Dairy News Australia - December 2018 - With West Vic Region

DECEMBER, 2018 ISSUE 98

WEST VIC REGION

Liam Allan’s 161ha sharefarm will milk about 250 at its peak.

Chasing his dairy dream RICK BAYNE

AS A 22-year-old forging a strong path in the

dairy industry, Liam Allan has a pretty simple outlook on farming.

“We keep it simple and easy,” he says.

“There’s nothing too dramatic about what we

do here.”

Mr Allan is sharefarming with new owners Paul and Chris Moloney at the former DemoDAIRY farm west of Terang.

The arrangement started on July 1 and is working well as they return the farm to its former glory. They share a common outlook on farming and life.

“We have similar ideas,” Mr Allan said.

“We’re both pretty casual and try to get the right work-life balance. I still play footy and cricket and Paul used to play and still likes to go and watch the footy.”

The addition of a school-based apprentice next year will further help spread the workload.

Mr Allan recently won the Great South West

Dairy Awards’ Young Dairy Leader Award for his vision to inspire other young farmers and to continue broadening his skill and knowledge base.

He moved to the Terang farm after 14 months sharefarming in Panmure.

Continued page 10 >

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

2 // WEST VIC REGION

Chair’s message

Festive season nearly here WE’RE INTO summer now — the days are

warmer and longer and, for the majority of us, feeding out has started again.

Hopefully many of you are happy with the amount of silage you were able to harvest and any summer crops you have sown are looking well.

Our Taking Stock program is in full swing and the useful information being gained from it is helping many farmers make more informed business decisions.

Please don’t hesitate to call the office and

book a session. It is a service that can benefit all farm businesses, regardless of how long you have been in the industry, how many cows you milk or how many hectares you farm.

The festive season is nearly upon us, which means kids home from school, family visiting and friends coming over for barbecues.

Please be mindful that our farms are also work sites and very dangerous ones at that. The statistics from accidents and deaths on farms are way too high.

We just need to remain super-aware of kids

around water, quad bikes and being unsupervised around livestock.

Even our adult visitors may not be used to machinery operating and being around animals.

It really is up to us as farmers to be strict on the occupational health and safety side of our businesses.

I’m looking forward to family visiting over summer and having my kids home for a while.

This year has had many challenges for all of us.

I know that now fire restrictions are back in, it makes many of us super-vigilant and mindful.

You all know I’m very big on being there for your neighbour or mate when a hand is needed, so please keep listening out and step up for a friend in need, because one day it might be you that could really do with a hand!

Wishing you all a happy festive season and, hopefully, a little down time with friends and family.

• Simone Renyard WestVic Dairy chair

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

WEST VIC REGION // 3

Tough conditions impact season IT’S BEEN a year of extreme seasonal condi-

tions for south-west Victorian dairy regions, with a late autumn break causing a wet winter.

However, the second half of September saw improving pasture conditions resulting in a much-needed boost for local fodder production, according to Dairy Australia’s Situation and Outlook report.

Much like the rest of the state, hay and grain markers will be tight for the region, although better local crops may provide a limited price advantage.

Shredded cereal hay doubled in price, pushed up by low supply, fetching $325/tonne, while stockfeed wheat saw a 64 per cent hike, averaging $415/tonne.

The 2017–18 season started with an exceptionally wet spring, limiting milk and quality fodder production, further hindered when dry conditions swept through in November resulting in significant reductions in pasture production.

While milk price improved eight per cent to an average of $5.80/kg MS, it didn’t compensate for the steep rise in feed costs, with earnings before interest and taxes falling from $240 000/ farm to $147 000/farm on the previous year.

The tough seasonal conditions have taken their toll across the country with this season’s milk production expected to fall by eight billion litres.

The October report points towards a five to seven per cent milk production shortfall on last year’s production levels.

However, Dairy Australia senior industry analyst John Droppert said there was some positive news, with domestic sales markets strong, seeing an increase of 0.9 per cent in Australian milk, cheese and yoghurt sales.

He said while farmers’ key priority was to navigate their way through the immediate challenges, on-farm decisions made in the coming months would be fundamental to the industry’s ability to seize the opportunities when seasonal conditions improve.

“While farmers continue to feel the impact of the feed shortage and increasing cost of production, domestic and global market trends provide a timely reminder that dairy has an important role in Australian diets and improving the nutrition of millions of people around the world,” Mr Droppert said.

“Dairy demand has remained robust, with dairy exports from the six major exporters increasing 3.7 per cent over the past 12 months.

“Greater China and Japan helped drive this growth, while demand from the Middle East and North Africa region increased for the first time in over three years.”

West Vic seasonal breakdowns 2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

Cash Milk income (net) $/kgMS

5.47

5.25

5.80

Total Farm Cash Income $/kgMS

6.13

5.87

6.42

Total Farm Working Expenses $/kgMS

4.67

3.98

4.56

Farm Operating Cash Surplus $/kgMS

1.46

1.89

1.87

Total Farm Gross Income $/kgMS

6.02

5.98

6.42

Total Variable Costs $/kgMS

3.66

2.62

3.43

Total Overhead Costs $/kgMS

2.26

2.30

2.51

6.08

4.84

6.00

0.11

1.06

0.48

0.68

0.63

0.60

-0.57

-0.43

0.11

0.3

3.9

1.9

-3.4

3.5

-1.1

Profit

Cost of Production (includes inventory change) $/kgMS Earnings Before Interest and Lease (EBIT $/kgMS) Finance Costs (Interest & Lease) $/kgMS Net Farm Income $/kgMS Wealth Return on Total Assets % Return on Equity %

Flying the flag for dairy LAUREN PETERSON hopes her new leader-

ship skills will help her to break the ‘silo’ mentality that invades dairy farms and communities across south-west Victoria.

Ms Peterson received one of six Victorian Regional Community Leadership Program scholarships, sponsored by the Gardiner Dairy Foundation, that aim to nurture and empower leadership opportunities within regional dairy communities.

As she completes the 2018 Leadership Great South Coast program, Ms Peterson is already planning how to use her new-found confidence and skills to make a difference on farms and in local communities.

“We have a wealth of experience, resources and skills in the dairy industry, but we tend to work in ‘silos’,” she said.

“Through the leadership program I discovered the same thing applies in our broader community; we’re working on the same sort of issues in silos rather than collaborating effectively and leveraging the resources and skills we have.”

Originally from Melbourne, Ms Peterson and her partner Tony Hassett moved to the southwest four years ago to follow their dairy farming dream. They now sharefarm at Naroghid and have become strong advocates for the industry.

Along with personal and professional development, Ms Peterson hoped the leadership program would broaden her knowledge of local industries and communities; what she found was a lack of understanding about the importance of the local dairy industry.

“I was shocked by how little people knew about dairy and agriculture in general; it brought home to me how important it is to tell positive stories about our industry,” she said.

“There are a lot of challenges but often all you

hear in the media are the negative things; we need to have honest conversations about the positives and the challenges and come up with real solutions.

“I want to bring dairy to the rest of the community.”

Leadership Great South Coast aims to connect and develop leaders, empowering them to do great things, and Ms Peterson is determined to continue making a mark.

“Our responsibility doesn’t end at the end of the course. We’ve now got a responsibility to walk the talk.”

Off-farm, Mr Hassett works in emergency services and Ms Peterson in an emergency call centre, and she is the UDV policy councillor for the Corangamite area.

As a newcomer to dairy in 2014, Ms Peterson appreciated all the help she could find; now she’s returning the favour to the industry and beyond.

“I’ll continue trying to make a difference in my UDV role and helping the Great South Coast Economic Migration project that assists families from an African background to relocate from Melbourne to regional areas,” she said.

The program is a partnership between Leadership Great South Coast, iGen Foundation and the Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development International. This year it is hoped up to 10 families will relocate to Glenelg Shire, mostly in the Casterton area, following similar success in Hamilton last year.

“Many of these families came from regional and agricultural backgrounds, so living in Melbourne isn’t the best outcome,” Ms Peterson said.

“By coming here, they contribute to the population, diversity and economic growth of our region.”

Ms Peterson is proud to showcase the region’s benefits.

“Often, we hear about the deficits of regional areas. A bit like the dairy industry — you don’t hear the positives and, while it’s important to highlight gaps in services, there are many benefits as well.”

The opportunity to develop her leadership skills with support from the Gardiner Dairy Foundation had held a mirror up to her strengths and weaknesses, Ms Peterson said.

“The course encouraged me to look at issues and opportunities through a more holistic lens.

I’ve definitely gained confidence and made a lot of connections personally and professionally.

“With a dairy farm business, you don’t just work in the business, you’ve got to work on it and I think it’s the same from an industry and leadership perspective.

“Self-awareness is very important as a leader and I think my leadership in the industry and community is going to be a lot more collaborative now.

“The dairy industry is at a tipping point and the next few months don’t look to be bringing much relief.

“However, we have the resources and community spirit to move to a positive future if we all work together, and I want to help harness that and fly the flag for our industry.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

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Grabbing every opportunity RICK BAYNE

DYLAN LIGHT doesn’t turn 21 until next March, but he’s already moving up in the dairy industry.

With a herd topping 150, mostly young stock, and a sharefarming agreement in the pipeline for next year, the 2018 Great South West Dairy Awards’ Employee of the Year is setting a clear pathway towards farm ownership.

“By 25 or 26 I want to have a crack at buying a farm,” he says.

In the meantime, Mr Light is happy to be learning from his mentor and farm owner Matt Grant and developing his skills through a diploma course.

Mr Light started his apprenticeship at Mr Grant’s farm at Scotts Creek in September 2016.

Born in Sale, Mr Light lived in Maryborough for eight years before moving to the Camperdown area 10 years ago. Visiting dairy farms owned by his grandparents and cousins inspired his love of the land.

His current job happened in a hurry; he came

in for an interview on a Monday and came back that night to milk.

He had to juggle work and finishing the final weeks of his Year 12 study, but it was worth it.

“I looked at what I wanted to do in the future and this was it,” he said.

“I like being outdoors. Every day is different and there’s always a new challenge.”

Mr Light did a Certificate III in Agriculture during Year 9 and on the Grant farm he has completed his Certificate IV; he’s now halfway through his diploma.

“After school I discuss things with Matty about what I’d learned at school and he’d explain his way and what works here. It’s good to get both sides.”

Mr Light has reared calves all his life and always found somewhere to put them. When he came to this farm, he brought 15 cows and has continued to rear young stock on powdered milk and take them to a leased 36 ha out-paddock.

“I’ve got 115 head out there now but my grandfather is selling up in Gippsland so a truck with 50 head of young stock is about to arrive,” he said.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

WEST VIC REGION // 5

Maize crops have been planted this year to cover expected feed shortages and avoid high-priced grain.

“Most of the calving was done in two weeks but the end of April, calves were still in the shed when we’d start in June,” Mr Light said.

“Now instead of set time AIs we’re joining for six to eight weeks; Boxing day through January, April-May and then September. It’s a bit of a break and we’re calving over eight to 10 weeks instead of 1.5 to two, but we weren’t getting the conception rates we wanted; it’s much better now.”

Mr Grant’s changes have had a flow-on effect to Mr Light’s cows, which are integrated into the main herd, providing a sprinkling of brown within the black and whites.

“It works out well,” Mr Light said. “We do AI for them at the same time and this year I’ve done some sexed semen, which has worked out well.”

The main farm is 223 ha but a few years ago Mr Grant added an adjoining 55 ha property

with a separate dairy. The second farm is used for young stock, but Mr Light is looking to take over the dairy next year as part of a sharefarming agreement.

“I want to keep building up the numbers over the next five years,” he said.

Only the dairy on the main farm, a 22-swingover with auto cup removers, auto teat spray and draft system, is used at the moment.

Mr Light is learning to be adaptable to the conditions.

This season started off reasonably wet with a lot of rain in June-July but has dried off earlier than usual.

“It’s been a pretty good year but we need the follow-up rain,” Mr Light said.

The pair does a lot of pasture renovation in paddocks that aren’t performing, and use fertiliser to promote growth.

Dylan Light hopes to next year start working in this dairy as part of a sharefarming agreement.

For the first time, this year they have planted 12 ha of maize to counteract feed shortages and high grain prices.

“We normally feed 7–8 kg of grain but we’re back to 3.5–4 kg because of the price. We sold off 25–30 cows to accommodate for less grain and to grow more grass,” Mr Light said.

The relationship between the pair is built on shared enthusiasm.

“It’s what I love doing,” Mr Light said. “It’s more of a hobby than a job so I’m dedicated to what I’m doing and having an excellent boss to work alongside makes it easy.”

For Mr Grant, the young man’s enthusiasm is infectious, as is his ability to adjust to the farm’s practices.

“He takes things on board when you tell him something. He’s happy to do it the way I want, not bring in someone else’s habits,” he said.

Dylan Light has already built a herd of more than 150 and is adding new young stock.

Mr Grant is encouraging his employee to pursue his goals, allowing him to buy in cows from other farms.

“It’s hard to find staff who want to go somewhere in the industry,” Mr Grant said.

“We have to channel that energy in the right direction; we’re lucky in that we have the room for him to grow inside our business.

“If I’ve got someone good you need to develop a pathway to keep them.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

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Millions for organic expansion A $65 MILLION expansion of an organic dairy

processing plant in north Geelong is expected to create 60 new jobs and generate $95 million in dairy exports.

Announced in October, the expansion will see the Organic Dairy Farmers Australia processing plant construct the country’s first dedicated organic nutritional dairy powder dryer.

ODFA is the largest co-operative of certified organic dairy farms and the biggest supplier of organic milk in Australia.

The $55 million spray-drying facility, which is being built by Corio Bay Dairy Group, will provide a vital ‘spring solution’ for the calving season’s spike in milk supply, the company says.

The spray dryer will have the capacity to pro-

PASSION DRIVES YOUNG FARMER A passion to work in agriculture has driven Lucy Powell from a very young age.

Having grown up on her parents’ hobby farm in Paraparup near Winchelsea, her dedication was something WestVic Dairy’s Young Dairy Network regional extension officer Heidi Van Es recognised immediately when they met in 2014.

“We discussed how she could pursue her passion for agriculture at secondary

cess up to 200 000 litres of fresh organic milk a day, increasing processing capacity by 73 million litres a year.

The skim from the milk supply will go to the dryer to make into infant milk powder while the fat, or the cream, will go to mostly butter and cheese making to be marketed under the brand True Organic.

ODFA chief executive Stewart Price said at less than half a per cent of Australia’s milk production, organic milk was under-represented in the Australian market when compared to the rest of the world.

“There is a huge demand for organic butter, and huge demand for organic cream,” Mr Price said.

school, despite the limited number of subjects available,” Ms Van Es said.

“This enthusiasm has remained, and this year Lucy will graduate from Longerenong Agricultural College with an Advanced Diploma in Agribusiness Management.”

Currently milking on Phil Meade’s dairy farm at Boorcan while she completes her studies, the hands-on experience has only grown Ms Powell’s interest in the dairy industry, particularly animal nutrition.

As an active member of the Young Dairy Network for a number of years, Mr Meade encouraged Ms Powell to attend events as well as other farm-related workshops and

“We haven’t been able to capture or satisfy that demand because we couldn’t bring more milk on.

The dryer has allowed us to recruit more members and farmers which, with more organic milk, is opening up more markets to us.”

Mr Price said 25 of the new jobs would come online before Christmas with work on the dryer to start early January.

To be built on a site adjoining the Organic Dairy Farmers Australia plant in Cowie St, the dryer will be owned by the Corio Bay Dairy Group, a joint venture with infant formula and milk powder supplier Wattle Health Australia and Niche Dairy.

ODFA, which was launched in 2002 with 16 farmers, currently has more than 50 farmers and

meetings.

Next year will see Ms Powell attend a WestVic Dairy-organised Don Campbell Memorial Study Tour, heading to the dairy regions of northern Tasmania to explore a variety of farming systems.

“The tour develops students’ business analysis skills through farm visits and completing units of study,” Ms Van Es said.

“Lucy will use this to develop her knowledge and skills as well as increase her networks within the dairy industry.”

For more information about the Young Dairy Network, phone Heidi Van Es on 0459 227 337.

A mock-up of Organic Dairy Farmers Australia’s $55 million spray-drying facility, built in partnership with the Corio Bay Dairy Group, a joint venture with infant formula and milk powder supplier Wattle Health Australia and Niche Dairy.

represents more than 70 per cent of Australia’s overall organic milk supply.

The Victorian Government has contributed $10 million towards the plant’s construction.

WestVic Dairy’s Young Dairy Network regional extension officer Heidi Van Es and Don Campbell Memorial Study Tour recipient Lucy Powell.

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8 // WEST VIC REGION

Finding the right balance RICK BAYNE

PETER CHOW’S 280 dairy cows used to help sustain his passion for horse racing; now he wonders if it’s the other way around.

After 21 years on his farm at Purnim, north of Warrnambool, and years before that on his grandfather’s farm 40 minutes west at Yambuk, Mr Chow says it’s getting tougher all the time.

“Initially the cows were a way to feed my passion for the horses, I think it’s the other way around now,” he said.

His 10 gallopers share part of the land with his 280 Friesian cows. Stables are built on site but the horses are trained off-farm, either at nearby beaches or racing tracks.

“Horse racing is a tough caper too, but for a small stable we’re going okay; we’ve had successes at Warrnambool’s May Racing Carnival and some wins at Sandown,” Mr Chow said.

“Horses are my passion now; dairy is something I have to do to keep the bank manager happy.”

In the early years, dairy was more of a passion.

While Mr Chow grew up in town at Maryborough, he often visited his grandfather’s farm at Yambuk and became interested in a career in agriculture.

He studied at Longerenong and Glenormiston agricultural colleges and was planning to work his way around Australia when tragedy intervened. “My grandfather broke his leg and someone had to go home and look after the farm; that was me.”

At 52, Mr Chow still enjoys the farming lifestyle and the challenge of making a dairy work.

“I like being my own boss, running my own ship. I couldn’t go and work for someone.”

But his frustrations with stagnating income and booming costs are never far from the surface.

Mr Chow adopts simple practices on his farm. “It’s very simple — feed the cows, milk the cows and spend as much time as I can with the horses.”

When he and his family moved onto the land 21 years ago it needed major restoration with new fencing and laneways and renovation of pastures.

“It was an active farm but it needed a lot of work. With the pastures we basically started from scratch but a bit of fertiliser went a long way. We got a good response and soon had it up and running.”

Now the farm is mostly using perennials along with some summer crops, with Mr Chow cutting silage but also buying hay every year.

About 20 to 25 ha are completely renovated each year to boost home-grown production.

Clover crops have been dumped after failing to achieve any longevity.

Over time they have expanded into neighbouring land, almost doubling the original farm to the current 226ha.

One thing that hasn’t changed much is the herringbone 20-swing over dairy.

“It’s nothing flash. It was here when I got here and apart from extending the yard and putting in a bigger vat we haven’t done anything to it since, but it does the job,” Mr Chow said.

He brought some cows from Yambuk but had to buy a mostly new herd. Friesians, which he describes as a stronger cow with better reproduction, were always his priority.

Purnim dairy farmer Peter Chow has successfully mixed dairy farming and horse training but says horses are his passion.

“For a start we tried to run both farms but it was too hard. It was a 40-minute drive but we soon learnt how difficult that was with so much wasted time.”

Peter Chow’s farm has been unofficially on the market for years and he concedes there will come a time when he pushes to sell.

While not a figures man who closely follows his production numbers, Mr Chow said this season was going well. But he is worried about escalating costs, particularly for hay.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

WEST VIC REGION // 9

“We have increased costs everywhere and we’re still getting the same amount for our milk that we got 20 years ago,” he said.

“A few years ago I went to Cobden and listened to Gary Helou (former Murray Goulburn boss) and he said by 2018 we’d be getting $8/ kilo. I’d like to see that.”

While south-west Victoria has been largely immune from drought conditions that have hurt the rest of Australia, Mr Chow says there will be consequences locally.

“The grain and hay prices are ridiculous and they’re only going to get worse. It’s pretty good this season but the next season is the big worry. If we ever need a good autumn break it’s next year.

“Hopefully I won’t need more hay than normal but I’m going to pay more for what I get.”

A former Murray Goulburn supplier, Mr Chow has moved to Bega to take advantage of a price incentive at the start of the season.

The farm has been unofficially on the market for years and he concedes there will come a time when he pushes to sell.

His three daughters aren’t interested and he says the frustrations of not being able to make a worthwhile profit are getting worse.

“We break even but we can’t seem to get ahead. Next year I shudder to think what’s going to happen.”

In the meantime, the horses are a source of inspiration.

“When I was growing up my parents had trotters that were pretty successful; and when I was farming at Yambuk my brother got involved with a galloper and he got me involved. I leased one and it grew from there.”

Having good labour, including Mark Sedgley “my main offsider who takes care of things for me” and part-time milkers has allowed Mr Chow to indulge his passion.

Mr Chow is rostered to milk for four sessions on Monday to Thursday evenings, though he admits he tries to find excuses to get out of that job.

“I used to milk full-time but when I got more involved with the horses and started employing labour I cut it down, but you’ve got Freecall: 1800 039 047 www.genaust.com.au to get in a bit and see what’s going on.”

Does he have the balance right? “No, I’d prefer 100 per cent on horses and no time in the dairy at all.”

Peter Chow’s herringbone 20-swingover dairy hasn’t changed much since he bought the farm but it remains functional.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

10 // WEST VIC REGION

Simple approach delivers results < Continued from page 1

It’s a positive step for Mr Allan, who has already progressed quickly after entering his first share agreement at 20. “I will have a few more cows and we’re working on a bigger scale,” he said.

The 161 ha farm will milk about 250 at its peak.

Mr Allan brought 30 “bits and pieces cows” from Panmure and aims to slowly build his herd.

“I’ve got about 45 to come into the herd in two years and there are about 20 to come in next year. I’m trying to grow and get a full herd together and then get some machinery.

“It’s one step at a time to the ultimate plan to one day own my own farm.”

“I’m keen to learn and try to get as far as I can. When I was younger I had a go at other things but my heart was always set on farming.”

Prior to the property sale, DemoDAIRY had scaled back and removed its cows, leaving many pastures in need of renovation.

Before Mr Allan started, Mr Moloney had re-

Liam Allan cleans up after milking.

sown about 60 ha — mostly with Italians, which has provided a good silage crop.

“He was coming in pretty blind and some of it was sown a bit late. We put in a lot of Italians but the plan is to get it back mainly to perennials,” Mr Allan said.

“It was a bit of a tough start but spring is shaping up pretty well. We’ve cut over 50 ha of silage and it’s looking good.”

They plan to use pasture-based systems and be feed-sustainable.

Many of the farm’s pastures needed renovation but after extensive re-sowing the season is looking good.

“We bought two loads of total mixed ration to get us through a quiet patch in winter when some of the pastures still weren’t up to scratch,” Mr Allan said.

“Next year we’ll still be learning, but in the next three to five years we hope to be fully self-

sufficient and not have to buy feed other than grain.” They feed about a tonne a cow at the moment.

About 10.5 ha of rape and turnip summer crops have been planted, and they will get sown back in for perennials next year.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2018

WEST VIC REGION // 11

Any paddock that is under-performing will get sprayed-out and sown into an annual for a summer crop for next year.

Mr Allan uses Pasture for Profit for grazing management.

“It’s really helpful. It gets our paddock rotations right and grazing your grass right is so important, especially this time of the year. You can waste a lot of grass if you’re not grazing properly.”

He aims for an 18-day rotation and if there’s any excess it’s picked up as silage.

Mr Moloney has also renovated the farm’s dairy, installing a new feed system, enclosed and vermin-proof feed bins, reconstructed frames that hold the milking machines, added new breast and breech rails and re-arranged the walkways before installing a new milking system.

The system includes Cow Manager and Easy Dairy draft system.

“We get a more accurate picture of when the cows are on heat and don’t have to worry about tail paint,” Mr Allan said.

“I just look at my phone in the mornings and night and whatever cows are on I just type into the computer and they draft themselves.

“Technology has come a long way and it’s definitely improving farms.”

They also aim for simplicity with calving and will work to a tight calving in May to July.

“Next year we might be a bit pushed out while we get established. Everything doesn’t happen in a day.”

Mr Allan is now working on the farm where

Sharefarmer Liam Allan aims to secure his future in the dairy industry by building his calf numbers.

he completed part of his education. “I did my Cert IV here but didn’t think I’d be back here sharefarming.”

Mr Moloney has a five-year plan to get the farm back in optimal shape, and likewise Mr Allan has goals to advance in the industry.

“We’ve got a plan mapped out and I’d like to own half the herd in the next five years,” he said.

“Going straight to leasing would be too tough. It’s a bit daunting as a young bloke to go ‘bang’ and you’ve got all these bills coming in at once. I’ll take it a little bit at a time.”

The share partnership is on solid ground.

“Paul is fantastic support,” Mr Allan said.

“We were just looking at the silage and working out when we’d start baling. We work it out together and help each other when needed.”

Mr Moloney is based at his main farm just south of Terang.

Mr Allan aims to keep learning. He’s a member of the Ecklin Discussion Group and likes to learn from other farmers.

“I’m keen to learn and try to get as far as I can. When I was younger I had a go at other things but my heart was always set on farming.”

Sharefarmer Liam Allan says they keep things simple and easy.

Taking Stock Dairy farmers can now access free one-on one sessions with an experienced farm consultant through the Taking Stock program.

The program will result in an Action Plan that identifies the next steps needed to navigate the season ahead.

The sessions are confidential and personalised to address the specific needs of each farm business, including any physical, financial and people issues that are identified.

› Feed options

Topics could include: › Managing a fodder shortage

To register contact: WestVic Dairy on 5557 1000 or email amanda@westvicdairy.com.au The team will answer any queries and connect you with a consultant of your choice where possible.

› Herd health › Cash budgeting › Managing your farm team › Meeting the bank.

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