Issuu

AUGUST, 2018 ISSUE 94

GIPPSLAND REGION

Guy and Leanne Gallatly with Jo DeMoel from HICO (centre).

More then face value YOU CAN’T judge a cow’s production or bulk

milk cell count through observation, say Maffra dairy farmers Guy and Leanne Gallatly. The Gallatlys have used herd testing ever since they started dairy farming, and became

involved because they wanted to have figures on every cow in the herd. “We’ve moved farms a couple of times — and have milked herds ranging from 170 to 340 cows,” Mr Gallatly said.

WHEN BIGGER IS BETTER

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“We were originally sharefarming when we started herd testing so we knew what the cows were doing. “When we decided to buy a buy a small farm where we could milk 170 to 180 cows, we sold

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off a number of cows and decided which cows to sell based primarily on calving dates as well as herd test figures. Continued page 4 >

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

2 // GIPPSLAND REGION

Chairman’s message

Focusing on what matters

IF THERE’S one program that sums up what our dairy industry is about, it’s Focus Farms. The three new Focus Farms that are just starting in Gippsland will see ideas discussed, preconceptions challenged and significant changes made to the farm businesses involved. But much more importantly, all the knowlmage Caption SL360x edge shared and lessons learned will be spread among the support group of local farmers and service providers and, from there, out into the wider Gippsland farming community. I’ve seen first-hand how Focus Farms can make a positive difference to every person involved. As a support group member for Drouin

South farmers Sean Allen and Jen Clough, I watched good young farmers become even better at what they did. It wasn’t a one-way street, however. More often than not, I’d drive home with fresh ideas for how to manage my own pasture, herd or finances. The brainstorming sessions challenged me to question if I was making the most of every opportunity and how I could improve the farm business. The current Focus Farms will be starting on that same journey that Sean, Jen and so many other Focus Farms have taken since GippsDairy and Dairy Australia first funded the program in

1998. With the possibility of a tough climatic season ahead, these farms will no doubt benefit from the combined experience of the support group around them. It’s just as important that the rest of us can access that knowledge, especially when the weather doesn’t do the right thing or milk prices put the squeeze on cash flow. I know I have benefited from being in formal discussion groups or just picking the brains of successful farmers who have seen all the ups and downs that the industry can dish out. If we do face a tough year (the weather bureau is tipping a drier and warmer than aver-

age spring), getting together with neighbours and friends to swap ideas and nut out problems is one of the best things any farmer can do. It doesn’t have to be a formal discussion group, it can just be a casual get together or even a chat when you bump into someone in town. This is an industry and a region in which farmers have a rich history of sharing knowledge for the common good. Whether it’s a Focus Farm or a kitchen table catch-up, we can all help each other be better at what we do — it just needs someone to start the conversation. • Grant Williams GippsDairy chair

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

GIPPSLAND REGION // 3 RURAL RUMENATIONS

with Katie MacAulayRURAL RUMENATIONS

with Katie MacAuley

Columnist Katie MacAulay lives in South Gippsland, and has been married to a dairy farmer long enough to appreciate the smell of good silage. She loves chooks, enjoys stacking hay bales with the tractor and wonders why the lawn grows twice as quickly as the grass in the paddocks.

An open and shut case “PLEASE SHUT the gate.” A simple sounding request that strikes terror into my heart. Recently, while shifting cattle, I started contemplating hernias and slipped discs as I puffed and panted, cursed and cajoled, often to no avail. And to make matters more difficult, every gate I encountered had its own individual personality that required a different closing technique. First up was the Sparky Gate. A gate that, due to some previously undetected electric fence fault, gave me such a powerful zap, my hernia musings were replaced with fears about unnecessary defibrillation. Once my heart and nerves recovered, I removed my coat and used it as temporary insulation. Mission accomplished. The second gate appeared functional until I

got up close. Then it immediately became clear that it was completely unhinged. The only thing to do was back away slowly. . . The third gate had it all but just couldn’t get it together. No matter how hard I pulled, the chain wouldn’t reach around the gate. Thank goodness for baling twine! My body still buzzing, I nearly drove right past the open Wallflower. These gates blend into the surrounding scrub so well that only the person who installed them can spot them. Good thing Hubby had reminded me it was there. Next up was a Drunkard. These gates stand up just fine — when leaning against the post. As soon as they move away from the end assembly, they lose their balance and fall to the ground.

The final gate was a Poker Gate. Despite its hand consisting only of a single electric tape, our cows consistently buy-in to the belief that it holds all the cards and fold accordingly. Except when one breaks through — then they’re all-in. Experiencing a plethora of gates made me wonder what I would consider a perfect gate. One that is as easy to lift as a strip-grazer tape? As cheap as a Mallee gate? As impassable to cattle as a wall of corrugated iron? Yep, all these attributes would be great. I’ll take them all. But my perfect gate would also come with accessories — most importantly, an inexpensive, easy-to-assemble, genuinely animal-proof fence.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

4 // GIPPSLAND REGION

Can’t judge a book by it’s cover < Continued from page 1

“Unfortunately, the move to our own farm coincided with a fall in the milk price so we dropped out of herd testing because we needed to reduce our costs and after four years we sold the small farm and moved onto the 102 ha farm we currently lease.” The current farm has a 44-unit rotary and is on the Macalister River, allowing for 100 per cent irrigated pastures under sprays, a centre pivot and flood irrigation.

“Becoming an ImProving Herds Focus Farm was perfect timing.” The farm is home to 310 milkers and is supplemented by two other blocks which the Gallatlys own — a 16 ha fodder block and a 54 ha block used for fodder production and growing out young stock. “Our rule of thumb is that we need three bales of silage per cow so we aim to produce around 1000 bales of silage a year,” Mr Gallatly said.

Jo DeMoel from HICO (left) with Maffra dairy farmers Guy and Leanne Gallatly.

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GIPPSLAND REGION // 5

You can’t judge a cow’s production or bulk milk cell count through observation, says Guy Gallatly.

“We also feed 4 kg in grain in the dairy all year round, which is a no fuss system, and it takes 45 minutes to milk 230 cows at the moment. “The move to the current farm five years ago meant we needed to increase our herd size and we did this by leasing an extra 30 cows and not culling as heavily. “It created a few challenges with reintroducing herd testing because we weren’t in the position to cull cows, but we were keen to restart herd-testing once we reached our target herd size. Becoming an ImProving Herds Focus Farm was perfect timing.” The Gallatlys were one of seven ImProving Herds Focus Farms in the 2015–16 season. Each ImProving Herds Focus Farm was given six free herd tests as well as support in interpreting the results. The ImProving Herds project set out to demonstrate how herd test data could be used for improved farm decision making by following how each farm used their herd test information. “It certainly showed up some of the higher producing animals weren’t the ones that I thought they’d be. It’s the same with milk

quality,” Mr Gallatly said. “The figures don’t lie, but if you don’t have the figures you don’t really know.” Herd testing is carried out by HICO and the results are available on Mistro in the home office the following day. A hard copy of the results is also sent in the post. The Gallatlys use Mistro as their farm management program in the farm office and also use the Herd Data App on their smartphones to record data when they are out on the farm. The three key areas Mr Gallatly looks at once he has the herd test results are each cow’s cell count, litres and Production Index. Having the results ranked from highest to lowest makes it easy to identify cows that need closer scrutiny. “Sometimes I’m interested in looking for cows to chopper (cull), or I just want to l see how the younger cows are performing,” Mr Gallatly said. “Herd testing really makes you aware of the subclinical mastitis in the herd. After each herd test I put together a list of the cows with the highest cell counts and have a closer look at them at the next milking.

Guy and Leanne Gallatly farm on the Macalister River at Maffra.

Jo DeMoel from HICO (left) with Guy and Leanne Gallatly.

Guy Gallatly and Jo DeMoel from

HICO.

“When we were building up our herd we couldn’t cull as heavily as we would have liked, but now we have surplus cows so we can cull heavily on the cell count results we get from herd testing.” Herd test figures on total litres per cow

are also a useful tool in deciding which cows to dry-off. “Having a split herd means that we can keep milking a cow which is a high producer and not in calf at the end of the season and carry her across into the other calving period.”

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

6 // GIPPSLAND REGION

August reminders Pastures ■

■

Feeding

Due to a probable mild winter, the application of nitrogen fertiliser could still be economically beneficial. A response of 10 kg DM/kg N applied is likely to achieve a return on investment if wastage is kept to a minimum. When considering the application of fertiliser, particularly to boost hay paddocks, ensure enough time (about six weeks) is allowed for grass to fully utilise nutrients applied.

■

It may still be cold enough to get profitable responses to gibberellic acid. If so, and you need the feed, consider using it to grow additional pasture quickly. Begin to plan paddocks to over-sow due to thinning over a dry autumn. Consider pasture species, soil nutrients, weed burden, and timing and method of sowing. Rotation length should be beginning to lengthen as days get longer and temperature begins to increase. Rate of leaf growth is dependent on day length and temperature.

■

Ensure feed that is being bought or fed out is of highest quality available and supplement poor quality feeds with higher quality grains/ pellets. Consider using Rumen8 to balance diets to ensure cows peak high and are able to utilise spring grass. Aim for a neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content of 30 to 35 per cent in the diet, with about half of this being physically effective NDF (peNDF). Physically effective NDF content is vital for stimulating rumination, conversion of feed to energy and increasing milk fat content. Length of chop must be long enough to ensure a ‘scratch’ factor within the rumen, that is, 2 cm to 5 cm long. In order for cows to meet production potential and cycle for next mating, they must be fed adequately, with the aim to lose no more than 0.6 of a body score condition (BSC) between calving and mating as an average over the herd.

Cows ■

■

Calves/heifers

Look to balance calving cows’ DCAD in diet by lead feeding. A negative DCAD diet prior to calving will stimulate a cow to produce her own calcium, enabling her to meet increased calcium demand post-calving and reduce the risk of milk fever. Particularly following a poor season, early lactation acidosis is an issue that may arise. Keep an eye on heifers as they are likely to be the first to show signs of acidosis. If fibre content of diet is low or transition was poor, buffers may be required in the diet to reduce the risk of acidosis impacting herd health and milk production. Assess the results of the previous calving when planning spring joining. If you are trying to shorten calving look to evaluate heat detection method, fertility and genetics, body score condition at mating and heifer weight.

More information on managing fodder shortages can be found at: www. dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/feedbaseand-animal-nutrition/feed-management/ managing-fodder-shortage

■

Jersey calves should be at least 75 kg liveweight and Friesian calves 100 kg at weaning. Calves should be eating at least 1 kg of concentrates, straw and drinking fresh water prior to weaning off milk. The energy in the concentrate and fibre in the straw and water helps in the early development of calves’ rumens thus allowing for early weaning. For more information on calf rearing, see: www.dairyaustralia.com.au/ farm/animal-management/animal-welfare/ calf-welfare Ensure calves get colostrum within six hours of being born to ensure adequate immunity transfer, which might require bringing calves in a few times a day. Ideally two litres of colostrum in the first two hours of life is needed. Weighing heifers is an effective management tool for determining if a heifer is likely to get in calf. Heifer weight correlates to in-calf rate, therefore lighter heifers may need to be held over to the next season if not meeting target weights. Use the Good Bulls Guide to select for desirable traits, such as ease of calving, when selecting semen for heifers.

Real News in Real Time

Tassie tour will inspire Good farmers go on the Don Campbell Memorial Study Tour, but better farmers come back.

Log on to keep up to date with industry and breaking news from around the country every day.

Next year’s tour will be from 18–22 March and will take in some of the most innovative and successful dairy farms in Tasmania, as well as the Tasmanian Dairy Conference. Past participants have returned from the tour with a new outlook on day-to-day farming and a willingness to think outside the square in making strategic business decisions. An interview panel will select successful applicants for the 2019 tour. In previous years, between 13 and 15 people have been chosen. The tour is named after the late Yannathan dairy farmer Don Campbell who was a passionate advocate of developing young Gippsland farmers. For an application form phone 5624 3900 or email info@gippsdairy.com.au Applications close on Friday, September 14.

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SOUTH GIPPSLAND DAIRY EXPO: See the latest in dairy innovation and enjoy a great day out The Strzelecki Lions Club is proud to host the 2018 South Gippsland Dairy Expo in Korumburra on Wednesday 26 and Thursday, September 27. South Gippsland is home to many exceptional dairy farm enterprises that form a significant part of the rural community. The Expo provides an opportunity for the community to see the latest in dairy innovation and technology — in an easy ‘one stop shop’ — while offering a host of entertainment for the whole family. The Lions Club is delighted to have Fonterra, long term supporters of the Expo, as this year’s Major Sponsor. The Expo could not happen without Fonterra’s support. Cliff Wallace, Chairman of the Dairy Expo and Strzelecki Lions Club member, said that since 2000, the Lions Club has organised the popular community-based Expo that has now grown into a major regional event. “It’s really positive that Fonterra has come on board to support the Expo as Major Sponsor,” Cliff said. “The public who come through the gates are around 90 per cent farmers, it’s a place where exhibitors and farmers can deal with each other directly. Some people also come along for a day out or to meet friends,” Cliff said. “It’s rewarding to see the results of what we’ve been doing for 19 years, the Expo continues to get better and better — exhibitors and the public keep coming back, which shows it’s a success.” And this year’s Expo looks to be bigger and better, than ever: The popular industry breakfast is on again, co-hosted by Fonterra and Reid Stockfeeds. The breakfast will take place at 8.30 am, Thursday, September 27 — get in quick, bookings are essential. The Sanders Kids Farm Animal Pavilion, will offer plenty of interactive fun with animal pens, cow-mould painting, a dairy dressup corner and more. This pavilion is proudly sponsored by Poowong Dairy & Hardware and Westfalia Warragul. Back by popular demand, Matt Harms, from OnFarm Consulting, is hosting ‘Love makes the world go round, what makes dairy go round … PEACE — LOVE — RYEGRASS’, sponsored by the South Gippsland Shire Council and Rabobank on Wednesday, September 26 at 11.00 am. Panel members — Mark Wilms and Andrew Balfour (Wilfour Farms) and sharefarmer Michael O’Brien (Nambrok), Paul and

Lisa Mumford and employee Aaron Thomas (Won Wron), Gordon and Sylvia Vagg and farm manager Paul Cocksedge (Leongatha South), and Matt Long (Rabobank) — will discuss what makes for a harmonious working relationship in the dairy industry. Learn how employee/employer, sharefarming and farm manager arrangements can be harmonious for both parties — is it easy, or does it take hard work? The Udder Truth Showbag sponsored by South East Organic Fertiliser is back! Purchase a $2 showbag at the gate, visit 10 of the listed exhibitors, answer an easy question, enter the draw, and you could be $3,000 richer by the end of the Expo! Participating companies include: Fonterra, Federation Training, De Wit Trading/The Wrangler New Zealand, Browns Stockfeed Pty Ltd, Coopers Animal Health, Lely Center Gippsland, Easy Dairy Automation Systems, Gendore Tractors & Machinery Pty Ltd, GippsDairy, MaxCare, ProviCo, Rabobank, Reid Stockfeeds, Rural Bank, and Victorian Hoofcare Services. For some fun competitive banter, ‘The Big Gippsland Jersey — Dunk-Off’ is a must-see. A daily competition featuring star guests to dunk … in milk of course! The rules are simple: one dollar, one throw, and aim well. In an Expo first, Cows Create Careers students from Gippsland schools will go head-to-head in a ‘Race About Dairy’ — a game of speed, accuracy and knowledge. Students will complete activities and answer questions about the Australian dairy industry. First school over the line, wins. An initiative of Federation

Training and Dairy Australia. Hungry? Volunteers from Poowong Kindergarten will be serving tasty treats on both days of the Expo. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Strzelecki Lions Club. Cliff said that the Club’s activities, including the Dairy Expo, could not happen without the valuable dedication and support from the community, companies, and volunteers. The Expo is supported by Gold Sponsors GippsDairy, Reid Stockfeeds, Rabobank, Federation Training, Burra Foods, South Gippsland Shire Council, and Dairy News Australia. “The Lions Club Committee and the Expo’s volunteers put in so much effort. It’s a pleasant and enjoyable job when you’re working with a great team of people,” Cliff said. “The money raised by Lions Club activities and the Expo, goes back to benefit the community. Over the years, we’ve raised $540 000.” “We’ve distributed it in many

S O U T H

different ways: to schools, to send kids to camps, to fund play equipment, and to support the Seeing Eye Dogs — we cover an enormous range. If we think it’s beneficial to the community, we try to help.” DATES TO MARK IN YOUR DIARY: South Gippsland Dairy Expo Korumburra Showgrounds, Wednesday 26 and Thursday, September 27, 2018. Gates will open at 9.00 am and close at 3.30 pm on both days. Entry is $12.00 per person; Children under 16 years old are free. Fonterra and Reid Stockfeeds Industry Breakfast Thursday, September 27, 2018, 8.30 am. Places are limited, so bookings are essential. MEDIA CONTACT For media and photo opportunities: Deanne Kennedy, 0419 878 055 or deanne@jaydee.net.au

G I P P S L A N D

Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th September 2018 from 9am-3.30pm Korumburra Showgrounds, Corner South Gippsland Highway & Charles Street, Korumburra

Matt Harms

S O U T H

G I P P S L A N D

w w w.dair ye x p o.or g.au

Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th September 2018 from 9am-3.30pm Korumburra Showgrounds, Corner South Gippsland Highway & Charles Street, Korumburra

This is a Race about Dairy

A game of speed, accuracy and knowledge... Cows Create Careers students from Gippsland schools will go Head-to-Head in a Race about Dairy on Thursday 27th September 2018 at 1pm. The first team across the finish line will take out the trophy and the accolade of being the 2018 Dairy Expo Cows Create Careers Champions! Proudly sponsored by Federation Training & Dairy Australia

A RACE ABOUT DAIRY

The Big Gippsland Jersey DUNK OFF Daily milk dunking competition

* One throw * One dollar * Aim well

Matt Harms ONFARM CONSULTING Wednesday 26th September at 11am

Love makes the world go round, what makes dairy go round... PEACE - LOVE RYEGRASS

What makes for a harmonious relationship in the dairy industry? Why is it that some business relationships work so well, to mutual benefit, and others fall apart? Are all successful business arrangements harmonious and easy, or does it take hard work, mutual respect and give and take to make it work? We learn how a range of relationships, being employee/employer, sharefarming and farm manager arrangements work so well, for an extended period and how they reach harmony.

Sanders Kids Farm Animal Pavilion

Star guests: Matt Harms, John Hutchison, Allan Cameron, Scott Price, Simon Hood & Nick Reid

All money raised will be donated to Beyond Blue

Plenty of fun to keep the kids entertained in the Sanders Pavilion

The panel members include: Mark Wilms and Andrew Balfour (Wilfour Farms) and sharefarmer Michael O’Brien from Nambrok, Paul and Lisa Mumford and employee Aaron Thomas from Won Wron, Gordon and Sylvia Vagg and farm manager Paul Cocksedge from Leongatha South and Matt Long from Rabobank.

Proudly sponsored by South Gippsland Shire Council & Rabobank

Thank you to the following exhibitors who are the Dairy Expo’s proud sponsors of the ‘The Udder Truth’ showbag initiative… • Fonterra • Federation Training • De Wit Trading/the Wrangler New Zealand • Browns Stockfeed Pty Ltd • Coopers Animal Health • Lely Center Gippsland • Easy Dairy Automation Systems • Gendore Tractors & Machinery Pty Ltd

• GippsDairy • Victorian Hoofcare Services • MaxCare • ProviCo • Rabobank • Reid Stockfeeds • Rural Bank

WIN $3,000 CASH!

The Udder Truth! S H OWBAG

GOLD SPONSORS

South G ipps land Shire Counc i l

Come and see the Latest Products & Services Support those who support the Industry!

Fonterra Farm Source

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• Farm Source is a connected package of tools and services to assist farmers in running their businesses, offered in a consistent way across Victoria and Tasmania. • It gives farmers greater levels of service, instant and better information, professional support, financial options and access to deals. It’s about making the most of the dairy know-how and strength of Fonterra and putting it to work for the benefit of our farmers. • Come visit our stand to meet the team and learn more about how Fonterra Farm Source can make your life a little bit better, every day.

• 9 campuses across Gippsland and South Eastern Victoria from Warragul to Lakes Entrance.

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Reid Stockfeeds • Information and ideas on feeding efficiency. • Ration evaluations. • Silo financing. • Meet local superstar Kim Price, PhD in Ag Science graduate Daniel Espinosa, Sales Manager Sander Nijskens and family member Nick Reid for all your specialised, custom feeding requirements.

• Rabobank is a major rural lender in Gippsland. • Highly regarded and experienced rural manager team. • The whole team will be available, so please call in for a chat.

Burra Foods • Burra Foods processes more than 350 megalitres of fresh farm milk per year from over 200 milk supply partners. • Significant international market experience. Supplies to China, Japan and other Asian markets • Burra Foods strives to live by its values and core purpose which includes adding value to the world’s best raw material, innovative technology and respect for the individual, the community and the environment. • Are you interested in supplying Burra Foods? Please visit our stand and meet the Burra Foods Milk Supply Team at the Dairy Expo.

South Gippsland Shire Council • Recognise that the dairy industry makes a significant contribution to the regional community.

South G ipps land Shire Counc i l

• Council is committed to supporting the agricultural industry and its essential support businesses and services. • Come along to the Matt Harms from ONFARM Consulting session-

Love makes the world go round, what makes dairy go round... PEACE - LOVE - RYEGRASS

S O U T H

G I P P S L A N D

Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th September 2018 - 9am to 3.30pm

w w w.dair ye x p o.or g.au

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• Fonterra • Federation Training • De Wit Trading/the Wrangler New Zealand • Browns Stockfeed Pty Ltd • Coopers Animal Health • Lely Center Gippsland • Easy Dairy Automation Systems • Gendore Tractors & Machinery Pty Ltd • GippsDairy • MaxCare • ProviCo • Rabobank • Reid Stockfeeds • Rural Bank • Victorian Hoofcare Services

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DAIRY NEWS GATE 1

Proudly sponsored by:

SOUTH GIPPSLAND DAIRY EXPO Project Secretary: Deanne Kennedy Address: PO Box 18, LOCH VIC 3945 Mobile: 0419 878 055 Email: deanne@jaydee.net.au

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SANDERS KIDS FARM ANIMAL PAVILION

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The exhibition space is now open for interested companies who have products and services which you would like to showcase to Gippsland dairy farmers. Bookings: Deanne Kennedy Email: deanne@jaydee.net.au Mobile: 0419 878 055

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

GIPPSLAND REGION // 11

September reminders Grain feeding ■

■

When the grain price and milk price change, the opportunity to make milk from grain for a margin also changes. Grain prices vary depending on the type of grain fed, additives used and volume delivered; the price is currently between $280/tonne as fed and $400/tonne as fed. To work out if it is worth feeding grain we can calculate the milk price:grain price ratio (MP:GP ratio). A ratio of less than 1.5 means it is not worth feeding grain, a ratio of 1.5 is marginal and a ratio greater than 1.5 shows it is worth feeding grain. For example, milk price (¢/kg MS) divided by grain price ($/tonne): 575 ¢/kg MS divided by $350/ tonne gives a ratio of 1.64 — definitely worth feeding grain. Remember, when feeding grain the last kilogram fed is likely to get the lowest marginal response in production; it’s the law of diminishing returns.

Calves

Pastures ■

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Rotation lengths need to be long enough to get critical volume and residuals need to be low enough to get quality next time the pasture is grazed. Consider the use of nitrogen to boost pasture production and potentially minimise the use of expensive supplements. Pasture responses of 10–20 kg DM/ha for every kg N/ ha are common in spring and represent very good value for money if you need and/or can utilise the additional feed grown. Estimate your silage and hay requirements for the coming year; spring can be a good

time to source extra feed for good quality silage. A focus on fodder quality will lead to more milk produced by cows when it’s fed. ■

■

Watch for pasture pests such as lucerne flea and consider control if you think they are damaging pasture. This may look like slower pasture growth than expected and/or a dulllooking pasture. Applications of fertiliser may significantly boost pasture and crop growth rates if your last application was in autumn.

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Calves should be given access to clean water, pellets and a fibre source from day one. They can be weaned when they are consistently eating 1–2 kg/day. Weaned calves should weigh at least 75 kg for Jerseys and 100 kg for Friesians, at two to three months of age. For more information on calf rearing, see: www.dairyaustralia. com.au/Animal-management/Animalwelfare/Calf-welfare/Rearing-healthycalves-manual.aspx

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Kim Price Ruminant Nutritionist m | 0417 152 855 e | kprice@reidstock.com.au

Daniel Espinosa Ruminant Nutritionist m | 0418 179 811 e | despinosa@reidstock.com.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

12 // GIPPSLAND REGION

Sixth-generation farmers embrace change RICK BAYNE

FOR A dairy farming dynasty that stretches across six generations and 136 years, the Whites like to stay on the move. Current patriarch of Hillgrove Farm and Dilee Holsteins at Leongatha South in Gippsland is Les White, who is in partnership with son Russ who manages the operation. Les’ grandson Rhys is doing a farm traineeship, making him the sixth-generation in the enterprise. Two other grandsons help out as casual milkers. They’ve had a few moves over time, never too far from the Gippsland base, but the first part of this century might have been their most progressive. The list of upgrades and expansion over recent years since moving to the current farm in 2001 is certainly impressive. Two new outblocks purchased over the past four years have boosted capacity and the home farm has benefited from a new rotary dairy, laneways, water system, sheds, concrete silage pits and a feed pad.

They’ve also embraced technology and automation with calves and cows both on identification systems. “From seven days the calves go on auto feed three or four times a day so they can’t get double-fed and the machine tells you if they haven’t been fed,” Les said. The cows use a different ID band system on their feed that tracks their production and heat. Les said he had been a farmer since he was born and that was never going to change. The 71-year-old is proud of his predecessors who settled at Krowera — about 30 minutes from the current farm — in 1882. Les was on the original farm until 1970 when he married Dianne and they shifted to nearby Kongwak. They remained there until 2001 when Russ returned to the farm. “We weren’t able to expand at Kongwak so we shifted to Leongatha on a flatter farm,” Les said. “Making the big break from milking 100 cows at Kongwak to 280 was a huge step. Since we’ve come out here we’ve made a lot of improvements to the farm. There’s not an overabundance of money but we get by all right.”

The rotary dairy.

Three generations of the White family: Rhys, Les and Russ.

The Whites have been recognised as Master Breeders through Holstein Australia.

The Whites have milked Holsteins since the late 1970s, but their connection to the breed goes back much further. Les’ great-grandfather Joseph White and current Holstein Australia chief executive officer Graeme Gillan’s great-grandfather came out together on the boat from England in 1882, and settled side-by-side in Gippsland. “It was a real hilly place with blue gum trees,” Les said. “It was a hard grind and you wonder how they did it. My great grandfather had a wooden leg and had to walk up and down the hills on one leg. It’s a remarkable story what they did in those days.” Les and his next generations continue to write a new history for the family. They now milk 340 cows on 200ha, boosted by a 30 ha block purchased four years ago and another former 85 ha farm added two years ago. The new properties have been redeveloped, re-sown and re-fenced.

“You’ve got to keep moving,” Les said It’s not always smooth sailing. About five years ago 23 000 New Zealand pine trees planted as windbreaks started dying when infected by a bug and had to be removed. “We had 95 semi loads of timber go to the pulp mill from our farm and the same from the neighbouring farm. It’s all been re-planted with natives and they’re all growing well,” Les said. He takes the setback in stride. “When you’re born and bred into it you put up with the highs and lows.” The farm’s strong production helps through the tough times. “We’re steady at around 10 000 litres per cow. We’re quite proud of the herd and their production.” Les attributes the success to artificial breeding, particularly with the Ollie family of cows now spreading through two-thirds of the herd. “We’ve had a lot of success from one foundation cow.”

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

GIPPSLAND REGION // 13

Dilee Holsteins.

Calves and cows are on different identification systems.

One of the more low-maintenance cows on the farm.

Les White in front of the dairy.

Adding corn to boost fat HILLGROVE FARM is trialling a new feeding

regime this winter and early results are looking good. Owner Russ White said the new feed system was introduced to address plummeting fat content tests. They have moved from feeding 7.5 kg of wheat and 2.5 kg of concentrate mix to 3.5 kg of wheat, 1 kg of barley and 3 kg of corn, along with the same 2.5 kg of concentrate. They’ve also added 2 kg of oaten hay each day.

“We’ve had trouble with our fat test dropping over winter so we worked with a nutritionist to develop different ideas,” Russ said. Fat levels had dropped to three per cent, well below their ideal 3.5 to 3.6 per cent. At the moment it’s back up to 3.8 per cent. “So far so good. We’re up there at the moment but the next two months will be the real test if our theory works or not,” Russ said. The new feed regime is based on the understanding that corn ferments slower than wheat. “Wheat has a fair spike on it when it fer-

ments in the cow’s rumen,” Russ said. “Eating a lot of corn has a slower fermentation so the spike shouldn’t get as high so the liver isn’t working as hard. It should give them a lot more energy.” The new menu is designed to keep up the sugar levels on colder days. “There’s more moisture in the grass over winter, which means sugar levels are low and not much daylight so they lose a lot of their sugars. We’re trying to overcome that and get some more sugars into the system.

COMBY RANGE

“Normally we use our own hay but this year we’re trialling northern hay because it has no potassium and that helps too.” The new feeding system was introduced at the start of June and the cows have been happy with the change in diet. “They’re eating everything exactly the same,” Russ said. “It hasn’t altered the cows’ feed intake but the butter fat test is better so that’s good. If we can keep it somewhere around where it is now we’ll be happy.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

14 // GIPPSLAND REGION

Family produces liquid gold MANAGING TEAT health and regular herd testing are the reasons the Porters give for their success as farmers — underscored by recently receiving their second gold milk quality award in recent years. Dairy Australia recently published the list of top-performing farms to receive 2018 Milk Quality Awards, for supplying milk with the lowest five per cent of bulk milk cell counts in Australia. The Porter family’s Nioka Ridge backed up this award by being named among the top 100 dairy farms across Australia — for the lowest aggregate BMCC — known in the industry as the gold award. It was a matter of excitement not only because of the significant changes the Porters have undertaken in the past couple of years, when, at a time of uncertainty in the dairy industry, they invested in expanding their business. They have also had challenges — five years ago half of their milking herd was lost to facial eczema, so they have spent a few years rebuilding their herd through their own breeding program. The Porters milk two herds on separate properties, with a mix of Friesian, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Aussie Red, Jerfords and Friefords (Jersey and Friesian crossed with Hereford) cows in a three-way cross. Trevor Porter and daughter, Charlotte, manage the AI program — with semen sourced from Genetics Australia — and they use their own dairy and beef mop-up bulls. All heifers are joined to Jersey semen with the heifer calf joined to an out-cross. “We do keep pure Friesian and Jersey lines because we use our own Friesian and Jersey mop-up bulls,” Clare Porter said. “We use Angus and polled Hereford bulls as mop-up bulls for the main herd. “We focus on breeding a high component, fertile, medium-sized commercial herd cow.” For the past five years, by selecting AI semen

from certified A2 bulls, the Porters have been gradually moving to an A2 milking herd. “I’ve always believed in the A2. My belief was reinforced when one of our grandsons was diagnosed lactose-intolerant, but he could drink A2 milk,” Clare said. The partnership of Trevor, Clare, Terry and Jonathan (known as Jacko) Porter bought Nioka Ridge, at Yarram, in October 2016, as a four-way partnership, when Trevor and Clare realised their sons wanted to be dairy farmers. But the family — specifically the partnership of Trevor and his father, Jack, but supported by Clare and their son, Terry — received the same recognition a couple of years previously. That was for the herd on the home farm, Woranga, also at Yarram. Woranga supports 240 milkers on an 80 ha milking area managed in 5 ha blocks, of a total 220ha. They can irrigate 40 ha of pasture from four off-source dams, connected to a pivot irrigator and a couple of lateral sprays; with water pumped from the Tarra River. “If there’s a medium flood after rain in the high country, when the river height comes up we can open the gates into the dams and take off water,” Trevor said. All hay for the herds is produced on-property. A 16-swingover herringbone dairy has Milkrite cups and Milka-ware cup removers installed. Production is 1.1 million litres and 92 000 kg of milk solids. “The last five years we’ve kept every heifer, too,” Clare said. That meant there were 60 heifers calved and ready to go into the new dairy business in November 2016; building up to 140 milkers over an unprecedented six-month calving period in 2017. The 64 ha Nioka Ridge is next door to a 64 ha out-block owned by Trevor and Clare and used to graze springers and support Woranga. Nioka Ridge is split into 3 ha paddocks for grazing, with 32 ha growing millet, oats and sorghum under lateral sprays, irrigating from a bore. Maintaining and managing irrigation is Terry’s responsibility. Clare said the name of the new dairy property, Nioka Ridge, meant ‘green hill’ in indigenous language. “We bought the farm in October and started milking in November 2016, after re-doing all the machinery in the shed,” she said.

the regulator. After cleaning

Clare and Terry Porter with a Maremma, which protects the herd from foxes.

Clare and Trevor Porter.

The purchase was a strategic decision to support their two sons, who were interested in dairy farming. “We were able to support them with buying this farm and start building a capital asset in an industry they are committed to,” Clare said. Most of the equipment for the dairy was sourced second-hand and some parts were designed and built by Jacko, a fitter and turner. The eight-swingover was changed to a ninedouble-up herringbone. “We realised the pulsators were back-tofront, rather than side-by-side as we’re used to on Woranga,” Clare said. “We also installed Milkrite cups and Milkaware removers to stop the cows from getting over-milked.” An early season teething problem with the vacuum was sorted between Terry and Foster dairy specialist Simon Beasley. “I saw the needle was sitting a bit high for the vacuum for the regulator,” Clare said. “Simon is just a phone call away and he was able to sort the problem — he cleaned out the breathing holes — and set the regulator. These are the things you can overlook.” The problem was a bit more complicated, as they discerned the problem would recur because of the mixed feed fed at each milking to the cows.

“The mixed feed was causing a lot of dust in the dairy; dust got into the regulator and all the cup removers stopped working,” Clare said. “We changed to a different feed mix and the problem hasn’t recurred.” A new hand spray system was installed by Tasman Chemicals, using glycerin and chlorhexidine — a system Clare delights in using. Nioka Ridge’s herd in 2017–18 produced 543 000 litres and 43 500 kg MS. Clare, Trevor and Terry rely on regular herd testing to manage the herd at each farm; with antibiotics kept to an absolute minimum. “What I’ve found, is if the teat is hard, I’ll strip it out,” Clare said. “I still reckon herd testing for cell count is one of the most important tools — and we do it two to three times a year. I’ll also do it if I think the herd is stressed. “Herd testing pays for itself.” Being close by the Yarram herd testing centre is ideal for same-day results. Clare uses the pH test papers regularly.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2018

GIPPSLAND REGION // 15

“I can take a single sample from each quarter and I’ll know what’s wrong,” she said. “Subclinical milk looks like normal. For example, I had one cow who had one quarter that tested 9 million cell count. That one cow is enough to put our overall cell count well up. “The field officer will also do spot tests on cows. If you’ve got an idea this is a problem with a cow, it makes a difference with your management.” If the test comes back with a high cell count, Clare has a couple of options. “I will put that cow on the bucket for calf milk, or I’ll milk her in the dairy as a three-teater,” she said. “Repeat offenders are kept for calf’s milk or put on the truck. Any cow over 250 will get dry cow antibiotic. But in the past year, we haven’t needed to use any dry cow antibiotic. Antibiotics are used very sparingly by us.” Cows that produce two per cent fat are also off-loaded. “It’s not good keeping them,” Clare said. As well as BMCC order, the herd test results arrive in monetary order. “That is one of the best tools,” Clare said. Clare and Trevor also believe that using dogs around the cows aids to limit stress in the herd. Maremma guard dogs live with the herd on Woranga, to offset fox predation. The family uses border collies to move the herd or bring cows to the dairy. “Using border collie dogs adds to very quiet handling of the cows,” Clare said.

Terry Porter with the tractor he purchased with his brother, Jacko.

Innovation to deter birds in the dairy.

Trevor Porter.

All hay is produced on-farm.

the Champion in Liquid the Champion Liquid Nutrition the in Champion in Liquid Nutr

the Champion in Liquid Nutrition the Champion in Liquid Nutrition the Champion in Liquid Nut

GippsDairy board director positions

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People motivated to enhance the Gippsland dairy industry are encouraged to apply for a position on the GippsDairy board. Selection criteria include strong networks, technical knowledge of dairy farming, the ability to commit the time required and other skills needed by the board. Diversity is important to the GippsDairy board. Successful candidates will be offered governance training.

the Champion in Liquid Nutr

Applications are due by Friday, August 31, 2018 – late applications will not be accepted. Short listed applicants will be interviewed by an Independent Selection Panel at Warragul in mid-September. Successful candidates will attend an induction session and be invited to attend the Board meeting in October.

For a copy of the position description, phone 03 5624 3900, email info@gippsdairy.com.au or visit www.gippsdairy.com.au

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Peter Lowry (Sales Manager) 0409 566 543 Shane Doherty (South Gippsland) 0417 500 344 Heath Killeen (East Gippsland) 0400 017 493 Katrina Galindo (West Gippsland) 0408 300 625 Greg Pate (South Gippsland) 0408 266 009

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