Positive year but costs bite. Page 4 FACTORIES HIT BY FLOODS PAGE 16
OZ JERSEYS STAR ON WORLD STAGE PAGE 21
NOVEMBER, 2022 ISSUE 145 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au
EMBRACING NEW IDEAS Alastair Steel has a 190-cow mixed breed herd near Marlo in Victoria, and as much as he enjoys working in the dairy industry, he’s not a fan of milking. But innovation and automation have helped keep him out of the milking shed. More on PAGE 5
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
NEWS // 3
Low supply shields dramatic downturn BY ISABEL DANDO
Supporting Nepal’s farmers PG.18
NZ tour an eye-opener PG.22
Diet change disease risk PG.23
NEWS ..................................................4–22 ANIMAL HEALTH ............................... 23 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS ................................... 24–26
AROUND THE world consumer spending continues to be suppressed by higher-than-expected inflation, rising interest rates and volatile market conditions. While this is not unique to the dairy industry, it has shaped procurement activity and impacted the purchasing power of buyers. As such, demand for dairy globally has shifted away from the frantic buying seen during the pandemic, with commodity prices forced to move accordingly. In addition to volatile market conditions, the unpredictability around not only securing product but receiving it in a timely manner, is driving a change in importing activity. Initially, port congestion and shipping delays prompted a shift in procurement activity, to larger volumes purchased over less frequent shipments. However, now — with mounting cost of living pressures, reduced consumer spending and weakened currencies — importers continue to evolve their activity, purchasing in more of a ‘hand-to-mouth’ fashion. As such, demand for dairy has tempered under the weight of widespread economic challenges. Additionally, China’s COVID-19 eradication policies, steady local dairy production and subsequently reduced importing have significantly contributed to this period of quieter demand. With Chinese buyers essentially importing at half-strength, export prices have gradually declined from all four key exporting regions over the past few months. For Australian dairy products, price movement has been less dramatic in comparison. Manufacturing costs have been rising and since the beginning of the new season, processors are now paying substantially more for their most important input: milk. With no option for Australian processors to pay less for milk as ingredient values fall, there is less scope to compete on price. Fortunately, however, milk is tight, with many processors reporting they don’t have the excess product to sell. In fact, tight milk supplies are likely to prevent a protracted price slide of dairy commodities.
IME IT T TO IS
In addition to volatile market conditions, the unpredictability around not only securing product but receiving it in a timely manner, is driving a change in importing activity.
High input costs, smaller national herds, farm exits and labour challenges remain major constraints to milk flows globally. However, one of the most watched is the third consecutive La Niña event. In Australia, wet weather has caused flooding in several states. For New Zealand, backto-back La Niña events keeps the pressure on pasture production through a continuation of wet conditions during spring and hot conditions over summer. The United States sees the flip side of the coin, with La Niña bringing a drying effect to the country, following on from the hot weather that has damaged feed and slowed milk flows in the first few months of the season. Drought conditions have also plagued the European Union, with record level heat similarly hindering feed and production growth.
In August, the US and EU recorded marginal production growth compared to last year, however, this is against lower comparable levels. Many of the constraints felt in both of these key exporting regions are likely to continue weighing on milk flows in the short to medium term. Despite slow demand driving a downturn for dairy commodities, limited supply will hold the fort for the moment. With many Australian exporters well sold through to 2023, prices will continue to move in response to the competition, while being shielded from extreme declines. This will help to alleviate some of the pressure on profit margins, however, ongoing market volatility will continue to mould a sense of uneasiness.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
4 // NEWS
Positive year but costs bite RESULTS FROM the 2021-22 Victorian Dairy
Farm Monitor Project report show participants on average experienced the fourth highest financial returns recorded in the 16 years of the project. Dairy Farm Monitor is a joint initiative of Agriculture Victoria and Dairy Australia, with financial and physical data gathered from participant farms in Gippsland, south-west Victoria and northern Victoria. Agriculture Victoria’s Natalie Nelson said the average profit in 2021-22 from the
80 participant farm businesses was about $384,000 a farm ($1.72/kg of milk solids), which was 45 per cent above the long-term average. “This strong performance was influenced by a nine per cent increase in average milk price to $7.37 per kilogram of milk solids,” Ms Nelson said. “However, the increased milk price coincided with higher input costs and supply constraints, including labour, feed and fertiliser, which impacted on the overall 2021-22 farm business margins.
NORTHERN VICTORIA
GIPPSLAND
About 874 dairy farm businesses in northern Victoria produced 1.59 billion litres of milk in 202122, accounting for 29 per cent of Victoria’s milk production output and 19 per cent of Australia's milk production. Stable herd size at slightly higher production per cow delivered an increase in total milk production compared to last year in northern Victoria. Northern Victoria typically has larger herds and irrigation infrastructure that supports more intensive production systems. Non-irrigated farms in northern Victoria tend to be larger scale but are reliant on rainfall. While perennial pastures dominate in the other regions, annual pastures dominate in northern Victoria and on average the milking cows consume less homegrown pasture In northern Victoria, 30
About 1085 dairy farm businesses in Gippsland produced 1.92 billion litres of milk in 2021-22, accounting for 35 per cent of Victoria’s milk production output and 23 per cent of Australia's milk production. On average, herd size increased and per farm milk production increased, despite milk production decreasing per cow as participants were challenged to manage adverse seasonal conditions (predominantly in south and west Gippsland). Wet conditions resulted in decreased home-grown grazed pasture and poorer quality conserved feed, resulting in lower profitability in 2021-22. Irrigation water use in the Macalister Irrigation District was significantly lower (59 per cent) than the previous year due to adequate rainfall. In 2021-22, 21 of the 25
farms were analysed, with all recording a positive return on total assets (see table). Farm profitability was influenced by: ɋ Seven per cent increase in average milk price to $7.54/kg MS. ɋ 16 per cent increase in herd and shed costs to $0.61/kg MS. ɋ Nine per cent increase in total feed costs to $3.59/kg MS. ɋ 10 per cent increase in overhead costs to $2.54/kg MS. Future expectations, 2022-23: Northern Victorian participants said they were optimistic, with 87 per cent expecting business returns to improve and 10 per cent expecting business returns to remain stable. Concerns were input costs (19 per cent), labour (16 per cent), climate/ seasonal conditions (15 per cent) and pasture/ fodder (15 per cent).
Farm performance Average earnings before interest and tax dollars per kilogram of milk solids sold Average earnings before interest and tax Average net farm income Average return on total assets Average return on equity
“For dairy farms in the irrigation areas of the Goulburn Murray and Macalister Irrigation District, favourable seasonal conditions and lower irrigation costs assisted in strong performances.” Australia-wide there were 250 participating farms, with Victoria representing the biggest cohort in the project. Ms Nelson said the financial and production information collected in the report enabled businesses to effectively track and compare their business performance over time.
SOUTH-WEST VICTORIA Gippsland participants had a positive return on total assets. Farm profitability was influenced by: ɋ Nine per cent increase in average milk price to $7.15/kg MS. ɋ 20 per cent increase in herd costs to $0.40/ kg MS. ɋ Two per cent increase in shed costs to $0.24/ kg MS. ɋ 26 per cent increase in total feed costs to $3.34/kg MS. ɋ 16 per cent increase in overhead costs to $2.59/kg MS. ɋ 10 per cent decrease in home-grown pasture while home-grown conserved feed was around the same. ɋ A 0.3 tonne DM/cow increase in average supplements fed (total 3.1 tonnes DM/cow). ɋ Highest total costs (variable and overhead) in 16 years of Dairy Farm Monitor Project.
Northern Victoria 2020-21
“This year many participants reported they had used the favourable milk and livestock prices and cash flows to expand and improve their business, by purchasing land, investing in infrastructure and machinery, resulting in higher business equity.” The report is available at: agriculture.vic. gov.au/dairyfarmmonitor Briefings on the 2021-22 Dairy Farm Monitor Report will be hosted by Dairy Australia in each of the regions in early November.
About 1030 dairy farm businesses in south-west Victoria produced 1.91 billion litres of milk in 202122, accounting for 35 per cent of Victorian milk production output and 22 per cent of Australia's milk production. More cows were milked at similar production per cow, leading to an increase in average total milk production compared to last year. Greater quantities of supplements were fed as lower quantities of home-grown feed were harvested. In 2021-22, nearly all participants (24 of the 25) recorded a positive return on total assets (see table). Farm profitability was influenced by: ɋ 11 per cent increase in average milk price to $7.39/kg MS. ɋ 13 per cent increase in herd and shed costs to $0.65/kg MS.
Gippsland
2021-22
2020-21
ɋ 40 per cent increase in total feed costs to $3.47/kg MS. ɋ Eight per cent increase in overhead costs to $2.90/kg MS. ɋ 14 per cent decrease in home-grown pasture and conserved feed due to adverse (wet) seasonable conditions. ɋ A 0.7 tonne DM/cow increase in average supplements fed (total 4.4 tonnes DM/cow). ɋ Highest total costs (variable and overhead) in 16 years of the Dairy Farm Monitor Project. Future expectations, 2022-23: Two thirds of farmers expect business returns to improve. Concerns were input costs (18 per cent), milk price (17 per cent), succession planning (16 per cent) and climate/ seasonal conditions (14 per cent).
South-west Victoria 2021-22
2020-21
2021-22
$1.76
$1.98
$1.78
$1.43
$2.04
$1.71
$500,000 $401,000 6.0% 7.5%
$483,000 $391,000 5.6% 7.2%
$300,000 $220,000 5.4% 8.0%
$273,000 $188,000 4.2% 6.2%
$449,000 $355,000 5.5% 9.1%
$376,000 $87,000 3.9% 5.5%
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
NEWS // 5
Ready to embrace new ideas BY JEANETTE SEVERS
ALASTAIR STEEL has a 190-cow mixed
breed herd near Marlo, milking off 120 hectares of Snowy River flat country. He has installed four Lely automated milking machines — commissioned in January, 2021 — after 15 years of using an old 28-bail rotary dairy. “If I hadn’t gone to the robot milking machines, I would’ve got out of the dairy industry,” Alastair said. “I wouldn’t have installed another rotary to replace the old one. “I look for technology to help me be a better dairy farmer.” Much as he enjoys working in the dairy industry, Alastair said he was not a fan of milking. When he and his wife Mandy Steel bought and moved onto the farm 17 years ago, the first innovation Alastair installed was automatic cup removers. “Installing automatic cup removers immediately took one person out of the milking shed,” he said. “That was me. I was the one who stopped working in the milking shed.” He has been using four automated Holm & Laue calf feeders for the past 10 years, bought second hand. Calves are fed in the shed for 70 days, with ad lib access to grain, fresh water and grazing in the paddock. Weaning begins at 50 days. The total farm size is 283ha, but 162ha of that land has been inundated by heavy rain and floodwater for more than 18 months. The grazing pressure has caused Alastair to continue to feed silage throughout the year to his herd. Normally he would only feed out during winter. He is also trying to rebuild his milking herd after drought broke in 2020. He kept all his heifers over successive years and is still bringing them into the milking herd. He said he would continue to keep all his heifers each year. “Next year in May I’ll join about 70 heifers to Jersey bulls. “I should have close to 300 milkers by autumn 2024.” The capacity of his four-bay Lely system is 320 cows. Only heifers are joined to bulls. The milking herd is in-calf through artificial insemination, using a mixture of New Zealand genetics. The size of the bails in the original rotary shed dictated the size of the cows Alastair
milks. It was also a factor in his thinking to buy the Lely Astronaut A5. “The rotary was so small, I didn’t want a big animal,” he said. “I like a medium-sized cow and I prefer to use semen from Jersey-Friesian crossbreds, imported from New Zealand. “I like crossbred cattle. The milking herd is Jersey, Friesian and crossbred cows. “At the start of September, they were producing 20 litres/cow/day. Three weeks later, the herd is producing 26 litres/cow/day, on grass, pasture silage and four to eight kilograms of grain, depending on milk production. “One of my cows is doing 50kg/day of milk solids. “It’s amazing how a bit of fresh pick in the paddock improves their production. “At the moment, our protein level is higher than butterfat because of the amount of green grass.” Alastair, who supplies his milk to Bega Cheese, follows organic principles in animal and pasture management. “I can’t remember the last time I had to treat a cow for mastitis.” The pasture — which used to be lucerne, clovers, rye-grass, chicory and plantain — was last over-sown more than four years ago. Clovers and rye-grass dominate the paddocks, with a naturally regenerating chicory. Between 6ha and 20ha of maize is sown each year, harvested as cut silage. Alastair applies gypsum at a rate of 250 to 300kg/ha. Calcium, sulphur and potassium are applied according to identified deficiencies indicated through regular soil tests. He has been a fan of applying calcium nitrate in liquid form, with deconstructed seaweed and fish. The most recent soil tests identified molybdenum was lower since the drought. “We bought the farm based on soil tests we did 17 years ago. Phosphorous levels were good and still are,” Alastair said. “I look for worms and ladybirds and other beneficials in the soil. I feed the soil to encourage the biology.” Alastair uses a mixture of molasses, seaweed and fish emulsion at a rate of five litres of concentrate mixed into effluent water — applied as a foliar application at 467 litres/ha. He will apply the foliar application at least twice a year, but expects to do it more often, particularly to fill a winter feed gap. He recently purchased a Tow and Fert to improve foliar application and will broadcast plantain and rye-grass seeds mixed with the liquid fertiliser. “It will be a change-maker for my system.”
Alastair Steel has a mixed herd of Jersey, Friesian and crossbred moderate-sized cows.
Alastair’s focus is on growing pasture. To achieve this he recently invested in a Tow and Fert trailer.
Alastair installed automatic milking bays in early 2021. He said it was either install this system or get out of the dairy industry.
Pasture and maize are chopped for silage and placed under wrap as a long-term investment.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
6 // NEWS
Good silage is a no-brainer WHEN JOHN Kelly does something, he does
John Kelly has experimented with other silage wraps but keeps coming back to Tama Australia’s Silotite.
it right. So, it was no surprise when the Euroa cattle farmer and silage contractor opened two-yearold silage bales that were fresh and solid. “It’s as good as the day we put it in there, and that’s the way it should be,” he said. “If you look after silage, and store it, you can get it to last two to two-and-a-half or three years — that’s if you put six layers on. That might be what gets you through a drought year, it’s back-up.” John and Mary Kelly — with children Shaun, Michael, Clare and Jack — operate Kellybrook Angus in Victoria’s north-east, running 200 to 300 breeders. They also make 4000 to 6000 rolls of silage a year as part of their contracting business. Up to 600 are kept for their own use. John has been wrapping silage for nearly 30 years and has firm views on what constitutes “good silage”. “When you are feeding it should be sweet smelling,” he said. “It shouldn’t stain your hands; it also shouldn’t be slimy and there shouldn’t be mould.” Using six layers — “stretched on tight” — of Tama Australia’s Silotite silage wrap is part of John’s stringent silage production practice. “With only four layers, there’s no way I could go out to these two-year-old bales now and see them still so good,” he said. “Silage bales are so worthwhile to me; they
can be worth $65 to $80 dollars each. “I’ve experimented with other wrap and that’s why I’ve came back to Silotite. I’ve proved to myself it will last and do the job.” John also inoculates all silage, while his harvest process takes two to three days and includes the use of a rotary rake — to avoid dirt and dust in the windrow — and tedding. He said tedding was essential to ensure an even distribution of moisture throughout the windrow and enable faster baling and wrapping. Cutting the crop for silage at 150mm to 200mm high also ensures the windrow is not sitting on the ground. John said this meant it feeds better through machines, is a better quality feed and promotes regrowth. Tama’s regional technical manager Darrell Butler has also helped John produce “the best possible silage”. John said his assistance was valuable across the entire process, from buying the right machine to making sure the silage wrap stretch is correct and each bale has the right cover. But silage is so much more than quality feed for the Kelly family. They use the stored fodder as a pasture management tool, drought buffer and vehicle to deliver powdered magnesium to livestock to avoid the fatal grass tetany disease. Feeding silage to cows and calves over winter saves pasture pugging and enables the establishment of a spring feed wedge. “If a cow has a good feed of silage today, she
is going to be very kind on the pasture for a day,” John said. “If they are hungry, they are going to walk around the paddock and if it is wet, they are going to bog it, and walk half the grass into the ground. “So, if you give them a feed, you have saved one day of grass and that benefit is very hard to measure.” Silage production also enables the Kelly family to make the most of spring rain. John said making silage was better for the regrowth of their phalaris, rye and clover pastures than hay. “If you do silage in September and then you get spring rain, you can recut it if you want or graze it. “That regrowth is worth a lot; how do you value that?” Drought is also never far from John’s mind. It wasn’t so long ago he had to make tough decisions to scale back his herd after years of dry conditions. He knows fodder stores will give him options — regardless of the season. “We’ve got a big dam out there now and we would like to put silage under a dam bank. “I’d like to get 600 under the dirt bank. While some say to only put two layers on it, it might be there for 20 years, so what’s a few more dollars? “If you are going to all that expense and effort, you may as well make it good and worthwhile.”
John Kelly appreciates the value of good silage.
Dairy News Australia is published by Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the staff, management or directors of Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd.
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Dairy News Australia welcomes contributions from stakeholders in the dairy industry, and particularly from organisations wishing to advance the industry. Contributions and photos can be sent to: editor@dairynewsaustralia.com.au Letters to the editor on topical issues are also welcome. Letters should be concise and carry the name and town address of the author, as well as a contact phone number, not for publication.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
8 // NEWS
Make more moments matter BY COBY BOSCHMA
GONE ARE those long, tiring AI days, says dairy farmer Trevor Shanahan, who started using a cow monitoring system early in 2021. “It’s an easier way of doing things and it allows us to pay more attention to the care of individual cows,” Trevor said. “We have better control. We can keep an eye on them, and nothing slips through the cracks.” A fourth-generation dairy farmer in southwest Victoria, Trevor — as well as his wife Sarah, and parents Pat and Trish — are all actively involved on the farm. One of his young daughters might take over one day. Trevor’s life has changed since using cow monitoring, and he’s not the only one. Across the pond — in Southland, New Zealand — the life of dairy farmer Dayna Cunningham has also been made easier due to cow monitoring technology. “It enables us to have one less person in the cowshed,” she said. “So, we haven’t had to have that person
standing on the stand picking cows, which then allows us to take care of other jobs during mating that we wouldn’t normally be able to do.” Family man and dairy farmer Sander Pentermann, from the United States, agreed. He said using technology wasn’t only better for your business, it also contributed to your personal life. “In your house, with your kids at a sports event — you can still monitor, you always have a bird’s-eye view of what’s going on,” Sander said. “It gives us more freedom, more opportunity to spend time with my family.”
Better for everyone
Better control, more time for other odd jobs — which there are always plenty of on any farm — and a more fulfilled personal life, thanks to peace of mind. Cow monitoring really does seem to have it all from a farmer’s perspective. But what about the cows and production? According to South African farmer Pieter Barnard, using a cow monitoring system can even save lives.
“In the past we would have to physically walk through the groups every day to detect sick, cycling and lame cows,” he said. “Currently, we can flag the cows on the system, instantly decide and act early on.” Tiffany Schneider, from Paulus Dairy in the US state of Wisconsin, has been using the CowManager system for years. “We have decreased our labour bills because we’re not locking up these cows as much and decreased in our veterinary bill, too,” Tiffany said. “We’re letting them keep up with their routine, which is what they like to do. That has also given us time to do other things that maybe weren’t getting done as much before. “It has freed up hours within our day to better manage the cows.”
Accurate and efficient
Not only does CowManager save time and money on labour, but it also allows farmers to manage their herd and business more accurately and efficiently. US farm owner Chuck Fahey said they
were “picking up cows that we normally wouldn’t see”. “You can’t be out here all the time. CowManager’s out here all the time,” he said. “And your employees are busy enough milking and moving cows. They don’t have time always to write down one. Whereas CowManager gives you that little window when they need to breed them, and it just works spectacular.“ Ruurd Dijkstra, from the Waikato in New Zealand, said using CowManager had made a huge difference in his business management. “In the past we’ve had some less motivated people that didn’t really look at what was happening or did not really know what to look for,” he said. “An automation system looks at cows 24/7, which no person ever can do as well as the computer does. “We found that things got a lot more accurate, and it saves us an awful lot of time.” ɋ For more information, visit: www.cowmanager.com
Grazing cows wearing CowManager sensors.
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TRAINING BOOSTS SOUTH-WEST JOBS Fifty unemployed young people in Victoria’s south-west are looking to begin a fresh career in the local dairy industry under a new entry-level training program. Victorian Agriculture and Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney announced the $1 million AgFutures Initiative during a visit to Rosemount Dairy in Southern Cross in September. She said it was not only important to give people access to local training but to also support them into local employment. “We are always looking at different ways to help young people start rewarding careers while supporting the skills needs of our vital local industries,” Ms Tierney said. The program will fund skills training and job placements for up to 50 unemployed young people over the next two years.
The program is being led by The Brotherhood of St Laurence in partnership with South-West TAFE and other partners, and will provide the foundation for young people to continue on to complete Certificate II and III qualifications in Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management. “This initiative will improve training pathways for young people to start agricultural careers and is an example of how we can redesign our employment and training systems so they are fit for the future,” St Laurence executive director Travers McLeod said. The initiative is being supported by partners including Skills Impact, Dairy Australia, Food & Fibre Great South Coast, Brophy Family and Youth Services, and local employers such as Apostle Whey and WestVic Dairy.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
10 // NEWS
Not the time for methane pledge: ADF AUSTRALIA HAS signed a global pledge to cut methane emissions by 30 per cent over the next decade but advocacy group Australian Dairy Farmers says the timing is not right. The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union are already signatories. It's hoped the agreement will lead to a reduction in the potent greenhouse gas across several industries. Federal Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said the government would look for opportunities to cut emissions from agriculture, with livestock key contributors to methane, as well as in the energy and waste sectors. "By joining the pledge, Australia will join the rest of the world’s major agricultural commodity exporters including the United States, Brazil, and Indonesia in identifying opportunities to reduce emissions in this hard-to-abate sector,” Mr Bowen said. So far, the government has committed funding from the National Reconstruction Fund towards reducing methane in agriculture, and put $8 million towards commercialising the seaweed industry for a product that when fed to livestock, reduces the emissions they produce. The second stage of the Methane Emissions Reduction in Livestock Program will also sink $5 million into
new technologies to reduce emissions in the sector. But ADF president Rick Gladigau said any move by Australia to sign the methane pledge was “ill-timed and ill-informed”. “Signing the pledge does not consider viable pathways for methane mitigation. These are yet to be established. “The Australian dairy industry is not afraid of national targets to curb greenhouse gas emissions and it has already made its own commitments, underpinned by significant investment and research. “Under the industry’s sustainability framework, dairy has a target to reduce emissions intensity by 30 per cent by 2030 from a 2015 baseline. “Any future policy for mitigating methane emissions should appropriately recognise and support our efforts in the dairy sector and consider modelling that explores viable pathways for methane mitigation.” Mr Gladigau said the Australian dairy industry had been working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for decades. He said during this time investment and research had been conducted into better genetic selection, optimisation of reproduction and lactation, balancing energy in the diet of cows and uptake of solar and more efficient energy solutions.
This has led to absolute emissions decreasing by 27 per cent since 2010 in the dairy processing sector and methane intensity of Australian milk production declining by 40 per cent between 1980 and 2016. “Other measures, particularly the use of feed additives to reduce e nteric methane from livestock, are still in development, with trials and tests underway around the world to establish both the actual methane reduction potential, as well as the delivery mechanism for the cows in pasture-based dairy farming systems,” Mr Gladigau said. “All the technologies being used by dairy are promising but they will have limitations on their ability to reduce methane emissions from cows in dairy production systems. “In addition, implementing these interventions will take time, focus and, most importantly, investment that must be considered in any future policy setting.” Mr Gladigau described the methane tax imposed on the livestock industry by the New Zealand Government to achieve the 30 per cent methane cut as “a blunt and lazy instrument that reduces innovation and increases the cost of food”. Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt had previously ruled out imposing a price on methane emissions as New Zealand has done.
ADF president Rick Gladigau.
Less Handling. More Information. Better Decisions. Advanced Cow Monitoring from Alta Genetics
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CONTACT JAYDE LEE, Alta COW WATCH Manager, to learn Photo: Teresa Hicks; Klein Meer Jerseys
how Alta can help you manage your herd even better. +61 4 1967 7209 | jayde.lee@altagenetics.com info@altagenetics.au | australia.altagenetics.com
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
NEWS // 13
Funding for flood recovery Grants are available for Victorian farmers affected by recent flooding.
THE VICTORIAN Farmers Federation has
welcomed flood relief support announced by the Victorian Government on October 19. A $73.5 million package will deliver grants to help farmers and business owners clean up their properties following widespread floods in October, while business mentoring, concessional loans and transport subsidies will help businesses get back on their feet. The $19.5 million Primary Producer Flood Relief Program will deliver a one-off $10,000 payment — administered by Rural Finance
— to primary producers directly affected by the floods to help them clean up, re-establish their properties, and get their businesses up and running again. The grants will cover activities like the removal and disposal of debris and injured or dead livestock; repairing essential equipment; fixing and replacing fencing; buying fodder, water and water storage; salvaging damaged crops, grain or feed; and hiring or purchasing materials to clean up a property or equipment.
Primary producers whose properties have been directly hit are also eligible for concessional loans of up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged assets, and meet general expenses incurred while the clean-up is under way. Flood-affected primary producers can also claim up to 50 per cent of transport costs — up to $15,000 — for the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and moving stock to agistment, sale or slaughter. Applicants can visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/
farm-management/emergency-management/ floods/flood-advice-and-support A grant of $500,000 for specialist agriculture organisations, including the National Centre for Farmer Health, aims to provide primary producers whose properties, livestock or crops were lost in the floods get the dedicated mental health support they need. “Recovery in our flood-devastated regions will take many months and this is a welcome, first step towards that,” VFF president Emma Germano said.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
14 // NEWS
DAIRY SHORTS Milk digestibility ‘breakthrough’ Naturo says it has found a way to make milk more digestible. Consumer trials and recent CSIRO research validation proved that milk processed using Naturo’s Haelen method resulted in 100 per cent fresh, natural milk that was twice as digestible than any other processed cow’s milk available on the Australian market, the Queensland-based company said. One of the differences between standard milk processing (pasteurisation, UHT and ESL) and the Haelen method is how the milk’s whey proteins are treated. With the Haelen method, whey proteins are broken down further allowing for easier and faster digestion as well as enhanced nutrient absorption. Naturo founder and CEO Jeff Hastings said the increased digestibility would provide unique opportunities in the health and wellness space, while complementing the fresh milk’s long shelf-life advantage, in Australia and overseas. Haelen processed milk has been formally approved by Australia’s state regulators for domestic sales and with export registration due to be formalised in October, it will be the first non-thermal milk technology to be approved for export.
Methane-reducing additive to be tested
Water trough sensor wins major award
Researchers at Central Queensland University are about to test the ability of Australian climate technology company Rumin8’s additive to reduce methane emissions from cattle when delivered in their drinking water. The experiment is testing a range of methane-reducing compounds to determine if they can be safely and effectively delivered to cattle via automated water medication systems to decrease enteric methane emissions. Laboratory trials of Rumin8’s additive — which reproduces nature’s ingredients to develop climate friendly feed supplements that reduce methane emissions from livestock — indicate it is effective when applied in either a powder, oil or liquid form. “The CQU trial will be our first animal trial using a water-based application and our lab results give us confidence that it will perform in the field,” Rumin8 managing director David Messina said. “Most of the current methane-reducing additives use feed-based delivery to livestock. “The commercial uptake of herd-scale applications of existing feed additives and animal health treatments through waterbased delivery is still in its infancy, so this will be a learning process for all stakeholders in the trial.”
Farmo, an agtech company founded by former Victorian Western District farmer Nick Seymour five years ago, has won gold for its Water Rat trough sensor at the 2022 Australian Good Design Awards. The portable floating sensor, which was launched earlier this year, was the Good Design gold winner in the product design category at Australia’s peak international design awards held in Sydney in September. “The Water Rat can monitor your troughs and tank 24 hours a day, seven days a week and give you both immediate alerts as well as historical insight into water usage at each location,” Nick said. Design judges said, “with its robust enclosure, easy installation and ability to run on a single battery for over a year, the Water Rat is a must for anyone farming animals”. As well as the Water Rat, Farmo has developed a range of sensors for farmers enabling them to monitor electric fences, gates, water tanks, water pressure and flow, weather, soil temperature, moisture and salinity and operate pumps remotely. The Australian Good Design Awards is the country’s oldest and most prestigious international awards for design and innovation.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
NEWS // 15
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
16 // NEWS
Floods impact processors BY GEOFF ADAMS
NORTHERN VICTORIAN dairy farms and factories have been hit for a six in what should have been a profitable spring. Some farms were forced to dump milk when floodwater from heavy rains upstream cut off access by milk tankers in October. The Tatura Milk Industries (Bega Cheese) factory in Tatura lost power on the weekend of October 15 and 16 when the Mooroopna sub-station was affected by floodwater and, although some power was restored by Powercor, on Thursday, October 20 it was still running on only 60 per cent of its normal load requirements. The company had to stop taking in fresh milk deliveries, and asked for other companies to collect and process its milk in a co-operative arrangement. October 20 was the first day Tatura Milk could resume taking in milk from its own suppliers. By that date most of its suppliers’ milk could be collected but one remained cut off due to flooded roads. Bega Cheese nutritionals and ingredients executive general manager Hamish Reid said the major challenge was getting staff into the factory. A major impediment was the closure of the causeway between Shepparton and Mooroopna, which prevented staff getting from Shepparton to Tatura.
Although emergency vehicles and milk tankers were being permitted through it wasn’t clear what the rules were for access. The Tatura factory produces cream cheese, infant formula and commodity powders for export. Noumi CEO Michael Perich said while farmers were faced with flooded properties and some were running generators for p ower, their suppliers were not the most severely affected. “Access has been difficult, but we are working with freight companies on getting milk into the [Shepparton] site,” he said. “Some were cut off on the weekend [October 15 and 16]. Some have had to dump their milk.” Mr Perich said while the company was supporting its farmers, now the company was seeking support from government. On this point, Mr Perich met with Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell on October 19. About two thirds of Noumi’s staff could not get to work at the Shepparton factory at the height of the floods. Production had been scaled down because of staff shortages and reduced milk supply. Fonterra (which has a factory at Stanhope), Noumi and Bega all said they would support their suppliers by paying them for the milk that couldn’t be collected. Dairy farms in the region had just finished one of the most profitable years for a long time and were shaping up for a successful year, despite rising input costs including energy.
Fonterra, Bega and Noumi said their factory production had been reduced because some staff could not get to work and they all spoke about the importance of getting damaged road infrastructure fixed. Fonterra’s Farm Source director Matt Watt said thankfully all their people and farmers were safe. “We have had no reports of loss of livestock or significant damage to farms, and our Stanhope site remains operational,” Mr Watt said. “The main issues faced by our farmers are power outages and damaged feed, although the vast majority have been able to continue milking despite the tough conditions. “Our Farm Source team is providing all the support they can to farmers, even when their own properties have been impacted or are at risk. “Road closures continue to be a challenge, although we are coming up with innovative ways to navigate any issues so that we can get to every farm.” On October 20, Mr Watt said all farms were now being collected and minimal milk had been disposed of. “Around a quarter of our Stanhope team is unable to get to the site due to either road closures, protecting their own properties, or lack of fuel,” he said. “We are managing through staffing issues by switching our product mix across cheese varieties, depending on the line operators we have available to work.
The dairy farm operated by the University of Melbourne at Dookie surrounded by flood waters from the Broken River.
Noumi CEO Michael Perich at the Shepparton factory.
“We’re looking at different ways we can support impacted communities, which will become clearer once the situation eases and the clean-up begins. “So far, we have delivered 2000 empty milk powder bags for Echuca residents to use to make sandbags.”
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18 // NEWS
Supporting Nepal’s farmers THE AGCO Agriculture Foundation has provided a US$250,000 grant to Heifer Netherlands to improve the resilience of smallholder dairy farming families through the development of a climate-smart and productive dairy model in Nepal. AGCO designs, manufacture and distributes agricultural machinery and precision ag technology including brands like Fendt and Massey Ferguson. Heifer Netherlands is a non-profit organisation that is part of International Heifer, which aims to end hunger and poverty by supporting and investing in farmers and communities in more than 20 countries. The two-year partnership was chosen from hundreds of grant applications received in response to AGCO Agriculture Foundation’s climate campaign. Dairy farming is an important source of livelihood for rural people in Nepal, generating income, food and nutrition security and employment, particularly for vulnerable households. However climate changes, including erratic rainfall patterns and flooding impact dairy farmers in Nepal. The AAF-funded project will help minimise existing greenhouse gas emissions from Nepalese smallholder dairy farming practices while improving productivity. It will also help smallholder dairy producers, particularly women, focus on climate-smart solutions.
A Nepalese dairy farmer taking part in climate-smart project. Photo courtesy Heifer Netherlands.
The project approach will combine several sustainable farming methods. Producers will learn to develop climate-smart feed management and animal husbandry systems that reduce enteric fermentation,
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“Nepal remains one of the world’s least-developed nations,“ AGCO Agriculture Foundation board chair Roger Batkin said. “The majority of people live in rural areas. We want to prioritise actions for the direct benefit of these farmers’ livelihoods while supporting sustainable agricultural practices that maintain soil fertility, raise healthy livestock, and improve the environment. “Across food chains, from livestock to crop production, climate change continues to have a significant impact on food security and livelihoods of farmers and their communities.” For the next 24 months, the project will support beneficiary farmers (100 households/500 family members), dairy value chain actors, and dairy farmers across Nepal during the dissemination phase, rural communities, academia, research institutions and government and non-governmental institutions. “We are very happy with the trust and financial support that the AGCO Agricultural Foundation is providing to Heifer Netherlands to implement the climate-smart dairy farming project in Nepal,“ Heifer Netherlands executive director Goossen Hoenders said. “This project will also contribute to the work of a large long-term program called ‘Milky Way Nepal’ that aims to transform the smallholder dairy sector into a fair, profitable and climate-smart value chain by 2030. “The granted award is one of the first steps into realising this ambitious program.”
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
NEWS // 19
New face for WestVic board
Brooke Lane.
COLAC FARMER Brooke
Lane joined the WestVic Dairy board at its recent annual general meeting. Three farmer positions became available following the end of director terms held by Dan Parkinson, Bryan Dickson and Jacqui Suares — as well as the end of the associate director term of Lucy Collins. This year, Jacqui and Lucy were returned as directors. Brooke and her family lease a 400-cow farm in Alvie, where they started off 50/50 sharefarming in 2014.
Brooke said a desire to continue to develop her representation skills as well as contribute towards the dairy industry in a positive manner were her motivations for joining the WestVic Dairy board. “I hope to be able to bring a critical and analytical way of thinking to the role to achieve good decision-making processes and outcomes, as well as bring a fresh farmer perspective into the organisation,” she said. “I am also very passionate about getting young people from schools or other areas into our industry for the long term so I’m hoping to contribute in this space where possible.“ The AGM included a presentation of reports by the chair, treasurer and executive officer. Attendees also heard from Camperdown local and Dairy Australia’s technical and innovation manager John Penry. Dr Penry’s presentation — Innovation and its importance
to dairying: Examples from Victoria and the Victorian era — included examples of innovators from Terang and Geelong whose work has helped significantly advance the dairy industry worldwide. A board meeting was held immediately after the AGM to elect office bearers, which saw Jacqui (a farmer from Colac) re-elected as chair, Brendan Rea (a farmer from Allansford) returning as vice-chair and Rhonda Henry returning as treasurer. Jacqui thanked retiring directors Dan Parkinson and Bryan Dixon for their contributions and welcomed Lucy and Brooke as full board members. “The board looks forward to the implementation and delivery of new Dairy Australia initiatives in our region, together with our cornerstone programs, as we work to support dairy farmers in western Victoria successfully achieve their aspirations,” Jacqui said.
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20 // NEWS
Green light for Zoetis move ZOETIS HAS completed the acquisition of
Jurox, a privately held animal health company that develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of veterinary medicines for treating livestock and companion animals. The ACCC said in September it did not oppose the proposed acquisition of Jurox by Zoetis after accepting a court-enforceable undertaking from Zoetis to divest Jurox’s intramammary product range, consisting of intramammary antibiotics for dry and lactating cows and teat sealants for cows. Zoetis and Jurox develop, manufacture and sell animal health products. They are two of the leading suppliers in Australia of teat sealants and intramammary antibiotics for lactating and dry cows, which are products used to treat or prevent bacterial infections in the teats of dairy cows. “Zoetis is a leader in the supply of intramammary products and Jurox is a well-known competitor with a full range of established products,” ACCC commissioner Liza Carver said. “Without the divestment, the proposed acquisition would combine the two largest suppliers of intramammary antibiotics for lactating cows, two of the four largest suppliers of intramammary antibiotics for dry cows and two of the three largest suppliers of teat sealants, likely resulting in higher prices for these products.” The ACCC’s investigation found there were few alternative suppliers in these markets and barriers to entry or expansion were high. This is due predominantly to lengthy
An offer by Zoetis to sell Jurox’s intramammary product range to Avet addressed ACCC concerns about the acquisition.
regulatory approval processes, high manufacturing costs and the relatively small size of the Australian market making it difficult to achieve economies of scale. To address the ACCC’s concerns, Zoetis offered an undertaking to the ACCC to sell Jurox’s intramammary product range. “The ACCC is satisfied that the divestiture undertaking addresses the competition issues raised, and ensures Jurox’s intramammary product range will continue to compete with Zoetis’ products,” Ms Carver said.
Zoetis proposed veterinary pharmaceutical company AVet as the up-front purchaser of the intramammary product range after an agreement was reached between AVet and Zoetis. The ACCC has approved AVet as the purchaser. Jurox’s operations are based in Australia, with additional regional offices in New Zealand, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Financial terms of the transaction, which was announced in August 2021, are not being disclosed.
“We are grateful to the O’Brien family for entrusting the future of this family-owned business to Zoetis,” Zoetis CEO Kristin Peck said. “Jurox’s portfolio plays to the strengths of our core business and will be a complementary fit with the solutions we deliver to veterinary professionals, livestock producers and pet owners around the world. “With Zoetis’ global sales and regulatory expertise in more than 45 markets, we look forward to expanding the impact and reach of the entire Jurox portfolio.”
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NEWS // 21
Jerseys star on world stage AUSTRALIAN JERSEY genetics are making
their mark on the world stage after a successful joint trade mission to World Dairy Expo in the United States. For the first time, Jersey Australia organised a combined trade site at the expo — also including Holstein Australia, Genetics Australia, AgriGene and Central Sires Co-op, with support from National Herd Improvement Association of Australia — with the aim of promoting all Australian genetics. The ‘Team Australia’ approach has been hailed a success with plans for similar missions in coming years. Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett said the mission would build on the high levels of consumer awareness and interest in Australian genetics and Jerseys. “I think we are making a mark,” Mr Barrett said. “We had a regular stream of people visiting the stand, and consumer awareness in our products was high. “There were a number of people who commented positively on using Australian bulls now and in the past.” There was interest from across the globe. “We saw representatives from Turkey, Guatemala, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Canada and other countries and we opened wide m arket opportunities and interest,” Mr Barrett said. “Consumers from anywhere in the world are now more aware of Australian Jerseys.” Mr Barrett expects further joint campaigns.
“We see this as a multi-year commitment,” he said. “We see the need to keep building on the opportunities we’ve created at this year’s expo. “For most of us, it was our first time attending World Dairy Expo so it was about understanding what works and what doesn’t and building on those opportunities in future years. “It’s a global marketplace and World Dairy Expo is an opportunity to bring key players together. It’s a bucket list event for breeders to get to at least once in their lives. “For us it confirmed the opportunities for Australian Jersey genetics. “We’ve bred from the best in the world so we have one of the most diverse Jersey populations which adds out-cross opportunities and we believe the Australian Jersey is the best Jersey cow in the world by quite a way at the moment.” Genetics Australia export manager Rob Derksen said he was pleasantly surprised by the level of awareness about Australian Jersey bulls. “Clearly a lot of US and Canadian dairy farmers are aware of their success and it was a good opportunity to catch up with people from countries outside North America who had used Australian genetics,” Mr Derksen said. The delegation left the expo with high hopes for Australian exports. “It’s looking very positive for genetics from Australia,” Mr Derksen said.
Michelle Glennen, Con Glennen, Wayne Kuhne, Kim Billman (US Jerseys) and Glen Barrett at the World Dairy Expo in the US.
“A lot of farmers are wanting to tap into cow families bred by Australian breeders, which emphasises that Australian breeders have done a world-class job in developing cow families that are recognised internationally as the best you can get from anywhere.” Mr Derksen said the World Dairy Expo was a meeting place for the industry. “It’s the place to meet and connect with other people and we all made valuable contacts. “You don’t measure it in actual sales; it’s more about a promotion going forward and I’m very confident there will be ongoing demand for Australian Jerseys. “We see merit in putting Australian genetics on the world stage. We should be proud of
what we’ve got to offer in Jerseys and the other breeds.” Jersey Australia farmer members and breeders Con and Michelle Glennen, Wayne Kuhne and Anthea Day also attended the expo at Madison in Wisconsin from October 2 to 7. The Glennens, from Noorat in Victoria, said they attended to push what they believe to be good genetics. “We wanted to get more access to the world and the easiest way to do that is have the world come to you at Madison,” Mr Glennen said. “We made quite a few contacts with different countries that we might not have thought of before, such as Guatemala and Kazakhstan.” Mrs Glennen said the mission would yield long-term benefits. “We didn’t have anyone say they want 25 straws of your best bull right now, but contacts were made and it gives people time to think about it,” she said. “We had the right people there to represent Australian genetics.” The Glennens hope to do it again. “It’s a good experience and you get to see products that aren’t yet registered for use in Australia but will be, so you can pick the ones you think will be handy here,” Mr Glennen said. He said Australian cows stand up well on the world stage. “Generally, our cows have a wider muzzle, wider chest and heavier rumen capacity. I think Australian Jerseys definitely have something to offer to the world.”
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22 // NEWS
NZ tour will be eye-opener
Sam Kermond will go on a five-day tour of New Zealand dairy farms in late November.
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YOUNG NULLAWARRE dairy farmer Sam Kermond has been hungry to learn all he can after returning to the industry earlier this year. Now he’s going to get the opportunity to find out how New Zealand dairy farms operate after being supported by DemoDAIRY Foundation to participate in an upcoming study tour. Along with Sam, Max Bond of Cooriemungle, Jack Hutt of Bostocks Creek and William Rea of Allansford have received scholarships from the DemoDAIRY Foundation to join the five-day tour in late November. The New Zealand Dairy Study Tour, supported by the Livestock Improvement Corporation, will take participants to five different NZ dairy farming systems, including high production, efficient pasture-based systems, and extended milking interval farms. Sam, 23, completed a fitter and turner apprenticeship before returning to work on his family’s farm at Nullawarre in south-west Victoria earlier this year. “I’m fully committed to the dairy industry,” he said. “I wanted to get something under my belt and to be able to bring that back to the farming business.” So far this year Sam has immersed himself in workshops and training programs covering everything from rearing calves to dealing
with mastitis, and he’s an active member of the Young Dairy Network. But the opportunity to see farms in another country was too good to pass up. “I haven’t been on anything like this but I’m sure it will be a great experience,” Sam said. “I hope to learn about different farming systems and what things farmers do that we don’t. “Everyone has a different system and I want to find out what they do that I can take home and apply to our system, whether it’s calving, grazing management or genetics.” Sam learnt of the DemoDAIRY Foundation scholarship through his involvement in the Young Dairy Network. “It’s great for social networking, developing people skills and we can all learn from each other and get ideas from other farms,” he said. It won’t be Sam’s first visit to New Zealand, but he doesn’t remember anything about the country. “I was only three years old.” DemoDAIRY Foundation will also consider applications for grants by individuals or groups to fund attendance at any dairy-related short courses, special seminars, study tours or events such as the Australian Dairy Conference. ɋ More information can be found at https:// www.demodairy.com.au/scholarshipsand-grants/ or from DDF secretary Ian Teese on 0427 358 987 or itag@bigpond.com
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
ANIMAL HEALTH // 23
Diet change is disease risk BY DR GEMMA CHUCK
For much of Australia, spring is associated with warmer temperatures and reliable rainfall, resulting in a relatively sudden change in diet for many grazing animals. Any change in diet especially from poor, stalky grass to good, lush pasture can increase the risk of polioecephalomalacia (PEM).
What is PEM?
PEM is a disease which affects the nervous system of ruminants and is caused by a low level of vitamin B1 (also known as thiamine). Thiamine is required to maintain normal fluid balance within body tissues. A deficiency in thiamine results in dysfunction of fluid balance leading to swelling of cells in the brain and subsequent cell death. Long-term storage of thiamine in the body is not possible, which means that cattle depend on daily production of this vitamin by bacteria in the rumen. In healthy cattle daily thiamine requirement is usually balanced by daily thiamine production. Most commonly, PEM occurs when there is an overproduction of enzymes called thiaminases which break down and inactive thiamine, leading to an overall deficiency. These thiaminases can come directly from overgrowth of bacteria in the rumen or indirectly from plant sources. PEM is also associated with high levels of dietary sulphur in the water or feed.
Signs of PEM
In pastoral animals, PEM predominantly occurs in well-fed, thrifty, young animals typically between six and 18 months of age,
although adults can infrequently be affected. In Australia, PEM is common in weaned calves in early summer. It is usually sporadic, affecting only a couple of animals in a mob, although occasionally outbreaks can occur. In feedlot cattle, the disease is associated with diets high in carbohydrates and low in fibre, resulting in ruminal acidosis and over-production of thiaminase-producing bacteria. Signs of the disease usually develop suddenly within 12 to 48 hours after a change in diet. Blindness, depression, staggering, agitation, frothy salivation and head pressing are commonly seen. In some cases, affected animals may simply be found dead. If left untreated, the neurological signs progress to twitching, muscle tremors, collapse with extended head and neck, seizures and eventual death.
Signs of PEM usually develop suddenly within 12 to 48 hours after a change in diet. Blindness, depression, staggering, agitation, frothy salivation and head pressing are commonly seen. In some cases, affected animals may simply be found dead.
Watch stock’s vitamin B levels.
veterinary clinical examination is necessary to exclude these conditions. History and clinical signs alone may be sufficient to initiate treatment but in some instances your veterinarian may wish to collect samples from affected animals to assist with a definitive diagnosis. Other diseases which need to be considered include lead poisoning, salt/water toxicity, listeriosis, vitamin A deficiency and bacterial meningitis. Treatment with vitamin B1 should be initiated as quickly as possible with the response to treatment often being diagnostic of PEM. Repeat treatments may be required.
If treated promptly in the early stages of disease, animals can respond within six hours of treatment. Animals affected in the later stages of the disease may partially respond and suffer permanent signs such as blindness. Severely affected animals should be euthanised. Always consult with your veterinarian if your cattle are displaying neurological signs of disease. Further testing, including post-mortem sampling, may be required to reach a diagnosis. Dr Gemma Chuck works for Apiam Animal Health in the dairy operations team where she writes technical service programs for farmers and vets.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your veterinarian should be consulted in any suspected case of PEM. There are other diseases which can cause similar signs and a full
WORKING TO MANAGE THREATS Detection some months ago of lumpy skin disease in countries close to Australia has the Australian dairy industry on alert. The news foot and mouth disease has been detected in Indonesia — including the popular Australian tourist destination, Bali — has significantly heightened biosecurity concerns. All dairy farms should already have a sound biosecurity plan in place, but the threat of LSD and FMD means that now is the time to review and update your farm's plan. The potential damage that these diseases could do to Australia's dairy industry — and the wider national economy — is significant. Australia has been FMD-free since 1872 and everyone within the dairy industry must strive to ensure that an incursion of the highly contagious viral disease, which affects cloven-hoofed animals, does not happen. The Federal Government is responsible for enforcing biosecurity at the Australian border and has already enacted a range of measures aimed at preventing an incursion of FMD into the country. Dairy Australia is working closely with key industry bodies, including Australian Dairy Farmers and the Australian Dairy Products Federation, to provide an industry-wide response to the threat of FMD and LSD. Dairy Australia is also focused on providing the dairy industry with all the resources and information they need
Members of a veterinary team for handling foot and mouth disease during a vaccination drive for cows in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Photo: 2EPA/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK
to prepare for, and prevent, a possible incursion of either FMD or LSD, as well as respond to any incursion should either disease enter the country. A new Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness page has been set up on the Dairy Australia website to collate all the latest information and resources on LSD and LSD. All farmers and dairy industry professionals are encouraged to visit the website, familiarise themselves with the signs of both FMD and LSD, and review the biosecurity and other information available at dairyaustralia.com.au/fmd Quick detection and response to these diseases gives the industry the best chance of eradication. Report any suspicious signs in your animals to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888. – eastAUSmilk
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
24 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Unique tractor joins fleet IT’S THE only one of its kind in Australia —
for one very obvious reason — and it’s been some time coming. But now it’s here and its new owner believes the wait’s been worth it. The special delivery Case IH AFS Connect Optum has arrived at Nowra Truck and Tractor, but rather than being the familiar red of the Case IH brand, this one is black — standing it apart from the other Case IH machinery in the Nowra dealership. It made its public debut at the Berry Small Farm Field Days in September, before taking its place in the fleet of a local contractor who put in his order about 18 months ago. A special offer from the Case IH brand globally, the customer saw the distinctive black Optum on YouTube and visited Nowra Truck and Tractor to ask how he could get one. “He started his business in 2011 and has been a Case IH customer since then,” Nowra Truck and Tractor general manager Daniel Arthur said. “He loves his machinery and knew he wanted this rare black tractor as soon as he saw it. “With his order for the tractor coinciding with COVID restrictions, it’s taken longer for it to get here, but he was so happy when he finally saw it, so I think it’s been worth the wait.” The new Optum is the biggest tractor the contractor has had as part of his fleet, taking its place alongside four Case IH Pumas and carrying out a range of tasks for the business, which has a variety of clients requiring everything from fencing
The distinctive black Optum at the Berry Small Farm Field Days.
and spraying to spreading and cultivation. The AFS Connect Optum features technology and connectivity previously only available on larger and higher horsepower Case IH machines which, along with a new cab and interior, enhances the tractor’s operation, comfort and efficiency.
Daniel said it wasn’t often they sold a tractor as big as an Optum in their local market, and he and his staff were proud to be associated with such a unique purchase. It’s one of only a handful around the world. “Selling a black Case IH tractor is a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so it’s been an exciting time for us and I know the customer is going to enjoy having it as part of his operating fleet,” he said. “It’s certainly going to get some attention when it’s working around the district.”
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 25
Scammers target tractors FARMERS AND small businesses in
rural and regional areas are urged to be cautious, particularly when buying heavy machinery, following a spike in scams targeting the agricultural sector this year. Reports to the ACCC’s Scamwatch show Australian farm businesses lost more than $1.2 million to scammers between January 1 and August 31, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared to the same period in 2021. The most common scam targeting farmers involved the sale of tractors and heavy machinery, with losses to this scam alone topping $1 million so far this year. “Scammers are ruthlessly luring farmers and rural businesses with seemingly good online deals on tractors and other farm machinery through fake websites or bogus classifieds on legitimate platforms and publications,” ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said. “Unfortunately, we have seen a concerning rise in agricultural scams in recent years, as farm businesses increasingly purchase machinery online. These scams are causing substantial financial losses and emotional devastation. “Scammers are highly sophisticated in the ways they impersonate a
business — some fake websites have ABNs for instance — which is why we are urging farmers and business owners to be alert to the scam risks and do extra checks to avoid getting caught out.” Scammers trick people through a range of ever-evolving methods such as providing a contract of sale, answering questions about the potential sale of machinery by phone or email, or offering a free trial period once money is deposited into an escrow account, which is actually part of the scam. Independently verifying the existence of a business by searching the address of the business and calling a nearby business, is an important step in ensuring the seller is who they say they are. “Many scams can be revealed by doing an internet search of the exact wording in the ad,” Mr Keogh said. “Never click on a link provided to you by the seller or pay upfront — even if you are promised the money is refundable. Ask to pay at the time of delivery or pickup. “If possible, inspect the machinery in person or via live video first. Scammers will often have an excuse as to why machinery can’t be inspected in person and that is a red flag for any buyer.
“Scammers may advertise machinery at lower prices than the typical market rate. As always, if it looks too good to be true or if you feel pressured in any way, chances are it’s a scam.” Farmers are also being warned against giving too much personal information as scammers are targeting more than just money. “Legitimate sellers will only ever ask for enough information to deliver what you’ve ordered, so it is important not to give too much personal information over the phone or online as you may fall victim to identity theft,” Mr Keogh said. “If you have provided personal information and you are concerned you have been scammed, contact IDCARE (https://www.idcare. org/) immediately.” Businesses, regardless of whether they have lost money, are encouraged to report scams and learn more about how to get help on the Scamwatch website at: scamwatch.gov.au
Farm businesses are being targeted by scammers.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2022
26 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Norco to rebuild Lismore factory DAIRY GIANT Norco will spend more than $59 million rebuilding its flood-damaged ice-cream factory in the NSW Northern Rivers, three weeks after standing down workers. The factory, which sits on the banks of the Wilsons River in South Lismore, was forced to close after the catastrophic February floods, leaving more than 200 workers uncertain of their future. Chief executive Michael Hampson said 105 staff had been stood down from the farmer-owned co-operative because there was no work for them during the rebuild. “Lismore is the home of Norco, we’re founded in the Lismore region and we’ll be able to get this manufacturing facility back up and running and invite our people back to work here to make Australia’s best ice-cream,” he said. The company aimed for production to gradually resume from April, with workers returning progressively over months as various lines came on board, he said. The factory would be rebuilt on the original site with key equipment to be lifted above 15 metres as well as the addition of mezzanine areas. “Lismore is a town that's had 100 floods. This factory has survived 100 of them,” Mr Hampson said. “The one that it didn’t was the mega-flood that we had in February which is a one-in-500 year event.” The dairy co-operative announced on October 4 it would rebuild the factory
with $34.7 million from a federal and NSW government flood package, along with $11 million from an outstanding 2019 grant from the state’s Regional Growth Fund. The company said it would contribute more than $59 million to the rebuild, estimated to total more than $100 million. “Norco will be taking on a greater level of risk, something we’re prepared to do in order to safeguard jobs, support other small and m edium businesses in the region, and offer a sense of hope to a community of people who have already endured so much,” Mr Hampson said. Norco stood down workers last month, saying the $34.7 million grant from state and federal governments was not enough to save the factory. The layoffs prompted three unions to meet Norco management, urging certainty for staff. The Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union’s Justin Smith said workers should receive voluntary redundancies and a guarantee their jobs would be available when the factory reopened. “Workers at Norco and the entire Lismore community have been through so much this year,” Mr Smith said last month. “They need stability and clarity about the future as soon as possible.” A spokeswoman for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union said on October 5 there had been no further updates on the future of the Norco workforce.
Norco chief executive Michael Hampson says its Lismore ice-cream factory will be re-built after devastating floods this year.
At the announcement event on Wednesday October 5 were Norco general manager and operations Adrian Kings, Norco farmer Warren Gallagher, Norco CEO Michael Hampson, current Norco employee Glenn Macintosh, Federal Member for Page Keven Hogan and Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg. Photo: Elise Derwin
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