FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE 124
MURRAY REGION
DAIRY HAVEN How one Torrumbarry dairy farm is helping to protect a rare bird. Page 9
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High hopes for a new year WELCOME TO 2021.
It certainly is nice to be done with 2020 and looking forward to what hopefully is a great season ahead. While we are still experiencing some challenges with COVID-19, going forward there are some exciting projects and events on the table for the Murray Dairy region this year. I recently took part in the first Smarter Irrigation for Profit 2 field day for 2021 and some great things are happening in that space. There are many benefits seen through the usage of soil moisture monitors for farmers and I for one am looking forward to hearing more of those success stories come to light as more farmers across the region begin utilising this technology.
This year we will also see the return of the Young Dairy Network Study Tour. With COVID-19 causing the cancellation of last year’s event, this year the study tour cohort can look forward to travelling to five local farms and hearing about their systems and take part in discussions around this year’s theme, ‘How is your SWOT looking?’. The Murray Muster will also be on again this year and what an event it is shaping up to be. Taking place on Wednesday, May 26, this year’s muster will run under the theme ‘Digging Deeper’ — which you may have guessed is focusing on one of our biggest assets, the soils we farm on. And of course, another exciting project that the board, and I am sure the wider farming
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Chair’s message
community, is looking forward to hearing more about is the Fodder for the Future project. I touched on this project in my previous message and I am pleased to report that things are starting to move along, with planning for the trial sites with the project partners under way. The project is gaining a lot of interest from both industry and the wider farming community and I look forward to keeping you all updated as it progresses. The Murray Dairy Board wishes you all a safe and prosperous 2021 and, as always, let’s all keep working together to continue shaping our great farming region. X Andrew Tyler Murray Dairy chair
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MURRAY REGION // 3
End of an era at Tatura vets DANEKA HILL
IT WAS the end of an era when the Tatura
Veterinary Clinic began closing its large animal services in December. The clinic said it was “beyond disappointed” to make the decision, but was left with no options due to staffing issues. While farmers came to grips with the news — some of them mourning the longest continual relationship in their lives — the Bendigobased Apiam immediately entered negotiations to buy the livestock portion of the Tatura business. Apiam managing director Chris Richards said the company successfully purchased the Tatura clinic’s large animal client list in the days before Christmas. “As soon as we heard the clinic was wrapping up their large animal service we made contact with them,” Mr Richards said.
By January 12, Apiam had already provided services to more than 40 Tatura dairy farmers. Tatura Vet Clinic said in a statement it had “sadly reached the point of needing to discontinue” the large animal services because of pressures heightened by the COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions. “The veterinary industry has increasingly been challenging in recent years by a shortage of vets, particularly those specialising in large animal species or looking to work in regional areas,” the clinic said. For the Tatura clinic the lockdowns happened at the worst possible time, with respected bovine specialist Ian Gill retiring in April and two further vets electing to move on soon after for personal reasons. “Despite all our efforts, it has not been possible to find suitable replacements for these vets,” the clinic said.
“While Dr Phil Stammers continues to deliver his usual care to the pets of Tatura, we are not in a position where we can accommodate the level of service we have traditionally offered our farming clients.” The clinic’s parent company, National Veterinary Care (NVC), also said sister branch Mooroopna Veterinary Clinic had consolidated into the Tatura clinic in November because of the vet shortage. “Merging the Mooroopna Veterinary Clinic, along with its team, back into Tatura will help safeguard the long term viability of the clinic,” the VetPartners-owned NVC said. Apiam will run the newly acquired large animal service out of its Kyabram clinic and the soon-to-be-open Shepparton site. Mr Richards said the Benalla Rd facility in Shepparton was currently being fitted out and should be opened in early February.
“We’ve assembled an experienced team of vets and support staff (at the Shepparton clinic), many who are well known in the local community,” Mr Richards said. “We are committed to the dairy industry.” Apiam has the largest team of dairy vets in the Goulburn Valley, with 10 dairy vets in total between the Kyabram and Shepparton clinics. On top of an emergency call service and ProDairy consultancy service, Apiam will be providing scheduled runs each week for routine services to help Tatura farmers save on travel costs. Apiam’s purchase of the Tatura Veterinary Clinic’s large animal service came with no staff or equipment — just records and the client list.
VICTORIAN EXPORTS HIT $2 BILLION International demand for Victorian dairy products remained strong in 2019–20, despite disruptions to markets, a Victorian Government report has found. Released late last year, the Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report 2019–20 found dairy exports were valued at $2.1 billion last financial year, an increase of three per cent on 2018–19. Milk and cream products were the highest value dairy category, contributing to 48 per cent of Victoria’s dairy exports. Cheese and whey products were the second highest value category at $869 million, making up 41 per cent of dairy exports, the report found. China continued to be the highest value export market for Victorian dairy products, making up 27 per cent of dairy export total value. Japan was the second largest consumer of Victorian dairy products, with a value of $419 million (20 per cent of total dairy exports), decreasing 10 per cent from 2018–19. “Improved seasonal conditions, particularly in the second half of 2019–20, lifted dairy farm profits and production as compared to the previous year,” the report said.
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Value of Australian dairy exports by state in 2019-20. Source: Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report 2019-20. Top 10 countries for Victorian dairy exports by value. Source: Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report 2019-20.
“Greater pasture availability in regions south of the Great Dividing Range and lower feed prices enabled farmers to source relatively cheap feed. “Farmers in the north of the state budgeted for high water prices and many chose to purchase fodder instead of irrigating.
“The lower costs along with a 17 per cent improvement in milk price, increased average farm profits threefold to $346,000 before interest and tax ($1.68/kg of milk solids).” While nearly all surveyed farms experienced positive profits, with consistent performance reported across
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the regions, many farms are still not fully recovered from the recent years of drought and challenging conditions, the report found. The improved conditions and confidence have supported higher milk production. According to Dairy Australia, Victorian milk production improved by six per cent in 2019–20 compared to the previous year, accounting for 63 per cent of Australia’s dairy production by volume.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
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No action on farm invasions GEOFF ADAMS
NEW VICTORIAN Agriculture Minister Mary-
Anne Thomas could not offer any hope for action on farm invasion laws. She was asked if the Victorian Government would act on recommendations contained in a parliamentary report into farm invasions by animal activists. Ms Thomas said the parliamentary year was disrupted in many ways last year and it had not been possible to implement those recommendations or make the legislative changes that are required. “At the moment, from advice we have received, we’re not receiving notice of this being a problem right now, but there are other laws in place that can deal with trespass, already,” she said. The National Party has urged the government to move on new laws. Laws to impose on-the-spot fines to better protect farmers against farm trespass still haven’t been drafted, six months after the Andrews Government finally agreed to the change, Victorian Nationals deputy leader Steph Ryan said. A parliamentary inquiry recommended on-the-spot fines be implemented as a solution to stop extreme animal activists breaking into farms, stealing livestock and damaging biosecurity. Ms Ryan said other states had already put similar laws in place so there was no excuse for Victoria’s delays. “Farmers deserve to feel safe in their own homes, but the current soft rules embolden extreme activists to break the law instead of deterring them,” she said. “Victorian farmers were hoping to see the Andrews Labor Government implement onthe-spot fines with the same urgency as NSW, but instead Daniel Andrews has kicked the can down the road.” Speaking before the inquiry in September 2019, UDV president Paul Mumford
Almost a year has passed since the Victorian inquiry on farm invasions made its report.
said dairy farmers and their families deserved to feel safe. “Dairy farmers choose to enter the industry because it is the thing they love and it helps them provide for those who they care dearly about -their families,” he told the inquiry. “They do all this yet are made to feel unsafe in their homes due to the now prevalent threat of invasion and trespass. “Farming families are made to feel intimidated and unsafe in their homes and places of work due to the persecution by a minority that believe their lawful business is somehow immoral.”
Mr Mumford said while freedom of expression was a fundamental in Australia, so was feeling safe in your own home. “As the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president, I represent some 3500 farmers and dairy farming families — families that now live in fear because their way of life has been seen as unacceptable to a small minority of people. “As previously stated, freedom of expression is a fundamental right. “However, invading a farm, trespassing and treating law-abiding families like criminals in their own homes is not right and is in fact illegal.” Ms Ryan said the impact of farm trespass had taken a heavy emotional toll on farming families.
“These farms are not just a business for the families who live on them, they’re home,” she said. “The Andrews Labor Government either stands with our farmers or it stands with the extreme animal activists who want to destroy them.” Throughout 2018 and 2019, Victoria experienced a series of events where animal rights activists intimidated farmers, stole livestock and disrupted businesses. In May 2019, the Legislative Council referred this inquiry to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee and in February last year produced a report with 15 recommendations.
TOWN IS QUIET WITHOUT IDW DANEKA HILL The third week of January is a very special week for the residents of Tatura. From their farms across Australia, the best of the best in dairy cows converge on Tatura Park to make their bloodlines proud. This year would have been the 31st International Dairy Week — but instead it’s the first year IDW has been cancelled. For a country town of 4600 people, the influx of dairy farmers, judges and stallholders is sorely missed. Kaan Gungor owns Tatura Country Motel and the Tatura Cabin and Caravan Park. “We’ve been super-affected by the cancellation of not just dairy week, but all the equestrian events as well,” Mr Gungor said. “Between the two businesses we’ve missed out on a $3500 profit with dairy week gone.” The Tatura Football Club usually runs catering and manages the bar at Wilson Hall throughout IDW.
Tatura Football Club treasurer Abbey Walker said feeding the crowds generated at least 10 per cent of the club’s annual revenue. “It was a significant fundraiser for us, and the timing of it at the start of the year used to set us up for the season really well,” Ms Walker said. “We’re fortunate it happened last year, because everything was still all right in January.” Besides club sponsorships, running catering for Dairy Week is the club’s single biggest fundraising event. “We even have an IDW committee who plan everything every year, which is Daryl and Gaye Eaton,” Ms Walker said. At the north end of town, Hill Top Golf and Country Club is less affected, but still sad to see the third week of January pass without notice. Manager-secretary Geraldine Pollard said the club used to get a “few meetings” and dinners when the cow expo was in town. “The odd group would come up and have a meal. We won’t be feeling a real pinch from
Last year Tatura Park was a hive of activity and an international spectacle. Pictured is the Jersey heifer class line-up in 2020.
them not being here but it is definitely a huge loss to the community,” Ms Pollard said. “It’s more a whole town thing, attendees used to go to the eateries on the main street a lot.” Ms Pollard said a lot of the attendees brought their own caravans and barbecues and were pretty self-sufficient.
“The dairy hands would eat and stay with the cows, it was more the officials who came up here. You’d also get a breed group, say the Guernsey mob, who’d come up sometimes,” she said. Greater Shepparton City Council estimated the 2019 IDW injected $2.2 million into the local economy.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
MURRAY REGION // 5
Ex-nurse embraces farm life WHEN ENROLLED nurse Angela Dunstone
moved from Canberra to her partner’s hometown Albury, not in her wildest dreams did she imagine changing her career to the dairy industry. After four years of shift work at an Albury aged care facility, Angela felt disillusioned with her work-life balance. “I wasn’t really enjoying myself; there was not much time to spend with my family or my partner,” she said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I saw a job on Gumtree for a farmhand, with ‘no experience necessary’.” Until landing the dairy farm job, Angela had never met a cow, so she definitely had ‘no experience’ and no idea what to expect. “I had no farming background; it was a big learning curve to be milking, feeding, irrigating, fencing and spraying weeds.” Despite needing to leave Albury at 3.30 am to start at 4.30 am, Angela enjoyed the fresh air and variety of farm tasks. However, she felt “thrown into the deep end” when the farm manager left after six months and the business was managed remotely. “It was just at a time when I wanted to learn and know more,” Angela said. Having completed a Certificate IV in Agriculture at Wodonga TAFE, Angela learned as much as she could from the farm’s agronomist
and veterinarian over the next two-and-ahalf years. While keen to stay in the industry, she eventually decided “it wasn’t worth the 45-minute drive on a dark, windy road” to work. She asked her agronomist and vet contacts for advice on a dairy farm closer to Albury, and applied for work at Hermitage Dairy at Kergunyah South. During her interview with fifth-generation farmer Stuart Crosthwaite, Angela emphasised her desire to learn — from the outset, it was obvious she had come to the right place. “It was very structured,” Angela said. “I had basic knowledge but was self-taught, and Stuart guided me in the right direction.” Fast forward two years and Stuart, who is also founding chair of dairy co-operative Mountain Milk and is currently completing the ARLP program as a Gardiner Foundation scholarship recipient, continues to inspire and support Angela. “Stuart is a great teacher with great knowledge that he is willing to share; he pushes me to learn and take on more responsibility,” Angela said. Angela, who spoke about her dairy career journey at the Gardiner Foundation ‘Year in Review’ presentation in late 2020, is also grateful for Stuart’s inclusive style of leadership, recently asking his employees to establish a core set of values for the business.
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They developed a team charter that prioritised communication, teamwork and individual areas of responsibility. As a result, Stuart’s three employees were given specific work titles. At first Angela was assistant pasture manager but that changed to assistant herd manager when Stuart recognised her interest in animal health. “Each of us knows what jobs we have to do; if anyone has a question about the cows or animal health, they come to me,” Angela said. “It gives me a sense of ownership in my area, and if I need advice I can ask Stuart. “It makes me feel like I am valued and valuable to the business; I’m not just a number or just an employee, but I matter.” Living in a farmhouse on the property with her partner, “who now drives 30 minutes to work in Wodonga”, Angela is eyeing a long future in the dairy industry. She credited a diverse support network for helping to keep her in the industry, including Stuart and her colleagues, vets, genetic and calfrearing specialists, agronomists, nutritionists and contractors. “Good leadership and support networks are vital to attracting and retaining newcomers to the industry,” she said. “Without the support of a good team, staying in the industry and being successful would be so much harder.”
City-raised Angela Dunstone swapped a nursing career for the dairy industry and is now assistant herd manager at Kergunyah South’s Hermitage Dairy.
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This season Emily Brown and partner Stephen Fisicaro will be milking 135 cows, up from 120 last year.
Coping without dairy week SOPHIE BALDWIN
IT HAS been quite a different January for Emily
Brown and her partner Stephen Fisicaro. For the past 24 years, the northern Victorian dairy farmers have been busy preparing their Linderlan and Sherbrooke Brown Swiss herd for International Dairy Week. But not this year. With the event cancelled due to COVID-19, they have been freed up from a summer spent feeding their show team a special diet, halter training and all the other hard work associated with getting their animals ready. “It has certainly been a strange one for us,” Emily said. “I have been showing at IDW since 1997 and there was only one year amongst all of those I didn’t take my own animals, so I have actually quite enjoyed having this year off.” Held in the peak of summer, IDW is well known for its searingly hot temperatures, but ironically this year the weather would have been spot-on with temperatures in the low 30s and not the 40-plus it normally attracts. “Of course we have perfect dry and cool conditions on the one year it’s not on,” she laughed. Despite the cancellation of IDW, Dairy Livestock Services still held its annual sale, the Winners Circle Sale, although this year it was a special online event — which had a total clearance across the 30 lots with a sale average of $7405 and top price of $22,000. The sale was across all breeds and Emily said it was great to see two Brown Swiss animals sell in the top seven.
“The Brown Swiss breed is gaining popularity within the industry as people start to look for hardy, no-fuss cows who milk well, get in calf and a very easy to look after,” she said. “We find they have exceptionally great health traits and we hardly ever have to get the vet out.” The sale had 200 registered bidders and one of those, the Dickson family from Terang, were lucky enough to purchase Linderlan Glenwood Tess, a heifer from the best cow family in Emily’s herd. Glenwood Tess is sired by a son of Schuler’s Glen Glenna, a Swiss Classic Champion and cow of the year from Switzerland. “DLS were looking for cows for the sale and I nominated Linderlan Glenwood Tess,” Emily said. “She is out of the best cow in our herd, eightyear old Linderlan Surge Tess Ex91–3E.” Both Emily and Stephen were also very happy with the $8000 sale price 15-month-old Glenwood Tess attracted. “Her sale price certainly exceeded our expectations,” she said. “We had a goal price in mind and it was well above that, and better than any price we could have hoped for. “She is going to a great home with the Dickson girls, and we couldn’t ask for anything better.” While Emily appreciated the time off, it will most likely be business as usual next year. “I do love dairy week and it is something we just automatically do each year so I am sure I will be back at it next year — I won’t be able to help myself.”
Showing cattle has always been a love of Emily’s and five-and-a-half years ago she and Stephen purchased their own dairy farm to secure a future in the industry they both love. But is has been a tough ride and Emily is pleased to say they are still hanging in there. “After the drought a few years ago I really didn’t think we would still be here today.
“It was such a tough time with high water and fodder prices making it nearly impossible to get through.” This season they will be milking 135 cows, up from 120 last year. “We had to sell a lot of stock in the drought because we couldn’t afford to feed them and we have decided to keep herd numbers on the lower side since then,” Emily said.
This year has been one of the best seasons in the region since Emily Brown bought the farm.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
MURRAY REGION // 7 They are trying to feed their herd with as much homegrown feed as they possibly can to help keep costs down. Excess stock is sold every year to create an additional income stream and Emily is pleased the Brown Swiss breed is becoming more popular and starting to pop up in herds across the country. And the 2020 season has been much kinder, although the farm has missed out on the last few rains. As a business reliant on purchasing temporary water, they were able to secure water for $140/Ml, a figure much lower and more affordable than the $700 it was a few years ago. “We have been able to sow sorghum and lucerne and it is nice to see the cows out grazing in a paddock every day.” Emily said each season they have been on the farm has brought its own unique set of challenges, making management difficult. They have learnt to be flexible and take each year as it comes. “It’s still a bit ‘oh god’ with every season changing and there has been no continuity at all but we supply DFMC and milk prices are pretty good this year.” Emily said being able to grow their own hay and silage and source some of their other hay requirements from neighbours has helped with costs this year. In 2019 they weren’t able to grow any hay or silage. “I would have to say 2020–21 has been pretty good so far and one of the better seasons for us since we bought our farm.”
Dairy farmers Emily Brown and Stephen Fisicaro.
The Brown Swiss breed is growing in popularity.
For the past 24 years Emily Brown has been preparing for International Dairy Week.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
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Cows come down from the hills DANEKA HILL
IT WAS both a loss and a boon to the indus-
try when a Tallandoon dairy herd braved the Shepparton saleyards on January 27. The complete dispersal sale of Paul and Jess Furze’s high-quality herd grossed $271,484, with an average sale price of $2026. The young couple had decided to sell the 200head Holstein and Holstein-Jersey cross herd to focus on Santa Gertrudis beef. Many of the people buying on the day were running operations twice the size of the Tallandoon farm, south of Tallangatta, and the continued loss of small farmers was visible in the limited number of buyers present. In the end the highest price cow sold to the man contracted to transport the stock, Mac Jones. “I didn’t come here to buy any but there were some cheap autumn calvers so I got involved,” Mr Jones said. The Ecklin man — who runs a 500-head dairy operation and transport business —
bought Lot 51 for $3000 alongside a handful of others. Yarroweyah farmer Chris Hibberson bought 20 cows at the sale. “I was chasing A2 cows,” Mr Hibberson said. “I’m happy with the quality I got.” Christine Peatling from Numurkah bought six autumn calving heifers. “They are high country cows, but they’re going to be dry country cows now,” Mrs Peatling joked. Mark Mitchell from Undera bought nine cows and three heifers (all autumn calving). Auctioneer Brian Leslie said there was strong demand for autumn calvers and limited demand for those not confirmed in calf. “Which is understandable, but these cows presented well today,” Mr Leslie said. The generation AI Holsteins and the small amount of Holstein-cross were complimented for their good udders, long bodies and “dairyness” while in the ring. The Furzes said they were relieved to see their girls sold.
The Furze family (top) watched the auction unfold.
Auctioneer Brian Leslie oversaw the P. and J. Furze dairy herd dispersal sale.
Highest price cow was Lot 51, who earned $3000.
GRANTS STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES The Gardiner Dairy Foundation is offering grants of up to $5000 to not-for-profit groups to strengthen small Victorian dairy communities across the state, including northern Victoria. The Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s Working in Dairy Communities Small Grants Program, which is delivered through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, will provide a total of $120,000 in grant funding in 2021. Since it began in 2002, more than $2 million has been successfully funded to 445 grants across the Victorian dairy community. On average every dollar invested by Gardiner Dairy Foundation receives additional leverage of $3.05 in cash or in-kind contributions. Gardiner Dairy Foundation chief executive officer Clive Noble said it was important to support the wellbeing of Victorian dairy communities and their farming families. “With better seasonal conditions in most regions, morale in dairy communities has
improved over the past 12 months,” Dr Noble said. “People can breathe a little easier and now is a good time for community groups to look at some of the projects they may have deferred. “I’d like to encourage community leaders to take advantage of these grants, to leverage the money available with other inputs and to continue to improve and enrich their dairy communities. “Strong and vibrant dairy communities are vital to a strong dairy industry and vice versa.” In 2020, nine northern Victorian community groups received grants, including Cobram Community Cinema Inc, Cobram District Children’s Services Inc, Girgarre Community Group Inc, Girgarre Development Group Inc — Girgarre Hall Committee, Kindred Spirits Tatura Co‑Operative Ltd and Murrabit Promotions Committee.
Acting Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal chief executive officer Sarah Matthe said that the grants are designed to give dairy communities the boost they may need to make great things happen. “Last year was tough for most rural communities, and Victorian dairy communities were no exception,” she said. “We’ve seen from previous grant recipients that a small grant can open doors for further funding, and it will be great to visit some of last year’s grants recipients to see what kind of opportunities have grown from the funding, and how they have used the grants to help address the needs of their communities. “We know that these communities are determined, inspiring and resilient and full of great ideas. That’s why the Gardiner grants are deliberately flexible — to allow local leaders to respond to what’s happening, and address the biggest priorities. “In previous years, that’s been anything from community gardens to festivals, small
Gardiner Dairy Foundation chief executive Clive Noble.
infrastructure to training. I look forward to seeing what this year’s applications bring.” Applications for the Working in Dairy Communities Small Grants Program opened on February 1 and close at 5 pm on March 16. For more information, visit: gardinerfoundation.com.au
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
MURRAY REGION // 9
Dairy haven for rare birds DANEKA HILL
TO THE people who know of it, the plains-
wanderer is a big deal. They are elusive, considered Australia’s most genetically unique bird and critically endangered — but one Torrumbarry dairy farm happens to have an unusually high number of them. Andrew and Judy McGillivray have long used a 323 ha section of their farm to ‘holiday’ their dairy cows in winter before calving and agist young cattle. It turns out the gradual grazing and ‘handsoff ’ approach to the back paddock was maintaining an ideal grassland habitat for the plains-wanderer. “I’ve know they were there for years, but it was only when we got to know the people who are involved with preserving them that we really took notice,” Mr McGillivray said. “We farm the land the way we want and it just happens to be the right way to help them.” Plains-wanderers like grass 5–8 cm (two to three inches) in height — any longer and they can’t see predators coming.
“The gurus tell me we’ve got a lot here,” Mr McGillivray said. “They put up song meters and record their calls at night, and they reckon we happen to have one of the most significant locations in Australia.” The critically endangered bird has been described as the ‘flag ship’ for native grassland conservation and has its own breeding programs at the Werribee Open Range and Taronga zoos. The McGillivrays have carved precious time out of their 24/7 dairying schedules to visit the Werribee facility where birds from their own farm now live. “We provided three to four birds, they are named and everything after people in the family,” Mr McGillivray said. “We went down there to see them and their chicks. Eventually some of those chicks will be released back onto the farm.” Down the road Mr McGillivray’s cousin Bill has set aside part of his dairy farm as a plainswanderer area. His brother has also gotten involved and educated himself on the birds that hide on his property. The farmers are all part of the Northern Plains Conservation Group, which includes 10 to 13 more
Torrumbarry farmer Andrew McGillivray with a mural of the plains-wanderer created on his old farm shed. Photo: Cath Grey
For the rare plains-wanderer, the female is the larger and more colourful of the genders - an anomaly in birds.
local farmers, including George Peace who has set aside 26 ha of native grassland on his property. The grassland has never been ploughed and carries the name ‘George’s Grassland’ alongside giant ‘no shooting’ signs. Other farmers, Faye and Andrew Bail, help nearby Terrick Terrick National Park replicate
the successful conditions on the park’s native grassland with their own livestock. For more information on helping the plains-wanderer in the Loddon, Gannawarra and Campaspe shire areas reach out to the Northern Plains Conservation Management Network.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
10 // MURRAY REGION
Fonterra fire legacy remains GEOFF ADAMS
CHRIS DENT was rudely awoken from sleep on
a warm December night six years ago. His CFA pager had gone off and as soon as he emerged from his house a short distance from the rural community of Stanhope he could see a glow in the sky that told him this was a big fire. When he arrived in town he saw smoke billowing from the cheesemaking building in the Fonterra factory, and he joined his father, Peter, the Stanhope CFA captain, who was directing fire suppression efforts. He knew the factory and many people who worked in the building. All the available Stanhope CFA volunteers turned out and soon Peter Dent realised it was going to require more help, so he called in surrounding brigades, more breathing apparatus units and the elevated ladder unit from Bendigo. The fire appeared to have taken hold in the cheesemaking building, a labyrinth of rooms and structures, sandwiched between other buildings vital to milk processing on the site. The firefighters were faced with a fire creeping into the old roof in a factory environment that included chemicals like ammonia and containers with liquid nitrogen. The battle lasted for several hours before it was fully contained and the Fonterra management, while shocked at the multi-million-dollar damage, were fulsome in their praise for the firefighters who prevented the blaze from spreading. Stanhope Fonterra site manager Steve Taylor said it was remarkable that although cheese production was not possible in the burnt-out
building, the company was able to continue whey production the next day. Milk continued to flow from the Goulburn Valley dairy farms to the facility and permanent staff were able to keep their jobs at the site. The CFA and Fonterra management reflected on the impact of the fire, six years after the blaze, on December 16. Peter Dent was Stanhope CFA captain at the time of the fire (his son Chris is captain now) and distinctly remembers the teamwork involved in bringing the blaze under control. “We had people on the brigade who knew their way around the site. We even had a sparky on the brigade who was able to cut the power to make it safer,” he said. “Brigades joined in from as far away as Rochester and Echuca. “The Fonterra guys said to us: ‘What is it you need? You tell us, we’ll do it’.” He also recalled the site had an uninterrupted water supply, which was crucial in containing the fire within a few hours. The fire has cemented the relationship between the factory people and the town. Fonterra continues to make donations to the brigade and arranges familiarisation walkthroughs for the fire brigade so anyone called to an incident will understand the site layout. Some of the 184 employees live in the town and the factory provides an economic driver to the farming community. In 2017, Fonterra completed a $140 million replacement for the cheesemaking facility, massively increasing its capacity. Next year will mark 100 years of milk processing on the site.
(From left) CFA firefighters Garth Matthews, Chris Dent and Peter Dent, with Stanhope Fonterra site manager Steve Taylor.
The night of the fire that destroyed the cheese room at Stanhope.
Fonterra Stanhope site manager Steve Taylor.
The collapsed roof of the former cheese room.
Fonterra site manager Steve Taylor (left) and current Stanhope CFA captain Chris Dent with the remains of a switchboard which fire investigators believed started the Stanhope factory fire six years ago.
The fire destroyed the cheesemaking area of the Stanhope factory.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
MURRAY REGION // 11
Keeping up with changes THE RAPIDLY changing operating environ-
ment in the Murray Dairy region will be the focus of an upcoming Young Dairy Network event. Characterised by volatility and uncertainty, changes in climate, markets and water policy have resulted in a shift away from a traditional pasture-based system, according to Murray Dairy. The tour will focus on getting the next generation of farmers to see how individual farming operations have tackled these issues head on. Farm systems in the Murray region sit along a spectrum, with grazing-based operations — which rely predominantly on perennial feed and utilise some annual or conserved feeds — at one end of the spectrum. Even these farms have been challenged by recent dry conditions and elevated water prices. Common across the Murray region is the partial mixed ration (PMR) system, which utilises a combination of grazing and stand-off feed areas, with very varied levels of conserved feed and infrastructure. A smaller group of operators run Total Mixed Ration (TMR) systems, which tend to be more intensive with higher levels of infrastructure. Because no two farm businesses are the same, there’s no one formula for making a system profitable.
But by breaking these systems down into parts — such as feed base, animal management and water management — the workshop will show how dairy farmers can focus on optimising each one. New ways of farming mean operators are required to develop new knowledge and skills. Risk management and long-term strategic planning are also becoming increasingly important. The itinerary will challenge the tour group and present participants with a specific focus — a SWOT analysis. Through this analysis, participants will be covering things such as: how farms are adapting to a volatile water market, successfully transitioning from different feeding systems, or making new technologies pay. The tour will encourage participants to reflect on the application of what they see and hear to their own business: What will work? What are the barriers and opportunities that have been presented? Why will or won’t they pursue it? If pursuing it, what priority does it take? The two-day event will run on February 24 and 25 at Tindarra Resort, 79 Perricoota Rd, Moama. For more information or to register your attendance, visit: dairyaustralia.com.au/ events-calendar
A two-day Young Dairy Network event will focus on optimising elements of your dairy business.
THE MURRAY MUSTER 2021 DIGGING DEEPER
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Designed by farmers for farmers, The Murray Muster is a showcase of ideas and innovation for the dairy industry in northern Victoria and southern NSW.
The Murray Muster 2021 – Digging Deeper will be held in Moama on Wednesday 26 May with a farm tour and celebration dinner.
This year’s event will give you a new perspective on what lies beneath your feet. Gain insight into new research, on-farm trials and investment across a range of areas relevant to Murray region dairy farmers, including soil biology, farm mapping changing irrigation practices and summer cropping trials.
HOW TO BOOK The Murray Muster is a free event for dairy farmers in the region but bookings are a must! For further information and to RSVP contact Ross Read at rread@murraydairy.com.au or on 0438 906 613.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
2 // MURRAY REGION
High hopes for a new year WELCOME TO 2021.
It certainly is nice to be done with 2020 and looking forward to what hopefully is a great season ahead. While we are still experiencing some challenges with COVID-19, going forward there are some exciting projects and events on the table for the Murray Dairy region this year. I recently took part in the first Smarter Irrigation for Profit 2 field day for 2021 and some great things are happening in that space. There are many benefits seen through the usage of soil moisture monitors for farmers and I for one am looking forward to hearing more of those success stories come to light as more farmers across the region begin utilising this technology.
This year we will also see the return of the Young Dairy Network Study Tour. With COVID-19 causing the cancellation of last year’s event, this year the study tour cohort can look forward to travelling to five local farms and hearing about their systems and take part in discussions around this year’s theme, ‘How is your SWOT looking?’. The Murray Muster will also be on again this year and what an event it is shaping up to be. Taking place on Wednesday, May 26, this year’s muster will run under the theme ‘Digging Deeper’ — which you may have guessed is focusing on one of our biggest assets, the soils we farm on. And of course, another exciting project that the board, and I am sure the wider farming
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Chair’s message
community, is looking forward to hearing more about is the Fodder for the Future project. I touched on this project in my previous message and I am pleased to report that things are starting to move along, with planning for the trial sites with the project partners under way. The project is gaining a lot of interest from both industry and the wider farming community and I look forward to keeping you all updated as it progresses. The Murray Dairy Board wishes you all a safe and prosperous 2021 and, as always, let’s all keep working together to continue shaping our great farming region. X Andrew Tyler Murray Dairy chair
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
MURRAY REGION // 3
End of an era at Tatura vets DANEKA HILL
IT WAS the end of an era when the Tatura
Veterinary Clinic began closing its large animal services in December. The clinic said it was “beyond disappointed” to make the decision, but was left with no options due to staffing issues. While farmers came to grips with the news — some of them mourning the longest continual relationship in their lives — the Bendigobased Apiam immediately entered negotiations to buy the livestock portion of the Tatura business. Apiam managing director Chris Richards said the company successfully purchased the Tatura clinic’s large animal client list in the days before Christmas. “As soon as we heard the clinic was wrapping up their large animal service we made contact with them,” Mr Richards said.
By January 12, Apiam had already provided services to more than 40 Tatura dairy farmers. Tatura Vet Clinic said in a statement it had “sadly reached the point of needing to discontinue” the large animal services because of pressures heightened by the COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions. “The veterinary industry has increasingly been challenging in recent years by a shortage of vets, particularly those specialising in large animal species or looking to work in regional areas,” the clinic said. For the Tatura clinic the lockdowns happened at the worst possible time, with respected bovine specialist Ian Gill retiring in April and two further vets electing to move on soon after for personal reasons. “Despite all our efforts, it has not been possible to find suitable replacements for these vets,” the clinic said.
“While Dr Phil Stammers continues to deliver his usual care to the pets of Tatura, we are not in a position where we can accommodate the level of service we have traditionally offered our farming clients.” The clinic’s parent company, National Veterinary Care (NVC), also said sister branch Mooroopna Veterinary Clinic had consolidated into the Tatura clinic in November because of the vet shortage. “Merging the Mooroopna Veterinary Clinic, along with its team, back into Tatura will help safeguard the long term viability of the clinic,” the VetPartners-owned NVC said. Apiam will run the newly acquired large animal service out of its Kyabram clinic and the soon-to-be-open Shepparton site. Mr Richards said the Benalla Rd facility in Shepparton was currently being fitted out and should be opened in early February.
“We’ve assembled an experienced team of vets and support staff (at the Shepparton clinic), many who are well known in the local community,” Mr Richards said. “We are committed to the dairy industry.” Apiam has the largest team of dairy vets in the Goulburn Valley, with 10 dairy vets in total between the Kyabram and Shepparton clinics. On top of an emergency call service and ProDairy consultancy service, Apiam will be providing scheduled runs each week for routine services to help Tatura farmers save on travel costs. Apiam’s purchase of the Tatura Veterinary Clinic’s large animal service came with no staff or equipment — just records and the client list.
VICTORIAN EXPORTS HIT $2 BILLION International demand for Victorian dairy products remained strong in 2019–20, despite disruptions to markets, a Victorian Government report has found. Released late last year, the Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report 2019–20 found dairy exports were valued at $2.1 billion last financial year, an increase of three per cent on 2018–19. Milk and cream products were the highest value dairy category, contributing to 48 per cent of Victoria’s dairy exports. Cheese and whey products were the second highest value category at $869 million, making up 41 per cent of dairy exports, the report found. China continued to be the highest value export market for Victorian dairy products, making up 27 per cent of dairy export total value. Japan was the second largest consumer of Victorian dairy products, with a value of $419 million (20 per cent of total dairy exports), decreasing 10 per cent from 2018–19. “Improved seasonal conditions, particularly in the second half of 2019–20, lifted dairy farm profits and production as compared to the previous year,” the report said.
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Value of Australian dairy exports by state in 2019-20. Source: Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report 2019-20. Top 10 countries for Victorian dairy exports by value. Source: Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report 2019-20.
“Greater pasture availability in regions south of the Great Dividing Range and lower feed prices enabled farmers to source relatively cheap feed. “Farmers in the north of the state budgeted for high water prices and many chose to purchase fodder instead of irrigating.
“The lower costs along with a 17 per cent improvement in milk price, increased average farm profits threefold to $346,000 before interest and tax ($1.68/kg of milk solids).” While nearly all surveyed farms experienced positive profits, with consistent performance reported across
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
4 // MURRAY REGION
No action on farm invasions GEOFF ADAMS
NEW VICTORIAN Agriculture Minister Mary-
Anne Thomas could not offer any hope for action on farm invasion laws. She was asked if the Victorian Government would act on recommendations contained in a parliamentary report into farm invasions by animal activists. Ms Thomas said the parliamentary year was disrupted in many ways last year and it had not been possible to implement those recommendations or make the legislative changes that are required. “At the moment, from advice we have received, we’re not receiving notice of this being a problem right now, but there are other laws in place that can deal with trespass, already,” she said. The National Party has urged the government to move on new laws. Laws to impose on-the-spot fines to better protect farmers against farm trespass still haven’t been drafted, six months after the Andrews Government finally agreed to the change, Victorian Nationals deputy leader Steph Ryan said. A parliamentary inquiry recommended on-the-spot fines be implemented as a solution to stop extreme animal activists breaking into farms, stealing livestock and damaging biosecurity. Ms Ryan said other states had already put similar laws in place so there was no excuse for Victoria’s delays. “Farmers deserve to feel safe in their own homes, but the current soft rules embolden extreme activists to break the law instead of deterring them,” she said. “Victorian farmers were hoping to see the Andrews Labor Government implement onthe-spot fines with the same urgency as NSW, but instead Daniel Andrews has kicked the can down the road.” Speaking before the inquiry in September 2019, UDV president Paul Mumford
Almost a year has passed since the Victorian inquiry on farm invasions made its report.
said dairy farmers and their families deserved to feel safe. “Dairy farmers choose to enter the industry because it is the thing they love and it helps them provide for those who they care dearly about -their families,” he told the inquiry. “They do all this yet are made to feel unsafe in their homes due to the now prevalent threat of invasion and trespass. “Farming families are made to feel intimidated and unsafe in their homes and places of work due to the persecution by a minority that believe their lawful business is somehow immoral.”
Mr Mumford said while freedom of expression was a fundamental in Australia, so was feeling safe in your own home. “As the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president, I represent some 3500 farmers and dairy farming families — families that now live in fear because their way of life has been seen as unacceptable to a small minority of people. “As previously stated, freedom of expression is a fundamental right. “However, invading a farm, trespassing and treating law-abiding families like criminals in their own homes is not right and is in fact illegal.” Ms Ryan said the impact of farm trespass had taken a heavy emotional toll on farming families.
“These farms are not just a business for the families who live on them, they’re home,” she said. “The Andrews Labor Government either stands with our farmers or it stands with the extreme animal activists who want to destroy them.” Throughout 2018 and 2019, Victoria experienced a series of events where animal rights activists intimidated farmers, stole livestock and disrupted businesses. In May 2019, the Legislative Council referred this inquiry to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee and in February last year produced a report with 15 recommendations.
TOWN IS QUIET WITHOUT IDW DANEKA HILL The third week of January is a very special week for the residents of Tatura. From their farms across Australia, the best of the best in dairy cows converge on Tatura Park to make their bloodlines proud. This year would have been the 31st International Dairy Week — but instead it’s the first year IDW has been cancelled. For a country town of 4600 people, the influx of dairy farmers, judges and stallholders is sorely missed. Kaan Gungor owns Tatura Country Motel and the Tatura Cabin and Caravan Park. “We’ve been super-affected by the cancellation of not just dairy week, but all the equestrian events as well,” Mr Gungor said. “Between the two businesses we’ve missed out on a $3500 profit with dairy week gone.” The Tatura Football Club usually runs catering and manages the bar at Wilson Hall throughout IDW.
Tatura Football Club treasurer Abbey Walker said feeding the crowds generated at least 10 per cent of the club’s annual revenue. “It was a significant fundraiser for us, and the timing of it at the start of the year used to set us up for the season really well,” Ms Walker said. “We’re fortunate it happened last year, because everything was still all right in January.” Besides club sponsorships, running catering for Dairy Week is the club’s single biggest fundraising event. “We even have an IDW committee who plan everything every year, which is Daryl and Gaye Eaton,” Ms Walker said. At the north end of town, Hill Top Golf and Country Club is less affected, but still sad to see the third week of January pass without notice. Manager-secretary Geraldine Pollard said the club used to get a “few meetings” and dinners when the cow expo was in town. “The odd group would come up and have a meal. We won’t be feeling a real pinch from
Last year Tatura Park was a hive of activity and an international spectacle. Pictured is the Jersey heifer class line-up in 2020.
them not being here but it is definitely a huge loss to the community,” Ms Pollard said. “It’s more a whole town thing, attendees used to go to the eateries on the main street a lot.” Ms Pollard said a lot of the attendees brought their own caravans and barbecues and were pretty self-sufficient.
“The dairy hands would eat and stay with the cows, it was more the officials who came up here. You’d also get a breed group, say the Guernsey mob, who’d come up sometimes,” she said. Greater Shepparton City Council estimated the 2019 IDW injected $2.2 million into the local economy.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
MURRAY REGION // 5
Ex-nurse embraces farm life WHEN ENROLLED nurse Angela Dunstone
moved from Canberra to her partner’s hometown Albury, not in her wildest dreams did she imagine changing her career to the dairy industry. After four years of shift work at an Albury aged care facility, Angela felt disillusioned with her work-life balance. “I wasn’t really enjoying myself; there was not much time to spend with my family or my partner,” she said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I saw a job on Gumtree for a farmhand, with ‘no experience necessary’.” Until landing the dairy farm job, Angela had never met a cow, so she definitely had ‘no experience’ and no idea what to expect. “I had no farming background; it was a big learning curve to be milking, feeding, irrigating, fencing and spraying weeds.” Despite needing to leave Albury at 3.30 am to start at 4.30 am, Angela enjoyed the fresh air and variety of farm tasks. However, she felt “thrown into the deep end” when the farm manager left after six months and the business was managed remotely. “It was just at a time when I wanted to learn and know more,” Angela said. Having completed a Certificate IV in Agriculture at Wodonga TAFE, Angela learned as much as she could from the farm’s agronomist
and veterinarian over the next two-and-ahalf years. While keen to stay in the industry, she eventually decided “it wasn’t worth the 45-minute drive on a dark, windy road” to work. She asked her agronomist and vet contacts for advice on a dairy farm closer to Albury, and applied for work at Hermitage Dairy at Kergunyah South. During her interview with fifth-generation farmer Stuart Crosthwaite, Angela emphasised her desire to learn — from the outset, it was obvious she had come to the right place. “It was very structured,” Angela said. “I had basic knowledge but was self-taught, and Stuart guided me in the right direction.” Fast forward two years and Stuart, who is also founding chair of dairy co-operative Mountain Milk and is currently completing the ARLP program as a Gardiner Foundation scholarship recipient, continues to inspire and support Angela. “Stuart is a great teacher with great knowledge that he is willing to share; he pushes me to learn and take on more responsibility,” Angela said. Angela, who spoke about her dairy career journey at the Gardiner Foundation ‘Year in Review’ presentation in late 2020, is also grateful for Stuart’s inclusive style of leadership, recently asking his employees to establish a core set of values for the business.
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They developed a team charter that prioritised communication, teamwork and individual areas of responsibility. As a result, Stuart’s three employees were given specific work titles. At first Angela was assistant pasture manager but that changed to assistant herd manager when Stuart recognised her interest in animal health. “Each of us knows what jobs we have to do; if anyone has a question about the cows or animal health, they come to me,” Angela said. “It gives me a sense of ownership in my area, and if I need advice I can ask Stuart. “It makes me feel like I am valued and valuable to the business; I’m not just a number or just an employee, but I matter.” Living in a farmhouse on the property with her partner, “who now drives 30 minutes to work in Wodonga”, Angela is eyeing a long future in the dairy industry. She credited a diverse support network for helping to keep her in the industry, including Stuart and her colleagues, vets, genetic and calfrearing specialists, agronomists, nutritionists and contractors. “Good leadership and support networks are vital to attracting and retaining newcomers to the industry,” she said. “Without the support of a good team, staying in the industry and being successful would be so much harder.”
City-raised Angela Dunstone swapped a nursing career for the dairy industry and is now assistant herd manager at Kergunyah South’s Hermitage Dairy.
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This season Emily Brown and partner Stephen Fisicaro will be milking 135 cows, up from 120 last year.
Coping without dairy week SOPHIE BALDWIN
IT HAS been quite a different January for Emily
Brown and her partner Stephen Fisicaro. For the past 24 years, the northern Victorian dairy farmers have been busy preparing their Linderlan and Sherbrooke Brown Swiss herd for International Dairy Week. But not this year. With the event cancelled due to COVID-19, they have been freed up from a summer spent feeding their show team a special diet, halter training and all the other hard work associated with getting their animals ready. “It has certainly been a strange one for us,” Emily said. “I have been showing at IDW since 1997 and there was only one year amongst all of those I didn’t take my own animals, so I have actually quite enjoyed having this year off.” Held in the peak of summer, IDW is well known for its searingly hot temperatures, but ironically this year the weather would have been spot-on with temperatures in the low 30s and not the 40-plus it normally attracts. “Of course we have perfect dry and cool conditions on the one year it’s not on,” she laughed. Despite the cancellation of IDW, Dairy Livestock Services still held its annual sale, the Winners Circle Sale, although this year it was a special online event — which had a total clearance across the 30 lots with a sale average of $7405 and top price of $22,000. The sale was across all breeds and Emily said it was great to see two Brown Swiss animals sell in the top seven.
“The Brown Swiss breed is gaining popularity within the industry as people start to look for hardy, no-fuss cows who milk well, get in calf and a very easy to look after,” she said. “We find they have exceptionally great health traits and we hardly ever have to get the vet out.” The sale had 200 registered bidders and one of those, the Dickson family from Terang, were lucky enough to purchase Linderlan Glenwood Tess, a heifer from the best cow family in Emily’s herd. Glenwood Tess is sired by a son of Schuler’s Glen Glenna, a Swiss Classic Champion and cow of the year from Switzerland. “DLS were looking for cows for the sale and I nominated Linderlan Glenwood Tess,” Emily said. “She is out of the best cow in our herd, eightyear old Linderlan Surge Tess Ex91–3E.” Both Emily and Stephen were also very happy with the $8000 sale price 15-month-old Glenwood Tess attracted. “Her sale price certainly exceeded our expectations,” she said. “We had a goal price in mind and it was well above that, and better than any price we could have hoped for. “She is going to a great home with the Dickson girls, and we couldn’t ask for anything better.” While Emily appreciated the time off, it will most likely be business as usual next year. “I do love dairy week and it is something we just automatically do each year so I am sure I will be back at it next year — I won’t be able to help myself.”
Showing cattle has always been a love of Emily’s and five-and-a-half years ago she and Stephen purchased their own dairy farm to secure a future in the industry they both love. But is has been a tough ride and Emily is pleased to say they are still hanging in there. “After the drought a few years ago I really didn’t think we would still be here today.
“It was such a tough time with high water and fodder prices making it nearly impossible to get through.” This season they will be milking 135 cows, up from 120 last year. “We had to sell a lot of stock in the drought because we couldn’t afford to feed them and we have decided to keep herd numbers on the lower side since then,” Emily said.
This year has been one of the best seasons in the region since Emily Brown bought the farm.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
MURRAY REGION // 7 They are trying to feed their herd with as much homegrown feed as they possibly can to help keep costs down. Excess stock is sold every year to create an additional income stream and Emily is pleased the Brown Swiss breed is becoming more popular and starting to pop up in herds across the country. And the 2020 season has been much kinder, although the farm has missed out on the last few rains. As a business reliant on purchasing temporary water, they were able to secure water for $140/Ml, a figure much lower and more affordable than the $700 it was a few years ago. “We have been able to sow sorghum and lucerne and it is nice to see the cows out grazing in a paddock every day.” Emily said each season they have been on the farm has brought its own unique set of challenges, making management difficult. They have learnt to be flexible and take each year as it comes. “It’s still a bit ‘oh god’ with every season changing and there has been no continuity at all but we supply DFMC and milk prices are pretty good this year.” Emily said being able to grow their own hay and silage and source some of their other hay requirements from neighbours has helped with costs this year. In 2019 they weren’t able to grow any hay or silage. “I would have to say 2020–21 has been pretty good so far and one of the better seasons for us since we bought our farm.”
Dairy farmers Emily Brown and Stephen Fisicaro.
The Brown Swiss breed is growing in popularity.
For the past 24 years Emily Brown has been preparing for International Dairy Week.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
8 // MURRAY REGION
Cows come down from the hills DANEKA HILL
IT WAS both a loss and a boon to the indus-
try when a Tallandoon dairy herd braved the Shepparton saleyards on January 27. The complete dispersal sale of Paul and Jess Furze’s high-quality herd grossed $271,484, with an average sale price of $2026. The young couple had decided to sell the 200head Holstein and Holstein-Jersey cross herd to focus on Santa Gertrudis beef. Many of the people buying on the day were running operations twice the size of the Tallandoon farm, south of Tallangatta, and the continued loss of small farmers was visible in the limited number of buyers present. In the end the highest price cow sold to the man contracted to transport the stock, Mac Jones. “I didn’t come here to buy any but there were some cheap autumn calvers so I got involved,” Mr Jones said. The Ecklin man — who runs a 500-head dairy operation and transport business —
bought Lot 51 for $3000 alongside a handful of others. Yarroweyah farmer Chris Hibberson bought 20 cows at the sale. “I was chasing A2 cows,” Mr Hibberson said. “I’m happy with the quality I got.” Christine Peatling from Numurkah bought six autumn calving heifers. “They are high country cows, but they’re going to be dry country cows now,” Mrs Peatling joked. Mark Mitchell from Undera bought nine cows and three heifers (all autumn calving). Auctioneer Brian Leslie said there was strong demand for autumn calvers and limited demand for those not confirmed in calf. “Which is understandable, but these cows presented well today,” Mr Leslie said. The generation AI Holsteins and the small amount of Holstein-cross were complimented for their good udders, long bodies and “dairyness” while in the ring. The Furzes said they were relieved to see their girls sold.
The Furze family (top) watched the auction unfold.
Auctioneer Brian Leslie oversaw the P. and J. Furze dairy herd dispersal sale.
Highest price cow was Lot 51, who earned $3000.
GRANTS STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES The Gardiner Dairy Foundation is offering grants of up to $5000 to not-for-profit groups to strengthen small Victorian dairy communities across the state, including northern Victoria. The Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s Working in Dairy Communities Small Grants Program, which is delivered through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, will provide a total of $120,000 in grant funding in 2021. Since it began in 2002, more than $2 million has been successfully funded to 445 grants across the Victorian dairy community. On average every dollar invested by Gardiner Dairy Foundation receives additional leverage of $3.05 in cash or in-kind contributions. Gardiner Dairy Foundation chief executive officer Clive Noble said it was important to support the wellbeing of Victorian dairy communities and their farming families. “With better seasonal conditions in most regions, morale in dairy communities has
improved over the past 12 months,” Dr Noble said. “People can breathe a little easier and now is a good time for community groups to look at some of the projects they may have deferred. “I’d like to encourage community leaders to take advantage of these grants, to leverage the money available with other inputs and to continue to improve and enrich their dairy communities. “Strong and vibrant dairy communities are vital to a strong dairy industry and vice versa.” In 2020, nine northern Victorian community groups received grants, including Cobram Community Cinema Inc, Cobram District Children’s Services Inc, Girgarre Community Group Inc, Girgarre Development Group Inc — Girgarre Hall Committee, Kindred Spirits Tatura Co‑Operative Ltd and Murrabit Promotions Committee.
Acting Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal chief executive officer Sarah Matthe said that the grants are designed to give dairy communities the boost they may need to make great things happen. “Last year was tough for most rural communities, and Victorian dairy communities were no exception,” she said. “We’ve seen from previous grant recipients that a small grant can open doors for further funding, and it will be great to visit some of last year’s grants recipients to see what kind of opportunities have grown from the funding, and how they have used the grants to help address the needs of their communities. “We know that these communities are determined, inspiring and resilient and full of great ideas. That’s why the Gardiner grants are deliberately flexible — to allow local leaders to respond to what’s happening, and address the biggest priorities. “In previous years, that’s been anything from community gardens to festivals, small
Gardiner Dairy Foundation chief executive Clive Noble.
infrastructure to training. I look forward to seeing what this year’s applications bring.” Applications for the Working in Dairy Communities Small Grants Program opened on February 1 and close at 5 pm on March 16. For more information, visit: gardinerfoundation.com.au
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
MURRAY REGION // 9
Dairy haven for rare birds DANEKA HILL
TO THE people who know of it, the plains-
wanderer is a big deal. They are elusive, considered Australia’s most genetically unique bird and critically endangered — but one Torrumbarry dairy farm happens to have an unusually high number of them. Andrew and Judy McGillivray have long used a 323 ha section of their farm to ‘holiday’ their dairy cows in winter before calving and agist young cattle. It turns out the gradual grazing and ‘handsoff ’ approach to the back paddock was maintaining an ideal grassland habitat for the plains-wanderer. “I’ve know they were there for years, but it was only when we got to know the people who are involved with preserving them that we really took notice,” Mr McGillivray said. “We farm the land the way we want and it just happens to be the right way to help them.” Plains-wanderers like grass 5–8 cm (two to three inches) in height — any longer and they can’t see predators coming.
“The gurus tell me we’ve got a lot here,” Mr McGillivray said. “They put up song meters and record their calls at night, and they reckon we happen to have one of the most significant locations in Australia.” The critically endangered bird has been described as the ‘flag ship’ for native grassland conservation and has its own breeding programs at the Werribee Open Range and Taronga zoos. The McGillivrays have carved precious time out of their 24/7 dairying schedules to visit the Werribee facility where birds from their own farm now live. “We provided three to four birds, they are named and everything after people in the family,” Mr McGillivray said. “We went down there to see them and their chicks. Eventually some of those chicks will be released back onto the farm.” Down the road Mr McGillivray’s cousin Bill has set aside part of his dairy farm as a plainswanderer area. His brother has also gotten involved and educated himself on the birds that hide on his property. The farmers are all part of the Northern Plains Conservation Group, which includes 10 to 13 more
Torrumbarry farmer Andrew McGillivray with a mural of the plains-wanderer created on his old farm shed. Photo: Cath Grey
For the rare plains-wanderer, the female is the larger and more colourful of the genders - an anomaly in birds.
local farmers, including George Peace who has set aside 26 ha of native grassland on his property. The grassland has never been ploughed and carries the name ‘George’s Grassland’ alongside giant ‘no shooting’ signs. Other farmers, Faye and Andrew Bail, help nearby Terrick Terrick National Park replicate
the successful conditions on the park’s native grassland with their own livestock. For more information on helping the plains-wanderer in the Loddon, Gannawarra and Campaspe shire areas reach out to the Northern Plains Conservation Management Network.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
10 // MURRAY REGION
Fonterra fire legacy remains GEOFF ADAMS
CHRIS DENT was rudely awoken from sleep on
a warm December night six years ago. His CFA pager had gone off and as soon as he emerged from his house a short distance from the rural community of Stanhope he could see a glow in the sky that told him this was a big fire. When he arrived in town he saw smoke billowing from the cheesemaking building in the Fonterra factory, and he joined his father, Peter, the Stanhope CFA captain, who was directing fire suppression efforts. He knew the factory and many people who worked in the building. All the available Stanhope CFA volunteers turned out and soon Peter Dent realised it was going to require more help, so he called in surrounding brigades, more breathing apparatus units and the elevated ladder unit from Bendigo. The fire appeared to have taken hold in the cheesemaking building, a labyrinth of rooms and structures, sandwiched between other buildings vital to milk processing on the site. The firefighters were faced with a fire creeping into the old roof in a factory environment that included chemicals like ammonia and containers with liquid nitrogen. The battle lasted for several hours before it was fully contained and the Fonterra management, while shocked at the multi-million-dollar damage, were fulsome in their praise for the firefighters who prevented the blaze from spreading. Stanhope Fonterra site manager Steve Taylor said it was remarkable that although cheese production was not possible in the burnt-out
building, the company was able to continue whey production the next day. Milk continued to flow from the Goulburn Valley dairy farms to the facility and permanent staff were able to keep their jobs at the site. The CFA and Fonterra management reflected on the impact of the fire, six years after the blaze, on December 16. Peter Dent was Stanhope CFA captain at the time of the fire (his son Chris is captain now) and distinctly remembers the teamwork involved in bringing the blaze under control. “We had people on the brigade who knew their way around the site. We even had a sparky on the brigade who was able to cut the power to make it safer,” he said. “Brigades joined in from as far away as Rochester and Echuca. “The Fonterra guys said to us: ‘What is it you need? You tell us, we’ll do it’.” He also recalled the site had an uninterrupted water supply, which was crucial in containing the fire within a few hours. The fire has cemented the relationship between the factory people and the town. Fonterra continues to make donations to the brigade and arranges familiarisation walkthroughs for the fire brigade so anyone called to an incident will understand the site layout. Some of the 184 employees live in the town and the factory provides an economic driver to the farming community. In 2017, Fonterra completed a $140 million replacement for the cheesemaking facility, massively increasing its capacity. Next year will mark 100 years of milk processing on the site.
(From left) CFA firefighters Garth Matthews, Chris Dent and Peter Dent, with Stanhope Fonterra site manager Steve Taylor.
The night of the fire that destroyed the cheese room at Stanhope.
Fonterra Stanhope site manager Steve Taylor.
The collapsed roof of the former cheese room.
Fonterra site manager Steve Taylor (left) and current Stanhope CFA captain Chris Dent with the remains of a switchboard which fire investigators believed started the Stanhope factory fire six years ago.
The fire destroyed the cheesemaking area of the Stanhope factory.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2021
MURRAY REGION // 11
Keeping up with changes THE RAPIDLY changing operating environ-
ment in the Murray Dairy region will be the focus of an upcoming Young Dairy Network event. Characterised by volatility and uncertainty, changes in climate, markets and water policy have resulted in a shift away from a traditional pasture-based system, according to Murray Dairy. The tour will focus on getting the next generation of farmers to see how individual farming operations have tackled these issues head on. Farm systems in the Murray region sit along a spectrum, with grazing-based operations — which rely predominantly on perennial feed and utilise some annual or conserved feeds — at one end of the spectrum. Even these farms have been challenged by recent dry conditions and elevated water prices. Common across the Murray region is the partial mixed ration (PMR) system, which utilises a combination of grazing and stand-off feed areas, with very varied levels of conserved feed and infrastructure. A smaller group of operators run Total Mixed Ration (TMR) systems, which tend to be more intensive with higher levels of infrastructure. Because no two farm businesses are the same, there’s no one formula for making a system profitable.
But by breaking these systems down into parts — such as feed base, animal management and water management — the workshop will show how dairy farmers can focus on optimising each one. New ways of farming mean operators are required to develop new knowledge and skills. Risk management and long-term strategic planning are also becoming increasingly important. The itinerary will challenge the tour group and present participants with a specific focus — a SWOT analysis. Through this analysis, participants will be covering things such as: how farms are adapting to a volatile water market, successfully transitioning from different feeding systems, or making new technologies pay. The tour will encourage participants to reflect on the application of what they see and hear to their own business: What will work? What are the barriers and opportunities that have been presented? Why will or won’t they pursue it? If pursuing it, what priority does it take? The two-day event will run on February 24 and 25 at Tindarra Resort, 79 Perricoota Rd, Moama. For more information or to register your attendance, visit: dairyaustralia.com.au/ events-calendar
A two-day Young Dairy Network event will focus on optimising elements of your dairy business.
THE MURRAY MUSTER 2021 DIGGING DEEPER
Save the date Wednesday May 26 This May, pull on your boots for our annual industry event, the
Murray Muster 2021
Designed by farmers for farmers, The Murray Muster is a showcase of ideas and innovation for the dairy industry in northern Victoria and southern NSW.
The Murray Muster 2021 – Digging Deeper will be held in Moama on Wednesday 26 May with a farm tour and celebration dinner.
This year’s event will give you a new perspective on what lies beneath your feet. Gain insight into new research, on-farm trials and investment across a range of areas relevant to Murray region dairy farmers, including soil biology, farm mapping changing irrigation practices and summer cropping trials.
HOW TO BOOK The Murray Muster is a free event for dairy farmers in the region but bookings are a must! For further information and to RSVP contact Ross Read at rread@murraydairy.com.au or on 0438 906 613.
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