer- 2.3% on the previous year. New Zealand demand growth in the market. mid-January and the destination This situation has seen the scales tinue to grow with the middle class in tainty beyond the current adjustments. production is widely expected to finish between $4.50 for and $4.90/kgmonths MS. The to In the seasons following the 2008 this season up 10% on last year - a huge tip in favour of buyers in dairy mar- large emerging markets such as China, reportfour considers the wider market pic-it’s not 2013), surprising one in every litres ture and summarises the many factors financial crisis and subsequent com- market influence given 95% of NZ milk kets, with commodity prices retreat- with changes in diet and with increasing that the business has been of the country’s milk. at play; the key theme of the current sit- modity price recovery, farmers in is exported. Argentina is also enjoy- ing steadily over recent months. Butter urbanisation - and also in conjunction prospering. being been that of re-balancing in the export-oriented regions have seen solid ing solid production growth, but a sig- prices are down some 30% from their with global population growth. Locally, Yet thereuation has also global supply growth (see chart) - with nificant supply gap in Brazil prevents 2011 peaks, whilst powder prices have the domestic market is supported by a dairy supply chain.

In Western Australia some profitable growth In regions of Australia focused on higher-cost competitors in the North- much of this additional milk from leav- lost more than 20%. Farm gate prices growing population and stable perthere is Bannister Downs in smallerproducing local brands have subsequently been reduced in capita consumption. Whilst the dairy ern Hemisphere amongst those expand- ing South America. drinking milk, many farmers Despite wider economic uncer- most exporting regions. The average market is currently a challenging place inglong output as their margins increased. face a re-balancing market inwhich the formhas been and differentiated of renegotiation of supply contracts This season, favourable weather con- tainty, demand has remained resilient basic farm gate price for milk in France to be a seller, all signs indicate that balleveraging the ‘free-form’ products,and forreduced someaccess which to ‘tier one’ supply. ditions have further enhanced milk as importing countries like China and for example, dropped 12% from 32 Euro ance will ultimately return. approach in marketing consumers are willing its range of regular to pay, and that makes a and flavoured milks. quick look at these niche The Daubney familyproducts a worthwhile owned business has seen exercise. supermarket sales ASEAN-Australia-New austraLian Examples of theseDairY, its rice and wine exporters to Zealand FTA (AANZFTA). volumes grow by over 55% smaller local brands “Protectionist sentiMalaysia are the biggest and average per litre retail and theirwinners differentiated ment over agricultural in a free trade goods is rife growagreement (FTA) of and $2.15 in the last dairy products can besigned prices ing across the globe, so to provide portion pack between the two counaustraLian FooD year.

Bannister too has found in tries each state across in this context it is pleas(200-330ml) configuralast month. company Freedom Foods ing Australia has managed tion for beverage prodsignificant volume deal, signed Group Ltd is to build a the country.TheThey are after seen to forge an agreement years of negotianew milk processing plant ucts. growth over the last generallyseven family-owned with Malaysia that has The NSW location will tions, allows a liberalised to cash in on growing couple years businesses that arrangement have set dealt with of some sensi-(see the provide access to the most licensing demand in Asia. tive agricultural for control Australian liquid The plant, to be built in sustainable and economic ‘Totalissues supermarket out to take of milk chart not effectively covered by exporters and allows southeast Australia, will be source of milk. Pactum has milk sales volumes: their returns havevalue AANZFTA,” says Fraser. strong links to the Austraaccessand for higher the first Australian green“While under the retailown products. fields expansion in UHT in lian dairy industry and will Bannister Downs andSealing the deal: Malaysian trade minister Mustapha Mohamed found their dairy with Australian counterpart Craig Emerson after signing the deal.

AANZFTA agreement expand its arrangements It guarantees Aus10 years.

Maleny Dairies’). market niche.

Of course, most of Australian agriwith dairy farmers for tralian wine exporters Freedom’s wholly Victoria-based this involves some but also through technical Despite the compleers through streamlining culture’s key interests Organic supply of milk. The new the best tariff treatment owned subsidiary Pactum or so called ‘behind the tion of this agreement, of rules-of-origin dechad tariffs bound at zero, plant will increase scope Malaysia gives any counAustralia will run the Dairy Farmers Australia significant additional much remains to be done border’ restrictions.” dairy and rice are two sec- laration processes and try. It also allows open plant. Some of its products for Australian milk supply has been carving outimproved marketing investment inarrangements capabilities, The FTA was signed on for Australia’s farmers to – value-added, sustainable access from tors where incremental will be sold in Australia. market access improveand export focused.

2023and for Australian The company says its niche over the lastarrangements for certain tap into the full potential May 22 in Kuala Lumpur equipment scale ofrice

by Australia’s Trade and of the Asian region and commodities. ments have been negotiInitially the plant will with all tariffs eliminated given Asian consum10 years in the organic production.

Moreover, Competiveness MinisThe Malaysian market beyond. ated under the Malaysian produce 250ml and 1L by 2026. ers’ rising incomes and space.

The cooperative getting the The products of ter Craig Emerson and his He says the NFF will is worth about A$1 bilFTA. UHT packs from a process National Farmers’ improving diets, demand Malaysian counterpart now throw its attention lion in Australia agricultrade deal was line capable of 100 milFederation says there will grow for qualhistorically developed these businesses intothe trade has“This towards ensuring agricul- Mustapa Mohamed. tural exports – including also particularly imporlion L. The processing and deal will improve interity dairy products from on supplying market has invariably also its Emerson says Australia ture remains front and being its fourth-largest tantbusiness for sectors such national market access low-cost production bases packaging plant will emit asspecialised dairy that have been less carbon, use less water, Australian agricultural a such as Australia, whose productsugar for export market and centre in completed FTAs will be as well-positioned involved for some marketing in the Malaysian market fifth-largest wheat export with South Korea, Japan, facing a competitive disand be more energy-effigoods. milk is well regarded. which buyers have been that emphasises product as Malaysia’s closest tradChina and Indonesia as market. advantage in Malaysia cient than equivalent “After seven years of The new plant will willing pay premium. attributesnegotiation, such as the NFF is ing partners in ASEAN, With an annual economic immediate priorities. comparedto with NewaZeaUHT facilities in Austraallow Pactum to meet “These are all markets and in some cases better. growth at about 5%, land which already has lia and SE Asia. Pactum underfarming no illusion of how growing demand for Still, through establishing provenance, The FTA will guarantee Malaysia forms an impor- with enormous growth expects site preparation to challenging it has been to a completed FTA with UHT dairy milk, and add and expanding practice or processing tariff-free entry for 97.6% opportunities and where tant part of the ‘Asian Malaysia in place.” its begin in October 2012 and complete this FTA with to capacity for valueof current goods exports significant barriers to Therange FTA alsoof sigstart-up by mid-2013. added beverages at brandedCentury’ story and the method. Malaysia,” NFF vice presi- own from Australia once it opportunity this presents trade in agriculture still nals some administrative Pactum makes UHT Duncan Fraser says. its Sydney factory.®Pactum products, and teaming up A few dent examples: Ask your vet today about Teatseal and keep your swear jar empty. enters into force. This will for Australian agricultural exist, not only through benefits for Austraproducts for private label The FTA will fill a is expanding its capabilisome joint Queensland has rise to 99% by 2017. tariffs that restrict trade producers, says Fraser. lian agricultural export-venture and proprietary customers. number of Maleny gaps within the with ties at the Sydney plant • Shown to reduce clinical cases of mastitis by up to 70% in early lactation1 partners, Organic Dairy Dairies, with its own • Cuts the cost and annoyance of mastitis Farmers Australia has branded milks, yoghurts, 17 6/06/12 1:41 PM found alternative ways to creams016-017.indd and custards and • An investment that gives back help grow and deal with it has been capitalising changes in the domestic on the Maleny sense of market. place in meeting growing ® Needless to say, customer demand from supplying niche products Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The Hopper family- requires a long-term owned business attributes investment horizon and Dairy Health. Performance. Growth. is not an option that will its products’ increasing www.pfizeranimalhealth.com.au 1800 335 374 work for everyone. But popularity to favourable Reference: 1. Runciman DJ, Malmo J, Deighton M. J Dairy Sci. 2010 Oct;93(10):4582–91. out there on supermarket word of mouth and social Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd 38–42 Wharf Road West Ryde NSW 2114 ® Registered trademark of Pfizer. PAL0606/DN shelves around the media. And with Aztec country there are data suggesting Maleny

Malaysia FTA benefits dairy Freedom

Foods plant targets Asia

Mastitis doesn’t need to be so frustrating.

PAL0606_DN_187x260_v3.indd 1

3/04/12 3:37 PM

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

18 // BREEDING MANAGEMENT

Accurate heat detection fast tracks improvements MORE UNITED STATES dairy farmers are purchasing high quality genetics due to the advances made

in electronic heat detection.

Breeding specialist Kevin Jorgensen, director US breeding specialist Kevin Jorgensen with the Moo Monitor at International Dairy Week.

of dairy programs at Select Sires, told an audience at International Dairy Week that confidence in successful insemination has had a flow-on effect in the improvement of herds.

“People are using better bulls,” he said.

“There is more of a chance of getting pregnant because heat detection is more accurate now.”

Jorgensen was in Australia to promote the MooMonitor, which is being sold here by Genetics Australia. He installs and supports users of the system across the US. GA spokesman Julian Bentley said electronic heat detection would become more common on farms over the coming years.

“The amount of management information you receive allows you to make more accurate, more

SALES CALENDAR DATE

SALE

WHERE

Feb 22

J&C McKenzie Complete Holstein Dispersal

Shepparton Selling Centre, Vic

March 1

Galaview Holsteins 2nd Stage Dispersal

Shepparton Selling Centre, Vic

March 4

Hill Valley ‘Best of the Best’ Invitation Sale Kongwak, Vic

March 7

Glenorleigh Holsteins Celebration Sale

March 13 Bushlea 90+ 7000 Lts Sale

Allendale East, SA On-Property, Koonwarra, SA

March 14 Kintore Holsteins Complete Autumn Dispersal VLE, Koonwarra, Vic March 20 Leading Edge Elite Sale II

Warragul Showgrounds

timely and more reliable breeding decisions, ultimately allowing you to farm more efficiently and profitably,” Bentley said.

Jorgensen said the MooMonitor relieved several problems dairy farms are finding more difficult to fix, including: ■■

■■

■■

■■

Accurate heat detection in large herds Finding labour skilled in heat detection Managing cows for AI in a timely fashion Detecting cystic cows

■■

■■

Detecting non cycling cows Keeping a tight calving pattern

Bentley claims the Moo Monitor is the most accurate cow activity monitor on the market and is specifically designed to work on pasture based cows.

“It is an activity monitor, rather than just a heat detector, and will highlight cows that have low activity, are lame, cystic or have other problems.

“MooMonitor not only detects heat but the hour of onset of oestrus in order that farmers can inseminate at the optimum time for conception.”

Jorgensen said the MooMonitor has been reported by users to accurately detect 95% of cows on heat.

“Fully set up it will identify which cows are in heat, draft them out of the herd at milking and put the information on

the internet so your AI provider knows they are ready.”

The MooMonitor is the only activity monitor on the market where you can change the batteries, and has a radio transmitter in the collar so animals don’t need to be scanned for information.

The radio transmission works two ways – farmers can tell the collars when to download, and even switch them off remotely to save battery life.

Disease-resistant genetics FARMERS ARE now able to choose sires that have a higher natural level of disease resistance.

Bulls will then be able to pass this level of disease resistance onto their progeny in the same way they do with other inherited traits, thanks to research in Canada at the University of Guelph.

The heritability of the immune response is similar to that for milk production at around 25%, and is much higher than most other traits associated with health or fertility.

John McDougall of Semex Alliance, Canada, launched a range of proven and genomic sires identified as having high immunity under a new Immunity+ brand at International Dairy Week.

McDougall said the new technology “marks a significant breakthrough in improving disease resistance in cattle which will reduce the use of remedial medication”.

At the core of this latest genetic

breakthrough is High Immune Response (HIR) technology, which identifies cows with different levels of immune response to diseases such as mastitis, metritis, ketosis, retained placenta and Johne’s diseases.

Researchers found that High Immune Responder cows (HIRs) have disease levels that are two to four times lower than those that are Low Immune Responders (LIRs), with the HIRs cows requiring less therapeutic intervention as a result.

Around 10% of bulls are believed to have genes to be classed as HIRs. HIRs have a “more balanced immune response capable of defending the cow against a more diverse range of pathogens”, according to Dr Bonnie Mallard, Professor of Immunogenetics at Guelph, who spearheaded the research.

Testing of the animals takes place over two weeks with the animals being immunised in a similar way to

a vaccination to stimulate the immune system.

Then blood samples and skin thickness tests are taken, with the patented John McDougall HIR technology then determining the strength of the immune response.

An animal only needs to be tested once to determine its genetic immunity level. The results allow Semex to determine the highest HIR sires.

Cows and bulls can be tested, although in the UK the technology will only be available through the Immunity+ sires.

The test is unique to Semex for the next decade as the company has invested several hundreds of thousands of dollars in the research in return for the exclusivity.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

BREEDING MANAGEMENT // 19

IDW HONOUR ROLL HOLSTEIN ■■

■■ ■■ ■■

■■ ■■

■■ ■■

Supreme Exhibit: Chris and Mary Gleeson, Elm Banks Polly Wolly Champion cow: Elm Banks Polly Wolly Reserve: Zanders family, Cairnhill Morsan Presence ET Intermediate champion: MJ Sowter, Murribrook Goldwyn Candace Reserve: Zanders family, Carisma Cairnhill Paradise Junior champion: Bluechip Genetics & Averill Leslie, Bluechip Alexander Whynot Reserve: Bluechip Genetics, Bluechip Finalcut Whynot Best udder: Elm Banks Polly Wolly

JERSEY ■■

■■ ■■ ■■

■■

■■

■■ ■■

Supreme Exhibit: Karin and Corey Couch, Riverside Country Lollypop EX93 Champion cow: Riverside Country Lollypop EX93 Reserve: Riverside Colettes Covergirl EX91 Intermediate champion: Empire and merseybank Jerseys, Prom View Jenny 170 Reserve: Riverside jerseys, Riverside Rumours Ginger VG88 Junior champion: Bushlea Farms, Bushlea Action Fernleaf 11 Reserve: B&V Wilson and family, Shirlinn JS Silkie Best udder: Riverside Country Lollypop EX93

ILLAWARRA ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

■■ ■■

■■ ■■

Grand champion exhibit: Kinchela Lee, Miss Ruby Champion cow: Miss Ruby Reserve: T&K Cochrane, Kangawarra Pretty 3012 Intermediate champion: Warren Schultz, Winganna Empire Vision Reserve: Hayes family, Llandovery Ja-Bob Stella 822 Junior champion: TL&UJ Tidcombe, Wallumlands Blossom 5 Reserve: T&N Cochrane, Eagle Park Dynamic Myrtle Best udder: Miss Ruby

AYRSHIRE ■■

■■

■■ ■■

■■ ■■

■■

■■

Grand champion exhibit: LJ & LJ Burgmann, Encore Pardner Didjago Champion cow: LJ & LJ Burgmann, Encore Pardner Didjago Reserve: AC&DE Biffin, Woodburn Park Trifle Intermediate champion: Enterprise Ayrshires, Enterprise Ristourn Aara Reserve: Robyn McFee, Magic Park Shady Maiden Junior champion: AC&DE Biggin, Woodburn Park Tiramisu` Reserve: Paul & Vicki Timbs, Mayfield Farms Reality Roxy (ET) Best udder: Encore Pardner Didjago

BROWN SWISS ■■

■■ ■■

■■

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Grand champion exhibit: AH&JA Rijthoven, Grasslands Sentor Maiden 2nd Champion cow: Grasslands Sentor Maiden 2nd Reserve: AH&JA Van Rijthoven, Grasslands Dynasty Karlee Intermediate champion: MR&RJ Wake, Benleigh Pilot Gredel Reserve: Brown family, Tandara Dynasty Lola 28 Junior champion: MR&RJ Wake, Benleigh Parker Jody ET Reserve: MR&RJ Wake, benleigh Jupitor Pastel 2 ET Best udder: Grasslands Dynasty Karlee

GUERNSEY ■■

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Grand champion exhibit: Joyce family and Gass, Florando SD Koala Champion cow: Florando SD Koala Reserve: G&S Tivendale, Glenally Dividend Mintie Intermediate champion: Josh Smith, Glenally GNP Reserve: Crawford family, Brookleigh Boleros Flourish Junior champion: M&R Shea, Rockmar Miss Roseblossum Reserve: Rogers family, Carinya-Lee Prettylace

Gleesons cap big week BARELY A WEEK after addressing a crowd of 600 farmers at the Noorat dairy meeting he convened, Western Victorian dairy farmer Chris Gleeson was accepting the trophy for International Dairy Week supreme exhibit.

Chris and his wife, Mary, of the Elm Banks Holstein Stud, won the ultimate prize for 5-yearold Elm Banks Polly Wolly, which was also named champion Holstein cow and breed exhibit.

The Gleesons bred the cow themselves. Her mother won the junior 2-year-old class in-milk at IDW five years ago.

Polly Wolly is a proven performer on-farm too.

Over 305 days last lactation she produced 12,241 litres with 407kg of protein and 466kg of butterfat.

Karin and Corey Couch, Nirranda, who won the Grand Champion Jersey Cow in 2011, swept the pool in the Jersey breed.

The Western Victorian breeders won ribbons for champion and cow, breed supreme exhibit and best udder for Riverside Country Lollypop EX93, as well as reserve champion cow for Riverside Colettes Covergirl EX91.

In the Illawarra classes, first-time exhibitor Trent Lee entered one cow, which went on to win supreme exhibit with 5-year-old cow Miss Ruby.

The cow had calved in mid-November and is out of Sugarloaf Miss Ruby.

In the Ayrshire section, Lloyd and Lynda Burgmann were awarded grand champion for Encore Pardner Didjago.

This champion cow

IDW champ: Chris and Mary Gleeson with children Hannah, Stacey and Chloe (handler Matt Sloan and John McDougall of Semex) and their IDW supreme exhibit, Elm Banks Polly Wolly.

went on to sell for $8000 to a Gippsland syndicate – the first time a senior champion of any breed has been offered for sale at IDW. The cow’s dam, Didjago, also owned by the Burgmanns, is the highest classified Ayrshire in Australia.

The champion

Guernsey cow, Florando SD Koala, exhibited by Gary Joyce and Kevin Gass, was originally bought from a dispersal sale in 2011 by Joyce, from Macarthur, and Gass, from Simpson.

Breaking up the western Victorian dominance of this year’s IDW was Mount Gambier,

SA, exhibitors the Van Rijthoven family.

The Van Rijthoven family won the grand champion Brown Swiss ribbon with 4-year-old cow, Grasslands Sentor Maiden 2nd.

Owner Jennifer Van Rijthoven, said the successful cow’s dam was a previous IDW champion.

Holstein sale of $90,000 sets new record THE BIGGEST deal of International Dairy Week wasn’t finalised with a bang of auctioneer Brian Leslie’s gavel but with a handshake in the dairy sheds.

Northern Victorian dairy farmer Darren Crawford, Horizon Holsteins, Invergordon, purchased the 3-year-old Holstein, Carisma Cairnhill Paradise, for $90,000 – an Australian record for an in-milk animal. The cow, named reserve intermediate champion at IDW last month, is the granddaughter

of 2010 champion Dryfield Dundee Paradise.

Trevor and Rosalie Zanders, Kialla, refused Crawford’s bid for the same cow at last year’s IDW but accepted his offer this year. It certainly says something for persistence.

In the ring, prices across all sales were down compared to those held last year in a more buoyant climate.

The 34 lots at the Semex sale averaged $5956 with one lot passed in, compared to $8303 last

year, while 23 head at the Genetics Australia Elite Genetic Merit sale averaged $5756 (three passed in), compared to $5734.

The top price of $14,000 at the Semex sale was paid by Ray Blackburn, Harvey, WA and Steve Hore, Elmar Holsteins, Leitchville for yearling-heifer Avonlea Windbrook Lulu 2.

Top price of $17,300 at the Genetics Australia sale was paid by Bryan and Jo Dickson, Emu Banks Holsteins, Terang, Vic, for Hol-

stein heifer Kaarmona Snowman Destiny, offered by Rohan Sprunt at Bunbartha.

In the two other sales, Ayrshires sold to a top of $8000 for this year’s champion breed exhibit Encore Pardner Didjago, sold by Lloyd and Lynda Burgmann, Drouin, to a Gippsland syndicate.

The 24 Jersey lots sold averaged $2386 with four passed in. The highest price of $6100 was paid by Jason Phillips, Toowoomba, Queensland, for Bralock Merchant Merle.

Your Calf rearing SpeCialiStS Probiotec’s unique range of products supplies everything needed for a successful calf rearing season.

Milk Replacers PRobiotec NutRitioNalS Palastart Green - Premium Quality Molasses based Milk Replacer Pty ltd Palastart Blue - Economical Molasses based Milk Replacer For more information about Daisyvite - Traditional non Molasses based Milk Replacer Probiotec’s Calf Rearing Products Supplements call 1800 067 919 Palastart Boost - Specially Formulated Milk Fortifier or visit www.probiotec.com.au Palastart StartUp - Colostro-Immune Feed Supplement Gut Health Palastart Stop - Specially Formulated Scour Treatment Palastart Turbo - Probiotic Paste for Calves

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

20 // MANAGEMENT

Toohey goes with the flow GORDON COLLIE

NSW NORTH coast dairy farmer

Terry Toohey is emphatic.

“If there was only one piece of dairy technology I could afford it would have to be milk meters.”

Monitoring milk flow is such an integral part of his farm management system he reckons every shed in the country should be equipped with them.

Toohey captures daily performance records for every cow in his milking herd through a failsafe electronic animal identification system – a rumen bolus. He was the first dairy farmer in Australia to volunteer his herd for a bolus manufacturer’s trial 10 years ago and has had no regrets.

“You put them in and that’s it. No more missing data or lost tags.”

The milk monitoring program charts

the yield of each cow on a seven day rolling average, triggering an alert if production drops by 20%.

“You can immediately go looking for the reason for the variation. I find it is an essential management tool as we always want to make progress.

“My aim is to have a herd with an average 10,000 litre lactation and we’re not that far off it. We have the genetics to do it and it’s just a matter of feeding to achieve their potential.”

The 14-a-side herringbone dairy he build on the family property Padua Park west of Casino in 1990 is fully computerised including automatic drafting facilities for precision animal management.

Toohey can monitor and manage milking performance from anywhere in Australia as he frequently travels to industry meetings equipped with a mobile phone and a 250mm laptop.

Terry Toohey gives a new born calf a lift.

Annabelle Toohey feeding calves with son Jacob and daughter Hannah.

WHO:

Terry and Annabelle Toohey WHERE:

Casino WHAT:

Rumen bolus ID

He is vice-president of Dairy Connect, NSW and has been active in the Australian Dairy Federation where he chairs the animal health and welfare committee.

Despite being from fifth generation dairy farming stock in the Woodview district, he spent his early career working as a stock and station agent and in rural real estate.

Toohey and his wife Annabelle returned to the home farm in 1997 and have steadily built up their milking herd from 100 to 300 cows. Since their early years back on the farm Terry has also operated a farm contracting business across the far north coast, specialising in contract planting and hay and silage making.

“It gives us another income stream

Padua Park cows on their feedpad.

and I know I’ve got the farming gear to use at the critical time so I finish up with premium feed. I’m interested in quality not quantity,” Toohey said.

A feed pad was an early installation to allow more intensive farming while enjoying a flexible feeding regime and protect paddocks on the 160ha property from pugging and damage during high rainfall.

Much of the year the cows get most of their feed on the pad which allows a regular dry matter intake around 25kg a day to be maintained. Concentrated manure scraped from the pad is composted with chicken litter and waste hay and silage to make a valuable natural fertiliser.

“We generally have enough to treat the whole farm with 10 tonnes a hectare at least once a year,” Toohey said.

He is in the process of buying a 20cu m spreader which he thinks will be another popular addition to his farm contracting business.

Permanent dairy pastures are mainly kikuyu, paspalum and Rhodes grass with a separate cropping area used to grow corn and sorghum for silage production.

Terry buys in grain and has the flexibility to place bulk orders with about 260 tonnes of on farm storage.

The pad feed mix which includes a blend of silage, wheat, corn or barley, brewers wet cake, lucerne, canola meal, molasses and minerals makes up

a major part of the daily diet.

About 80% of the feed goes through the mixing wagon, but Toohey is placing a new emphasis on grain feeding in the dairy where he can manipulate individual animal intake with a dual feeding system.

Cows can get anywhere from 2 to 8kg of grain a day in the dairy, depending on their production levels.

Heifer calves are fitted with a rumen bolus in their first stomach at about six months of age before being sent to the Inverell district.

“I find they do well in the west and they come back larger and stronger animals a couple of months before calving to get into a feeding routine.”

The heifers are weighed regularly and well fed to ensure a minimum joining weight of about 350kg with most having their first calf at 24 to 27 months.

Toohey would one day like to have control over the elements with a covered free-stall barn where the herd could be housed when necessary.

“We’d like to head this way because cow comfort and herd health are important issues for us,” he said.

He is also planning to make his farm even more productive with the installation of centre pivot irrigation to push pasture growth at critical times.

“It’s all about making progress and continuous improvement. You can’t afford to stop going forward,” Toohey said.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

MANAGEMENT // 21

Farmer mindset on feed inputs shifting IF A dairy farmer thinks that their cows aren’t capable of

raising their production, they’re probably right says Pip Gale.

“Equally, if they think their herd can put more milk in the vat, that’s probably right too,” says the Tasmaniabased animal nutritionist.

“I believe that dairy farmers are intelligent people who want to make rational business decisions, therefore they require sound information and exposure to industry achievement.”

Gale says the prevailing mindset among many dairy farmers relative to dairy nutrition and feed inputs is beginning to shift as they become more educated Pip Gale around the topic.

“Familiarity is a type of cultural architecture that we are all brought up with,” he says.

“If farmers feel no need to change their production system, fair enough. But, if farmers face a challenge and need to do something else to improve their cows’ nutrition and welfare, they need to realise Milk production that they can do can be achieved so. It will require relatively easily them to carry out different activities as long as farmers and make strategic begin thinking financial investdifferently. ments however.”

Gale says that farmers’ adjusting of their mindset, before they begin exploring supplementary feed options for their herd, is key to achieving milk production increases.

He likens farmers continuing a ‘nothing has changed’ attitude with a comment from famed scientist Albert Einstein. Einstein once said that if someone keeps on performing the same action, but expects the outcome to change, that’s a definition of insanity.

“Often a dairy farmer has an issue that they want to address,” says Gale.

“We’ll say yes, we can help, but there has to be a willingness to do something different. Farmers have to resolve this in their own minds first.”

Having overcome what can often be a type of fearfulness [around change], dairy farmers can then get on with a supplementary feeding due diligence, figuring what activities they’ll have to do differently and how to incorporate it into the pasture management systems’ employed on the farm.

“In other words, to change outcomes on a farm, you have to change the activities carried out on the property,” he says.

“Such a change of philosophy is no small matter, but that’s the job of people like myself; to help support that change of mind, to suggest there are actions farmers can or shouldn’t take.”

Gale says that lifting the production of cows that are genetically quite capable of doing so can be achieved relatively easily – as long as farmers give themselves permission to begin thinking differently.

Dairy farmers are urged to carry out a supplementary feeding due diligence on their farms.

FW Dairy News.pdf 1 1/31/2013 2:27:37 PM

Make informed purchasing decisions at Farm World 2013

• Australia’s premier mixed farming field days with 700 exhibitors.

The latest in farm machinery and equipment, pasture, fertilizers, irrigation, motor vehicles, plants, produce, home and general interest are showcased on over 50 acres of exhibition area

C

• The 2013 Farm World theme ‘Agricultural Sustainability’ focuses on how farmers can use resources more efficiently and responsibly with the aim of improving farm profitability and achieving positive environmental outcomes.

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Other attractions include -

K

• An extensive demonstration & presentation program plus free health & hearing tests (see the website for updated details) • The Farm World ‘Coles Animal Nursery’ includes ‘Animals of Oz’ kids can interact with pythons, lizards, marsupials & crocodiles etc.

• Working Draught Horse demonstrations...plus much more • Free bus transfers between Drouin station and Lardner Park to connect with V-Line Services. Timetable info www.vline.com.au/discover

Date : March 21- 24, 2013 Venue : Lardner Park, Warragul www.lardnerpark.com.au

Strategic Partners

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

22 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Humping and hollowing reclaims land, saves feed RICK BAYNE

DAIRY FARMING and

maintaining a healthy and well fed herd on naturally wet land in Gippsland has been a constant challenge for Tim and Grit Cashin over the past six years.

But when what is normally wet at the best of times becomes an unusually wet season, the challenge is even tougher.

The Leongatha South dairy farmers have endured such a season but with new crop initiatives, landscaping measures to open up more farmable land and savings in feed and production costs they are confident of achieving their break-even ambitions for 2012/13.

Tim and Grit knew what they were getting in

for when they took over the lease of the 120ha family farm six years ago.

The former Murray Goulburn field officer based at Koroit in Western Victoria was returning to his home farm not only for sentimental reasons but also for good business opportunities.

After taking over the lease and buying the herd of Friesian and cross 200 cows, Tim and Grit had only $10,000 equity to revive the farm. They set about expanding the dairy from a 15 to 20-a-side swingover herringbone as a top priority.

“There was a cow flow issue and we wanted to increase the herd to 270280,” he said.

They have since leased two adjoining properties and now operate off

WHO:

Tim and Grit Cashin WHERE:

Leongatha South WHAT:

Hump and hollow system

an 115ha effective milking area.

The Cashins also made adjustments to cope with the high rainfall and flat terrain, a move which has paid off during this tough season.

Humping and hollowing was carried out in extremely wet areas to protect feed.

“We’ve put in a hump and hollow system with 12m bays to allow water to run off. This is wet land even in dry years so we needed to improve the drainage,” Cashin said.

The investment has worked. “It was useless wet and boggy land,” Cashin said. “It is still wet and pugging a bit but it is now milking area. Those four paddocks made a huge difference this year.”

The Cashins have been milking about 240 cows this season, lower than their target of 280. A salmonella outbreak resulted in a number of lost cows around calving time. They expect to produce 120,000 kg/MS with an average of 505 kg/MS per cow.

“We keep a close eye on the cows and, if there’s any problem, call in the

IN UDDER WORDS...

ROTAVEC CORONA – The Breakthrough Vaccine Coopers® Animal Health are pleased to announce that Australia’s first rotavirus vaccine – ROTAVEC CORONA – is now available from veterinarians and rural resellers.

ROTAVEC CORONA offers vaccination against rotavirus, coronavirus, E.coli and Clostridium perfringens.

Autumn calvers can be vaccinated prior to calving to take advantage of the benefits of ROTAVEC CORONA in reducing calf scours in new-born calves. Dairy farmers should talk to their veterinary professional for advice.

Many producers don’t realise just how much calf scours costs when reduced growth, calf deaths, diagnosis and treatment costs are added up.

A Coopers investigation found that a typical herd of 200 with an 18% incidence was losing $5200 a year due to calf scours.

Proper diagnosis of the cause of calf scours is the beginning of a plan.

Coopers can help identify the specific

causes of calf scours on your farm, utilising a simple on-farm test.

As well as hydrating sick calves with electrolytes, calf scours management involves: • Reviewing management to ensure newborn calves receive adequate colostrum • Discussing your overall programme with your vet and deciding whether antibiotics are required • Managing ventilation and hygiene in the calf housing area.

• Vaccination for future prevention, starting with the spring calving herd.

For further information on Rotavec Corona and how it can benefit your operation, call Coopers on 1800 885 576 ® Registered trademark.

Grit and Tim Cashin with children Charlotte and Jack.

vets. We know all the local vets,” Cashin said.

The salmonella problem cleared after the rain eased and the Cashins have vaccinated to prevent ongoing problems.

Production this season is down a bit but that doesn’t bother Cashin.

“Our milk production is based on our grass production curve, not on chasing milk payment incentives,” he said.

“That’s too risky. We farm for the farm, not the payment.”

The lower cow number and lower pasture production has been offset by lower production costs and other savings.

Cashin said the farm was in the lowest 25% for end of year milk payments from Murray Goulburn “but we can’t get around it because of the payment system”.

“We have July-August calving to miss the worst of the wet season. We couldn’t handle it in May/ June.”

He said the past season had been very challenging.

“It was still extremely wet till October 20. Normally mid-September is late so it was very tough.

“Until the start of September we were going really well and had a good bank of feed but we struggled from there. There was

loads of rain…it wouldn’t let up.

“When it was so wet we had to put the cows on grass and the crops didn’t do so well.”

Silage production was severely curtailed but the Cashins looked at lowcost alternatives to ensure their animals were well fed and “to get them milking”.

The tactic worked.

Unusually they produced more milk in November than in October.

Urea was applied by air three times to minimise pasture damage. “It was too wet to drive a spreader on the paddocks so using the plane was the only practical way to spread urea.

“This kept the plants healthy and some nitrogen in the system so they would be okay to grow when everything dried out.”

One of the approaches used by the Cashins to counteract the wet season and low grass production was the introduction of turnips as a summer crop. Four hectares were planted in late September and a further 2ha in late October.

“It wasn’t a fantastic crop but it did okay, probably 5-6 tonne.”

They also planted 8ha of millet and can thank an effluent irrigation system

and use of their own equipment for their success as a low cost.

“We developed the effluent irrigation since being here,” he said. “We can only do the close paddocks but it really helped this year because we had bugger all silage built up.

“We have stretched our resources till April 15 but will probably have to buy in a load of vetch.”

The Cashins have pulled out additives from grain feed as a cost saving measure and are happy with the results.

“We’re saving about $3500 a month and haven’t seen any difference in production. The cows are going all right without it and we’re on our milk budget.

“A base level of 1.85t grain per cow is being fed with a 225kg balancer mix,” he said.

“It’s not only about how much milk you make, it’s the costs as well,” he added. “It’s a fine line but cost control is one of our main priorities.”

Due to the tough season and low milk prices, the Cashins have deferred capital expenditure and limited personal expenses.

Farm working expenses have been checked at $3.58/kg MS after savings were introduced.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

ANIMAL HEALTH // 23

Calf scours leave long-term impact PROFESSIONAL CALF rearer Simon Glee-

son, from Timboon in south western Victoria, says he often sees the long-term effects of calf scours in his operation.

The often forgotten cost of calf scours is a slower growth rate for calves that do recover.

These calves can struggle with depressed growth rates as a result of intestinal damage compared to healthy animals.

“We take heifers from weaning up to two years of age and, of the 3000 per year that we handle, often we see the major setback animals have had as a result of scours,” Gleeson said.

“Their growth rates are diminished, immune systems become susceptible to other bugs and they are difficult to rear into an impressive heifer because of the scours setback.

“Given the value of

calves, it would be a substantial benefit to all of our clients if there was an effective control for rotavirus in particular, so survival and progress weren’t so dependent on treatments alone.”

Rotavirus is an issue not just because of its potential to cause scours, but because it often reduces calf immunity and allows other pathogens such as cryptosporidium, E.coli and coronavirus to

flourish, causing further illness in the calf.

Kathryn Davis, program manager animal health and fertility, Dairy Australia, said that scours was the number one calf disease that farmers report to the organisation.

“Scours is a very common and serious disease for calves and is not limited to one area or region, the feedback we’ve received is that it is affecting all dairy regions,” Dr

Davis said.

“What we hear from farmers and vets who are testing for pathogens causing calf scours is that there is a lot of rotavirus coming through in the results.”

Coopers Animal Health has registered the vaccine Rotavec Corona and said it was the only calf scour vaccine on the Australian market vaccinating against rotavirus, coronavirus and E coli.

Coopers had a stand at International Dairy Week in Tatura last month in conjunction with the Kyabram and Tatura veterinary clinics.

Farmers at IDW were able to discuss questions on calf scours management before and after calving and the use of the new vaccine in farm scours planning activities.

They were able to hear from local experts on key calf scours issues specific

to their own operation and learn more about changes they could make to their calving management to improve their calf health.

A recent study by University of Sydney researchers sampled scouring calves nationally and found 96% had rotavirus present on the property – a major disease causing pathogen of scours that currently has no prevention – making management more difficult.

Simon Gleeson

PREPARE.

PROTECT.

PRODUCE.

Triangular liners reduce mastitis risk LINER DESIGNS have changed little in 20 years but Derek Davies told farmers at International Dairy Week that triangular liners can reduce the incidence of mastitis.

Davies, the export sales manager at Avon Dairy Solutions, spoke at IDW as part of the seminar program and said triangular liners grip the teat in a different way from the conventional round liner.

Whereas the round liner collapses against the teat from two sides; the triangular liner collapses three ways, giving additional support to the teat during the rest phase.

Avon Dairy Solutions uses the triangular design in its Milk-Rite Ultraliner, distributed in Australia through Global Dairy Systems.

“Milk-Rite triangular liners are well established and known to reduce slips, a common contributor to mastitis because of cross contamination,” Davies said.

“The triangular liners and shells improve efficiency by reducing the amount of air to be moved to open and close the liners during the milk and rest phases.”

Davies said mouthpiece venting, another new innovation, also improved milking efficiency.

Air has to be introduced into the milking system to allow the milk to move. Customarily it has been introduced through a hole in the claw.

“Introducing the air below the milk can cause vacuum fluctuations when the liner opens and closes; due to the pressure differential in the mouth piece this can push the milk back up the teat,” Davies said.

“Instead, introducing the air above the milk, by putting a vent in the mouthpiece of the liner, allows it to move efficiently and quickly away from the teat. Getting this system to work requires some minor checks and/or adjustments on farm, but the efficiency gains can be impressive.”

There is now a range of flexible treatment options when your dairy cattle require antibiotic therapy. Ask your vet.

®

P R E PA R E

PROTECT

PRODUCE

P R E PA R E

PROTECT

PRODUCE

Pfizer Animal Health Australia Pty Ltd, 38–42 Wharf Rd, West Ryde NSW 2114.

ABN 94 156 476 425. ®Registered trademark of Pfizer. AM757. PAL0746.

PAL0746_DN_260x187-v02.indd 1

23/01/13 4:26 PM

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

24 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Calf scours vaccine needs careful management RETURNING FROM my summer

holidays refreshed and enthusiastic, I got some great news.

A new vaccine that I have been waiting to be released for many years is finally on the market.

Rotavirus is one of the leading causes of illness in dairy calves. A recent survey showed that an

enormous number of dairy farms in Australia have Rotavirus present and that the majority have more than one viral or bacterial scours organisms causing diarrhoea on their farms.

Over the last decade or so, with improved diagnostic testing available, we have determined that there are four major causes

of calf scours, a disease that costs Aussie dairy farmers around $50 million per year. While vaccination against many of these organisms has been widespread in North America and Europe for many years, we have been without a vaccine for the number one cause of scours, Rotavirus, until now.

ANIMAL HEALTH ROB BONANNO Rotavirus is very common, with 96% of farms in Matt Izzo’s

research paper from last year testing positive.

Finally, we can prevent this common viral infection with a good vaccination program using Rotovec-Corona vaccine.

But the Rotavirus, Coronavirus and E.coli vaccine that is now available, together with the Salmonella vaccine (which should cover

The Missing piece in The calf scours puzzle

vec a t Ro ona coR

Hygiene

the only calf scours vaccination against Rotavirus, coronavirus and E.coli

avaILaBLe noW

from your local veterinarian or rural reseller For further information visit our website at www.coopersanimalhealth.com.au or call us on TOLL FREE 1800 226 511 ® Registered trademark.

Colostrum

virtually unable to absorb the “big 4” calf scours colostrum after 24hrs pathogens) have to be given to the mother before of age. If we wish to she starts to produce the vaccinate a cow to produce colostrum and then the antibodies to enter the colostrum must be given colostrum, it makes sense to the calves in a timely to give the vaccines before manner. the cow begins to make Many, many times I the colostrum. This is why have written and spoken most vaccines against about the importance diseases of calves are given of having a sound calf during late pregnancy induction protocol that or early after dry off to includes ensuring that the maximise the antibody calf gets adequate volumes levels when the colostrum of quality colostrum is produced. within the Despite all critical first of this, if the hours of calf doesn’t get The new their life. The an adequate vaccine launch of amount must be these great of quality new vaccines given to colostrum should save the the mother before many lives this window of season and for before she opportunity for many seasons starts to the absorption to come. But I produce the of whole want to say it colostrum. antibody again... calves, molecules primarily slams shut at due to the around 24hrs type of placenta that after birth, then no matter cows have, are born what you have vaccinated without any antibodies them for, the calves will at all. On top of that, continue to succumb to they have a significantly scours and disease. underdeveloped immune So while I am thrilled system which is ill to bits that there is now a equipped to handle the vaccine that will go a long load of pathogens present way towards preventing on most dairy farms. many of the common During the last 3-4 causes of calf scours, I weeks of a cow’s dry hope that all dairy farmers period, her udder begins will discuss with their a process known as local dairy veterinarian colostrogenesis, the the ways that they can production of colostrum. maximise the opportunity During this process, to get a calf off to a good immunoglobulin start in life. molecules, known as By dairy farmers antibodies, are actively working together with accumulated into the their herd vet to plan udder. As soon as the cow what vaccines to give, calves, milk begins to be when to maximise the produced and colostrum response and minimise production ceases. This any risk and to develop is why delaying milking a sound calf protocols cow after calving reduces that ensure that every the concentration and calf gets the best chance quality of that first milking of adequate transfer of colostrum. passive immunity, I would For about the first hope that calf scours, 24 hours of a calf’s life, one of the most common those antibodies in the causes of economic loss colostrum are able to be on Australian Dairy farms, absorbed whole, directly will be a lot easier to into the blood stream manage. and remain active and • Rob Bonanno is the past able to fight off bacteria president of the Australian and viruses. The ability Cattle Veterinarians to absorb colostrum Association and a director deteriorates extremely the Shepparton Veterinary quickly and the calf is Clinic.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

ANIMAL HEALTH // 25

Rubber matting keeps cows comfortable while milking CHRIS DINGLE

THE INSTALLATION

of purpose-designed rubber matting has solved a problem with an ageing rotary platform on an East Gippsland dairy.

Paul and Emma Osborn milk 500 Holsteins and crossbreds on their 113ha property at Tinamba, sharefarming for Paul’s father, John, and an uncle, Graeme. They’ve been there since 1999, milking on a 44-unit rotary. They have run-off blocks at Newry and Heyfield, both of 60ha, and almost all the land is irrigated from Lake Glenmaggie, five minutes away.

The Osborns had been experiencing a problem with the 23-year-old rotary platform with worn foot holes and deteriorating concrete in the cows’ standing areas. In places it was getting down to the reinforcing mesh.

They were advised by a local company to treat it by filling in the hollows with resin, epoxy and sand grit, all of which was done pre-Christmas 2011.

“Initially it looked like it would work OK,” explained Paul, “but soon the surface started to blister. It was drilled out and refilled. Still within a month, the grit flattened and the cow standing areas kept deteriorating.”

In the drying off period

in June last year, cows were slipping and skating as they came in to feed in the bail prior to calving. It was a nervous and stressful time for both the cows and operators. Paul and Emma lost at least three WHO: cows before they had to Paul and Emma stop feeding the springers Osborn and changed to lead feedWHERE: ing in the paddock.

Tinamba WHAT: Amid the frustration, Rubber matting Geoff Hague at Hico Herd Improvement Cooperative in Maffra told them and 24mm thick. about Studflex rubber Paul and Emma employ matting and delivered one full-time worker for one standard size mat for milking and farm work. “It a week’s trial to see if it took about 2 1/2 to three would do the job. hours to screw them all Hico is the local dealer down in between milkings, for GEA Farm Technoloand we brought in extra gies who are the suppliers labour to help with that of Studflex. first milking – just in case.

“The cows never baulked and it seemed like As it turned out we didn’t need them. the answer,” Osborn said.

“It has made an enorIn the first week of mous differDecember ence. The last year “It has made cows are they fitted obviously the Studflex an enormous difference. comfortable R sheets standing on to all the The cows are it, and we’ve remaining obviously had not one stalls. These comfortable issue of slipare stanping since dard pre-cut standing on it, then.” sections for and we’ve had Mark rotary stalls, not one issue of Haymes, designed slipping since the area especially for Austra- then.” manager for lian rotaGEA Farm ries. The sheets are 1.7 Technologies in Gippsland metres long, .65m at the said that Studflex rubber inside of the rotary, .75m matting is durable, at the outside of the rotary dimensionally stable

Paul and Emma Osborn had tried repairing the worn concrete on their rotary without success, before installing Studflex.

and cow-friendly. “This rubber compound offers high grip and comfort, sound absorption, and excellent softness. The cows become calmer and quieter when standing.

There are Studflex options for all areas of the milking shed.”

As well as the rotary sheets, Studflex is available to fit herringbone sheds with sheets that

n ralia d t s u A n ned a d. g i s e d re actu f u n ma he

ng t Introduci

Osborn said they are now looking at installing extra interlocking Studflex sheets for the entry and exit points off the platform to make it more comfortable for the cows. “It is also an option for where we stand at cups on and off. We are currently using conveyor belting, but it is a harder compound. The Studflex will be easier to stand on.”

have two sides with straight edges and two sides with interlocking edges. Those sizes are 1.74 metres long and 1.25 metres wide. Interlocking sloping edges are also available.

For yards and other places around the dairy there are pre-cut sheets with interlocking edges on all four sides, 1.19 metres long and .85m wide.

Osborn is satisfied with the positive outlook for the dairy industry, saying that they are fairly heavily stocked. “We are happy to bowl along as we have at the moment.

We never rule out buying other properties that may become available, and expanding the dairy. Automatic cluster removers are definitely on the agenda.”

MAXIFEEDER

NEW MID-RANGE FEEDER

1400

$

+ GST

The new mid-range feeder from MAXI-FEEDER shares many of the features of our top selling large feeder.

❱❱ Will feed 40 cows AD/LIB. ❱❱ Self cleaning (Just raise with loader). ❱❱ No dead areas (Cattle can reach across). ❱❱ Will suit yearling cows and bulls. ❱❱ Strong enough to lift and carry large bales ❱❱ Can easily be fitted with a weatherproof cover.

Studflex rubber matting in each cow stall has made an enormous difference, according to Paul Osborn.

Call: 03 5859 0592 or 0428 585 573 www.maxifeeder.blogspot.com

Less than 5% waste when using these feeders

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

26 // PASTURE IMPROVEMENT

Manage chicory through autumn CHICORY CROPS can

produce high amounts of summer and autumn feed due to the plant’s ability to grow a taproot that sources soil moisture at depth.

This can complement perennial ryegrass which produces less growth during summer and autumn.

However, its life cycle needs to be understood and managed to optimise the crop’s productivity,

nutritive value, production and persistency.

A chicory crop can persist for 2-3 years or longer if the plant is allowed to set seed. The plant must be exposed to the prolonged cold of winter for the reproductive stage to initiate. If sown in spring, chicory will not produce reproductive stems until the following spring. This will keep the feed value high in the first year as the leaves have a higher

feed value than flower stalks.

During autumn, chicory normally accumulates sugars in the root system to replenish reserves for winter. In winter, plant growth is slowest, although some of the newer cultivars do have better winter activity. Therefore, the general recommendation has been to avoid severe grazing during late autumn and winter.

The grazing frequency should be around 2-3 weeks in spring and possibly into summer where good soil moisture is available. A short rotation makes it possible to remove the stems by grazing, when they are still hollow and more palatable, which will also help the nutritive value of the regrowth. It is important to graze the crop down to -5 cm, otherwise slashing is required to remove the

remaining stems.

Although there is some growth during the autumn, the grazing intensity should be reduced, ensuring some remaining ‘green leaf’ for the plant, so it is able to replenish root reserves and persist through winter. Avoid grazing during prolonged waterlogging in winter and early spring. This can directly damage the base of the plant and deplete

Get in the fast lane

900 Series Variable Chamber Baler With its innovative unloading concept and uncompromising design, the 900 Series sets new standards for productivity and versatility. Instead of the 70 bales per hour most operators would be proud to achieve in fair conditions, this incredible ISOBUS machine can produce many more.

No gate, no wait The revolutionary Fast Release System is three times faster to unload and is 60% lighter than gates on conventional variable chamber balers. With no heavy gate to lift or close, the 900 Series gets back to work within 5 seconds.

Softcore function Pressure to the core of the bale can be optimised from the cab. Crop quality is improved because it can ‘breathe’ and dry more efficiently.

Save on fuel Fuel efficiency is taken to the next level with its large non-stick bale chamber and smooth transmission.

Expect more from your round baler. Learn more about the 900 Series at your John Deere dealer or visit us online.

1800 800 981 | JohnDeere.com.au/900Series

the reproductive stems plant reserves. normally have low ME (7 Another problem in MJ/ kg DM) and high fibre winter and early spring content. Yields between can be the accumulation of water in the base of the 7 and 9 t DM/ha/year are frequently achieved in the hollow stems that were first two or three years of cut or removed by grazthe crop, with sufficient ing. If the cut stem fills with water, it can decom- summer rainfall.

At the early stages pose, causing the tap of stem elongation root to rot and kill the plant. Do not cut or graze (late spring or early summer, depending on mature stems in autumn or winter, especially when soil moisture), cows can consume a considerable there are wet conditions proportion of the stems, and/or saturated soil. which are still It is hollow and accepted that Chicory palatable. A up to 25% of leaf: stem ratio a dairy cow’s leaf also of 70:30% is total daily diet has a high can be chicfeed value, considered a good ory without compromise causing bitter making it taint in milk. great milker between quality and However, esti- feed. quantity for mated intakes grazing cattle. of up to 40% of the total daily diet have Chicory responds well to fertiliser, nitrogen been observed on comand dairy effluent mercial farms with no applications. evidence of detrimental Chicory is susceptiimpacts. ble to root rot diseases There is little expeduring waterlogging conrience of feeding high intakes of chicory over an ditions which makes it extended period on com- unsuitable for some paddocks/farms. Chicory is mercial farms. At this stage it is probably wise to not adapted or suited to have it as small to moder- poorly drained soils and ate component of the diet will have poor persistence, so better adapted rather than a major comspecies such as tall fescue ponent of the diet.

Chicory leaf also has a should be used on such high feed value, making it soils. It is fairly pest resisgreat milker feed. It is also tant apart from attack from slugs or Red-legged great feed for growing earth mites during estabout heifer replacements. lishment.

Chicory leaves normally • This article was provided contain high ME and low

by Project 3030. For more fibre [12–13 MJ/ kg DM information visit www.projand 18% neutral deterect3030.com.au gent fibre (NDF)] while

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

PASTURE IMPROVEMENT // 27

Forage plan ensures best results FRANK MICKAN

A FELLOW EXTENSION officer visited a farmer to help him with grazing advice. When he arrived the farmer excitedly showed his farm map and talked about all the different crop and pastures he was trialling, based on advice from a local seed supplier.

This farmer had been convinced to sow eight different types of crops such as lucerne, perennial ryegrass, chicory and cereals.

The farmer was excited about the prospect of having lots of winter feed, high quality summer feed and many other agronomic advantages in his farming system.

However, reality soon kicked in when they were trying to develop a plan on how to graze them all and to get the crops to grow anywhere near their potential while still being of high quality for the stock.

They worked out if he used at least four different rotation lengths it would still compromise some of the crops. It became apparent that this would be nearly impossible to manage.

The problem worsened when the discussion turned to managing the herd’s diet around these different crops. Often when changing from grazing one type of crop to another, the micro-organisms in the cow’s rumen require a number of days to adjust to changes in the diet to get the most nutritionally from the new crop.

This is illustrated by a New Zealand study where cows grazed as much perennial ryegrass as they could eat and were then sent to graze as much lucerne as they could eat.

Their milk production dropped by 24% for the first three days on the lucerne diet before recovering rapidly to be higher than when they were grazing the perennial ryegrass.

This was due to the micro-organisms in the rumen needing to adjust

to the new diet.

Similar observations have been made when changing from ryegrass to tall fescue pastures. However, in this case, the milk depression is likely to be due to the cow’s preference for grazing ryegrass and needing a while to start properly grazing the fescue.

On this particular farm it was clear that the cows would often be underperforming due to rapid changes in the type of feed the cows were eating and the cows needing time to adjust at each change.

As soon as the cows began to adjust they would then be put onto a different type of feed requiring another adjustment period, resulting in reduced milk production again.

If supplements were to be fed at the same time, as they often are, the type of supplement might need to be changed with each different crop type – another change in diet.

What I am saying is, perhaps some farmers need to have a forage plan that takes into account the whole farm system.

Look at when your herd is calving. When do your animals (milkers, dry and young stock) need the extra feed? Do you need high or medium quality feed for which group?

You can buy poor quality feed any time, usually, just ensure you pay low prices for it. Let’s not go into buying on a cents per kilogram dry matter, or heaven forbid, cents per unit of energy (ME) or dollars per kilogram of protein.

A good forage plan needs to be flexible enough to help you negotiate the seasonal roller coaster that is dairy farming. We all know there are a range of crop types and cultivars that cover a wide range of sowing and maturity dates and there are specific crops suitable for specific conditions (soil temperatures, soil types, rainfall, etc.).

Crops are often given an average nutritive (book) value but all species have a wide range of

Reality soon kicked in when they were trying to develop a plan on how to graze them all and to get the crops to grow anywhere near their potential while still being of high quality for the stock. nutritive values depending mainly on their maturity, but also influenced by soil fertility, moisture conditions, etc.

Now, throw in the seasonal variation we have

experienced over the last 10-15 years. A risk management approach to forage planning is needed to deal with the variation.

To help farmers to make better feed supply

decisions in this world of uncertainty and with so many factors determining when, why and what species/cultivars to sow, DPI, with support from Dairy TO PAGE 29

Frank Mickan

“Surge Italian Ryegrass surpasses all expectations, gives you longer lasting grass, greater persistence: growing more - faster.”

Ultra is a true step up in yield performance, offering consistently high across seasons, years and regions.

CONTACT NOTMAN PASTURE SEEDS FOR THEyields LATEST CULTIVARS AND HIGHEST QUALITY PASTURE Ultra isSEED. high in pasture quality and safe to eat too.

For further information on Ultra Enhanced perennial ryegrass, Main Office; Gavin, Elaine & Peter Notman, Poowong.

Phone: 03 5659 2314, Email: peter@notmanpasture.com.au including comprehensive trial data, talk to Notman Pasture Seeds

NOTMAN Pasture Seeds

Real Farm Value and Know How

Sonik – the winter feed champion

Trial Data

To view the performance of Sonik in trials, visit our web site: www.cropmark.com.au/Trial-Data.aspx

Sonik – rapid establishment and strong winter activity Take the worry out of winter feeding.

Sonik is the winter feed champion, with rapid establishment and strong growth rates over autumn, winter and spring providing the feed platform you need for great livestock performance.

SONIK IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL SEED MERCHANT OR FARM MERCHANDISE OUTLET

Sonik is ideal for over-sowing into run-out or damaged pastures, rejuvenating paddocks or for full cultivation as short term (1-2 year) specialist pastures.

Sonik has excellent tiller density for higher yield, persistence and better ground cover.

For further information on Sonik, contact our regional agronomists: Western Districts, SA, Tasmania: Jason Hill – 0427 607 375 North & East Victoria, NSW: Adam Sheedy – 0428 132 096

Cropmark Seeds Australia Pty Ltd Freephone: 1800 889 039 Freefax: 1800 889 037

www.cropmark.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

PASTURE IMPROVEMENT // 29

Save nitrogen on pastures TRIALS ARE underway

to investigate the adaptation of common broad acre precision farming technology into intensively grazed pasture systems.

Using the concept derived by New Zealandbased agricultural innovator Craige McKenzie, a joint project between Western Dairy in WA and the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural (TIA) will ground truth the validity of the “Smart N” system.

The Smart N system uses Weedseeker technology to strategically apply liquid nitrogen (N) to intensively grazed pastures.

The system works in the reverse to a weedseeker boom on a broadacre farm which only turns on the spray nozzle when a green weed is detected. In “Smart N” mode, the weedseeker sensors are reverse engineered so that they are on the majority of the time, and when a high N / high biomass patch of pasture is detected by the NDVI sensor on the weedseeker

unit, the nozzle is turned off.

In intensively grazed dairy pastures, up to 30% of the paddock area has been measured as high N patches from the previous 2-3 grazings. These patches which are the result of urine deposits, generally contain 8001000 kg/N/ha, and as a result are not responsive to any N applied at commercially used rates.

With up to 30% of the paddock potentially not requiring N, the opportunity exists to reduce N applications, but until this concept was developed in New Zealand, there was no practical way of actually applying N between the urine patches.

While the concept has been demonstrated on a small scale, this project aims to validate the use over larger areas, and to discover any pitfalls in the practical adoption of this technology.

“There are still many unanswered questions that need to be resolved,” said James Hills, the project leader on the Tasma-

nian side of the project.

“We are still unsure of the sensitivity of the weedseeker sensors, and if they will pick one, two or three grazing rotations worth of urine patches.

We would also like to determine how soon after a urine patch is deposited before it will be detected.”

Small scale calibration and validation trials are about to begin at the TIA Dairy Research Facility at Elliott in North West Tasmania to help answer some of these questions.

Urine samples will be applied in strips in a paddock which has been recently cut for silage to ensure that there will be no recent urine patches from grazing animals.

“We will be testing the small boom at different sensitivity settings across these strips every couple of days to see when and what is registering” James said.

Once the most appropriate calibrations have been determined using the small

scale boom, larger demonstrations will begin.

Two 6m demonstration boomsprays will be set up with weedseeker sensors and these will be used to run demonstrations on 4 paddocks in Tasmania and 3 in Western Australia.

For further information contact Sam Taylor (WA) on 0429 332 593 or James Hills (Tasmania) on 0409 227 874.

• This article was first published in the Dairying for Tomorrow newsletter.

Weedseeker technology can be used to apply liquid nitrogen.

Ultra Enhanced Ryegrass - Naturally Better!

Forage plan ensures best feed results FROM PAGE 27

Australia, is developing a Forage Planning process. We hope this will help farmers to think about/assess their annual feed base requirements using a better planned, more informed method.

This process will also look further into the future rather than just the next season.

This Forage Planning process will take into account your farming system, your animals’ needs (when, how much and what quality), what crops/pastures best suit your farming situation, etc.

While we don’t have control over the seasonal variation, weather conditions, cash flow, milk prices and the impact and volatility of overseas milk product prices and world grain prices (due to droughts, poor seasons, etc.), this list of uncertainties have their own influence on farmers’ decisions because of the degree of risk they may/may not present.

There are no recipes or right answers for every farmer.

Each farmer will have their own attitudes to these risks but they must in the forefront of their minds when farmers formulate robust forage plans to minimise the risk of these uncertainties on their livelihoods.

DPI Dairy Services Branch staff will be running pilot Forage Planning groups in 2013-2014 in Victoria’s dairying regions. The groups will meet several times to develop a Forage Plan and discuss what to sow and why.

They will then meet again to discuss management at various stages during the growth of the pastures and/or crops at sowing, germination, grazing and conservation.

• Frank Mickan works at the Department of Primary Industries, Ellinbank. He can be contacted at (03) 5624 2259 or via frank.mickan@dpi.vic.gov.au

Ultra Enhanced perennial ryegrass: still unbeaten in total yield.* Naturally.

Ultra is a true step up in yield performance, offering consistently

NOTMAN Pasture Seeds

high across seasons, years and regions.

CONTACT NOTMAN PASTURE SEEDS FOR THEyields LATEST CULTIVARS AND HIGHEST QUALITY PASTURE Ultra isSEED. high in pasture quality and safe to eat too.

For further information on Main Office; Gavin, Elaine & Peter Notman, Poowong.

Phone: 03 5659 2314, Email: peter@notmanpasture.com.au including comprehensive

Ultra Enhanced perennial ryegrass, trial data, talk to Notman Pasture Seeds

Real Farm Value and Know How

*NFVT Results 1991-2012, All NZ Trials Total Yield

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

30 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Total solutions for dairying GEA Farm Technologies

Versatile scraper ideal for feed pads, tracks “I SHOULD have had

GEA Farm Technology’s MIone Multibox automated milking system enables you to create a true milking centre, with all features and equipment concentrated in one spot.

A modular system that is economical and animal-friendly, and expands along with your herd.

GEA Milking & Cooling

High-quality products for manure handling Houle electric effluent pumps and agitators a full line of equipment to cover all applications

GEA Farm Equipment Houle

one of these years ago!” was Paul Wilms’ reaction when he started using his new scraper in the middle of January this year.

Wilms’ contracting business out of Warragul in Victoria’s Gippsland covers a wide range of tasks, including pasture renovation, effluent spreading, hay transport and round baling and wrapping with a Vicon BalePack combination machine.

But he has just expanded the business even further, through the purchase of a Maxi600 Plougharm Scraper, manufactured in New Zealand

by HW Industries.

“We will mainly be using the scraper to fix cow tracks on dairy farms and to install feed pads, particularly on steep tracks where trucks can’t get in,” Wilms said, when he was taking delivery of the scraper. He told us that 95% of his customers are dairy farmers, all within 70km of home.

Wilms first saw the scraper at the Mystery Creek fielddays in New

WORKING CLOTHES CHRIS DINGLE Zealand in June 2012. He said he tries to go there every year, because it seems to be the right time of year, when it’s wet in Gippsland.

The HW scrapers are distributed in Australia

by Gendore Tractors and Machinery at Tooradin in West Gippsland. They have had the franchise for about two years and managing director, Derek Genoni, said the scrapers were a bit slow to start, but have been going out the door rapidly lately – all over the eastern seaboard.

The Maxi600 has a capacity of 7 cu m, handling up to 9 tonnes of material, with a cutting width of 2.6m and needs a 150hp tractor to get the job done. Wilms will be operating it with a 160hp Massey Ferguson 7475

which is in its third season.

“The variable transmission is ideal,” he said, “I can use the foot controller and go smoothly from two 2km/h to 30km/h.”

The scraper is fully operated from the tractor cab by simply attaching the hydraulic hoses and going to work. The interesting aspect is the scraper operates off the Category 3 bottom linkage arms which provide a greater carrying capacity than the drawbar.

Genoni says doesn’t need a strengthening kit for the drawbar. “This gives it its inbuilt strength.

It is very solid but can be made lighter than other scraper types, plus the full width blade can cut right to the edge of the machine.”

The scraper goes where the tractor will go, giving it a high level of manoeuvrability. “It will be brilliant for shallow V drains, because it picks up the loose material as it shapes the drain, instead of creating another issue with the removed soil,” Wilms said. “Because it is tractor-operated I can take the

WHO:

Paul Wilms WHERE:

Warragul WHAT:

Maxi600 Plougharm Scraper

soil onto paddocks where it is needed all in the one movement. It fills and empties in 20 seconds.

“You can build the camber on the track, cut and fill in the same spot.”

Operators can topload crushed rock into the bucket and set the blade at the level required to spread onto the working area. The bucket empties at the front and the blade smooths out the soil as it is pulled along. Slots in the front of the bucket allow the operator to see how full it is either when filling the loose ripped soil or when emptying a top load.

The Maxi 600 has front-mounted, hydraulically-engaged rippers and this particular unit has been rigged up particularly for steep country, with a double tilt axle and hydraulic brakes.

Genoni says the HW

Industries Maxi scrapers start at 3.5 cu m and range up to 11 cu m. “The Maxi 400 is ideal for dairy farmers to do their own work, because it is easily handled by a 100hp tractor.

Our most popular model is the Maxi 500 – at 5.5 cu m– and for that you’d need a 125hp tractor. These machines can do three tasks in the one job.

“The best pick-up speed for working the shape of the track is a fast walking pace. It’s so smooth!”

Wilms has been contracting for 25 years, starting work at 15 with his father, Lyle who still helps out in the PC’s Contracting business and Wilms employs another part-time worker. “This machine presents an opportunity to diversify the business, but still fit in with other work.”

Paul Wilms with the scraper.

Durable, dimensionally stable and cow-friendly Studflex rubber matting offers ultimate grip and comfort, sound absorption, with excellent softness. so cows become calmer and quieter when standing. Suitable for all areas of the milking shed.

GEA Milking & Cooling

GEA Farm Technologies The right choice

GE11308

Call 1800 789 100 for the name of your nearest dealer Email info.auft@gea.com www.gea-farmtechnologies.com.au

GEA Farm Technologies See the future

GE11308_72x390_DN.indd 1

31/01/13 7:54 PM

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 31

Ag Machinery wins best IDW display AG MACHINERY Australia is the new distributor for the Schuitemaker range of forage harvesters, manure spreaders and feed wagons.

Ag Machinery Australia was launched as an agency to import Schuitemaker agricultural machinery late last year by northern Victorian dairy farmers Richard and Mariette Van Dooran.

The Van Doorans have a focus on customer service, ensuring any replacement parts will be distributed overnight.

Their display at last month’s International Dairy Week Trade & Machinery Field Days, sponsored by Dairy News Australia, won the best display award. It featured a Schuitemaker Calypso 110 manure spreader.

The Calypso and SMS wide spreaders are suitable for spreading stall manure and compost.

They are fitted with vertical distribution beaters and can be delivered in 8, 10 and 18 ton variants and in single axle or tandem axle models with a steel loading floor and galvanized side walls as standard.

The manure slide, which is placed in front of the beaters, can also serve as a measuring slide for

fine material.

The Calypso and SMS models are wide spreaders suitable for spreading stall manure, compost, chalk and garden waste among other things. The SMS is fitted with horizontal distribution beaters and the Calypso with vertical distribution beaters. The Calypso can be delivered in 8, 11 and 18 ton variants and in single axle or tandem axle models with a steel loading floor and galvanized side walls as standard. The manure slide, which is placed in front of the beaters, can also serve as a measuring slide for fine material.

Due to the clever construction of the beaters, the Calypso can produce a wide spread and still distribute a fine uniform layer.

Richard said the Calypso and the SMS were built for a long life.

This could be seen in the robust, painted chassis, strengthened side panels, box section upper cage construction and heavy duty scraper floor with a hydraulic drive unit which had a variable speed control, he said.

The Van Doorens left the Netherlands almost nine years ago and run 800 dairy cows on 400ha at Strathmerton in north-

ern Victoria. In 2009, they became the first dairy farmers in Australia to use DeLaval’s voluntary milking system - and have the only robotic system with the cows based indoors.

They are now running both their dairy farm and their machinery distribution business.

Mariette and Richard Van Dooran of Ag Machinery distribute the range of Schuitemaker machinery in Australia. They won the award for best display of the International Dairy Week Trade & Machinery Field Days.

The rhythm of life

Silage block cutter reduces spoilage

YOUR OWN RHYTHM With the Lely Astronaut milking robot every cow has its own rhythm. They can decide whether they would like to eat, rest, or be milked. That gives you the flexibility to manage your own time without fixed routines.

A NEW silage cutter, the German-made BvL Topstar block

cutter, is fast and runs minimal risk of spoiling the stack face, says distributor Webbline.

The company says though traditional shear grabs cut relatively cleanly, their design often makes them too slow and unable to pick up enough silage in each load to suit largescale farmers who need to handle several tonnes daily.

The Topstar has a counter-rotating knife which cuts on three sides. The operator simply drives the forks of the Topstar into the silage stack and presses the third service button on the loader. The top part of the machine then cuts vertically down to the forks, using a scissor action.

Once cut, that whole block of silage is simply lifted out and can be tipped into the feed-out wagon. The cube shape means even the smaller-model Topstar is still capable of taking well over a tonne of silage in a single cut.

Not only does this mean fewer backward-and-forward movements for the loader operator, but the way the Topstar works requires no levering with the loader to get the silage out. It’s simply cut and lifted out like a block of Lego.

For more information, visit www.lely.com

Evolve. www.lely.com Call Now (03) 5484 4000

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

32 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Half-track tractor proves worth tional wheeled tractor,” Pasedag said.

Unlike full crawler vehicles, limitations in the use of their wheel tractors due to very wet or undulating the M126X Power Krawler’s basic manoeuvrability and speed is nearly ground conditions.

Following an extensive evaluation identical to that of standard fourprocess, Kubota Tractor Australia has wheel tractors, so there is no need for introduced the 125hp M126X Power special operator training. The longer wheelbase, lower centre of gravity, Krawler tractor.

“We have given the M126X Power and independently oscillating rear tracks improves Krawler half track stability and tractor a really “Whether the tractor keeps operators good test on dairy was used for feeding from bouncing farms in Tasmania, Victoria and out round bales during on uneven terrain South Australia,” the wet winter months - dramatically increasing Kubota product or spreading fertiliser operator manager Lars Pasin very hilly terrain, comfort. edag said.

“The M126X This new our customers have half-track trac- confirmed the fantastic Power Krawler steers and drives tor is based on handling of the halfjust like a wheel the M126X four track tractor over a tractor,” Pasedag wheel tractor and features 400mm conventional wheeled said.

“The front axle wide rubber tracks tractor.” in fact is identical on the rear axle for a very light footprint and big con- to the wheel tractor and the rear rubber tracks on the rear do not leave scufftact area on the ground.

“Whether the tractor was used for ing marks on the ground when turning feeding out round bales during the which protects the soil.”

The larger track footprint offers wet winter months or spreading fertiliser in very hilly terrain, our customers better traction, especially in wet and have confirmed the fantastic handling hilly conditions which makes this tracof the half-track tractor over a conven- tor very safe when operating on hills,

DAIRY FARMERS often experience

The 125hp M126X Power Krawler has been tested on dairy farmers in Tasmania, Victoria and SA.

Pasedag said.

The Power Krawler’s rear weight is distributed over the larger surface area of the rear tracks, which decreases the level of ground compaction by an estimated 60% compared to a standard wheel tractor of comparable size; this results in better floatation with less damage to soil.

The Power Krawler’s traction and larger ground contact area also delivers superior stability and straight-

line performance - making for a solid, smoother ride. The rear crawler design is central to the Power Krawler’s special performance capabilities. The synthetic rubber track features hard rubber lugs providing a smoother, quieter ride at higher speeds than typical steel lugs.

Both sides of the tractor are kept in contact with the ground via independently oscillating crawlers. The maintenance and process for changing crawler tracks is user-friendly due to the

split-type drive sprocket design with rotating pins.

“Experience from overseas suggests the tracks should last for between 2000 and 3500 hours depending on work load,” Pasedag said.

“A set of replacement rubber tracks is priced at around $6000 via our spare parts department which is very competitive as a set of rear wheels costs the end user around $5000 per set.” www.kubota.com.au

THE PROFESSIONAL SERIES BY AITCHISON SEEDMATIC AIR PRO 4132T MK2

SEEDMATIC PROFESSIONAL RANGE 8122 CT

N SEASO LS SPECIA

Stock nce a r a e l c GREAT S G SAVIN

Transport width 2.75 m

Compact transport: W 3.2 m H 1.7 m L 3.6 m

›› Excellent trash clearance ›› Straighter lines and unique Aitchison boot design ›› Large capacity seed and fertiliser hoppers ›› Direct drill into existing pasture ›› Direct drill into maize stubble ›› Able to drill in arable conditions ›› Better contour following abilities ›› Sowing width 4.8 m

›› 3.0 m sowing width ›› Narrow 136 mm row spacing with 22 large 25 mm tines ›› Best sowing and fert delivery system accurate to low levels ›› Stainless steel fertiliser bin standard ›› Optional self loading harrow kit also available ›› Large 14” coulters, straight tines and large 550 mm stagger for unrivalled trash handling ability

38 Punt Cobramdealer Contact your local Reese AgriRoad, Aitchison Call John West today for details, or freephone 1800 140 196 (03) 5871 1555 Brendan Prentice 0400 540 Mob: 300 | 0427 www.reeseagri.com.au 711 486

HS West

www.reeseagri.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 33

New compact Mahindra tractors MAHINDRA, THE top selling tractor in the world based on volume, has launched three new tractors to its 10-series – the 4010 Gear ROPS; 5010 HST Cab; and 6110 Shuttle Cab. The 10-series tractors are a value line of compact economy machines designed for a multitude of uses. The new 10 series models are four-wheel drive and are available now.

Sagar Bhadkamkar, national manager, Mahindra Ag & Auto, Australia, said the new tractors are economical, easy to operate, and ideal for general purpose farming and livestock operations.

4010 Gear ROPS The 4010 4WD Gear ROPS fea-

tures a 38hp, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated fuel-injected diesel engine. It includes 9F/3R Gear transmission and will be supplied with industrial tyres as standard fitment. Bhadkamkar said the 20-40 engine horsepower segment of the market is the fastest growing segment of the Australian tractor industry.

“To reinforce our product stable of Max 25, Max 28, 4025 and 4035, the 4010 slots right into our range between the ever popular 4035 Power Shuttle and 4025 2WD,” he said.

“The 4010 offers a nice point of difference to the solid and high spec 4035, while still out specifying many of the competitors at this price point.”

Bag your own feed

the best in its class.

Standard features on the new 10 series models include: ergonomic and spacious cabs and a flat operator’s platform for comfort.

6110 models include 1 remote valve,

tilt steering wheel, flat operator’s deck and a suspension seat.

The 6110 Shuttle Cab features Synchro-shuttle with 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds, and a 1600kg hydraulic lift capacity.

Red Hot deals on case ih 26x5

GAFFY’S TRACTOR Hire was on hand at Interna-

Mid-sized tRactoRs

tional Dairy Week, promoting the Seed & Forage Bagger produced by the SA-based company Seed & Forage Bags.

Gaffy’s Tractor Hire, based in Ardmona, hires a range of tractors and agricultural equipment but is also a dealer for Seed & Forage Bags, selling both the grain handling equipment and the bags.

Farmers can either hire or buy the machine through Gaffy’s.

Through the bagger, farmers can store grains in a safe, economic, flexible and profitable way, by storing crops or pasture in grain bags on the fields from which they were harvested or any alternate area nearby.

The harvest efficiency is also enhanced by high performance and low cost bagging and extraction processes, using inloader and extractor machines which are easily transportable.​ Tim Gaffy said they sold the inloader for $23,500 (plus GST and freight). For those wanting to hire the inloader to store grain, the cost works out to $10/tonne.

For more details, contact Gaffy’s Tractor Hire on 0428 100 555, or Seed & Forage Bags on (08) 8352 4999.

Now’s the time to get a special price on mid-sized tractors from Case IH. And, with our 3.9% p.a. finance offer,* talking to your local Case IH dealer about a tractor to suit your needs could really pay off. Visit www.caseih.com for more information.

check out some of these special retail prices available before 31st May 2013:

MaXXUM 4 cylindeR

MaXXUM 6 cylindeR

JXU caB

From $73,000* (plus GST)

From $80,100* (plus GST)

From $54,100* (plus GST)

• 117hp 6 cyl turbocharged/ intercooled engine • 16 x 16 semi powershift • 2 x remote valves • 3 speed soft start PTO • Heavy duty axles • Deluxe air conditioned cab with air suspension seat

• 86hp 4 cyl turbo/ intercooled engine • 12x12 clutchless power shuttle • 2 x remote valves • 3 speed PTO

• • • • • • •

Tim and David Gaffy in front of the Seed and Forage Bagger at International Dairy Week.

5010 HST Cab The all-new 5010 4WD Cab Hydrostatic Drive tractor features a four-cylinder, 50hp engine.

The new models continue the strength of the 10 series, with a 3-point lift capacity of 1503kg, which Mahindra says is the best in its class.

Standard features on the new 5010 models include: 1 remote valve, tilt steering wheel, load sensing and cruise control, flat operator’s deck and a suspension seat.

6110 12F / 12R Shuttle Each 6010 tractor features a four-cylinder, 59hp, turbo-charged and indirect injection engine that Mahindra says is

101hp turbocharged engine 16 x 16 semi powershift 80 litre hydraulics 2 x remote valves 3 speed soft start PTO Heavy duty axles Deluxe air conditioned cab with air suspension seat

*Terms and conditions apply. Special retail prices at participating dealers on selected models until 31st May 2013 or while stocks last. Advertised prices do not include GST. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and may show features or accessories not included in the advertised price. Tractor prices vary by model and specifications.

Finance is provided by CNH Capital to approved business applicants only. Advertised finance rate based on 30% deposit, 36 months, annual or monthly repayments. Special prices and finance rate may be available on tractor models not specified in this advertisement. For more information talk to your local Case IH dealer.

• 4WD

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2013

34 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Outlander XT great value for money BERNARD LILBURN

CAN AM and BRP are synonymous with building top-class recreational vehicles with the brand

now taking market share off the established makes with their range of capable Quad bikes.

In 500cc spec, the Outlander XT is a comfortable and versatile mid-

range machine, that would shame some of the larger capacity ATV’s. In Canary yellow, you will not lose this machine in the paddock, unless it’s full of Buttercup!

With its 40 hp V twin, fuel injected Rotax engine there is plenty of go, and the Outlander in 500, 650, 800 and 1000cc are the only ATV’s on the New Zealand market with

adjustable power steering, called Tri-mode Dynamic Power Steer (DPS) in Can Am speak. Sounds like a gimmick? Believe

L A I C SPE T R O REP NEXT ISSUE: MARCH FARM WORLD SHOW PREVIEW In the March issue of Dairy News we’ll be previewing Farm World.

One of the largest field day events in Australia, Farm World attracts visitors from throughout Victoria, southeast of South Australia and Tasmania. It has grown to be Victoria’s largest regional agricultural event, attracting more than 650 exhibitors and 50,000 people to Warragul between March 21st - 24th. Where to go, what to see – all covered in our March preview.

BOOKING DEADLINE: February 29 AD MATERIAL DEADLINE: March 6 PUBLISHED: March 13 CONTACT: MAX HYDE ON 03 5792 1314 OR MAX@HYDEMEDIA.COM.AU

me; it works – with three settings that adjust the amount of assistance provided.

Suspension is key to this machine and it’s a great ride. A torsional trailing arm at the rear provides class-leading comfort and the McPherson double A arm front suspension keeping it all balanced and plush.

Hidden in the front wheels are two big 214mm ventilated disc brakes with twin calipers and a single disc – the same size for the rear. With this bike coming from the US, the left hand brake operates both axles. This provides progressive and controlled braking, while the foot brake only operates the rear brakes as is usual.

With front suspension travel of 229mm and rear, 236mm, there is plenty of room to soak up bumps and ground clearance is 279mm. Solidly built, the 500 XT tips the scales at 320 kg, which is heavier than almost all Japanese Quads. This has a bearing on towing ability, and is rated at a class-leading 600kg. Rack capacity is 136kg, and the test unit came with the standard heavy duty bumpers front and rear, which adds to the look too.

The Outlander 500 XT is packed with features, such as the selectable 2 and 4 wheel drive system, with the trademarked Visco-Lok front differential. This works by detecting slip and diverting traction to the wheel that isn’t spinning, much like the clever All Wheel Drive systems found in expensive cars.

A comprehensive “multimeter” dash display keeps track of fuel, time, speed, hours with trip functions along with a rev counter. The 500 XT comes standard with a 3000lb (1500kg) WARN 8 winch with roller fairlead and remote control. Useful!

I went on an 80km “cockies day out” around the hills of Hunterville in the Rangitikei, NZ, run by the Poukiore Dog Trial Club. I was amazed at how well the Outlander treated me, and my daughter, who was very sore after being beaten up by a horse the day before.

We alternated between a 400cc Outlander and the test rig. And the difference is? If the 400 is a Hi-Lux, then the 500 is the latest Range-Rover – such is the difference in power, comfort and ease of operation. We negotiated some hairy slopes on the ride and it was amazing to see the non-Japanese machines scrabble their way up and down the hills with no drama, helped by the excellent CVT transmissions –meaning that the machine is in the right gear every time!

The engine braking on the 500 isn’t as good as its smaller sibling, but still plentiful enough for strong downhill control.

The Outlander on test is in run-out mode, with the new G2 version with altered styling and a few upgrades imminently due.

These machines are very well priced. See your local dealer for a sharp deal.

Visit www.canamofferoad. com/au/home to find a dealer near you.

Outlander 500 XT.

Site bookings for IDW 2014 will open from 1 August.

Call Robyn Barber 0418 656 082

International Dairy Week 2013

Dairy & Machinery Field Days

A tremendous week for the Australian dairy industry

IDW wishes to thank Dairy News Australia for their wonderful support of the second annual field days and look forward to planning 2014

Congratulations to Ag Machinery Australia for winning the Best Exhibitor Site Congratulations to Sharyn Griffiths for winning the weekend holiday package IDW wish to thank and encourage support for the following businesses for the latest in dairy related machinery, products, goods and services

ADF Milking

Farm Automation Australia

Preg Test Australia

Ag Machinery Australia

Felco Distribution

Reese Agri

Ag Mat

Gaffys Tractor Hire

RP Rural Engineering

Archards Irrigation

GEA Farm Technologies

RPS Industries

ATEL

Global Dairy Systems

Rubicon Water

Australian Waste Engineering

Goulburn Murray Water

Seed Force

Aust Rural

GrowGreen

Skiold & Vacuum Milling Solutions

Bale Up Hayfeeders

GV Dairy Supplies

Steinfort AgVet

Basille Bailing

High Street Vacuums & Electrical

Sunergy Solar Water Wind

Boltons Hoof Trimming

Home Touch

Thermal Recovery Systems

Brookwood International

Hunter Rural

W&P Pumps

BWR Machinery

John Sanderson Machinery

Wind Solar Air

Claas Harvest Centre

Kilter Rural

WorkSafe

CopRice Dairy Grooving

Kyabram Motorcycle & Power Equipment

Dairy News Australia

Kyabram Veterinary Clinic

Dairy Tech Refrigeration

Livestock Improvement

Daviesway

Maxi Feeder

Eastern Spreaders

Muck Runner Pty Ltd

Easy Dairy Automation Systems

Michaels Moama

ET Services

Murray Goulburn

Farm Tech Machinery

Northern Feed Systems

Farm Tender

Norwood Agriculture

Farmers Marketing Network

Pacific Bio-Tech

Zoom – the king of annual ryegrasses TM

Trial Data

To view the performance of ZoomTM in trials, visit our web site: www.cropmark.com.au/Trial-Data.aspx

ZoomTM is the latest tetraploid annual ryegrass from Cropmark Seed’s plant breeding programme.

ZoomTM is a specialist winter feed. An ideal break crop between maize and other crops, it is very quick to establish and shows exceptional autumn/winter growth and rapid re-growth. ZoomTM offers the advantages of excellent palatability and high metabolisable energy content.

TM

ZOOM IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL SEED MERCHANT OR FARM MERCHANDISE OUTLET

ZoomTM can provide multiple grazings over autumn and winter before being shut up for high quality silage in the spring.

For further information on Zoom , contact our regional agronomists: Western Districts, SA, Tasmania: Jason Hill – 0427 607 375 North & East Victoria, NSW: Adam Sheedy – 0428 132 096 TM

Cropmark Seeds Australia Pty Ltd Freephone: 1800 889 039 Freefax: 1800 889 037

www.cropmark.com.au