Dairy News Australia - December 2018

Dairy code sparks debate PAGE 3 FEED OPTIONS

Planning for the future.

PAGE 22

HIGH COSTS HURT

Farmers feel the pinch.

PAGE 4

DECEMBER, 2018 ISSUE 98 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

NEWS // 3

Farmers worried about code JEANETTE SEVERS

DAIRY FARMERS are being expected to vote

for a compulsory industry code without consideration for alternatives, nor the impact on their businesses.

That was the concern expressed at the final consultation meeting, at Maffra in Victoria’s Gippsland region, in late November.

However, with less than five per cent of dairy farmers likely to participate in the national consultation meetings, many of those at Maffra questioned whether the feedback was relevant.

There were about a dozen dairy farmers at the Maffra meeting, many of them UDV delegates, plus industry advocates and disrupters.

The Federal Government intends to shape a standard contract, which would have to be available on processors’ websites, as an industry example and legislate for transparency around processors’ prices and agreements with dairy farmers.

Some of the attendees were concerned about the support for dairy farmers.

“What is the purpose of the code, is it about building equity for dairy farmers and communities?” asked Christos Iliopoulos, of Farmers Advocate Support Team.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Federal Government have expressed concerns about a lack of bargaining power for dairy farmers.

However, Jeannette Howie, a dairy farmer at Denison, disputed this claim.

“Developing a code needs to be 100 per cent processor and farmer-driven, not governmentled,” she said.

“We have bargaining power. We can phone around different processors and negotiate for the best price.”

Q fever link. Page 4

ABVs deliver results. Pages 14–17

NEWS ..................................................... 3–12 ABVS – DECEMBER ......................14–17 OPINION ....................................................18 MARKETS .........................................19–20 MANAGEMENT ...............................21–22 ANIMAL HEALTH ......................... 24–25 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS .....................................26–30

MG AGREES TO ACCC SETTLEMENT Murray Goulburn Co-operative has given the green light to an in-principle agreement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in relation to allegations the company contravened

consumer law in its handling of the 2016 milk price crisis.

A statement released to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on Friday, November 9 stated the ACCC was seeking declarations from the Federal Court that former managing director Gary Helou contravened Australian Consumer Law between February 29, 2016 and April 27, 2016 in relation to “representations made

Step-downs were a particularly confusing discussion at a number of meetings, with contention about whether step-downs should be outlawed or only allowed in extreme circumstances — such as the Global Financial Crisis — a hotly contended issue at the Shepparton consultation.

Attendees at the northern Victoria session were strongly against the introduction of a mandatory code, with a majority of the 20 dairy farmers not supportive of the measure.

“No mandatory code, full stop,” Cobram East dairy farmer Paul Mundy said.

Many in the room felt there should be greater attention given to improving the voluntary code before locking themselves in to a legally binding code whose costs were unknown and would take “years” to change through parliament.

The vast differences between Australia’s dairy regions were discussed several times at the meetings, with conversation often centred around Queensland and Western Australia dairy farmers and how different it was, in particular in WA, where there was no processor competition.

Meanwhile dairy farmers in states like Victoria and NSW have multiple processors to trade with, a strength in competition that is not replicated across the nation.

The capacity of dairy farmers to exit a contract was also under question, with some attendees wanting to be able to break a contract with 30 days’ notice.

UDV vice-president Paul Mumford said contracts needed to be easy to understand and not dependent on literacy or the capacity to pay for legal representation.

“We have a lot of mum and dad dairy farmers and they shouldn’t have to seek a legal opinion to understand a contract,” he told the Maffra meeting.

Mr Mumford was also concerned about how hidden costs would be passed from the processor

regarding the FY16 farm gate milk price”.

The ACCC will seek a monetary penalty against Mr Helou, and costs against MG and Mr Helou.

Under the settlement, MG and Mr Helou will agree to the breaches and the costs ordered against each of them.

The ACCC will not seek any additional penalty against the co-operative.

“Murray Goulburn is pleased to have

to the dairy farmer and if a code was the mechanism to identify that risk.

The government is engaging with all state dairy organisations, all processors and other representative groups, such as Farmer Power, during the consultation period prior to drafting a mandatory code.

Whereas a draft mandatory code was expected to be available soon, it now appears unlikely to be available before 2019.

Dairy farmers wishing to have their say can do so by emailing dairycode@agriculture.gov.au or phoning 1300 044 940.

The Federal Government is also considering a facilitated telephone question-and-answer session, with further face-to-face consultation meetings also being considered following the release of a draft of the mandatory code of conduct.

For more information, visit: haveyoursay. agriculture.gov.au/dairy-code-conduct

UDV vice-president Paul Mumford attends a meeting about the mandatory code of conduct in Maffra late last month.

reached an agreement with the ACCC on this matter,” MG chairman John Spark said.

The matter is due to come before the Federal Court for court approval of the settlement in December.

An agreement was previously reached with MG’s former chief financial officer Bradley Hingle to dismiss the ACCC’s proceedings against him.

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4 // NEWS

Shining a light on Q fever JEANETTE SEVERS

A MACKINNON Project veterinarian researching Q fever believes there may be a geographic link between herd and human infection.

Dr Tabita Tan’s three-year research project investigated the dairy regions of the Goulburn Valley and Gippsland in Victoria.

It is critical information, given the last research published in Victoria into the prevalence of Q fever in livestock was in 1972.

“We didn’t know if anything had changed and we didn’t really understand the risk to humans from infected livestock,” Dr Tan said.

She sampled 1500 blood tests from across Victoria, to identify data trends. Her research identified there can be a high rate of infection in herds, without obvious signs of the symptoms in livestock. A high intensity of infection in herds also increases the risk of infection for humans.

“You need to get a blood test to properly diagnose Q fever in livestock, because it imitates other diseases,” Dr Tan said.

“It’s a very infectious disease and humans are at highest risk during calving.”

She encourages doctors to automatically include Q fever in the list of possible infections when patients present with symptoms such as unexplained fever.

One dairy farmer still recovering from infection of the organism, Coxiella burnetii, is Casey Bermingham, from Nambrok. She was diagnosed

FARMERS TACKLE HIGH COSTS SIMONE SMITH Tasmanian dairy farmers have made the most of their cheapest source of feed — pasture — to try to limit the pinch of escalating costs, according to the state’s lobby group president.

But Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers dairy council chair Andrew Lester said the state had not been immune to the margin squeeze.

He said high feed costs on the mainland

with Q fever in early October 2017.

Before the diagnosis, she was suffering severe fever and migraines, was dehydrated and needed painkillers every four hours.

A nurse as well as a dairy farmer, Mrs Bermingham took herself to hospital and asked for Q fever testing, but initial blood analysis showed negative for antibodies.

“Every time my temperature spiked above 40, at least four times a day, they took blood tests,” Mrs Bermingham said.

It was four weeks before the antibodies showed up in her blood tests. Fortunately, two days after presenting to hospital, she was placed on intravenous fluids and managed as if she had the infection.

Jason and Casey Bermingham were not unaware of Q fever. She is a nurse and he had the vaccination soon after he left school and began dairy farming. What they have found is the infection material can spread over a one kilometre radius from its source.

“The worst thing is the fatigue, which brings on migraines,” Mrs Bermingham said of her ongoing symptoms.

The Berminghams milk a 300-cow split-calving Friesian herd and produce all their own fodder off their 220 ha farm. Before the Q fever infection, Mrs Bermingham milked in the morning, was involved in calf rearing and looked after their two children.

The illness meant she was out of action for six weeks during a hectic time on the

were “exacerbated” in Tasmania and the cost of irrigation had risen due to power price hikes.

Tasmanian milk production was up five per cent year-to-date in September, according to Dairy Australia figures, but Mr Lester said the future was weatherdependent.

“I think there are guys who have cut input costs, in some cases there will be production losses as well,” he said.

“The feed price is up; energy price is up, so pumping water is more expensive, and the fertiliser price is going up. If you look at the average, it will be very marginal as it is still difficult to make money, even though (Tasmania) can be a lower cost of production.”

farm — irrigating, calving tail-enders, joining heifers and cows and harvesting silage.

Fortunately their parents, also dairy farmers, have been able to help; they also now employ two women full-time to milk. They support their employees to be vaccinated.

“Casey being ill put pressure on the system,” Mr Bermingham said.

“We’ve encouraged our staff to get the vaccination and we’ll pay for it, because it costs us more if they get sick.”

Dr Tan said the annual cost of Q fever to the industry was at least $1 million in lost productivity, medical expenses and potential litigation.

“Recent human outbreaks of Q fever has raised concerns the disease is emerging and increasing,” she said.

Preventing the long lasting disease is the main aim of Q fever vaccination.

According to information on the Australian Q Fever Register, the disease can be spread to humans mainly from dairy and beef cattle, sheep and goats. The germ that causes infection can be spread in the urine, faeces and milk, with birth fluids, placenta and the foetus being the most dangerous sources.

When infected fluids dry out, the highly infectious germ can remain alive in the dust or on hair, hides and fleeces for years — people can be infected by splashed infected fluids or by breathing infected dust.

High pressure washing can spread the infection as an aerosol onto clothing, into a cut on

Dairy Australia’s Situation and Outlook report released in October said hay, grain and irrigation water prices would remain elevated for the “balance” of this season.

NSW Dairy Connect farmers group president Graham Forbes said the state’s milk production could be down 10 to 20 per cent this year, depending on the weather.

Last month, he said some areas, like the mid-north coast, had cut silage and would harvest hay, but the Riverina had not received enough rain and irrigation water was now “uneconomical”.

Many farmers were “sitting on the fence” waiting to see how the season would play out before making future management decisions. Last month, he said West Australian wheat landed at

Jason and Casey Birmingham, dairy farmers at Nambrok, have had to make major adjustments to their business, after Casey was ill with Q fever infection last year.

skin and onto buildings.

Inhalation is the most common source of human infection, but it also occurs through cuts in the skin and the eye.

During the slaughter and processing of infected animals, fine mists can be released into the air from the blood and when handling the udder, bladder, intestines, uterus, foetus and other products of conception.

Moving animals with livestock trucks, in stockyards and along laneways can also raise infective dust, effectively putting anyone at risk in rural areas.

People’s symptoms can range from feeling ‘off colour’ to severe fever and sweating, cough, nausea, severe headache, muscle pains, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea. Onset of the illness may range from 14 to 60 days.

Ongoing problems include extreme tiredness and weakness, muscle pains, headaches, fever and depression.

Cardiac and other organ and central nervous system problems can show up months and years after the initial infection.

Newcastle, NSW was $440 – $450/tonne.

“I think those buying grain at $500 a tonne will just get rid of cows; it is an easy decision to make at this time, especially if they have replacements coming in,” Mr Forbes said.

South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association president John Hunt said farmers had culled the bottom 10 per cent of their herd and could look for more.

Mr Hunt said those with irrigation, who could cut back grain feeding, have and would rely on pasture.

He said milk processors should give farmers an indication of what the lack of milk-flow this season would mean for the industry.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

NEWS // 5

People and pastures are keys to success JEANETTE SEVERS

MANAGING PEOPLE and grazing pressure are key operations in the Vagg dairy farm business, in southern Victoria.

Gordon and Sylvia Vagg have a farm manager, family members and other employees in their Leongatha South business.

Along with themselves, they employ a parttime production manager, Paul Cocksedge, senior farmhand and assistant manager, Rick Courtier, and a part-time casual farmhand — Charlie McInnes, who is studying at Dookie College — on a rotating milking roster.

Their sons — Samuel, an agronomist, and Benjamin, qualified in soil science and farm management — bring their expertise to the farm business on a part-time basis. Daughter, Rebekah, uses her business degree to collaborate with Sylvia in human resources management, along with offfarm businesses in farm services and education.

Apprenticeships, university study, workshops and short courses in the vocational system are all on offer and supported. Part of the Vagg couple’s ethos is a sound understanding they are competing for staff with other industries.

“We ensure we train and educate all our staff and we place great store by that,” Sylvia said.

“We work hard on having respectful relationships and honest communication from the principals and between everyone. We encourage staff to give regular feedback. We minimise the impact of work on people’s private lives.

“From our point of view, successful dairy farmers have to be focused on animal health and production and people management.”

Benjamin manages the milking roster so everyone gets a regular weekend off. Everyone except Sylvia interacts regularly with the cows.

“On-farm management decisions are made by Paul. He attends a monthly discussion group and he’s also responsible for breeding decisions and pasture rotations,” Gordon said.

“We’ll do everything to maximise pasture growth rate. We aim to graze at the 2.5 leaf stage.”

The 75 per cent Jersey self-replacing herd of 380 cows produces 485 kg milk solids/cow off an

effective dairy area of 128ha, with 112 ha used to raise young livestock and for fodder production and a beef herd.

While they grow out their own heifers, they also raise some bull calves to two-year-olds for a small clientele.

A beef herd that includes the cross-breeds from the dairy enterprise are also raised and fattened — steers are sold and many of the heifers are joined to a Blonde d’Aquitaine bull to incorporate muscle.

“We sell their progeny as vealers and fat cattle,” Sylvia said.

“They’re our grass-toppers after the dairy herd, to keep our pasture in the best possible condition.”

The Vaggs use split-calving for continuity of cash flow, to support their commitment to employing staff.

Pasture management includes forage crops and making hay and silage. This year, 64 ha was harvested for pit silage and 1400 rolls of silage was baled.

“Our aim is to produce all our own fodder on-farm and be able to sell excess,” Sylvia said.

“We have a steady base of customers looking for 12-month-old hay.”

Turnips, forage oats and sorghum support broadacre pasture.

“Our focus is as much home-grown feed as possible. We build a system that maximises spring growth to get through to autumn,” Sylvia said.

“This increases our flexibility for grazing and silage, as well as wintering cattle. I like to have a spare silage pit, in case of a poor year.”

The farm topography varies from grey loam rising to red soil.

“The red dirt gives us early silage and feed, whereas the grey dirt, with a heavy clay loam base, gives late crops and pasture,” Gordon said.

They have used the Fert$mart program to inform effluent use.

“We empty the effluent ponds over summer to minimise run-off,” Sylvia said. Up to 40 ha is irrigated with effluent water.

They use GPS to analyse and record fertiliser and effluent use, and fertigate using a travelling

Farm manager Paul Cocksedge with Gordon and Sylvia Vagg.

irrigator. They use a foliar spray that maximises take-up of soil nutrients by the plant root system.

“We don’t over-sow pasture. I put the poorest paddock into a crop the following year,” Gordon said.

“Soil temperature limits pasture production over winter, which in turn determines how much concentrate is bought in to meet our milk production targets.”

Winter soil temperatures have been recorded at 7°C in August, a temperature that will inhibit rye-grass growth.

Soil on the farm varies from sandy grey to red.

A lot of time has been spent improving soils.

The 75 per cent Jersey herd produces 485kg milk solids/cow on the Vagg dairy farm at Leongatha South.

Conditions cause early milk peak VICTORIA’S MILK production peaked earlier this season, as dry conditions hit pastures and high grain and fodder prices bite.

This comes as total Australian milk production is expected to be down five to seven per cent to less than 9 billion litres for the first time in 20 years, according to Dairy Australia.

The biggest milk production day for most processors in the industry is understood to have occurred in October, a few weeks before the ‘traditional’ peak in early November.

Dairy Australia analyst John Droppert said “anecdotally” this was a result of dry conditions, particularly pasture quality and feed availability.

A Fonterra spokeswoman said Victorian milk

collection regions peaked in mid-October, about two weeks earlier than usual.

Tasmania’s peak matched previous seasons and occurred in early November.

Fonterra said challenging seasonal conditions and “historically high” input costs were impacting milk volumes.

Bega Cheese milk production also peaked in mid-October, with 4–4.5 million litres for the day, according to a Bega Cheese spokeswoman.

This volume was about 30 to 40 per cent more than previous years due to additional supply and the acquisition of the Koroit milk processing site, in western Victoria, earlier in the year.

Bega Cheese is expected to buck the trend of

declining milk supply, with volumes ‘sheltered’ thanks to the new milk, according to the spokeswoman. But Bega will still be impacted by dry conditions.

“The drier conditions place great pressure on our suppliers, particularly those in the Bega Valley, Victoria’s north and east Gippsland,” she said.

“We have introduced measures to support. We are constantly monitoring the impacts across all our supply network.”

Waaia farmer James Dillon will consider culling more cows due to the dry conditions. He has culled 50 and now milks 240 on his northern Victorian property.

The milking herd’s diet also hasn’t been as

nutrient-rich, and irrigation water at “over $400 a megalitre” as well as high fodder costs has all caused a production decline.

“I was ahead for the first three months and behind in October and November and now even for the year now, as such, but from now on it gets

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

6 // NEWS

Organic market beckons for Tasmanian dairy farmers TASMANIAN DAIRY farmers will be able to access a growing global organic market following a deal with processor Australian Consolidated Milk.

The signing of organic dairy farmers to expand ACM’s organic milk supply is the first step by the company in Tasmania.

ACM general manager Peter Jones says the state fits perfectly with the company’s objectives.

“Tasmania and organic milk production really go hand-in-hand, so it is a great fit,” Mr Jones said.

“We’re excited to partner with Tasmanian farmers to give them the opportunity to participate in this growth category.

“The state is renowned for its clean and green farming practices and the predominantly pasturebased grazing system with reliable water supply fits perfectly with the organic production model.”

The contract, which has a minimum price average of $8/kg MS, is currently paying $8.55/kg MS.

UDV PRESIDENT STEPS DOWN UDV president Adam Jenkins has stood down from his role, with a casual replacement due to be announced this month.

Mr Jenkins released a statement late last month saying the decision came after

ACM currently manages an annual production of 450 million litres of milk produced in Victoria, NSW and Tasmania, including 25 million litres of organic milk.

The company currently produces conventional, organic and A2 dairy products at its Girgarre factory in northern Victoria for the domestic and export market.

ACM has recently expanded its Girgarre factory, building the first purpose-built Australian spray drier for organic milk, increasing its capacity to enable efficient conversion of organic milk.

ACM will initially supply local Tasmanian family business Ashgrove Cheese and has signed a multi-year deal with Tasmanian-owned infant formula maker Bellamy’s Organic.

The company’s national organic milk strategy was established in four years and is seeking to cement its place as the largest pool of organic

much deliberation.

“This decision comes with mixed emotions and was not made lightly,” he said.

“It is important that the organisation and its members come first and I feel this change will ensure the UDV has a fresh approach and energetic leadership required to tackle issues and represent members heading into 2019.

“We have such diverse dairy regions

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Organic dairy calves enjoying the Tasmanian spring.

milk in Australia by bringing on more suppliers over the next 12 months.

Its organic milk supply is forecast to almost double to 45 million litres in the next 18 months.

“Scale is important to achieve the efficiencies

across Victoria and I am truly amazed by the skill, strength and the tenacity Victorian dairy farmers have shown through some very interesting and challenging times dealing with both seasonality and market volatility.”

Mr Jenkins said the past four years had delivered “unprecedented challenges” for the dairy industry.

Australian Dairy Farmers thanked Mr Jenkins for fighting for the interests of

ACM’s Girgarre milk processing plant. It is the first organic milk powder plant in Australia.

to enable us to pay our suppliers more for their organic milk, so the more organic suppliers we have the better off our team of suppliers will be,” Mr Jones said.

dairy farmers and for his achievements during his four years in the role.

The UDV under Mr Jenkins’ leadership has voiced concerns about implementing a mandatory code of conduct for the industry, stating support for a prescribed or strengthened voluntary code.

An election for president will be held in May next year, with the role of president to be filled on a casual basis until a permanent appointee is elected.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

NEWS // 7

Dairy land leaving the industry SIMONE SMITH

DROUGHT HAS forced northern graziers into

southern regions, with dairy farms being snappedup and moved out of the industry.

South-west Victoria and south Gippsland agents said sales of dairy farms recently were driven by other industries.

But across the border in the south-east of South Australia, there’s been limited interest in purchasing dairy farms, according to a local agent.

SEJ Leongatha licensed estate agent Irene Walker said beef and horticulture interest stemmed from the region’s high and reliable rainfall, with the beef farmers coming from the drier eastern parts of Gippsland, seeking farms with established feed.

Select Produce — a large horticulture producer — has purchased farms located close to existing operations.

“Dairy land has made between $5500 an acre ($13 591/ha) for undulating to rolling hills and flat country up to $8000/acre ($19 768/ha),” Ms Walker said.

“There have been some exceptions with pea growers (Select Produce) purchasing properties, through another agency, for up to $10 000/acre ($24 710/ha).”

Ms Walker said recent sales of dairy farms to dairy farmers was limited. These transactions included a few dairy farmers who had purchased small lots to extend and a couple of dairy farmers who had purchased farms in the region after selling in other areas.

Charles Stewart Warrnambool rural sales director Nick Adamson said only one-in-seven dairy farms sold recently remained in the industry. This compares to an average of about six-out-of-seven.

“Generally speaking there’s a trend of herringbone dairies around, that aren’t overcapitalised, attracting grazing interest, particularly from the north,” Mr Adamson said.

“These farms are transacting for $4 000 to $4500/acre ($9 884 to $11,120/ha).”

Mr Adamson said the price gap between grazing (dairy country) and cropping land had never been closer due to a shortage of local cropping land. Historically, the difference was almost double, but in November “better” cropping country was making $3500 – $4 000/acre ($8649 – $9884/ ha).

SAL Real Estate Mt Gambier agent Brenton Leggett said there wasn’t a lot of dairy farms on the market, but there also wasn’t a lot of interest.

Mr Leggett said potato growers inquired about dairy farms, but never bought, while a grazier purchased part of a dairy farm about 12 months ago.

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Crop nutrition experts say hay can remove up to two times more nitrogen and up to 10 times more potassium than if the crop was harvested for grain. Up to five times more sulphur can be lost in canola.

Agriculture Victoria research scientist Roger Armstrong said one-off hay cutting

could prompt changes in crop nutrition programs and paddock management into the next season.

He said repeated removal of hay was considered to be one of the most acidifying of agricultural practices, and on acid soils could exacerbate the issue in the longer term.

Growers are, therefore, advised to reduce grazing and traffic across these paddocks to minimise the risk of wind and water erosion which also contribute to soil nutrient loss.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

8 // NEWS

Trials compare pasture varieties JEANETTE SEVERS

PLANT DENSITY, growth and heading rate were on the minds of dairy farmers who attended a field day at Ellinbank in Victoria, hosted by Notman Pasture Seeds and Cropmark.

Hosted on the dairy farm of Ron Paynter in November, the trial site was sown with 150 plots in autumn this year.

Perennial and annual, along with Italian, ryegrasses were comparable side by side — current and future potential species were able to be observed and discussed.

Some of the future species are on Notman’s release list for 2019 and 2020.

Cropmark’s trial site manager Frank Mickan said the plots were harvested using the ‘cut and carry’ method. He ran a lawn mower strip through the centre of each plot, collected it and weighed the dry matter.

“Mowing height was down to five centimetres, to imitate grazing,” Mr Mickan said.

After the samples were collected, the entire site was mowed; then re-grown to ideal grazing height for the Ellinbank dairy district.

The field day was organised just prior to grazing, after which more data will be collected.

“The plant breeder needs data to measure the varieties’ performance,” Mr Mickan said.

Black beetle infestation had impacted the trial site, leaving some plots patchy.

“We can see there’s about a 15 per cent difference between the best and least plant density across the plot,” Peter Notman told the 40 field day attendees.

“The better two or three of these Italian ryegrasses are holding on comparable to hybrids; so deciding what to sow, that’s a cost of production decision.”

Mr Notman spoke about storing endophytes and suggested attending farmers be organised about sowing dates, particularly when using modified endophyte grasses.

“It’s important to know approximately when you’re going to sow in the autumn,” he said.

“You don’t want to store modified endophyte grass seeds over the hot summer months, in hot storage conditions. Our idea is to transport modified endophyte grass seeds quicker out of the cool store and to the farmer close to time of sowing.

“If it sat there for two months over summer, the endophyte can be compromised.”

Among the varieties under discussion was the new late heading Vibe Italian rye-grass, which Mr Notman said had shown to be very persistent in similar replicated trials.

Farmers were impressed by the leafiness and density of the new Cropmark Italian and annual rye-grass varieties. Mr Notman was looking

forward to them becoming available to the market and being of increased value to farmers wanting quality home-grown feed.

“Pasture is a factor in getting more off our land for less — less money, less inputs and less use,” Mr Notman said.

“That’s where the interest lay in these field days — in identifying what varieties do best in varying soil types, if they get compacted by camping livestock and if nearby trees impact their growth.”

He said variety breeders were focused on increasing plant protection to pest resistance, by adding ‘lolene’ during the seed breeding stage.

“The more they can get in, the longer it should last.”

Black beetle infestation affected a couple of the trial varieties.

Frank Mickan and Peter Notman (centre) discuss grazing pressure with dairy farmers at the pasture trial site at Ellinbank.

Dairy farmers Peter Blyth, Ellinbank, with Harold and Dale Spargo, Warragul South.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

10 // NEWS

Building a support network FACING THE toughest season in memory, South Australian dairy farmer Geraldine Dohnt sees the value in reaching out to her peers and her community for support.

Mrs Dohnt, who farms with her husband Glen, four children and seven full-time workers at Monteith near Murray Bridge, says networking is invaluable at any time but especially when things are tough.

Attending the 2018 Bale Up Women in Dairy conference in NSW in September inspired Mrs Dohnt to connect with more farming women.

Since then, Mrs Dohnt has attended a Dairy SA Ladies Lunch at Langhorne Creek in November and is also looking to join the local Country Women’s Association group.

“The conference made me want to come back here and get more involved,” she said.

“It’s great to be with other women who face the same issues; it helps you realise it’s not just you against everything.”

The Dohnts milk 800 cows and crop 2800 ha on one of the few dairying properties in the region.

Mr Dohnt’s family has been on the land for 35 years and they’re predicting it will be the toughest season they’ve experienced in that time.

“You’ve got to roll with it and do what you can,” Mrs Dohnt said.

“We’re trying to plan how we cover everything this season and the next.”

In a normal year, the Dohnts produce enough grain and hay to feed their cows but the drought has severely affected crops.

“Most of the state is going to have a tough year,” Mrs Dohnt said.

“It’s going to hamstring what we do and we’re looking at all other feed options.”

Mrs Dohnt was supported by Dairy Australia through Australia’s Legendairy Women’s Network to attend the networking conference organised by NSW Women in Dairy.

The conference included sessions on resilience, the potential for women in dairy, forming partnerships, leading from within and looking after women, along with a visit to local farms.

“It was great to get involved with a likeminded group and to hear the inspiring stories of passionate young women getting into the industry,” Mrs Dohnt said.

“We live on a six-kilometre road and there were probably 20 farms here 40 years ago, now there are three.

“There are so few of us now that we don’t get together with other people as much as you’d like.”

Although not raised on a farm, Mrs Dohnt describes herself as an “outdoors girl who loves to ride horses” and she has fully converted to

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the dairying lifestyle.

“I’m heavily involved with being a mum of children aged five to 12, but I feed the calves and do other odd jobs,” she said.

“I had three of the kids out this morning helping me feed calves. It’s a great life. It’s tough when you have these years but for the most part you wouldn’t trade it.”

Inspired by the conference, Mrs Dohnt is championing the role of women in dairy and their local communities.

“That’s why I wanted to go — to be around women who are so passionate about what we do,” she said.

Making Connections Dairy Australia board member Tania Luckin, who presented at the conference, said the participants’ passion for dairy shone through despite the tough conditions.

“It was fantastic to see so many women take time out of their busy lives to use the opportunity to regain their innerstrength and learn tips on how to be resilient in tough times,” Mrs Luckin said.

“Dairy Australia will continue to support women’s networks to help meet the needs of women in our industry.”

Australia’s Legendairy Women’s Network was established to connect and support Australian dairy women.

It is an active online community and can be joined at: www. facebook.com/groups/ legendairywomensnetwork

Geraldine Dohnt.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

NEWS // 11

A problem shared is a problem halved MANNING VALLEY farmer Natasha Yarrington says the good always outweighs the bad when it comes to dairy farming, even when it’s looking a bit ugly out the back door.

“We’re great compared to farmers over the range in NSW; we have a bit of green grass and we’re thankful we still have irrigation,” Ms Yarrington said.

But she admits it’s challenging when she looks over mostly dry and brown paddocks and the rainfall gauge shows less than half last year’s tally.

“We’re not in a great position when you couple the conditions with low milk prices and extremely high grain prices,” Ms Yarrington said.

“The next few months are going to be very testing and there are days that try your resilience even more than usual.”

Attending the 2018 Bale Up Women in Dairy conference in September has helped Ms Yarrington build that resilience.

She was supported by Dairy Australia through the Australia’s Legendairy Women’s Network to attend the conference organised

by NSW Women in Dairy.

“It’s good to share these challenging times with other women,” she said.

“One of the main themes of the conference was coping through tough times and how to build resilience in ourselves, our families and our communities.

“The best way to cope is to talk about it with someone else who’s going through the same thing.”

Ms Yarrington farms with her husband Rod and their four children Alexis, Rylee, Jack and Layla at Dollys Flat near Wingham in NSW, milking 120 Brown Swiss cows. She is a thirdgeneration farmer and her husband is the sixth generation to farm the land.

Dairying remains a major economic force in the region. There are 140 farms in the Manning Valley producing 135 million litres of milk a year and employing 500 people.

Despite this tough season, Ms Yarrington sees a bright future for the industry and is pleased her children can share it.

Their eldest children are home-schooled, learning about life and farming at the same time.

“The farm is part of their life and it’s good for them, they get up and do their school work and then they learn on the farm,” Ms Yarrington said.

“Seeing my childhood again through their eyes is just beautiful.”

Sharing stories with fellow women farmers has been invaluable for Ms Yarrington as a farmer and a mother.

“Rod and I work together every day, we nut out the problems and solve them together but it’s great to connect with women like me living on a farm with small kids.

“We share our stories, our challenges, our successes and our ideas.

“The fact that we’re raising our children how we were raised is really important to us.”

Ms Yarrington has always been keen to help fellow farmers. She was previously co-ordinator of the local Young Dairy Network and was this year elected chair of the Mid North Coast Dairy Advancement Group, an industry group promoting Dairy NSW events to local farmers.

It also promotes youth in agriculture and organises what has become one of the biggest

Although admitting it’s a challenging job, Manning Valley dairy farmer Natasha Yarrington believes the good always outweighs the bad in the dairy industry — even as the drought worsens.

dairy industry dinners in Australia.

“We had 310 people at the dinner this year; I love that we can come together once a year and ask how’s the farm going — we all have that in common,” Ms Yarrington said.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

12 // NEWS

Boost summer crops with effluent AS WE head into summer, many dairy farmers

are keenly focused on growing as much fodder as possible to prepare for the possibility that current conditions will affect feed availability and pricing for the year ahead.

A sound strategy is to utilise dairy effluent to boost summer crop yields.

Dairy effluent contains water that will help crops grow and nutrients worth thousands of dollars, equivalent to several tonnes of single super phosphate, urea and potash.

Additional fodder yields can fill part of the summer feed deficit, replacing expensive hay and other bought-in supplements.

Another benefit of using this resource now is emptying the effluent pond in preparation for next winter.

Applying effluent to seedlings or crops prior to germination is not recommended as the high potassium (potash) and salt content can burn seedlings.

However, four to eight weeks after germination, an application of effluent can give a significant boost to overall crop yields.

Research has shown that for every 25 mm of liquid effluent applied you can expect increases

of one to two tonnes DM/ha, with some yield increases as high as four tonnes DM/ha. This is consistent across a range of different summer forage crops including turnips, chicory, forage rape and millet.

Important tips to keep in mind when applying effluent: ■ Ideally, test the effluent before application.

Nutrient levels vary from pond to pond and year to year. The effluent application rate should be based on nitrogen and potassium content of the effluent and crop requirements.

■ If you have sown a single graze crop such as turnips, then apply the entire effluent application in one go at around six to eight weeks after sowing, when the plants are in their rapid growth phase. If using a travelling irrigator, wait until turnips are established to minimise bulb damage.

■ If you have sown a regrowth crop such as forage rape or pasja, then split the effluent application and apply half about three to four weeks before the first grazing and the remaining immediately after this grazing.

■ Effluent contains large amounts of

■

■

nitrogen, so care should be taken to avoid nitrate poisoning. Crops shouldn’t be grazed for at least three weeks following effluent application. This will also reduce the risk from pathogens that could be in the effluent.

Young cattle (under 12 months of age) shouldn’t have access to effluent-treated areas.

Adjust your fertiliser program as appropriate to account for the nutrients in the effluent applied.

Agriculture Victoria can assist you with developing an effluent use plan for your farm.

This includes a visit by a dairy extension officer to conduct a stocktake of the effluent available for use.

Effluent will be sampled and options identified to effectively use effluent on your farm to save on fertiliser while keeping nutrients on-farm.

For more information on effluent use plans, phone Helen Chenoweth at Agriculture Victoria in Warrnambool on (03) 5561 9906 or Rachael Campbell at Agriculture Victoria in Ballarat on

Applying effluent to summer crops such as chicory can help to boost crop yield by as much as four tonnes DM/ha.

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For more information about Agriculture Victoria support for dairy farmers preparing for dry seasonal conditions, phone Alex Goudy on (03) 5561 9935 or visit: www.agriculture.vic.gov. au/dryseasons

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

14 // ABVs – DECEMBER AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT Dairy farmers who love genetics will have the latest Australian Breeding Values to pore over during their Christmas break, with the December ABVs released by DataGene on December 10.

Michelle Axford from DataGene said the Balanced Performance Index (BPI) was rapidly becoming the preferred index of genetic merit used

by Australian dairy farmers and the herd improvement industry.

Released in 2015, the BPI includes the main traits that influence a dairy cow’s contribution to the farm business — production, fertility, cell count, feed efficiency, functional type, longevity and workability.

“Dairy farmers may have different breeding priorities, but they all run a business, so they do consider the traits that affect the bottom line,” Mrs Axford said.

“Many farmers set a minimum BPI cut-off for bulls they buy. There are so many high BPI bulls available, that this approach leaves plenty of choice for priority traits, budget and company preferences.”

DataGene will release ABVs three times in 2019 on April 8, August 19 and December 9.

The latest ABVs can be found on the DataGene website at: www.datagene.com.au

Farm records drive decisions WESTERN VICTORIAN dairy farmers Linda and Andrew Whiting have a long history of involvement in dairy industry genetics programs and with detailed farm records. So it was no surprise when they were invited to be part of the ImProving Herds Project.

Over the years, the Whitings’ 330-cow herd has been used in several industry research projects to develop and improve the accuracy of genomic selection.

“We’ve been on this farm for 17 years and have always kept detailed herd records on a computer; previously with PC Farm and more recently with Mistro Farm. I like keeping good records,” Mrs Whiting said.

“We’ve been herd testing monthly for 20 years so we’ve always had a lot of information on individual cows.”

The Whitings’ herd was one of 27 dairy farms across Australia that recently underwent detailed analysis by the ImProving Herds project to investigate the contribution of genetics to dairy businesses.

The study identified the top and bottom 25 per cent of each herd, ranked on Balanced Performance Index (BPI), the genetic index for

profit used by the Australian dairy industry, and compared their performance in terms of production, longevity and financial contribution to the farm business.

Ten years of historical performance data, plus recent farm financial data from the herd records, were analysed to look at the difference in contribution to the farm business between the top and bottom BPI groups.

“Our figures are improving all the time and are on an upward trend.”

The study found the top 25 per cent of the Whiting herd produced 483 more litres, 50 more kilograms of fat, and 36 more kilograms of protein per cow per year than the bottom 25 per cent of the herd. The top 25 per cent also lasted six months longer in the herd.

The extra milk production from the Whitings’ top cows resulted in an extra $330/cow/ year in milk income after feed and herd costs, compared with the bottom group.

The extra milk production from the Whitings’ top cows resulted in an extra $330/cow/year in milk income after feed and herd costs compared with the bottom group.

The Whitings milk 320 cows, predominantly Holsteins, on 125 ha at Simpson in western Victoria, and keep their young stock on a separate 125 ha run-off block.

Their herd is milked through a 20-unit swingover dairy and fed in the bail, with cows consuming around 2.5 tonnes of grain each per year.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

ABVs – DECEMBER // 15

Western Victorian dairy farmers Linda and Andrew Whiting rely on genetic programs to develop and improve the accuracy of genomic selection.

The herd has three distinct calving periods — in equal groups of 100 to 120 cows — in February, May and September/October.

The Whitings use advice from World Wide Sires when it comes to choosing sires for the herd to minimise inbreeding, avoid genetic faults and for pedigree advice.

“We’re mindful of BPI and health traits.

When we are looking at bulls for our sire list we want them to be in the top 50 to 100 for BPI so we can move forward with the industry,” Mrs Whiting said.

Emphasis is also placed on type, mastitis

resistance and fertility, as cows are generally culled from the herd for mastitis and failing to get in calf.

“We want good udders, capacity and feet. We look at production and want a balance between volume and components,” Mrs Whiting said.

“We always look at the Good Bulls Guide when it comes to choosing sires. When we classify the cows, we look at their lowest points and then look for sires who can lift them in those traits.

“Our figures are improving all the time and are on an upward trend.”

Linda and Andrew Whiting live on their Simpson dairy farm with their children.

The Whitings use a simple PG synchronisation system on the cows with conventional semen.

They aim to rear 90 to 100 heifer replacements a year and effectively replace a third of the mature cows in the herd each year.

Replacement heifers are genomically tested as two-year-olds, although Mrs Whiting may

consider earlier genomic testing in the future.

“We’ve been genomic testing for more than eight years so have genomic results on every animal in the herd,” she said.

“Having a genomic profile adds value to the herd — if we were to sell cows to other dairy farmers then they would know exactly what they were getting.”

Farm statistics (August 2018) Herd size 320 milkers

Dairy 18-a-side swing-over

Breed Majority Holstein

Staff Linda and Andrew Whiting

Farm size 125ha milking platform plus 125ha run-off block

Feeding system Basic in-bail system averaging 2.5tonne/cow/year

Calving pattern Three times a year (February, May and September/October)

Herd testing Monthly for the past 20 years

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

16 // ABVs – DECEMBER

Breeding focus nails results A TRIAL of sexed semen three years ago ignited

one Tasmanian dairy farming family’s passion for breeding.

And the decision has laid down a foundation for the business’ future.

Stuart and Kylie Nailer milk 215 cows at Ringarooma, in Tasmania’s north-east, with their children Sophie, 14, Kaiden, 13, McKenzie, 11, and Oaklea, 8.

They moved from Queensland to the farm six years ago, initially buying the farm in partnership with Stuart’s parents.

Since 2014 the herd has recorded a 425 per cent rise in Balanced Performance Index (BPI), a measure of the traits that contribute to profitable dairy businesses. It now sits at about $105.

The sexed semen result provided a boost for the family in what was otherwise a tough year, with the farm gate milk price cut and drought.

“That year we did the experiment with the sexed semen, it was a really good result,” Stuart Nailer said.

“We had 25 heifers and got 60 per cent in calf — we were stoked.”

From this joining, the couple decided to focus

“That year we did the experiment with the sexed semen, it was a really good result, we had 25 heifers and got 60 per cent in calf — we were stoked.” on breeding Holsteins, rather than the Jersey-Holstein and three-way cross which they had been breeding.

They believe there’s more opportunity for gains with Holsteins and have made the most of tools such as genomics and corrective mating in recent years.

They ramped-up their use of sexed semen across both heifers and cows and this coming year plan to sell no bobby calves. Instead, they will use sexed semen to breed replacements and an Angus mop-up to provide calves for the local F1 market.

Last year they joined with two sexed semen sires; one delivered a 72 per cent in-calf rate and the other 55 per cent.

But using sexed semen for the first time wasn’t the Nailers’ first foray into changing breeding at their farm.

Their first priority — when they took over the

Improving the Holstein breed

property — was to tighten the seasonal calving. It was initially spread across four months and they now have it back to August and September, following three weeks of artificial insemination.

“We had to take a whack to tighten-it,” Mr Nailer said.

“We had an empty rate of about 20 per cent for two years, but then it tightened-up.

“It was then, we woke up to the fact we needed higher fertility bulls and bulls with high daughter fertility. It was then we got some really good results.”

The Nailers use the Good Bulls App to make breeding decisions. Calving ease and daughter fertility are “paramount” and they look for sires with a reliability of at least 70 per cent. BPI has also been a focus.

Mr Nailer said the Good Bulls App made decision-making easier, by narrowing-down bulls which suited their breeding focus.

“We don’t get caught-up in the nice pictures (of bulls) or anything like that,” he said.

Genomic testing has started to play a larger role in the Nailers’ decision-making.

“We now have numbers to play with and hope to eliminate the bottom 20 per cent (through genomic testing) by culling early and before we spend money on them for rearing,” Mr Nailer said.

They would like to sell these calves to local farmers as replacements, putting the income towards paying for genomic testing.

The Nailers currently service a local market for F1 calves and hope to continue this to make the most out of every animal on-farm.

“Our goals are to maximise every calf that’s born,” Mr Nailer said.

“Our attitude would be that if we have a good 60 replacement heifers, they are the ones that get sexed semen, and the best cows.

“Everything else gets, if possible, F1 beef sires to maximise the calf value. That’s our ultimate goal in the back of our minds for two-to-three years’ time.”

Changes have also been made across the entire farming system.

Ten per cent of the farm undergoes pasture renovation each season, initially planted out for

Tasmanian dairy farmers Stuart and Kylie Nailer have recorded a 425 per cent rise in Balanced Performance Index (BPI) since 2014.

a summer crop and then back into perennial ryegrass. This crop — which includes pasja and millet this year — provides feed for the warmer months on top of 60 ha of irrigation.

The farm is about 82ha, with some agistment.

The herd is fed about 1.8 tonne/cow/lactation in the bail. Production has lifted from a herd total of 75 000 kg of milk solids three years ago, to 96 000 kg MS last year and the herd is on-track for 105 000 kg MS this season.

During this time the total herd has increased by 30 cows but production per cow has lifted 40 kg MS. Average production is now 500 kg MS/cow and the cows’ weights about 550 kg.

Starting a career in dairy was something Kylie Nailer had never considered. Her husband, on the other hand, had completed a dairy apprenticeship in Tasmania, after school, before moving to Queensland where he worked at a power station.

Stuart’s parents were farmers in north-east Tasmania, but Kylie, a Queensland girl, had never milked a cow before venturing down south.

“I saw Stu working in the power station and he was not really enjoying it in the end and I knew he wanted to get back to farming,” she said.

“I didn’t know anything about it, I had never milked a cow, but then Stuart had an accident (got kicked in the calf) and from there it was a natural progression for me and I’ve become more involved as time goes on.

“For me, especially the last two years, the progress with the cows themselves has kept the passion there when the price certainly hasn’t been there.”

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The sexed semen result has provided a boost for the Nailer family in what was otherwise a tough year, with the farm gate milk price cut and drought.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

ABVs – DECEMBER // 17

Making genetic progress DARREN AND Sharon Parrish have seen

genetic trends in their 200-cow Holstein herd head in the right direction, with Genetic Progress Reports giving them clear feedback on their breeding program.

Information on their herd’s performance is a key factor in how the Parrishes run their operation and make better decisions on their farm at Bodalla on the NSW south coast.

Their farm was one of 27 dairy farms across Australia that recently underwent detailed analysis by the ImProving Herds project to investigate the contribution of genetics to dairy businesses.

The study identified the top and bottom 25 per cent of each herd, ranked on Balanced Performance Index (BPI), the genetic index for profit used by the Australian dairy industry, and compared their performance in terms of production, longevity and financial contribution.

Ten years of historical performance data, plus recent farm financial data from the Parrishes’ herd records, were analysed to look at the difference in contribution to the farm business between the top and bottom BPI groups in the herd.

The study found the top 25 per cent of the herd, ranked on BPI, produced 37 more kilograms of fat and 25 more kilograms of protein per cow, per year, than the bottom 25 per cent.

The extra milk production from the top 25 per cent of cows ranked on BPI resulted in an extra $366 income after feed and herd costs per cow per year compared with the bottom 25 per cent. On average, the top 25 per cent of cows also lasted nine months longer in the herd.

“We’ve been keeping detailed cow records for a long time — it’s something I really like doing because the information we collect gives us feedback on our cows,” Mrs Parrish said.

“While it does involve a bit of extra work, the information you get back on your cows shows you what they are doing, the gains we are making and helps us make better decisions.”

The Parrishes’ Genetic Progress Report produced by DataGene showed the Holstein sires they had used over the past 10 years had produced daughters with improved genetics for the traits that contribute to profit, including production, longevity, fertility and mastitis resistance.

In fact, their herd had improved at a rate faster than the national herd average since 2014 for longevity, mastitis resistance, fat and protein.

The Parrishes look at a number of criteria when selecting sires and use the Good Bulls Guide as part of their research.

“I’ll generally select for type traits in bulls — rear udder height and width, or feet and legs,” Mr Parrish said.

“We want sires to be positive for protein, fat and litres for the production traits, then we want daughter fertility traits above 108 and health traits above 100.

“We always look at BPI — if two bulls are comparable, then the bull with the high BPI is the one which is selected.”

Darren’s brother Trevor also plays a role in the herd’s genetics.

“Trevor has one of the leading herds in the country for BPI so I work in with him when I am selecting bulls,” Mr Parrish said.

“He is also my source of genomically tested mop-up bulls that we use over the heifers after the AI program.”

The Parrishes’ Holstein herd is registered under their Darradale prefix so only Holstein sires are used. The herd has split-calving, with equal portions of the herd calving in autumn and spring.

All mature cows in the herd are joined to conventional semen over three rounds of AI — with a spring and autumn program.

Cows that don’t take to AI are generally sold, unless their production is exceptional and then they can be carried over to the next joining period.

Sexed semen was used for the first time on heifers last year and their calves are due this spring.

“We were rearing around 100 heifer replacements a year, but that number is creeping up to more than 110 this year,” Mr Parrish said.

“We don’t cut any corners with our heifer rearing because they are our better genetics and we make sure they grow out well and reach target weights, get in calf and come into the herd.

“We like to keep a lot of heifers coming into the herd because they are genetically better than the older cows they are replacing.

“About 50 per cent of our herd is made up of heifers and the average cow in the herd would be on its third lactation.”

While the size of the farm’s milking area currently limits the expansion of the milking herd,

Darren and Sharon Parrish from Bodalla on the NSW south coast rely on clear data and feedback to improve their breeding program.

Mr Parrish aims to use the sale of surplus dairy cows in-milk to maximise the contribution of livestock sales to the dairy enterprise.

“Having as many heifers as possible coming into the herd allows me to put selection pressure on the mature cows and I can identify surplus milking cows which are sold to other farmers.”

The Parrishes have not been genomically testing their replacement heifers recently because their priorities have focused on dealing with the dry season, but they intend to genomic-test replacement heifers in the near future.

“We originally genomically tested as two-yearolds for three years when we were a Genetics Focus Farm and did the testing on two-yearold heifers, so it coincided with classification,” Mr Parrish said.

Genomic testing has proven valuable in identifying superior heifers and verifying parentage and he hopes it will help make better use of polled genetics in the future.

“We want to incorporate greater use of polled genetics into the herd as the number of better performing polled sires become available.

“We’ve used a few polled bulls in the past and have daughters in the herds with polled genes.

“It’s a matter of planning for the future and polled genetics will help us optimise animal welfare and save the time and money involved in dealing with horned calves.

Farm statistics (August 2018) Herd size 200 Breed Holstein Farm size 218ha total, 65ha milking area Calving pattern Split 50:50, autumn:spring Dairy 18-a-side swing-over Staff Three full-time Feeding system 2tonne/cow Herd testing 11 times a year

“Our herd is very involved with local schools — we have farm visits and supply three schools with bull calves to rear as part of the Cows Create Careers program — so we want to make sure our herd and farm practices are moving in line with community expectations.”

Good genes are heating up DAIRY GENES in Australia’s subtropical dairy

regions have been celebrated, with awards given to the top herd from each dairy breed based on Balanced Performance Index (BPI).

The subtropics are home to Australia’s number one Illawarra herd, Chelmonte, which is owned by the Wiek family at Brymaroo on the Darling Downs, Queensland.

The Clark family from Caniava, near Lismore in NSW, has been recognised for its Guernsey herd, which is ranked number four in Australia.

The Riggs family at Cooroy, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, has bred the region’s top Aussie Red herd with a BPI of 70, ranking it 10th in Australia.

The region’s top Jersey herd was bred by the Hall family at Eungella, near Mackay in

Queensland, which has a BPI of 17.

Two Darling Downs herds shared the top spot for Holstein herds in the region: the Stewart family (Gilabis Holsteins) and the Deans family (Leader Holsteins).

Both herds have a BPI of 76, placing them 117th in the country, in what is Australia’s dominant dairy breed.

Michelle Axford from DataGene said breeding a good herd did not happen by chance — it involved working with top cows and top cow families and using superior artificial insemination sires over consecutive years.

“Genetic gain is permanent and compounds year on year. Dairy cows have to be joined every year so it’s worth making every breeding decision count,” Ms Axford said.

Top dairy herds in the subtropical region according to Balanced Performance Index Breed

Name

Stud prefix

Town

BPI rank

BPI

Holstein

WH and CJ Stewart

Gilabis Holsteins

Warwick

117

76

Holstein

TW and MJ Deans

Leader Holsteins

Oakey

117

76

Aussie Red

M Riggs

Loden

Cooroy

10

70

Jersey

PJ Hall

Illawarra

Wiek family

Guernsey

Clark partnership

Chelmonte Farming

Eungella, near 149 Mackay

17

Brymaroo

1

-19

Caniava, near Lismore

4

4

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

18 // OPINION RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

Farmers fear a man-made drought

MILKING IT...

Dam, climate change The humble farm dam is in the spotlight, with the farm staple the latest culprit adding to climate change.

Published in journal Global Change Biology last month, scientists have wagged their finger at farmers, saying regional Victoria’s farm dams alone produce the same daily emissions as 385 000 extra cars on the state’s roads.

But worry not, the scientists have come up with a sensible solution — government involvement!

Labelled an “enormous opportunity” to work together, lead author Quinn Ollivier says reducing nitrate nutrient levels by 25 per cent through activities such as minimising excess fertilisation, containing animal effluent and replantation of native plants along dam edges, greenhouse gases from some farm dams can be reduced by as much as 50 per cent.

That’s not a steer, this is …

A huge Holstein steer has become an internet sensation.

Western Australianborn Knickers captured the imagination of people from around Australia and the world, standing head and shoulders above the rest — literally.

Measuring in at 194 cm and weighing in at 1.4 tonnes, the giant animal will be spared from the slaughterhouse due to his large frame.

Owner Geoff Pearson says the seven-year-old steer will live out life on his Lake Preston farm but can lay claim to becoming Australia’s largest, and most famous, steer.

Advertising James MacGibbon

Milk runs dry In a room full of dairy farmers in Shepparton last month, there was a distinct lack of milk in the room.

Gathering to discuss the mandatory code of conduct, those in attendance were forced to take their tea and coffee black as the small pitcher of milk ran dry.

Whether it was an ominous sign or just indicative of an underprepared government department, one dairy farmer suggested perhaps it was budgetary constraints at play.

He remarked that perhaps the 30¢ mark-up on home brand three-litre milk was simply too much for the departmental coffers to bear and thus only a one litre bottle made its way into the shopping trolley.

0409 103 745

james.macgibbon@dairynewsaustralia.com.au

Dairy farmers in northern Victoria and the southern Riverina are anxious about a new drought that could starve the industry of water, which powers production in the region.

While dairy farmers in other parts of Victoria — and in NSW and Queensland — are wrestling with dry weather conditions, it’s the prospect of a ‘man-made’ drought which worries their colleagues in northern Victoria and the southern Riverina.

The farmers, who have already given up about 230 Gl of irrigation water under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan to the environment, are fighting to be heard on the next 450 Gl of water due to be transferred from the consumptive pool to the environment.

While it might seem, to those people outside of the basin, that it is simply irrigation-dependent farmers not wanting to give up water, those living in the basin have a deeper and more complex story to tell.

It is true that voluntary buybacks have been responsible for a large share of the water already given up, but many contest the ‘voluntary’ nature of the forfeiture of the water, as hard-pressed dairy farmers have sought the money for investment when it could not be found elsewhere.

The reduction in the pool has contributed to higher temporary water prices.

Some farmers have also been caught out by the big modernisation project, which has prevented a few from being able to participate in the buybacks because of their geographic location on the irrigation system.

A report by consultants RMCG found that the reduction in the pool had increased future vulnerability of the dairy sector, as the volume now available in a drought year would be only about 26 per cent of the volume normally available in an average year.

No wonder the farmers are watching the dry weather and the forecasts with apprehension.

A key to the future of the 450 Gl that hangs in the balance is a meeting of all basin state governments in December.

The question many farmers are now asking is: Can we rely on our governments to refuse the extra 450 Gl if there are going to be negative consequences on rural communities?

Publisher

Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd

Printed by

Newsprinters Pty Ltd

Production

Stacey Taylor

Acting editor Geoff Adams Dairy News Australia is published by Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the staff, management or directors of Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd.

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editor@dairynewsaustralia.com.au Regional editor

news@dairynewsaustralia.com.au

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Head Office 7940 Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton, VIC 3630 Phone (03) 5831 2312 Postal address PO Box 204 Shepparton, Victoria 3632 Australia

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

MARKETS // 19

Don’t forget global markets

Australian milk production (mill litres) challenging, and despite a likely increase in vs real farmgate price ($kgMS) The main challenge for Australian manufacturers remains imports due to the existing price differential, 9.00 12 000 sourcing their targeted volumes of milk, and therein lies the the domestic fat market is expected to remain tight for the foreseeable8.00 future. chicken and egg conundrum of this season.

$kgMS

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local premium.

Prices for skim milk powder (SMP) are relatively stable and some quotes at the top of the range actually increased, although traders report that it remains one of the more difficult products to move.

The European Commission continues to sell sizeable volumes from intervention storage, and confirmed that there will again be no fixed price purchasing in 2019.

The spread in butter prices remains as wide as ever, with some domestic market butter quotes well over US$1000/tonne higher than international indications.

The latter remain lacklustre. A mid-month lift in prices on GDT only partly reversed earlier losses, while European butter prices continue to fall sharply as production increases.

Australia’s milk production outlook remains

• John Droppert is senior industry analyst with Dairy Australia.

Figure 1: Key dairy commodity price indicators 7 000 6 000 5 000 4 000 3 000 2 000 1 000

Butter

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shortage in Australia and resultant surge in feed costs, global markets have taken something of a back seat.

Apart from helpful depreciation of the Australian dollar, there hasn’t been much to jolt our focus back from the immediate challenges closer to home.

After significant rain in parts of the country that will prolong spring pasture growth, it’s worth checking back in with the broader context. This is relevant to the decisions many farmers are approaching around setting their businesses up for the balance of the current season and into the next.

While the AUD/USD exchange rate has weakened substantially since the beginning of the calendar year (from around US$0.79/A$ to US$0.72/A$), the chart below shows that since August, dairy commodity prices (in USD terms) have also eased.

In many respects, this movement is less dramatic than it appears, caused more by a favourable New Zealand production outlook and seasonal factors than a step change in market fundamentals. While the trend is down, the movements have been incremental.

Most recently, markets found some support through October with sales for new year delivery into China (to catch the lowest tariffs) keeping traders busy, in addition to healthy Algerian buying.

Nonetheless, prices for several commodities have continued to weaken, and as the window for early 2019 delivery passes, there are fears that activity may slow down.

The other key factor at play is milk production, in particular that of New Zealand as mentioned above.

1990

WITH MANY eyes focused on the current feed

USD/Tonne FOB

mill litres

GLOBAL IMPACT JOHN DROPPERT

Data for September shows growth of around six per cent in NZ milk collections for that 8 000 month, and a similar year-to-date trend.

Local sources suggest this may slow from November 6 000 onwards due to dry conditions, however many buyers will remain sceptical until more definitive indications are observed.

By product, NZ’s season has its most direct 4 000 impact on whole milk powder (WMP) prices, which continued to drift in October, led by eight consecutive price falls on Global Dairy Trade 2 000 (GDT).

November and December data should prove instructive, with NZ now past its season peak 0 and into the shoulder period.

Relatively buoyant supplies from South America, Europe and even the United States are also weighing on global prices, although limitations to Australian production are supporting a

Cheddar prices have again eased this month, although the weakening 7.00 has been mainly at the low end of the price range.

Quotes at the top end6.00 have been more stable, and reports suggest spot sales of smaller parcels are able to attract a healthy premium.

5.00 The main challenge for Australian manufacturers remains sourcing 4.00 their targeted volumes of milk, and therein lies the chicken and egg conundrum of this season.

3.00 For Australian farmers, the ability to produce this milk will depend heavily on profitability in 2.00 a difficult cost environment.

While the news from dairy markets might 1.00 not be terrible, a decent uptick in time for Christmas would certainly make everyone’s 0.00 life easier.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

20 // MARKETS

That was the year that was

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0

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-4 000

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0

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the new deal, which could be signed by country What lies ahead? leaders at the G20 summit.

As the saying goes, you should never make predicThe escalating trade war with China is much tions — especially about the future! further away from resolution, and has potential Global dairy market fundamentals suggest a for greater impacts for our region. gradual firming of commodity prices through 2019 The escalating retaliatory tariffs imposed by as supply and demand shifts into closer alignment.

China and the US on each other this year have Limited EU milk production growth is critical to impacted cheese and whey trade directly. More this outlook, as is demand for milk powders from broadly, the uncertainty around the effect of the China and South-East Asia. impasse between the world’s two largest econoWe expect dairy commodity prices will conmies is likely to hit economic growth — particu- tinue to converge as SMP stockpiles are reduced, Oceania spot prices (US$/t) larly in Asia. improving prices, and butter values settle in more 7 000 There is talk that a cease fire could come out sustainable territory. of the G20 pow-wow, but it’s Trump, so anything Cheddar prices are susceptible to peak EU milk 6 000 could happen. production and increased US export activity midThen there’s Brexit. Despite the EU and UK year, but are forecast to strengthen through to the 5 000 PM Theresa May reaching an agreement, she still end of 2019. has to sell the4 deal 000 to her own cabinet and the Undermining any skill or certainty we might British people. have about predicting what lies ahead for the 3 000 The Bank of England recently predicted that global dairy market is the truly unpredictable and remaining in the European Union would be a volatile nature of international relationships and 2 000 better outcome for the economy than any of the trade more broadly.

Brexit scenarios on offer, and there is a significant The weakening of international institutions, 1 000 push for a people’s vote on the deal from the com- democratic and diplomatic norms — which have munity if not from0the politicians. underpinned co-operation between nations for The shambolic Brexit process, leading up to the decades — has been a feature of 2018. looming March 2019 deadline, has instilled very There are no signs 2019 will be any differlittle confidence that trade will continue seam- ent, and the impact on global economic growth, Cheddar WMP Butter SMP lessly. Reports of stockpiling of food and medicine which has been fairly resilient to date, could be seem incredible, but reflect how much of the out- profound. come is still unknown.

• Jo Bills is a director of The UK is a deficit country for dairy, but it www.freshagenda.com.au cannot negotiate any new trade agreements until it exits the EU. Dec-17 Jan-18 Feb-18 Mar-18 Apr-18 May-18 June-18

back — sometimes in anger — at the journey of the past 12 months.

This time last year we had a different prime minister, the Federal Government was still opposing the Banking Royal Commission, the Marriage Equality Bill was passing through the Federal Parliament, Richmond was the reigning AFL premier and the #MeToo movement was just emerging in the United States.

That all seems so long ago, such is the churn of events and news these days.

It’s almost as exhausting following the swings and roundabouts of dairy.

Global markets continue to work through the still sizeable SMP stockpile under the stewardship of the EU Commission, which currently stands at around 250 000 tonne — 120 000 tonne less than at this time in 2017.

What has resulted is the fanning out of dairy commodity prices through much of 2017, as shown in the chart of spot prices below.

Depressed SMP prices continued to deter European manufacturers from directing their available milk into SMP/butter production.

With supply limited for the first half of 2018, butter prices remained at historic highs for a chunk of the year. But with New Zealand availability improving and European demand softening (pardon the pun) at high retail prices, butter values are heading back to earth.

On the other end of the spectrum, the stockpile has kept SMP prices skidding along at around US$2000/tonne for the past two years.

This has also capped WMP prices, as high dairy fat values have encouraged manufacturers and end users to switch to fat-filled milk powders — taking advantage of low vegetable oil input costs. The pressure on WMP prices has also ramped up — as evidenced in recent GDT events — with a good start to the New Zealand season which will increase supply.

That leaves cheddar, the Australian industry’s most important export product, which has finished the year at slightly weaker spot price quotations than it began.

The large cheese producing and consuming regions of Europe and the US continue to exert the greatest influence on the market, based on the balance between internal supply and demand.

Import demand has been steady if unspectacular in most Asian regions throughout 2018, with the notable exception of China. Cheese values are also influenced by the value of milk components in SMP and butter.

Overlaying the dairy market’s own dynamics in 2018 has been the escalating trade tension between the US and a number of trading partners — in particular China, Mexico and Canada — and increasing uncertainty over the Brexit outcome.

It seems the new NAFTA, known as USMCA — which for all the posturing and chestbeating from the Trump administration over the past 12 months, is only marginally different from the pre-existing agreement — is pretty much a done deal.

There is a slight increase in access for US dairy to the still heavily protected Canadian market in

Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 June-17 July-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Oct-17 Nov-17

IT’S THAT time of the year when we look

FRESH AGENDA JO BILLS

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

MANAGEMENT // 21

Flexibility helps family through dry season SIMONE SMITH

PLANNING, BUSINESS flexibility and diversity has helped one western Victorian dairy farming family navigate a tough season.

The Martins at Irrewarra, north of Colac, have never fed in the bail and do not buy-in fodder.

This means they haven’t been impacted directly by escalating grain and fodder prices this season, but they have altered their business to handle drier conditions.

“We are not as exposed as other people, particularly because we don’t have a set number of cows and considering we don’t buy in silage or hay,” John Martin said.

“We have the ability to reduce our cow numbers, but we can’t do that year-in-year-out.”

He, wife Jodie, daughter Rachael, son Shaun and his partner Elsi Neave milk 110 cows, calving mostly in autumn, off 180 ha plus a 48 ha outblock. They also run beef steers, cows and calves.

This year, milking numbers were cut by about 60, but the family hopes to get back up to 200 in the autumn while maintaining self-sufficiency.

They plan to take advantage of the cheaper cow price and buy-in, but this would be dictated by the season.

During spring the herd consumes as much pasture as possible. The pasture base is predominantly perennials but due to dry seasons, the proportion of annuals and cereals has lifted from 15 to 25 per cent.

Throughout drier months, the feed ration costs about $2.91/cow/day for a total of 17.6 kg DM/cow/day or 16¢/kg DM. This ration includes swedes, pasture silage, oaten hay, pasture hay and pasture.

The family has stored the most silage ever this year and, although last month it had not yet been feed-tested, John anticipated top quality.

The silage was made from a variety of crops and pastures, something John likened to a “patchwork quilt”. Up to 820 wet tonne of pit silage and 100 wet tonne of round bale silage was harvested, up 30 per cent on traditional years.

John attributed the boost in silage yield to fewer cows, the winter growing conditions — spring “let us down” with only 25 mm of rain in September — as well as additional strategically-applied fertiliser.

The family also cut silage off the wetter areas, normally harvested for hay.

Pit silage is packed in a unique way to ensure the herd consumes a variety of crops and pastures, including many deep-rooted perennials and legumes.

“We do a load of cereals — 60 per cent legumes and 40 per cent rye-grass — and do a layer of that, Then barley, Shaftal and rye-grass — a mixture,” John said.

“When we cut it with a block-cutter (to feed out) it is a like a poor man’s mixed ration. We don’t have a mixer wagon, we have a standard 17 cubic metre silage cart.”

This season 40 ha of summer crops will be planted. Depending on the season, a “substantial amount” of this area could be returned to perennial pastures.

Some perennial rye-grass has struggled to

Irrewarra dairy farmers, the Martins, have focused on breeding cows that best suit their farm system where no feed is bought-in.

Pictured are (from left) Shaun, John (on the bike), Shaun’s partner Elsi Neave (at the back), Rachael and Jodie.

withstand years where rainfall has been less than the 550 to 600 mm annual average.

The ‘Wolverston Park’ operation has been in the family since 1918, with the land use evolving.

John and Jodie decided to go into dairying after buying their parcel of land about 18 years ago. They built a new dairy and, while they included provision for a feed system, decided to delay the installation because of cost.

The system was never installed and meant the family focused on breeding the right type of cow to suit the existing dairy — Friesian, Brown Swiss and their crosses — averaging 650 to 700 kg.

The herd produces 6000 to 6500 litres/cow/ lactation, 230 to 250 kg of butterfat/cow/lactation and 203 to 220 kg protein/cow/lactation.

John said their lack of bought-in feed and increased farm gate milk price meant they could protect their profit margin despite cutting cow numbers.

The cow reduction was due to the season, but John and Jodie were also deciding if they would remain in the industry. As Fonterra suppliers, they were impacted by price cuts in 2016.

Following a family discussion — everything is discussed together — they decided to remain in the industry and will look to add sheep to the business.

“We don’t want to be fully-exposed to the dairy industry,” John said.

Their fixed-cost-base requires milking at least 170 cows consistently.

“Milking a lower number of cows means we are cutting costs, but we are really just marking time basically,” John said.

Farm labour is provided by the family, but the children will continue to work off-farm to ensure a diversity of income. John said this meant they could continue the flexible approach to farming, adapting to the changing climate and industry circumstances.

Silage plays a crucial role in maintaining the herd through dry seasons. This is the largest harvest the Irrewarra dairy farmers have ever produced.

The Martins have a long history of award-winning milk quality at their Irrewarra property.

Pictured are (from left) John Martin, his daughter Rachael Martin, Jodie Martin, Elsi Neave and her partner Shaun Martin.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

22 // MANAGEMENT

Feeding options on the table SOPHIE BALDWIN

EVERY DAIRY farmer is well aware of the harsh

impacts this dry season is having on their business — not only for this season but also for their management moving forward.

With the spring flush well and truly over and temporary water prices hitting the stratosphere, many farmers are preparing to feed large amounts of hay, silage or mixed rations.

Agriculture Victoria recently hosted a field at Paul and Robyn Lindsay’s dairy farm at Picola, focusing on feeding infrastructure.

Dairy development specialist Scott McDonald said Agriculture Victoria had received a lot of inquiries this season regarding mobile, temporary and permanent structures.

“There are many options available, from troughs and modular feeders through to more permanent structures, it just depends what your intentions are and whether it is for feeding, loafing (or both),” Mr McDonald said.

“We have had a lot of inquiry, particularly for more permanent structures because farmers are looking to position themselves four or five years ahead.”

Feed delivered on the ground, or into poorly designed areas, will result in expensive feed waste, while a well-designed area will help to conserve fodder and minimise potential health issues.

Agriculture Victoria provides free on-farm

services to help farmers in planning and organising the perfect feeding area, including correctly interpreting new land use definitions.

Mr McDonald said it was important to work out if the area was considered for grazing or intensive animal production — making sure the infrastructure complies with planning scheme criteria while mitigating impacts on neighbours and the environment is also important.

Navigating and determining if a building and works permit is required for fixed feeding infrastructure or a land use permit for intensive animal production is part of the process.

Mr McDonald said things to consider when looking at a feed pad structure included: ■ The type of feed to be fed (hay, silage or by-products).

■ Feed preparation and delivery — mixer wagon or bale.

■ How to manage spoilt feed and accumulation of manure.

■ Topography and time of use.

Mr McDonald said minimising feed waste should not be the only driver of infrastructure; other things to consider included frequency of use, time spent on the area, ability to manage different stock groups, opportunity to reduce travel from far away paddocks, ability to minimise pugging and laneway damage during wet conditions and shade and shelter during summer.

Issues to consider include wear and tear across

the feed face and around stock water troughs, machinery traction and slippery surfaces for cattle, congestion and bottlenecks reducing cow flow, cows cast in troughs, cleaning, pooling of water under feed or causing pugging and odour and trough height to maximise feeding (mixer wagon access).

While the physical aspects of setting up an area are important, environmental aspects must also be considered: ■ Odour from wet manure, spoilt feed and by-product storage areas.

■ Dust from heavily trafficked areas (cows and machinery).

■ Noise — feed mixing and delivery.

■ Flies — attracted to or breeding in wet manure, spoilt feed or by-product storage areas.

■ Run-off containing manure and pathogens — beyond the property boundary and into waterways.

■ Temporary structures can be successful and practical but do require planning.

“We have had around 50 inquiries this year and 80 per cent would be from northern Victorian farmers with the rationale of not wanting to waste fodder because of the long-term cost and reliability of water,” Mr McDonald said.

“The majority of these inquiries are also from family farms looking to change their system of management in the future.

The earthen feed pad was constructed in 2006 and is now used to feed and calve the dry cows.

The cement feed pad was built in 2014.

“They are finding a grazing system no longer suits — many are looking at cut and carry and hence a feed pad of some description.”

Mr McDonald said effluent research and how to manage both liquids and solids appeared to be where science was heading in the future.

In February, Agriculture Victoria dairy service will run another series of field days covering permanent feed pads and housed systems.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

24 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Keep cows cool this summer CLIMATE CHANGE is leading to warmer Australian summers with an increased number of hot days and warmer nights.

This increases the risk of heat stress, leading to adverse effects on herd health and farm profitability.

Effects of heat stress Reduced milk production (up to 40 per cent) is

an obvious effect of heat stress in dairy cows but other losses include: ■ Poorer herd fertility: Reduced intensity and length of oestrus, lower conception rates, increased risk of embryonic death, decreased in-calf rates/increased not-in-calf rates, decreased calf birth weight leading to poorer calf viability.

■ Reduced milk quality components:

■

■

Increased SCC from behavioural compensation and reduced protein.

Loss of body condition score: Reduced feed intake and increased use of nutrients to maintain core body temperature.

Poorer cow health and immune function: Hot and humid conditions can challenge the maintenance of rumen pH, increasing the risk of ruminal acidosis and ketosis.

APIAM ANIMAL HEALTH GEMMA CHUCK

Strategies to cool down can increase the risk of opportunistic infections such as mastitis.

How do cows become heat-stressed?

Dairy cows need to maintain their core body temperature between 38.5°C and 39.3°C. This core body temperature can change throughout the day, peaking in the early evening and reaching a low in the early morning.

In hot weather, dairy cows deal with heat load using a variety of strategies: Behavioural strategies: ■ Looking for areas with greater air movement or standing to increase exposure to air.

■ Seeking water and shade.

■ Changing their orientation to the sun.

■ Panting or sweating.

■ Stopping or reducing feed intake which decreases rumen heat production.

I reckon if they could talk, they’d ask for it by name.

If we could talk we’d be on TV.

Physiological strategies: ■ Decreased feed intake (-10 to 20 per cent) when the air temperature is hotter than 26°C. ■ Increased core body temperature.

■ Altered blood hormone levels.

■ Changed blood flow distribution — decreased blood flow to the gut, uterus and other internal organs; increased blood flow to the skin.

And asking for Champagne with breakfast.

However, as the heat load increases, these physiological and behavioural strategies can no longer cope. It is important to recognise these subtle signs so that prompt action can be taken.

Prolonged heat stress can result in open mouth breathing, group seeking of shade and excessive drooling, by which point urgent attention is required.

Management of heat stress Early management strategies are essential to reduce the short- and long-term negative effects of heat stress. An integrated approach works best and some strategies include: ■ Milk cows later in the day: Cows milked two hours later in the afternoon can produce 1–2 litres more milk than cows milked midafternoon.

■ Use of sprinklers: Sprinkling cows before the afternoon milking will cool cows down provided there is a breeze. It is important to provide a water droplet size which wets cows to their skin; providing a mist that sits on the coat surface will increase heat load by acting as an insulating layer around the cow.

■ Nutrition: Feed a mixed ration of conserved feeds during the day (preferably in a shaded area). Allow access to good quality pasture at night to maximise pasture intake during the coolest part of the day.

■ Provide shade: Natural shade trees, shade cloth and galvanised iron roofs have all been used. Research shows that cows usually prefer an iron roof. Any roofing system should be vented and be at a height of at least 3.7 m.

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• Dr Gemma Chuck is an adviser with Apiam Animal Health.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

ANIMAL HEALTH // 25

No flies on us — eventually ROD DYSON

PAUL* HAD made some small but signifi-

cant changes to both his milking equipment and milking routine after our initial visit had exposed some mastitis risks that he had been unaware of.

A change to a different liner, a small change to the system vacuum and a change in the milking routine to ensure that teats were disinfected much sooner after cup removal in his 36-a-side herringbone were the key changes that had been made.

Four weeks after he had made those changes, it was time for a re-assessment to ensure that the changes had actually resulted in a reduced risk of mastitis infections.

Teat end damage had been especially significant, so we were all keen to see the results of teat scoring at this re-assessment.

However, it wasn’t very far into milking when we realised that something was terribly wrong.

The first shed-full of cows had been particularly unhappy — cows were swishing their tails, stomping their feet, and multiple sets of cups had been sent flying as cows kicked them off.

Getting cups back onto the cows had become a battle of wills and the dairy was rapidly becoming an unhappy place.

We retreated from the pit to observe at a distance for a couple more sheds full of cows, and it was obvious that this milking was becoming more and more like a war zone!

It was a battle to get the cows into the shed, get the cups on and then to keep them on.

What was the cause of the sudden onset of this behaviour? In a word — flies.

The milking staff had noticed over the previous few days that flies had started to mildly irritate the cows, but obviously the conditions were just perfect on this evening, and the number of flies had escalated dramatically, to the point that at this milking they were biting and irritating both cows and people in the dairy.

Given that an essential part of the mastitis risk assessment process is to assess and score the teat end condition, handling teats to turn them up and examine the teat end after cups have come off was likely to be a life threatening experience on this occasion.

As the staff was already having a battle just to get through milking, it was deemed to be a prudent decision to call off our assessment for that evening.

Fortunately, when the staff had first reported some irritation from the flies, Paul had purchased his chosen fly treatment product, so that treatment was immediately scheduled for the next day, and our re-assessment was postponed for a week while things settled down.

That particular evening milking was a long, slow and painful process, but the fly treatment the next day had a rapid effect, and milking returned to normal over the next couple of days.

This was a very severe episode of fly irritation and the potential effect on milk quality and mastitis risk caused by the disruption to milking

As summer heats up, don’t forget to monitor for fly irritation.

routine was obvious, as well as the risk of direct transfer of bacteria from teat-to-teat by flies in the numbers that were present on that evening.

But what really stood out was the effect on the people in the dairy. Their ability to complete their tasks during milking in any sort of orderly way was severely compromised, and the increased occupational health and safety risks associated with the aberrant cow behaviour was substantial.

Early changes in dairy function and cow behaviour can sometimes be subtle. If staff and management are alert to the early signs of change, acting proactively can often prevent more serious issues developing.

The good news for Paul was that when we returned to conduct the re-assessment of mastitis risk, milking was once again a smooth, orderly process, and the changes he had made to the dairy and milking routine had resulted in a substantial improvement in teat end condition and a significant reduction in mastitis risk in his dairy.

At this visit, workers were happy, cows were happy — and Paul was happy.

As the heat of summer approaches, and plans are being made for dealing with the heat, don’t forget to monitor for fly irritation and be prepared to react quickly upon seeing the early signs, before it becomes a real problem.

Season’s greetings and best wishes to all for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

• Name changed for this article.

• Rod Dyson is a veterinary surgeon and mastitis adviser at www.dairyfocus.com.au

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

26 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Wrapping up a hypothetical silage venture I’D BE willing to wager that every machin-

ery enthusiast has their share of ‘aspirational’ purchases.

The machines that you don’t strictly need, but with whose hypothetical selection and applications you preoccupy your spare time.

I have several such concepts, none of which I will outline, because my wife may read this and zero in on their optionality.

Notwithstanding the above, one of the major advantages of keeping ahead of your requirements is being on the front foot when circumstances change.

Who’d have thought for instance, that having had so much trouble attracting enough rainfall to grow a decent amount of fodder this season, we in Gippsland would equally struggle to keep the rain away long enough to get it dry and off the paddock?

I’ve never made silage for my own use before; given most of our fodder is for sale.

But with plenty of mouths to feed this year, the harvest windows so narrow and the grass falling over, it quickly became a serious proposition.

How fortunate then, that I had already considered the form my venture into silage should take, and a reasonable outlay to commit!

It was also fortunate that a local dealer had

a second-hand Kverneland UN7581 sitting in the yard.

Now the UN7581 is one of the lesser known Kverneland wrappers, being a three-point linkage machine, rather than the trailed model that most punters opt for.

Fortunately for me, tightwads existed 26 years ago as well, and at least one in Gippsland was happy to trade wrapping on the move for the discount associated with not having an axle or wheels under the machine.

It is a nuisance of a compromise, as are the semi-regular wheel stands caused by the little Case 895XL I put in front of the thing being very light at the front.

The cable controls (familiar to all users of older wrappers) are fine for a while, but the next morning you will start to wonder when you last saw the chiropractor and if your dominant arm is really still attached.

Visible compromise is nothing new to my operation however, and if I have to sit still to wrap bales, that’s what I shall do.

Except for when I have to get up to go cut the plastic (roughly every second bale).

Speeding up the operation is as simple as giving the tractor more juice — or at least it was, until everyone got carried away and a bale got thrown

GRUNT JOHN DROPPERT

Mr Droppert’s second-hand Kverneland UN7581 wrapper has been receiving a workout recently.

Although celebrating the “idiot-proof” operation, Mr Droppert said local contractors have nothing to fear.

from the table. Lesson learned.

Local contractors need not fear. Importantly though, the Kverneland does a good job of it, with little fuss and relatively idiot-proof operation.

With so many out there, it’s part of a long line of development that may have publicly died along with the company, but lives on in sheds and the secluded corners of dealers’ yards across the

country.

Along with other prizes that my hypothetically capital-rich operation may or may not be sizing up.

• John Droppert has no mechanical qualifications whatsoever, but has been passionate about tractors since before he could talk and has operated many different makes and models in a variety of roles for both profit and fun.

Digital toolbox gets an upgrade

Bob McKeown: 0428 451 163 - Peter Nixon: 0429 656 895 Ken Sly: 0428 451 842

CASE IH Australia and New Zealand’s parent company, CNH Industrial, has partnered with Canadian-based Farmers Edge for a new strategic digital agriculture agreement, reflecting Case IH’s global focus to give customers more access to the tools they need to improve their businesses’ bottom line.

Case IH Australia and New Zealand said this was the same motivation behind the launch of its own cloud-based tool, ClearVU, in August this year, with the product now available across the Case IH national dealer network.

Case IH Australia and New Zealand planting and soil management equipment product manager Andrew Kissel said the partnership with Farmers Edge had the potential to incorporate the agronomic strengths of Farmers Edge with the current ClearVU digital platform, providing a profitable and costeffective option for Australian customers.

“ClearVU is a product developed right here in Australia, tailored to the needs of Australian producers; it’s easy to navigate, visually appealing and simple to operate,” Mr Kissel said.

“It was only launched after several years of planning, design and field-testing, with extensive feedback from farmers on what they needed from such a tool in order to maximise their business’ productivity.

“ClearVU is designed to increase yield,

reduce input costs and maximise farm profitability.”

Mr Kissel said they looked forward to working with Farmers Edge to find new ways of combining their agronomic services and solutions with ClearVU’s offering in order to meet the needs of the Australian farmer.

For more information, contact your local Case IH dealer.

Case IH Australian and New Zealand planting and soil manager Andrew Kissel shows off the new tool Clear VU.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 27

Planting the seeds of success IT’S THE planter that has put precision, perfor-

mance and profitability to the fore for producers across the globe, and now Australian farmers can see what the Early Riser 2000 Series from Case IH can do for their bottom line.

The Early Riser 2130 Stack-Fold Planter has just hit Australian shores, building on the accuracy, durability and productivity principles of its predecessors, and offering something that sets it apart from the rest.

Case IH has partnered with leading ag technology company Precision Planting to make the Early Riser 2000 Series the only planter engineered and built with Precision Planting components direct from the factory.

“We took the position that this planter needed to leave the factory with everything the customer needs for their operation,” Case IH planting and soil management equipment product manager Andrew Kissel said.

“It needs to be the complete product on arrival, rather than having to make the initial purchase and incur the additional costs of technology add-ons.”

While the technology sets these planters apart from past generations, Mr Kissel emphasised the design and build features that had always been at the heart of Early Risers.

“The technology is an important component, but the thing that’s really critical is the way it

puts seed in the ground, that is the reason it has earned the name Early Riser,” he said.

“The technology allows us to understand what’s happening and control the environment to some extent, but the row unit itself and its components — the steel, the rubber on the bottom end of the machine — that’s what really makes the difference.

“You will see faster emergence and more uniform germination in a wide variety of crops with the Early Riser planter, which has been proven time and again, and replicated in our agronomic trials.

“If you look at the long-term benefits of this, it directly impacts yields, profitability, weed control — it affects the entire operation.”

The Early Riser 2130 is used in markets around the globe, many of which have similar conditions to Australia.

“Summer crops like cotton and sorghum will be our primary market to start, we are looking at corn as well with plans to start investigating alternative markets that we have seen positive agronomic results with in our trials,” Mr Kissel said.

Features of all Early Riser 2000 Series planters include improved opening and closing systems for difficult soils and tough conditions, more vertical travel for improved ground following and consistent planting depth in severe

A Magnum 380 working with the Early Riser 2130. The planter has just arrived in Australia and combines tried and tested design features with the industry’s most accurate planter technologies

terrain and row-by-row planting with DeltaForce and vDrive including row-by-row shut-off of seed, insecticide and fertiliser.

A number of demonstration events are planned for NSW, Queensland and Western Australia in the coming months, where prospective customers can see the planter in action.

“This is an exciting new offering from Case IH to Australian producers, and we’re proud

The row unit on the Early Riser 2130 planter ensures faster emergence and more uniform germination in a wide variety of crops.

to be able to present a design and technology package unmatched within the planter market,” Mr Kissel said.

“It starts with the rugged row unit that has a tried and tested design. With the factory integration of the industry’s best planter technologies, it all adds up to a product that will not only enhance, but redefine the productivity gains and efficiencies that can be achieved.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

28 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Tough workhorses get new stablemates OVER THE past 10 years, the heavy hitters in

Mahindra has released two new tractor models.

Mahindra’s range have forged an ironclad reputation for bulletproof toughness and durability, all thanks to the design of the tractors.

The Mahindra 8000 series 80 hp tractor has been the bedrock of the Mahindra Australia tractor range since 2012.

Selling more than 500 units in Australia, it has been well-regarded for its solid and durable no-nonsense maintenance and reputation for being able to handle the tough stuff.

The factory has worked on improving the ergonomics of the 8000/9000 series by a total sheet metal re-design, while keeping the engine, transmission and hydraulics of the original 8000 series tractor.

With the latest 80 and 92 hp offerings, Mahindra has kept all the things its customers loved about the utility tractor range — like the quality steel, good-sized wheel equipment and hydraulics, and solid planetary 4 x 4 reduction — but added a few notable improvements.

The New Mahindra 7580 80 hp and 7590 92 hp are more than 3.6 tonne in tractor weight with 12.4 x 24 fronts and 18.4 x 30 rears, and are ideal for primary and secondary tillage, livestock operations, crop protection, haulage and loader applications and a myriad of other field applications.

At the heart of both machines is a turbocharged, inter-cooled, four-cylinder, in-line diesel engine designed for three things: reliability, fuel efficiency and a big flat torque curve, reaching 326 Nm on the 7590.

Both models feature twin remotes, twospeed PTOs (540/1000 rpm) and even heavier builds for greater traction and longevity, and they exemplify the most famous Mahindra traits — uncomplicated design and operation, ruggedness and versatility in any situation, as well as bulletproof, no-nonsense simplicity.

The new Mahindra 7580 and 7590 are assembled in Brisbane and are available now at more than 40 dealers nationwide.

For more information, go to: www.mahindraag.com.au or www.facebook. com/mahindraag

Mahindra’s new 92 horsepower Mahindra 7590 tractor keeps all the much loved elements, with a few new improvements.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 29

Steiger name still stands for power and reliability

The Steiger of today is very different to its predecessors, but its reputation for power and performance remains the same.

SIXTY YEARS ago, a pair of American broth-

ers on a farm near Minnesota needed a high-powered, four-wheel drive tractor for their business.

When they couldn’t find one on the market they built it themselves, and the first Steiger rolled out of the shed and into the paddock.

Douglass and Maurice Steiger built the first Steiger in 1957 for their own use, but the reaction from fellow farmers was immediate, and in 1958 they built another for a neighbour and the Steiger dynasty was established.

The brothers went on to establish a full-scale manufacturing business.

Although starting its life painted in a vibrant shade of lime green, the brand was later purchased by Case IH in 1986.

Yet many older farmers still have fond memories of those first Steiger tractors at work in Australia, setting the benchmark for performance, power and reliability.

The Steiger name lives on at the top end of the Case IH tractor range, with five models from 400 to 600 horsepower, including Quadtrac and Rowtrac four-tracked row crop systems.

Last year the brand became the world’s first articulated tractor to offer Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

As well as targeting fuel efficiency and operator fatigue, CVT transmission provides faster acceleration to field or road speed, full power availability at low ground speeds for special applications and implements, and full hydraulic flow availability at low ground speeds, for drilling and planting.

“It all adds up to a tractor designed to ensure the most efficient operation at all times, in all conditions, regardless of the task or terrain,” Case IH Australia and New Zealand high horsepower product manager Alyx Selsmeyer said.

“It has the capacity to reduce engine speed to the minimum required for the tractor’s workload, in order to maximise fuel efficiency.

“We’re very proud the Steiger name endures after so many years and that it still stands for innovation, power, efficiency and reliability at the highest of levels.”

An original Steiger outside the Steiger factory in Fargo, United States.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

30 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

New year will bring new features for 6R Series AN UPDATED line of 6R Series tractors is

coming to John Deere in 2019, with the line of 82 to 186 kW tractors including 10 models in two- and four-wheel drive configurations with cab.

Three new, optional features that enhance tractor performance and control include the allnew CommandPro control multi-function joystick with IVT transmission (as seen on the 6230R and 6250R), variable ratio steering and a 155 litres/minute hydraulic pump.

Other new features include an engine-oil service door, embedded telematics using JDLink services, and a 4200 Generation 4 CommandCenter display.

CommandPro is a customisable, ergonomic joystick that enables operators to control tractor speed, direction and implement functions from a single control lever.

“These enhancements let the operator spend more time looking out in front of the machine instead of looking down at controls and switches when the tractor is moving,” John Deere product marketing manager Anne Anderson said.

“It’s a more comfortable, less tiring way to control and drive the tractor.”

Configurable buttons enable operators to customise the control to best fit the job or operator preference, which then can be saved as profiles, such as ‘baling’ or ‘mowing’.

To make tight turns easier, John Deere added new variable ratio steering, with steering wheel rotations reduced by a third when travelling at speeds less than 14 km/h.

“With one revolution of the steering wheel, front wheels turn faster and farther. Less steering effort and arm movement are required to turn the machine during loader work or while making a headland turn,” Ms Anderson said.

Variable-ratio steering requires a John Deere AutoTrac ready equipped tractor, and can be activated using the Generation 4 CommandCenter display.

To boost hydraulic pump capability on the 6145R to 6215R, a 155 litre/minute hydraulic pump can be added to increase front-loader cycle times and capacity for implements.

A small door has been added to provide access to the engine-oil service area without opening the tractor hood.

“This may seem like a small detail, but when your tractor is equipped with a front loader and loader hood guard, it’s not always easy to open

An updated range of John Deere tractors offers a suite of new features including a customisable, ergonomic joystick and variable ratio steering.

the hood to perform regular checks,” Ms Anderson said.

The 4200 Generation 4 CommandCenter display, now included in the base equipment package, provides more display surface area for viewing tractor and precision-ag functions and requires fewer button presses to make changes.

Using integrated John Deere technology, customers can track machine location, hours and analyse machine and fuel usage.

“They can set geo-fence and curfew alerts,

maintenance tracking and other alerts to keep up to date on the status of machines,” Ms Anderson said.

“The technology also lets customers send set-up, prescription and documentation files to a machine in the field via wireless data transfer.

“Customers get increased up-time with proactive diagnostics. They’re able to make better decisions because they’re getting timely, easily accessible information that reduces the number of trips to the field, which saves them time.”

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