Dairy News Australia - August 2017 - With Murray Region

MURRAY REGION

Quads out for safety A MURRAY Valley dairy farm which has seven

full-time employees has deliberately moved away from using quad bikes because of their dangerous history.

The Van Den Bergs gave up trying to control poor driver behaviour on the machines years ago, and shifted to side-by-side machines which offer more protection for the drivers.

Although the machines are slightly more expensive, the Van Den Bergs say they are happier with the outcome and have more confidence in the machines.

Accidents on quad bikes in Australia have now overtaken tractor accidents as the most common cause of death and injury on farms.

About 150 fatalities have been reported since 2000 and most were children.

Melissa Van Den Berg attended an insurance sponsored workshop on farm safety and litigation recently in Shepparton and participated in the discussion about quad bikes.

“When I asked about the diesel or petrol models, the salesman said the petrol ones go faster,” Iwan Van Den Berg said.

“I don’t want them fast,” said Iwan, who chose the diesel models.

“We have one rule,” Iwan said. “If you want to kill yourself on a farm, do it somewhere else!”

His raw humour belies his interest in keeping his workers safe, even from themselves.

“Quad bikes have been around for a long time but they are getting heavier and faster. We like to be on the front foot as far as safety goes.

“Quad bikes have been around for a long time but they are getting heavier and faster. We like to be on the front foot as far as safety goes.”

“We were getting sick of telling staff to wear helmets and slow down. You had to convince them to wear one, even if they were getting on the bike for five metres, because five metres could turn into 10 or 20 and it takes the same time to put a helmet on for five metres, as it does for five kilometres.

“Often the excuse was: it’s too hot to wear them, sitting behind the cows in summer.

“I think there is also a mindset: It only hap-

Visa changes alarm

NSW farmers PAGE

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DIVERSIFYING Wagyus provide income stream PAGE 6

AUGUST 2017

ISSUE 83 //

FRUIT SALAD

Climate forces pasture change PAGE 16

alia.com.au www.dairynewsaustr

BARN BOON FOR DAIRY

ideas that come from n It’s not only Lego a farmer Steve Hawke Denmark. Echuc his barn design got inspiration for overseas trip. on an EMENT MURRAY SUPPL

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Iwan Van Den Berg, and Melissa Van Den Berg, with a Kubota side-by-side vehicle and other similar vehicles, on their Katamatite East farm.

pens to someone else.”

The two quad bikes are gone and after shifting up a gear in 2010, the farm now has three of the side-by-side vehicles.

Iwan pointed out the advantages: enclosed roll bar, seat belts, automatic transmission, ample tool bay, carrying tray for a small square hay bale or electric fence posts and tape reel.

“You could put some of this on a quad, but often they would vibrate off, or you would have to balance it.

“We wouldn’t go back.”

The Van Den Bergs’ family business is a larger than average farm operation, milking about 1250 cows and employing about seven full-time staff plus two milking staff and two maintenance staff.

Brothers Iwan and Erwan with their wives, Melissa and Julie, operate the business on about 80 ha through a 30-a-side herringbone shed at Katamatite East where they grow most of their own feed and supplementary feed on a feed pad.

Quads are out and side-by-sides are in at the Van Den Berg farm.

Welcome tto th the new expanded regional section of D airy Newss Australia, Au Dairy which now incorporates Dairy Direct.

The T Th e same sa te team eam m whi which ich brought brro you specialised dairy stories in Dairy Direct Murray region farmers up to date in D rect Di reect ct will will be be working workin ng to keep k this supplement, th his new new sup pplemen nt, every eve e two months in Dairy News. Readers of Dairy have the benefit of a national approach Da D airy irry News Ne Australia Ausstralia a will now n to dairy da aiiry y information, inforrma m tion n, as well w as the local stories about farming in northern nort no r he h rn Victoria Vic cto tori ria and and the e Southern Riverina.

Although A th Al tho hou ough g the he format form mat has ha a changed, we will continue to be working

with the regional dairy development body, Murray Dairy and look forward to continuing our relationship with the industry.

We are interested in feedback on our new publication and hearing any ideas for the future. Feel free to contact Dairy News Australia editor Stephen Cooke on editor@dairynewsaustralia.com.au or regional editor, Geoff Adams at news@dairynewsaustralia.com.au — Geoff Adams, regional editor

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

2 // MURRAY REGION

Chairman’s message

Time to take stock I CANNOT believe it’s mid-August already and

calving is in full swing; what a contrast we have from 12 months ago. As a result of these drier conditions, our cows are able to calve in a better condition than last season and as a result should be set up for a more productive lactation.

Our businesses have taken a beating this past 18 months or so. It’s been tough, even more reason to know exactly how your financial position is at the start of a new financial year. Taking Stock is available for any levy-pay-

ing dairy farmer. This involves a 1:1 free business assessment and support service using a consultant. Please phone Murray Dairy if you feel you could use this service. It’s important to know financially where your business is at when completing farm budgets; milk prices have improved, water and fertiliser should still be at favourable prices so we need to plan accordingly. We need to maximise our spring to graze and conserve the maximum amount of dry matter possible. Please keep an eye on our website for upcoming pro-

grams that could be of assistance in this area.

“Enabling the dairy industry to have the capacity to adapt to change” is Murray Dairy’s mission statement. We live and operate in an ever-changing environment and we need to constantly adapt our practices to keep farming viable. As a result, it is the function of Murray Dairy to provide those services that fulfill the needs of the farmer base. Priority setting feeds up from our farmer base to Regional Network Groups (RNG), local DBNs and farm discussion

groups. These topics are then discussed at the Regional Extension and Education Committee and included in Murray Dairy’s Annual Operating Plan. If you would like to have input into this process, please contact the office and you will be guided to the appropriate space.

That’s all from me for now, let’s hope for a great spring.

– Rick Cross Murray Dairy chairman

Farmers lose trust in processors WHILE THE dairy industry looks like turning

a corner, the trust in processors is reducing, according to Dairy Australia’s Dairy Situation and Outlook Report for June.

Speaking at a Murray Dairy-run event in Shepparton on June 21, Dairy Australia analyst John Droppert said three key themes had come

At the event were Murray Dairy chairman Rick Cross and Murchison’s Peter Trevaskis.

out of the June report.

“The report shows that farmers are having ongoing issues with the supply chain but have an underlying confidence in their own business, the market conditions are looking okay and there is relief in sight,” he said.

Despite 28 per cent of farmers changing or wanting to change processors in the past year, they were more positive about their business, with 90 per cent of farmers in the Murray region expecting no change or an increase to their business by 2019–20.

Mr Droppert said the National Dairy Farmer Survey (NDFS) found there was an 80 per cent correlation between milk price and confidence and that the low prices were due to a lack of international players on the market.

“Most major countries were out of the market.

In Europe, milk production slowed down, US suppliers pulled back knowing there was a lot more money at home and New Zealand had a wet spring which pushed production down.”

The low prices have seen a three-year-low in profit expectations, with only 45 per cent of the nation’s farmers expecting to make money. This is down from 62 per cent in 2015–16 and 80 per cent in 2014–15.

Mr Droppert said in general, demand on the international market was growing, even in Russia where most food imports from a range of West-

Jim Dealey from Numurkah, Commonwealth Bank Shepparton agri-business analyst Jacqui Hicks and Numurkah’s Robert Watson enjoyed the June event.

Also at the Murray Dairy event were Commonwealth Bank agri-business consultant Andrew Mann and Phil Lang of Tatura.

ern nations were banned in 2014.

“The growth in Russia is due to the Kiwis selling more into Russia. New Zealand was one of the few countries not to be banned,” he said.

The NDFS also found that 35 per cent of farmers in the Murray region are pessimistic because they believed the farm gate milk price is too low, a figure which outweighed those who

are optimistic of the price (13 per cent).

When it comes to the domestic market, Mr Droppert said there were definitive trends in the purchases of yoghurt and milk.

“There is a trend from sweet to Greek or natural yoghurt and also there is a drift back to the purchase of private label fresh white milk,” he said.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

MURRAY REGION // 3

Rearing quality stock is the basis of a good herd and Steve Hawken puts a lot of time and effort into his.

Investment in the future STEVE HAWKEN looks at the construction of a deep straw compost barn on his Echuca dairy farm as an investment in the future of his business.

The 58m long and 37m wide barn has been built to hold 300 cows and will reduce the impact of harsh climatic conditions on his split-calving dairy herd, but perhaps most importantly, its construction has given him the confidence to look to the future.

“The barn construction slots in nicely with our system and is the next step in our business plan moving forward,” Mr Hawken said.

The 2016 wet winter was the catalyst for the decision to build the barn which will offer a warm and dry place to house the cows over winter, but also a place to cool them during summer. It will significantly help with management.

Last season the herd spent a large part of the wet winter temporarily housed in the hay shed and even though it was far from perfect, it did show Mr Hawken what could be achieved from a purpose-built structure.

“Last year it probably cost me about $20 000 for straw and a few extra panels to keep the cows in the hay shed, but we had no mastitis, no sore feet, we didn’t have to waste time washing every cow because they came into the shed clean, and while it was labor intensive putting out the straw, production didn’t suffer.”

Mr Hawken said the temporary structure helped with management but it also helped him mentally cope with the stress of the wet winter.

“I didn’t have to worry about finding a paddock for the cows and I didn’t have to worry about the damage the cows would do to a paddock, and while it is hard to put a figure on, I reckon the temporary set-up saved me tens of thousands of dollars last winter and also a lot of sleepless nights.

“It got me thinking about building something purpose-built and the only regret I have today is that I wasted six months making the decision.”

The inspiration for the design came from a trip to Denmark.

Mr Hawken visited a farm that had a barn with an automatic straw feeder running along the roof. The feeder is something he will implement in the future, but for the time being he’s concentrating on getting the barn up and running.

He will be using long straw that has been windrowed and baled because it creates a better mat than short cut straw, and it will cover the area much better.

“The old straw and manure will be trapped under the new straw that will be fed out and any bad bugs should be cooked by the composting process. That was proven last year and our set-up then was certainly less than ideal because we were so overcrowded and mastitis still wasn’t a problem.”

The barn has been built for easy access to the dairy and the feed pad, and composting, also a major part of management on farm, was taken into consideration.

One of the major problems encountered when composting is getting the dry matter wet enough before it enters the pile.

To combat this problem with the barn, Mr Hawken built a 1MI dam nearby. He envisages scraping the straw from the barn straight into the dam where it will sit overnight and then be removed by an excavator.

“The biggest problem we have with composting is getting the stuff wet enough to heat up.

Building the dam nearby will help store effluent from the dairy and also help with composting— I have tried to think of everything which will save work in the long run.”

Despite the tough season the dairy industry has encountered, Mr Hawken is confident in the future and investing in the barn will take away some of the risk.

“I’m expecting our milk production to flatten out because we are eliminating climatic influences like wet weather and extreme heat, which will help keep the cows comfortable and making milk all year round.”

Mr Hawken said he had no trouble obtaining a permit to build the shed from Campaspe Shire

and that side of things went smoothly.

The business milks 240 split-calving cows but extra cows and heifers to calve over the next 12 months could bring that number to around 340 by this time next year.

“I have the option to milk more cows if I want to and if I did get to 340, that is about as far as I would go herd-wise,” he said.

Mr Hawken predicts the approaching season is going to be a good one.

“I’ve been in the dairy industry for 33 years and common sense tells me there is only on way milk price can go and that has to be up. When factories are looking to lock in supply long-term it usually means they are going to have to pay a higher price so I won’t be locking into anything that will restrict my ability to change companies and chase a better price.

“Changing factories is another management tool I use and I will go to whoever gives me the best price, I’ve had three shifts in five-and-ahalf years. There is nowhere near enough milk around — people have either sold up or reduced numbers and I firmly believe processors will be

chasing supply in the near future.”

Mr Hawken feels processors have been caught up in greed and are disassociated from their suppliers and seem to have forgotten without the farmer they don’t have a job.

“Dairy farmers need to harden up and stop letting themselves get pushed around by processors. We should be able to control the price this season by voting with our milk and supplying whoever pays the best price because that is the only language processors seem to understand.

“I can remember when we had record milk price and the Australian dollar was above parity, yet these experts continue to tell us we can’t be paid high milk prices because the dollar is too high at 80 cents; that particular year more farmers shifted processors then ever before – and I think this year has the potential to be the same or even better.

“Farmers are looking at options they have never looked at before and shifting factories is one of them. Thanks to the milk price crash and clawback, factory loyalty is now dead and it’s game on.”

Steve Hawken looks at the construction of a deep straw compost barn on his Echuca dairy farm as an investment for the future.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

4 // MURRAY REGION

Glad to see the season end Doing Dairy

with SOPHIE BALDWIN

MANY IN the industry will be glad to see the back of the 2016–17 season and focus on the year ahead.

As a former dairy farmer, I have definitely ridden the lows with you all, even though I know it is nowhere near the same as actually living it. I admire each and every one of you for showing up and working your way through what has been one

of the toughest years ever for the dairy industry.

Dairy farmers certainly are a resilient bunch and even though it has been said many times, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded — slogging it out rain, hail or shine for 365 days a year with the promise of very little or no financial reward shows just how dedicated many of you are.

Speaking of dedication, I spent the day at the National Herd Development Winter Fair and it was great to see to the pride in people’s eyes as they paraded their beautiful cows around the ring.

It was also great to see the Dee family from Clydevale Holsteins at Macorna win Supreme Senior Champion and Supreme Udder. Knowing this family personally and knowing how much love and care they show their animals, I couldn’t think of a more deserving winner, so congratulations to you all.

FONTERRA TO PAY MORE Fonterra Australia has announced an increase of 20¢/kg of milk solids, bringing its average farm gate milk price to $5.50/kg milk solids.

Announced on July 28, the increase will apply from July 1 and will be paid on August 15.

Fonterra’s additional payment of 40¢/ kg MS is payable on top of the revised farm gate milk pricing, bringing the total average cash paid to $5.90/kg MS. Managing director René Dedoncker said improved market conditions supported the step-up.

“Since the start of this season our milk pool has grown, and our assets are nearing optimal capacity,” Mr Dedoncker said.

“This price increase will improve

It was also pleasing to see so many children involved in the junior handling classes and as associate judge Nicola Paulger said, ‘these kids are the future of the industry and it is great to see so many of them out here in the ring today’.

It often astounds me how quiet and docile the big girls are in the ring and even when you head out the back amongst the stalls, the cows are all quietly standing there eating or chewing their cud. It’s the owners who are on edge — watching every move always with their bucket on hand, ready to catch anything that exits a cow’s back end!

While this season in northern Victoria has been a touch on the dry side, the few recent showers have been welcomed; let’s hope they continue into spring. The sunny winter days are nice but the frosty mornings certainly are not — maybe it

has something to do with getting older but I am sure my knees and elbows are getting worse as each winter passes — pretty soon I will be creaking like an unoiled hinge.

I have visited dairy farmer Steve Hawken who has just built a deep straw compost barn and while it is a significant financial investment, he firmly believes it will help him manage the weather extremes and reduce production losses associated with wet and hot conditions.

Perhaps most importantly though, the barn gives him peace of mind and confidence in his system for the future and I guess you can’t really put a price on that kind of mental assurance.

Steve has always been someone who isn’t afraid to change processors to get a better milk price deal and more and more of you out there seem to be following the same path.

cashflow positions on-farm, reinforcing growing confidence of our farmers.”

Fonterra has also updated its forecast closing milk price range to $5.50–$5.80/ kg MS, noting that while commodity prices were strong, the rally in the Australian dollar was likely to influence the end-ofseason milk price within that forecast range.

Mr Dedoncker said Fonterra would continue to keep farmers updated throughout the season.

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MURRAY REGION // 5

Cheesy grins at Stanhope THE FIRST block of cheddar cheese has rolled

off the line at Fonterra’s new $140 million Stanhope cheese plant, marking the return of cheddar to the site for the first time since a catastrophic fire destroyed the old cheese plant in December 2014.

Production is ramping up at the multi-million-dollar plant, which will produce a range of cheese for the domestic and global markets.

Cheese operator Jane Pekin said the Stanhope production team was thrilled to be making cheese again.

“It’s been two-and-a-half years since the last block of Stanhope cheddar rolled off the production line, and it’s fantastic to see it coming down the line again,” she said.

Site manager Jason Wright said the first block of cheddar was a major step towards full production, and was an exciting moment for the team.

“An enormous amount of work has gone into making this block of cheddar, and I’m so proud of the team — everyone involved in the rebuild and expansion has done an exceptional job,” he said.

“Testing will continue over the next eight to 10 weeks with production of small batches of cheese and whey, examining product quality and functionality of the equipment in the new cheese and whey plant, as well as complete training of all team members.”

Thumbs up from production line worker Neil Bickerstaffe as the first blocks of cheddar cheese roll off the new Fonterra cheese plant at Stanhope.

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Miriam Crane (left) and Lisa Elliott purchased their dairy farm at Mead near Cohuna 12 months ago. They struggled through last season but are looking forward to a better season this year.

Holding tight in tough times BUYING A dairy farm during tough times can

be a double-edged sword.

Miriam Crane and her partner Lisa Elliott purchased their 93 ha farm at Mead 12 months ago. They were able to get the property for a reasonable price, but they have had to struggle through a tough year financially, mostly due to a poor milk price well below the cost of production.

The girls both love the farm and all they want to do is make a go of it for the future, but it has been tough.

At times they have struggled to put food on the table because feeding the cows and getting the farm up and running has been their number one priority.

Originally MG suppliers, they swapped their business to Fonterra just after the 2016 price drop and milk price claw-back.

“It was a tough decision at the time because I was a loyal MG supplier, but we wouldn’t be here today if we didn’t,” Ms Crane said. “Fonterra was the only one who would take us on and while I don’t like what they’ve done either, they are paying a better price then MG and the extra 40 cents a litre will hopefully allow us to stop drowning and start to tread water.”

“We are a little skeptical about the extra 40 cent payment because Fonterra won’t put it in writing and guarantee it for the year, essentially they could just stop paying it if they want to. The claw-back has left us with little confidence in the

processors and we do worry that it will happen again,” Ms Elliott said.

While this season’s low milk price has affected their ability to make many improvements, they have been focusing on paddock renovation and fencing.

“They have never been just a cow to me, there is two years of love and effort that go into rearing each animal and they just become such a big part of your life.”

“When we first moved here we would put the cows in a paddock and could never be sure where they would be when we went to get them. They have been everywhere including out on the highway but I think we have finally got to the point where we can now keep them in,” Ms Elliott said.

The pastures were started from scratch and they have sown 42 ha of the farm to rye-grass and shaftal. They are going to take a bit of a punt and dry sow some oats in the hope they get some rain and grow.

They have plans to sow lucerne and hope in the future to have 40 per cent of the farm sown down to the legume.

“We might grow a tall fescue mix. I know some people steer away from permanent pasture but with annuals you have start-up costs twice a year which I think can at times outweigh the cost of putting in permanent pasture,” Ms Crane said.

They are also looking at growing some grazing corn.

“We went to a field day and saw the results

Moss the dog gives a helping hand on the farm.

of a trial plot and while it has expensive startup costs, four hectares could provide us with 150 days worth of feed, so we’re going to look into that and if water prices are okay, we will grow some sorghum or millet.”

They don’t own any water and are reliant on the temporary water market.

The dairy is a 20 swing-over and more than

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

MURRAY REGION // 7 capable of milking the Mihope jersey herd.

Ms Crane and Ms Elliott have no plans to milk more cows and are happy with their 200-head herd of mostly Jersey cows with a few Brown Swiss and Friesians thrown in.

The MiHope jersey herd can be traced back to 1920 and Ms Crane is passionate about the breeding of her cows.

“They have never been just a cow to me,” she said. “From the moment I choose the straw and they are conceived, I’m thinking about the naming and rearing of that animal if it’s a heifer.

There is two years of love and effort that go into rearing each animal and they just become such a big part of your life.”

They plan on calving every eight weeks to create a flat milk supply and avoid the difficulties of a large group of cows calving at once.

“We think it helps with the workload and if something happens to either one of us, we can still manage by ourselves,” Ms Elliott said.

For Ms Crane buying her own farm has been a dream come true, even though it has come at a tough time.

“I have been involved in the dairy industry since I was a little girl. As a 10-year-old I was milking the cows and driving the tractor. In 2004 I went to university to study a bachelor of agriculture but by 2007 I was working full-time on the farm and I have been involved in the industry ever since,” Ms Crane said.

Ms Elliot has worked on and off in the dairy industry over the years and she too is also enjoying the challenge.

When it comes to running the farm, there is not much they can’t do between them.

“Just because we’re two girls running a busi-

The farming couple is working towards a flatter milk curve.

ness doesn’t mean we can’t get the job done.

Sometime we have to just think smarter when it comes to things and even though we are both strong, we have a tractor for the real heavy lifting, Ms Elliot said.

“We are just as capable as anyone else running a farm.”

Lisa and Miriam with the heifer calf born without any eyes.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

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Effluent — an underutilised resource SARAH CLACK Dairy Extension Officer.

Agriculture Victoria

DO YOU know the nutrient value of the efflu-

ent in your effluent ponds? Many dairy farmers are unaware of the amount of nutrients in their dairy effluent and may therefore be underutilising a valuable free resource.

Effluent contains three of the major macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

Based on analysis of northern Victorian effluent samples, on average a megalitre of effluent contains 311 kg nitrogen, 86 kg phosphorus and 361 kg potassium (Fert$mart).

Agriculture Victoria recommends testing your farm’s effluent before application, as there is significant variation in the nutrient concentration of effluent across farms. Recent testing of 37 northern Victorian ponds by Agriculture Vic-

toria has shown potassium concentration alone to range from 99 to 751 kg/MI. Similar variations can be seen for the other two major nutrients. These variations are due to a number of factors including the time the herd spends on the dairy yard and/or feedpad, amount of water used at the dairy, catchment area, type of effluent system (direct application versus pond) and the herd’s diet.

Knowing your farm’s effluent nutrient concentrations allows for best use of the nutrients.

Test results can then be used to calculate the best application rate(s) for your own farm. Dairy Australia’s Nutrients from Effluent and Sludge Calculator can assist in determining application rates and can be found on the Dairying for Tomorrow website: http://www.dairyingfortomorrow.com.au/ Application rates of effluent are limited by the nutrient at the highest concentration. This tends to be potassium or nitrogen. Fert$mart recommends limiting potassium application to 60 kg/ ha per application and a maximum

annual application of 120 kg. It is recommended to limit nitrogen to 60–80 kg/ ha per application.

Application rates can be modified to suit a paddock’s needs to prevent overloading of nutrients.

The effluent’s nutrient contribution can be accounted for in the farm’s nutrient budgets.

The application rate of other fertilisers may then be reduced, potentially reducing fertiliser costs.

Soil testing should be used to select and monitor the fertility of paddocks receiving effluent.

It is best practice to apply effluent to paddocks that have a requirement for the nutrients being applied. If it is applied to paddocks already high in nutrients, the benefit may be reduced and could even cause excessive nutrients to build up, potentially causing animal health issues including milk fever and grass tetany, or being lost to the environment as a result of run-off or leaching beneath the root zone.

When applying effluent, select paddocks with actively growing pasture or crops to best utilise the nutrients and moisture and reduce the risk

of run-off. Effluent can also be used to replace nutrients on paddocks which have been cut for silage or hay where a large amount of potassium is removed. Alternatively it could be used on summer crops.

A 21-day withholding period should be observed after effluent application to allow the plant to best utilise the nutrients and reduce any palatability issues. Avoid grazing late pregnancy cows or freshly calved cows on effluent application paddocks to reduce the risk of milk fever.

It is also recommended that young stock do not graze on effluent application areas.

The area of the farm receiving effluent should be rotated to reduce the likelihood of potassium accumulation in the soil.

On-farm reuses, channels and dams should not be used for effluent storage as there is an increased risk of effluent leaving the farm.

For more information on manure and effluent management please contact your local dairy extension officer or visit: http://agriculture.vic. gov.au/agriculture/dairy/managing-effluent

Australian Dairy Conference heading to Melbourne TONGALA FARMER Scott Fitzgerald has

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taken up a role with the Australian Dairy Conference (ADC) after being inspired by the 2015 annual event.

Mr Fitzgerald said the conference provided a great opportunity to see farms in other parts of Australia and it helped him to create a different mindset when looking at his farm business.

It was also great to network with other farmers, and those attending the 2018 conference in Melbourne will get the same opportunities.

“People are there for the same reason,” he said.

“The conversations you have at conference are more looking at the big picture, rather than the conversations you often have locally where you talk about the day-to-day issues of running the farm.”

Mr Fitzgerald attended his first conference in 2015 out of curiosity but came away inspired.

Upon their return, he and a friend were so inspired they set up a discussion group in their district.

Mr Fitzgerald milks 300 cows on an irrigated, pastured-based farm at Tongala, supplying A2 milk to Ky Valley Dairies. He and his wife, Anna, lease the farm from his parents.

Mr Fitzgerald is now conference program committee chair and said the role was a personal challenge and one he hoped would lead to other opportunities in the dairy industry.

“Sometimes in life you have to push yourself— and this is one those moments,” he said.

ADC president and Tasmanian dairy farmer Ben Geard said Melbourne was a great central location for Victorian dairy farmers, while the central city venue would be just a short taxi ride from the airport for interstate delegates.

The conference will be held February 13–15, 2018 at the Pullman Hotel, Albert Park. It is the first time Melbourne has hosted the conference.

“We are quite excited about bringing ADC into the heart of Melbourne. Pullman Melbourne Albert Park is a terrific conference venue, with seating for as many delegates as we can muster and a range of accommodation options on site,” Mr Geard said.

“There’s also a great site for the welcome function across the road in Albert Park.”

Melbourne also provides a good starting point for the farm tours, which head into Gippsland for the two days before the conference begins.

Mr Geard said the conference always aimed to give delegates access to speakers they would not otherwise be able to hear.

“The conference is organised by farmers for farmers and is completely independent, which gives the programming committee open charter on any issues they feel are relevant to the dairy industry,” he said.

The conference program and details will be released later in the year.

Information is available on the conference website http://www.australiandairyconference. com.au/ or Facebook page at www.facebook. com/australiandairyconference/.

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10 // MURRAY REGION

Herd boost at Dookie THE YEAR from June 2016 to June 2017 was the third full year since the robotic milking system was installed at Dookie. The milking herd size peaked at 150 cows in spring, a stocking rate of 3.6 cows/ha. About two-thirds of the cows calved in spring and the remainder in autumn.

Milk production for the year averaged 8500 litres per cow, or 630 kg/MS per cow.

Milk solids produced as a percentage of cow

Dookie Dairy Report Cow numbers Kg milk solids/cow/day Kg concentrate/cow/day Kg fodder/cow/day

1 May, 2017

sumed. This autumn the farm has increased the milking area by 15 ha. Most of this additional area is spray irrigated pasture, with some grazing cereals. The additional pasture grown will be used to increase the proportion of home-grown feed in the diet. An increase in herd size is also planned to more fully utilise the robots.

liveweight was 94 per cent. Average milking frequency achieved was 2.5 milkings per cow per day.

Over the year the cows’ diet consisted of 2.6 tonnes DM/cow grazed pasture, 2.1 t DM/ cow fodder, and 2.3 tonnes DM/cow of concentrates. Home grown feed utilisation was 9.5 tonnes DM/ha on the milking area.

One of the main objectives on the farm is to increase the amount of home-grown feed con-

1 June, 2017

1 July, 2017

122

125

83

2.02

2.11

2.57

6.9

7.2

7.9 *

12.0

4.6

3.0 **

1.5

7.0

13.8

35.0

57.0

57.0

*12.5 MJ ME/kg DM, 22 % CP.

Pasture (KgDM)/cow

**11.0 MJ ME/kg DM, 12% CP.

Average milkings/cow/day

2.4

2.5

2.8

No. of failures/day

1.5

2.0

1.5

No. of cows got/day

3

0

0

Litres/machine/day

1025

1163

974

398

365

408

Area in rotation

Rumination minutes/cow/day

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

MURRAY REGION // 11

LIPP’S opens new depots in Congupna and Shepparton Be sure to drop in soon and speak to the team about your fertiliser needs.

Liz Clowes from Wyuna (right) and David Johnston from Boorcan received Honorary Lifetime Membership to the Victorian branch of Holstein Australia.

Holstein breeder recognised for dedication A SUCCESSFUL Holstein breeder from Wyuna has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Holstein Australia.

Liz Clowes from Lauriston Holsteins was awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership of the Victorian branch.

Another Victorian, David Johnston from Boorcan in the Western District, was awarded the same honour.

They were named at Holstein Australia’s Victorian branch celebratory dinner in Bendigo on July 4.

Both members were recognised for contributing above and beyond the call of duty over many years of involvement with the association.

In congratulating the recipients, Holstein Australia chief executive officer Graeme Gillan said the awards were an important recognition of the thousands of hours volunteered by members to keep the spirit of the association alive.

“Breed societies such as Holstein Australia are best known in rural communities for showcasing cattle, encouraging youth and providing a forum for friendship and support,” Mr Gillan said.

“It is the volunteers who make these things happen, and our organisation would be soul-less without them.”

Ms Clowes is perhaps best known for her passion for promoting the Holstein breed in a vari-

ety of roles across the decades.

She was a youth camp volunteer for many years, always willing to share her knowledge and encourage young members.

As a cattle photographer, she was a regular face at sales, shows and sub-branch events where she provided photos and articles for the media.

She shared her skills generously, giving demonstrations at field days and industry events on how to photograph cows.

She voluntarily supported Holstein Australia field officer Brian Vallence with the CheckMate program and designing displays for field days.

Eventually she took on the formal role of promotions officer, representing the Holstein breed at field days and industry events.

Ms Clowes has been actively involved with the Northern Victoria sub-branch for more than 20 years. As Victorian branch secretary for the past 19 years she has co-ordinated countless events, meetings, youth exchanges and IDW Youth Challenges.

In nominating Ms Clowes for Honorary Lifetime Membership, Northern Victoria state branch delegate Geoff Horrocks acknowledged her quiet and dependable contribution, a dedication that he said arose from pure devotion and love of the black-and-white breed.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

12 // MURRAY REGION

Placement inspires passion CHARLES STURT University student Rebecca Wyper is passionate about the dairy industry and, through the help of Murray Dairy, she has been able to grow her passion into a successful career. The 25-year-old has been working full-time with the Murray Dairy team, learning industry and business skills first-hand as part of CSU’s industry placement program.

“I’m very passionate about the dairy industry; I really enjoy all aspects of the industry and it’s a career I want to pursue,” Miss Wyper said.

“I’ve been spending quite a bit of time with everyone in the office and I’m really enjoying it.

I’ve learnt a lot and it has exposed me to opportunities that are in the industry which I didn’t know about before working here.”

“I’m very passionate about the dairy industry; I really enjoy all aspects of the industry and it’s a career I want to pursue.”

Miss Wyper grew up on a beef farm at Picton, 90 km south-west of Sydney.

When her mother started sharefarming on a dairy farm, Miss Wyper helped after school and on weekends.

Miss Wyper studied agriculture at Tocal College, NSW, and worked in the beef industry before moving and working on a dairy farm on the NSW mid-north coast.

She managed the calf shed and then became herd manager of the 1000-cow enterprise.

In 2014 she moved to Wagga Wagga to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at CSU. Scott Glyde, who convenes the CSU internship program, explained the benefits of continuing studying for a fourth year.

“Students can finish after three years with a Bachelor of Agriculture or they can do a fourth year and get a Bachelor of Agricultural Science — the fourth year is about gaining industry skills,” Mr Glyde said.

Miss Wyper is completing the industry placement program with mentor and Murray Dairy Accelerating Change project manager Amy Fay. While at Murray Dairy, Miss Wyper has been leading her own project interviewing farmers in the region about how they make decisions regarding their genetics strategy.

She aims to identify the drivers of farmer decision making and where their information comes from, with her findings helping to inform Murray Dairy programs.

Miss Wyper will also work alongside Ms Fay to help deliver Murray Dairy’s Accelerating Change project.

Rebecca Wyper recently interned at Murray Dairy as part of her Charles Sturt University degree.

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14 // MURRAY REGION

Counting the cost “IT’S JUST like they have pulled the mat out from under us.”

This is how Muckatah dairy farmer Peter Letcher describes the way he has been treated by his milk processor Fonterra.

When Fonterra dropped the milk price last year, his May and June milk income was slashed by $300 000 — his milk price overnight went from $7 /kgMS to just $1.81.

He sold 80 cows, his 2016–17 production suffered and is still suffering today, and he was lumbered with a FSAL (Fonterra loan) of $160 000 — a loan he is obviously still paying off.

He wishes he was supplying another milk company and if it wasn’t for the 2.5 years left on his growth incentive contract with Fonterra, he would have left the New Zealand-owned giant months ago.

“Fonterra is the only company in Australia that has taken money off their suppliers which indicates just how bad their management really is,” Mr Letcher said.

“I think Bonlac Supply Company has got a lot to answer for. I think management has been highly unprofessional and I would argue that the New Zealand hierarchy has used the Australian

industry as puppets and they have no understanding of the Australian industry at all, and I am a Kiwi myself.”

Mr Letcher acknowledges the decision to grow his business was his own but while he can’t turn back time, he has been left questioning that decision.

“The company encouraged us through their growth incentive program to grow our business from 180 cows four years ago to the 700 we milk today. We took on a lot of debt and to drop the price the way they did has made it very difficult to trade our way out. I estimate it’s going to take our business five years to recover from what they have done.”

As a full autumn-calving herd, Mr Letcher’s business felt the full impact of the company’s decision.

“We were in the top one per cent of losses and we had money taken from us that we hadn’t even been paid and because of our calving pattern, we were definitely impacted more than other suppliers,” he said.

“In fact, we borrowed $250 000 a month before the price drop for the season ahead based on our milk income estimation and we would

Fonterra supplier Peter Letcher believes decisions made by the New Zealand owned-dairy company have cost his business $300 000 during the past financial year.

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MURRAY REGION // 15

never have done that had we actually known things were going to turn out the way they did.

“We have been left gutted and angry and what makes it even worse is a week before the drop they were still publicly spruiking they would honour their price.”

Mt Letcher said the additional payment of 40 cents/kg MS was just smoke and mirrors by the company and did not even come close to recovering the losses his business has sustained.

“You can’t be angry at any supplier coming

across to take advantage of the payment but if you look at it objectively, it is a grab for additional milk supply by Fonterra.

“They have made out that no average supplier would be worse off but that’s not true either.

MG suppliers finished off the year at $5.53 and we were $5.13 and we also have the FSAL debt.

“You don’t have to be to smart to work out we would have been at least $300 000 better off to supply MG.” Mr Letcher is no stranger to industry ups and

Program

Upcoming Delivery Program

downs. He has been involved since the 1980s but admits the past 12 months have made him question everything. “It’s the wrong time to get out because we will lose so much money, but my gut tells me when you hit the bottom there is only one way to go and that has to be up.

“I like what I do but that doesn’t make it any easier to accept,” he said.

Mr Letcher is part of the class action against Fonterra and made his feelings known to the company at a recent supplier meeting.

“I wasn’t happy then and I am still not today.”

A Fonterra spokesperson said the company did not comment on the individual circumstances of farmers for privacy reasons. "However, we acknowledge that the impact of our step down varied greatly between individual farmers and the decisions they made for their business — to dry off, cull, or sell cows, to take an optional FASL, borrow externally or self-fund.

Continued page 16 >

Description

Murray Dairy Business Forum 2017

Save the Date: Thursday, 19 October 2017. Park Lake Quality Inn, Shepparton.

Occasional Counsellor Workshops

This practical workshop is for workers who are not employed in a counselling role but are called upon to give others emotional support. The focus is on teaching participants strategies for assisting individuals who are sad, upset, bewildered, confused, angry or suicidal while clearly remaining within their role. All welcome. When/Where: Wednesday, 23 August, DELWP Office, 1 McKoy St, Wodonga. Time: 10 am – 3 pm

Dairy Farm Monitor Information Sessions

Hear the 2016–17 Dairy Farm Monitor results firsthand with a focus on your region. The Dairy Farm Monitor Project provides a comprehensive financial and production analysis of 75 dairy farms spread evenly across the three dairy regions — South West, Gippsland and northern Victoria. This comprehensive report is used by government and industry to inform policy and service delivery to generate economic growth. When/Where: 13 September — Huon Hill, Wodonga, 7 am. 13 September — Park Lake, Shepparton 6 pm.

14 September — Moama Bowls Club, Moama 7 am

Develop Livestock Feeding Plans

This two-day course encourages farmers to maximise pasture consumption and then address feed gaps as cost-efficiently and effectively as possible using supplements. When/Where: Tuesday 10 & 17 October, Rochester, Thursday 2 & 9 November, Kyabram, Wednesday 8 & 15 November, Cobram.

Accelerating Change

Accelerating Change supports farmers to develop profitable and resilient business through driving feedbase and irrigation management efficiencies. Monitoring and measurement on Partner Farms understands and analyses the performance of different feedbase management strategies. Extension activities assist farmers to identify and implement changes to their feedbase including minimising soil structure impacts on productivity, including cropping and alternative forages in a dairy system, and building service provider capability through the Agronomy Network. For more information and events visit www.acceleratingchangeproject.com

Accelerating Change Lucerne Master Class

With lucerne becoming increasingly popular as a feed source in the Murray Dairy region, Accelerating Change has recognised the need for the revision of existing information and delivery of a program highlighting best management practice. This two-part Lucerne Master class will be an in-crop workshop discussing agronomic, grazing/conservation and irrigation management of lucerne. We will discuss the use of lucerne within a farm system, and the pros and cons of some of the most debated topics — graze or cut and carry? Sow in spring or autumn? The workshops will include the use of soil pits for soil management and a discussion around the AC monitoring and measurement outcomes on different irrigation strategies. These are planned for September (part 1) and February (part 2).

Improving Herds Workshop — DataGene

These workshops are designed to help farmers fully utilise the tools and resources that are available to improve the genetic merit of their animals. Contact Murray Dairy for more information.

Regional Network Group Meetings

These group meetings enable all dairy farming families and associated dairy service sectors the opportunity to contribute to identifying and prioritising future dairy research, development, extension and education needs. The meetings also provide an opportunity for people to hear about current services available to the industry.

Discussion Groups & DBNs

DBN/Discussion Groups are made up of farmers with some groups having employees from the agri service sector attend. The groups discuss a varied range of topics including financial management, pasture and nutrition, employment, animal health, and environment. The groups also provide an opportunity to support each other on an emotional and personal level.

Young Dairy Network Workshops

The Young Dairy Network (YDN) was established to meet the needs of new entrants and the younger generation of dairy farmers, employees and service providers. Workshops include topics of lameness and calf rearing.

Stepping Up Stepping Back and Stepping Back

Stepping Up Stepping Back and Stepping Back — These workshops will outline options for those farmers wanting to step back on-farm including share-farming, leasing and succession options and provide information for those people wanting to move up into those positions on-farm.

Employment Basics

Employment Basics — These workshops are an introduction to employing people correctly in the dairy industry.

Safety on Farms

Covering current requirements and answering your OHS inquiries.

Plan2Farm Consultations

Plan2Farm will help you make more informed decisions about your farming business to improve your business resilience. Workbook advisers will work with you to develop or refine your long-term farm vision, and to guide you through the actions required to achieve this vision. Dairy farmers can opt into the Plan2Dairy stream or utilise the Plan2Farm option. Farmers are encouraged to apply via the expression of interest form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LPGZYMB

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

16 // MURRAY REGION < Continued from page 15

“We took a number of steps last season to minimise the impact on autumn-calving farms, such as our $2.50 /kg MS autumn offset, and with the BSC we determined that an additional payment of 40c/kgMS paid on this season’s milk was the most equitable way to address MG’s forgiveness of their MSSP,” the spokesperson said.

Mr Letcher said if poor milk price continued into the future there would be no industry left in northern Victoria.

“At $5/ kg MS the industry shrinks, at $5.50 it shrinks slowly and at $6 it will start to grow.

“I personally know people who have left the industry altogether and just in close proximity to us 3000 cows have gone.”

Mr Letcher acknowledges water pricing has

also been a huge player in decimating the industry.

“This is just my personal view, but I think we need an average temporary water price of around $100 and if that can’t be achieved we won’t have an industry left either.”

Mr Letcher said it was the high cost of water that initially pushed his calving pattern into total autumn.

“We grow perennial pasture and dry everything off over the summer months including pasture and cows,” he said.

“We have had some good periods of business growth and I do believe there is a future, but things certainly need to change and processors have a lot to answer for.”

Peter Letcher would happily take his milk supply to another processor except he is contracted for another 2.5 years.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

MURRAY REGION // 17

Heading in the right direction ALTHOUGH THE 2017–18 season is likely to be challenging for dairy farmers, the dairy industry is heading in the right direction despite weather forecast models suggesting drier than normal conditions throughout spring and summer.

That was the verdict from guest speakers at the Murray Dairy Setting Up Your Seasons workshop in Shepparton on July 20.

Rabobank senior analyst Michael Harvey said the 2017–18 year would most likely be a year of transition.

“Global markets are well balanced and should support farm gate prices reaching $6/ kg MS unless there is fundamental changes, but for many 2017–18 will likely be a season of transition,” he said.

Following on Dairy Australia’s Situation and Outlook report, Rabobank conducted its own survey which found encouraging trends in dairy farmer confidence, export returns, milk prices and milk supply after two years where supply had fallen to two-decade lows, with 50 per cent of that loss coming from northern Victoria.

All this is despite Agriculture Victoria’s seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey saying that forecast weather models were suggesting mixed

Heather Henderson from Waterpool Kyabram and Robyn Anderson from the Commonwealth Bank’s agri-business department in Shepparton.

rainfall models and average or warmer temperatures throughout late spring and summer for Victoria. This followed consistent high pressure systems that caused dry conditions for most of the state in June.

The three guest speakers at the Murray Dairy event in Shepparton – Agriculture Victoria seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey, Rabobank senior analyst Michael Harvey and G-MW’s river operations planning manager Andrew Shields.

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Murray Dairy celebrates 21 years

Peter Davidson, paramedic and a rescue hero of the 1998 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race, will be speaking at the Murray Dairy Business Forum celebration dinner.

MURRAY DAIRY is set to celebrate 21 years of operations with a business forum on Thursday, October 19 at Park Lake Quality Inn in Shepparton.

The annual one-day conference has a fitting theme of “coming of age”, recognising the change and maturing of the business and operation needs of dairy farmers through the two decades of challenges in changing climate, water availability and fluctuating commodity prices.

The challenges of such volatility has led to a continuous evolution of management practices, through feeding systems, irrigation needs, technology in machinery and milking sheds, and above all, human resource management.

Murray Dairy chairman Rick Cross said through the many challenges in the dairy industry in recent years, they were proud to be continuing to adapt.

“We are sharpening our skills, increasingly relying on technical expertise within the service sector and have emerging management systems to suit,” Mr Cross said.

“The program at this forum will feature those

adaptations and challenge our traditional thinking whilst we explore the opportunities for more potential for the region into the future.”

Keynote speaker will be Australian Farm Institute managing director, Mick Keogh.

“Much of his experience has seen the evolution of farm careers with a new professionalism to be proud of, and not just for the on-farm enterprises, but also from the strongly allied service sector specialists who work together for onfarm business success,” Mr Cross said.

Murray Dairy regional manager, Jenny Wilson said she was looking forward to highlighting the enormous contribution which the dairy industry had made during this time to regional and national economies, while recognising the significant adaptation the industry was experiencing.

“Front and centre of this are the people within who are highly talented, progressive and proud to be at the forefront of a changing region and industry,” Ms Wilson said.

“The 21st anniversary provides a time of reflection to see how far the industry has come, and this will be shown at the forum through bringing out the best of farm management practices, managing farm enterprises and people

skills in dairy in the modern era.”

Guest speakers will include Mandy Johnson, a high-achieving businesswoman and author who specialises in business and workplace innovations, and Nathan Scott who has a passion for profitability and productivity of livestock enterprises and enjoys the challenges of turning potential into performance.

Peter Davidson was one of the hero rescuers in the disastrous Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race of 1998 when he was lowered into enormous seas to rescue eight survivors from a sinking yacht.

His stories as a paramedic provide an amazing sense of performance under pressure, managing risk and fear, and the power of persistence.

He will be speaking at the business forum dinner as part of the 21st year celebration, which will also feature industry personalities who have contributed to Murray Dairy and the industry in the region.

This event is open to all dairy farmers and service providers. Inquiries can be made through Murray Dairy on 5833 5312 with more details and bookings available through the Murray Dairy website at www.muraydairy.com.au under the Business Forum tab.

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MURRAY REGION // 19

Cohuna is a legendairy star COHUNA IS a step closer to achieving national

‘Legendairy’ status after being announced as the Victorian finalist in the legendairy Capital competition.

The northern Victorian town has won a $2500 grant to be put towards creating a dairy-inspired mural by local artists and a student award to encourage young people to consider a career in the dairy industry.

The town may be home to just under 2000 people but it is supported by a strong and resilient dairy industry and Shire of Gannawarra councilor Lorraine Learmonth is determined to get that particular message out.

“I think it’s about time our dairy farmers were recognised for all their hard work — not for just what they contribute economically but also for what they contribute to our community.

They should be very proud of the job they do,” Mrs Learmonth said.

Mrs Learmonth said the industry had gone through some tough times during the past few years and she was looking to create something positive for the community.

She used the theme of community spirit and connection for her application.

“During last year’s downturn there was a lot of support from our community for our dairy farmers including food hampers at Christmas, a motorbike ride, various mental health days and morning teas,” she said.

Mrs Learmonth said dairy farmers also led the way organising events to help each other cope through the tough times.

“Mead dairy farmer Steve Henty organised a classical music evening that was well attended and Jodie Hay, another dairy farmer, is the event coordinator for the progress association. Our farmers are not afraid to get involved and I think if we took a closer look at every community organisation in our shire, most of them would have a dairy farmer involved in there somewhere.”

Mrs Learmonth said this was despite dairy numbers dwindling in the shire.

“Numbers in our region have reduced over the years and I know on the road I used to live on, there were once 11 dairy farms, now there are just three.”

Gannawarra Council estimates there are about 180 dairy farmers in the shire who produce about 250 million litres of milk annually.

The online virtual Facebook community Show Some #dairylove co-founded by Cohuna dairy farmer Di Bowles was awarded a high commendation by the Legendairy judging panel for its efforts in supporting dairy farmers and regional communities across Australia.

“It’s great to be recognised,” Mrs Bowles said.

“We have over 13 000 people who are sharing in the #dairylove and we think this initiative has given the dairy community something

positive and also helped educate the community outside the industry.”

Dairy Australia’s managing director Ian Halliday said in challenging times it was even more important to recognise Australia’s hard-working vibrant dairy communities.

“We are incredibly proud of all our nominated communities and would like to thank all entrants for sharing their personal stories of what makes towns like Cohuna Legendairy.”

An independent panel of representatives from Australia’s state dairy farmer organisations

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The national Legendairy winner will be announced in September and will receive a further $7500 to go towards its local initiative.

For more information on Australia’s Legendairy Capital program visit: www.legendairy.com. au/capital http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/ agribusiness/dairy/milk-quality-awardsexpert-advice-lifts-milk-quality/news-story/ def882db5dad70a71a033bfb2e9d8

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

20 // MURRAY REGION

Sundae’s sweet taste of success IT MAY have been 25 years since their last big

show win but you couldn’t wipe the smile off members of the Dee family after their six-yearold, Hullabaloo Bolton Sundae, won Supreme Senior Champion and Supreme Senior Udder at this year’s National Herd Development Winter Fair.

Sundae caught judge Gerald Coughlin’s eye from the moment she entered the ring. He described her as a terrific-framed cow from muzzle to udder, with perfect teat placement, beautiful bone quality and a strong frame.

The family describes the win as one of the biggest achievements in its 40 years of showing and joked that Sundae was now referred to as “your highness”.

“She is an eating machine, a dream to work with in the shed and is the top PI cow in the herd that breeds well,” Mark Dee said.

Sundae calved back in November and the family was unsure how she would perform.

“We came to the show expecting nothing but she came up as good as she ever has and we were just glad she has finally delivered like we knew she could,” Mark said.

His dad Adrian said when she was crowned Supreme Udder, he knew she was a good chance to take out the top award.

“The judge couldn’t take his eye off her and he kept going back to her,” Adrian said.

Sundae has won a host of awards at local

Hullabaloo Bolton Sundae was crowned Supreme Senior Champion and Supreme Udder at this year’s National Herd Development Winter Fair.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2017

MURRAY REGION // 21 shows over the years, including Champion and Reserve Intermediate Champion and she placed 10th at IDW this year.

“We were disappointed with the 10th finish, but that’s showing, and she has bounced back and to win is just a dream come true,” Mark said.

The family said the win wouldn’t have been possible without the great work done by their fitter Dirk Thompson.

“She is an eating machine, a dream to work with in the shed and is the top PI cow in the herd that breeds well.”

— Mark Dee “He has fitted all over the world and he is great to work with,” Mark said.

The win was a popular one among the showing community and the family has been inundated with well-wishes.

It couldn’t have come at a better time for the family; Adrian, and children Kevin, Colin Adam, Clare, Mark and his wife Mandy, lost wife and mum Cheryl at the start of the year.

“Mum would have been so proud of us all,” Colin said.

Cheryl passed away from complications from MS and even though her mobility suffered at the end, she could still be seen on her scooter keeping an eye on the cows, especially when it came to on-farm judging.

“Mum was really sick and we thought about pulling out of IDW this year but she insisted we still take Sundae. She knew she wouldn’t

be here to see how she would go at the Winter Fair but we know she would have been smiling down at us from above and just as excited as the rest of us were,” Adam said.

Clydevale Holsteins was established by Adrian and Cheryl back in 1973.

The family moved to Macorna near Cohuna in 1980 and its land holding today consists of 1100 ha.

Adrian, Colin, Mark and Mandy work fulltime on the farm with Adam helping out when he can.

After the trials of last year the family is looking forward to the year ahead.

Changing milk companies has been a large part of their new-found optimism.

“Swapping milk companies has given us a huge lift and confidence in our long-term security. We aren’t spending our days worrying about what we are going to do anymore and it has been a really positive move,” Adrian said.

The business is in a rebuilding phase and is hoping to get herd numbers up to 500 during the next few years.

“We are a family-run business and getting out is not an option,” Adrian said. “We have been here since 1980 and our farm consists of six original farms joined together. The boys want to continue and we are determined to build a sustainable business for the future.”

The business has a philosophy to produce as much home-grown feed as possible, but perhaps more importantly it grows what suits its soil type.

“We grow winter feed really well and we run a system that supports that. It might look desolate over summer but we grow and conserve a lot of our own fodder during spring.

Last year we had abundant medium quality

Mark Dee describes Sundae as a dream to work with and an eating machine.

feed, this year we are aiming for more high quality,” Colin said.

The farm is sown down to vetch, cereals and annuals which will be cut for silage. They are also looking at sowing some additional lucerne.

The Dee family members certainly has a

passion for their cows and the industry and, despite the tough times, they are looking forward to growing their business into the future — breeding beautiful and functional cows and supplying milk for generations to come.

Hullabaloo Bolton Sundae with happy owners, the Dee family. (Back right) Adrian Dee, with daughter-in-law Mandy (back left), and Front, L–R) sons Adam and Mark, grandchildren Ryan and Hannah, and son Colin.

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