Raising the roof. PAGES 4 AND 5 ALL POWER TO DAIRY’S FUTURE PAGE 16
GALAXY OF HEAD-TURNERS PAGE 10
JUNE 2022 ISSUE 140 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au
STEPPING UP TO HELP Mark Billing has a closed herd but that’s never stopped him from looking over the fence or stepping out to help the industry. PAGE 9
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
NEWS // 3
Inputs squeeze margins
Raising the roof. Pages 4 & 5
Price climbs as volume falls. Page 6
Are you missing B1? Page 28
NEWS ..................................................... 3-24 CALF REARING ...............................25-27 ANIMAL HEALTH ...................... 28 & 30 MACHINERY &
THE 2022–23 season is opening with large numbers on both sides of the ledger. As discussed in Dairy Australia’s May Situation and Outlook report, early announcements of opening milk prices have set new records, while fertiliser, fuel and grain prices have soared amid the reality of a war in Europe, renewed geopolitical tensions and ongoing disruptions associated with COVID-19. After successive seasons of recovering profitability, these sudden and substantial pressures on margins — and the degree to which the milk price will help offset their impact — is a key question as farmers and processors try to plan ahead in a volatile market. The 2022 National Dairy Farmer Survey has reported that farmer confidence is high, however, this and profitable margins are not translating to milk supply growth. Australia looks set to conclude the 2021– 22 season with a national milk pool of around 3.5 per cent below the 2020–21 total, at just under 8.57 billion litres. Competition for land, high beef prices and ongoing risk aversion are all contributing factors to constrained milk supply. The most pervasive and commonly cited one, however, is the shortage of labour, which continues to not only hold back potential expansion plans, but drive industry exits or reductions in herd size. Fatigued farmers are taking advantage of good margins to reduce workload or realise the rapid gains in asset values, having reduced debt. As such, ongoing growth constraints and heightened margin risk are expected to offset strong milk prices and favourable seasonal conditions. This is expected to result in a comparatively flat milk pool for the upcoming season, totalling 8.55 billion litres. Australia’s major dairy export competitors are also contending with slow, or more often negative, growth in milk production. New Zealand’s 2021–22 season-to-date milk intakes are four per cent down to March in year-on-year terms, having tracked below the prior year’s levels all season, particularly over summer. Analysts at NZX expect a fullseason drop closer to five per cent by the end of May.
In the Northern Hemisphere, European Union data to February suggests a recovery from negative territory to parity with the same month in 2021, while the United Kingdom just broke even in March. Nonetheless, more recent indications suggest milk volumes in the major dairy regions of north-west Europe remain suppressed, with rising costs being one of the headwinds deterring expansion. Additionally, milk production in the United States is tracking one per cent down for the calendar year to date, though the US Department of Agriculture is forecasting a modest recovery through the second half of the year. In the broader market, many countries — including Australia — have seen the COVID19 pandemic management move from an emergency response to ongoing sustainment. Nonetheless, the impacts of COVID-19 — and now of the war in Europe — continue to reverberate around the global economy, fuelling inflation and disruption. Dairy demand has so far remained resilient, albeit tempered by price sensitivity in markets where affordability is a constraint and peaking product inventories. China is a market under close watch, as government efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 intensify. Severe disruptions are expected to continue, not only related to shipping and logistics, but dairy consump-
tion too. Early indications suggest the consumption of fresh dairy products has already tumbled, driving more local milk into powder dryers. Back home, cafe and restaurant spending has continued to boom, with the three months to February topping not only the same period in 2021, but also pre-pandemic levels. This is a significant shift from the past two years, where strength in the takeaway food and quick service restaurant sector has driven foodservice sales. With consumers out and about again, fewer meals are being cooked at home and the volume of dairy products sold through supermarkets has continued to ease across most key dairy categories. Nevertheless, retail food expenditure remains strong, a sure sign that inflation has arrived. The 2022–23 season will be marked by rising numbers throughout the supply chain — from production costs to farm gate prices, from commodity values to food expenditure. This theme is likely to be tempered by an absence of growth in milk production. However, robust balance sheets after several profitable years might just mean that the volatility accompanying such giddy numbers is something the Australian dairy industry is well-placed to tackle.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
4 // NEWS
Raising the roof over dairy
John Ussher, Marc Harris and Stuart Moore from Dorrigo at the Raise the Roof conference.
Leigh Beveridge from Mt Gambier and David Widdiccombe from Geelong caught up during a break at the Raise the Roof conference at Echuca.
A SEMINAR and field days introducing farmers to four examples of feedpads and barns in more intensive farm operations was held in northern Victoria in May. Dairy Australia identified four progressive farms, which all happen to be within the same district, for the farm tours — part of DA’s ‘Raise the Roof’ conference in Echuca. The Quinn family near Leitchville told guests about their transition from grazing to a total mixed ration operation; Jade and Belinda Clymo from Calivil showed guests their free-stall barn with sand bedding; Dehne and Sarah Viddiicombe from Jarklin described their free-stall barn with composted manure; and Don and Meg Stewart from Calivil showed guests around their dairy dry-lot and maternity barn. At the start of the conference, farmers heard from engineer and dairy barn designer Jake Martin from the United States, who took them through a step-by-step approach to decision making on barn developments. He suggested anyone considering the move to a more intensive system should first define the problem and the drivers behind the decision. “Barns will solve some problems and create a new set of problems,” Mr Martin said. He said one prime reason was to enhance cow comfort and hence cow production.
But he warned that managing cows in a barn required a different management philosophy. Rochester farmer Tom Acocks said he had travelled and consulted extensively before they had made their major decisions in developing a more intensive system incorporating a barn and home-grown feed. Mr Acocks recommended farmers do their homework before committing to a new system, and spend time with others who have gone through the process. Farm business economist with Agriculture Victoria, Claire Waterman, presented an analysis on systems transitioning towards zero grazing. She said total mixed ration farms could be profitable. An analysis of seven TMR farms found they had higher profit than the average northern Victorian farm in the Dairy Farm Monitor program in most years. However, compared to the top 25 per cent of Dairy Farm Monitor farms, the TMR farms had lower profit — mainly due to their higher feed and overhead costs. Having home-grown feed production can limit exposure to high feed costs. The 200 farmers attending the two-day ‘Raise the Roof’ conference included 25 people from South Australia.
Reanna Turner and Will Drury from Meningie in South Australia inspect the Quinn family’s dairy barn.
Ophelia Neumann from Two Wells, Nich Mignamelli from Paponga and Steph Campbell from Mt Jagger, South Australia, at the conference.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
NEWS // 5
Down the intensive path A DESIRE to upgrade their mixed rations
system, manage climate extremes and address water market volatility led the Quinns to upgrade their dairy farm to a more intensive operation. The Quinns, who farm at Leitchville in northern Victoria, were also keen to lift milk production and improve feed conversion. The family hosted a visit by about 200 farmers who attended Dairy Australia’s ‘Raise the Roof’ two-day conference at Echuca in May. Pat Quinn told the visitors they had moved to convert their feedpad to a dairy compost barn in 2018. The business — operated by Pat, his wife Michelle, sons Kaleb and Greg, and daughter Erika — has moved from partial mixed rations to a total mixed ration (TMR) operation over the past 20 years. In the 1970s, the Quinns were milking about 170 cows in a nine-a-side herringbone shed on 180 hectares. Today they have a herd of 700 milked in a 60-stand rotary on about 2000 hectares, which produces most of the feed. The cows spend their lactation in the barn, with their ration mixed in a mixer wagon and fed on to the concrete feedpad that runs down the centre of the shed. The cows’ standing area where they feed is flood-washed. The mixed ration fed in the shed is supplemented by some grain and protein provided in the rotary dairy. One of the key planks of Quilor Farms is the Quinns’ ability to grow their own feed, which helps stabilise input costs. The farm grows 65 ha of maize silage, 470 ha of wheat, 430 ha of barley, 65 ha of oats and 560 ha of vetch. Most of the feed is cut for pit silage. The Quinns aim to grow about two tonnes of dry matter per cow each year in maize silage. Pat said their location in an area with modest land prices had allowed them to expand their operation to generate their own feed, and access to reliable water was a key to supporting the development. The family members are currently discussing whether to build another compost barn. The business has inherited a split-calving system, from the days of pasture grazing, but is looking at calving year-round to assist with a
Some of the Quinn family (from left) Greg, Michelle, Pat and Kaleb in the calf pens.
flatter milk supply curve and to suit the application of employed labour. The involvement of the extended family has enabled the Quinns to divide up management responsibilities. Pat quips that he “writes the cheques”, so he and Michelle have a good overview of the business, while Greg mainly looks after growing the feed, Kaleb manages the cows and Erica has a part-time role focusing on cow health and fertility. The farm employs 11 full-time equivalent people, including the family. FARM FACTS Quilor Farms, owned by the Quinn family. ■ Location: Mincha West (near Leitchville), northern Victoria. ■ Annual rainfall: 360 mm. ■ Irrigation: 965 ha flood irrigation, 1550 Ml high-reliability water. ■ Dairy: 60-unit rotary. ■ Herd: 70 per cent Holsteins, 20 per cent Holstein-Jerseys, 10 per cent Jerseys. ■ Milk production: Annually 6.2 million litres, 9538 litres/cow, 749 kg milk solids/cow.
Pat Quinn speaks to the visitors in front of the compost barn near Leitchville.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
6 // NEWS
Price climbs as volume falls BY GEOFF ADAMS
MILK PROCESSOR Fonterra is paying a
record price for milk but can’t get as much as it wants. Although the improved price is sending a strong signal to farmers, they can’t respond with more volume and they are telling Fonterra Australia’s managing director Rene Dedoncker that labour is one of the main reasons. The issue was raised at an industry professional’s breakfast at Moama on May 25. But no-one had an easy answer. One farmer suggested lifting wages could be tried to entice more young people into the industry. “This year we all expected production to be on par with last year, but it is about three per cent down,” Mr Dedoncker said “Tasmania is about six or seven per cent down. “It is a conundrum. “In a year with highest milk prices, we are three per cent down.” While Mr Dedoncker said there were a range of issues impacting supply, the single biggest problem seemed to be labour. “Our Christmas volumes were down, for example,” he said “I think mum and dad farmers got to the point where they said: we need a break, and they couldn’t find labour so they just dried off their herd.” He said the labour shortage was not confined to dairy but was across all agricultural industries, including horticulture. Asked about how the company was coping with the shortage, Mr Dedoncker said his plan was based on the milk he has. “We can’t plan on a wish and prayer. I have to plan with the milk I have got,” he said. “But I think we have some confidence. We think farmer confidence is growing. Herd numbers are higher than last year, so the season ahead does look decent.” On the issue of the United States’ shortage of infant milk formula, Mr Dedoncker said Fonterra’s New Zealand head office was engaging with the US. While he said the Australian company would be prepared to help out in an emergency, the company had to look to the long-term, and
At the Fonterra breakfast were Emma Laracy from NAB, Peter Irwin from NAB, Lachlan Ewart from NAB and Claire Baumber from NAB, Shepparton.
Fonterra Australia managing director Rene Dedoncker with a chart showing milk prices.
Dairy industry professionals attending the Fonterra breakfast at Moama.
examine if there was an ongoing arrangement before making a commitment. Dairy Australia figures show Victorian annual milk production was down 3.7 per cent up to March, compared to the same time last year.
Monthly totals for the start of the year were between four to seven per cent lower than last year. However, northern Victoria has suffered a more modest decline, with the year-to-date volume down only 0.9 per cent at the end of March.
Fonterra farm source director Matt Watt.
FONTERRA REVIEWING AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS New Zealand-based dairy business, Fonterra, has confirmed it is reviewing the ownership of its Australian business as part of a long-term strategy. The company had flagged its review in September last year and also gave notice of its intention to sell a Chilean-based business. “We are continuing our ownership review of our Australian business and the divestment process for our Chilean business, Soprole, is under way,” chief executive officer Miles Hurrell said in a regular business update. “We’re taking our time to ensure the best outcomes for both businesses and remain
confident on delivering on our intention to return around $1 billion of capital to our shareholders and unit holders by the 2024 financial year,” Mr Hurrell said. Last year Mr Hurrell said the Australian business remained important to the co‑op. “By having access to ongoing external capital, we believe the Australian business will be best placed to deliver on its strategy and capture its full potential, at the same time as unlocking capital for the co‑op,” he said. In the latest corporate update, Mr Hurrell said the long-term outlook for dairy remained positive, despite recent geopolitical and COVID-19 related
events impacting global demand in the short-term. “On the supply side, growth from key milk producing regions is expected to remain constrained as high feed, fertiliser and energy costs continue to impact production volumes,” he said. “These demand and supply dynamics are expected to support dairy prices in the medium to long-term. “However, we are operating in an increasingly volatile global environment and are managing a wider range of risks than usual.” For the 2021–22 season, Fonterra has maintained its 2021–22 forecast farm gate
milk price of $9.10 to $9.50/kg MS. For the nine months ending April 30, Fonterra’s sales volumes were down as a result of lower milk collections and the timing of sales due to short-term impacts on demand including the COVID-19 lockdowns in China, the economic crisis in Sri Lanka and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mr Hurrell said. Total group normalised earnings before interest and tax was $825 million, down $134 million, reflecting lower sales volumes, continued pressure on margins from the significantly higher milk price, ongoing COVID-19 disruptions and the rapid decline of the Sri Lankan rupee.
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17/05/2022 17/05/2022 11:51:00 11:51:00
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
8 // NEWS
Stepping up and out to help RICK BAYNE
MARK BILLING has a closed herd but that’s
Mark Billing is the latest addition to WestVic Dairy’s south-west industry honour board.
A focus on health has meant the Billing family has maintained a closed herd for many years.
never stopped him from looking over the fence or stepping out to help the industry. The latest addition to WestVic Dairy’s southwest industry honour board has been recognised for his “outstanding contributions to the region’s dairy industry over a long period”. And at 54, the fourth-generation farmer still has a lot more to offer. When being inducted to the honour board, judges said Mark’s “passion, capability and commitment shine through, backed up by several leadership positions which have earned him respect within and beyond the dairy industry”. His industry involvement includes pivotal roles on Bonlac and Fonterra supplier groups, the WestVic Dairy board and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, where he is vice-president. His family farm on the outskirts of Colac, ‘Craiglands’, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024. Mark and wife Sam recently bought out his parents Alan and Judy, after running the business for the past 22 years. Mark says his grandparents would hardly recognise today’s farm. “I’ve worked here all my life but I’ve always looked over the fence,” he said. “We’ve been early adopters of many things.” One game-changing innovation was the introduction of activity monitoring about 20 years ago. “We were blanket feeding our cows in the dairy and it frustrated me that we couldn’t manipulate the individual feed,” he said. “We have Westfalia (now GEA) plant so I spoke to them and they had collar technology and were introducing activity monitoring. “They used our farm and a farm in New Zealand as the first to trial commercially available activity monitoring in a pasture-based system. “We’re now on version three and it’s helped no end, particularly around mating time. “We’ve integrated it into our system. It’s second nature, even when we’ve been synchronising cows and manipulating heats, we still rely heavily on the collars.” The whole system is fully integrated with activity monitoring, drafting, milk metering and feed allocation in one software package.
‘Craiglands’ milks a closed registered Holstein herd of just over 400 head. “We’re concentrating on building a better cow, rather than lots of them, and building our herd worth that way,” Mark said. Genotyping — led by Sam who is on the DataGene board — is the key to the herd’s success. “Sam drives that — I just grow the grass and get the cows ready to get into calf, calve them, and then Sam takes over the calf rearing. “What’s in the calf shed is the future of our business.” They have a tight May/June calving to match the farm’s traditional grass growth curve. “We have a good in-calf rate,” Mark said. “We do a fair bit of synchronising and timed AI at the start of our mating cycle and use the collars for pre-mating checks so we can intervene if there are any problems.” They look for an all-round good performing cow. “We select everything on BPIs and each year our BPI cut-off is getting higher,” Mark said. “Anything below our mating BPI goes to Angus and we’re rearing all of those and we’re rearing all our Holstein bulls as well. “We have the capacity to take them through and grow them out but the market has been that positive so we’ve been selling some on AuctionsPlus.” Mark has continued the family tradition of having a closed herd. “We’ve been a closed herd for a long time,” he said. “My father was never keen on buying cattle in. We work hard on our milk quality so we don’t want to be buying in trouble. With a closed herd, from a health perspective it makes it easier for us to manage.” The Billing family and staff aim to be self-sufficient, using mostly home-grown feed and only buying grain to fill feed gaps or to drive production when it’s economical to do so. They milk off 240 hectares and have a property at Gellibrand for young stock. The farm, which fronts the Princes Highway, receives about 700 mm rainfall a year and is reasonably drained so doesn’t get too wet. A feedpad also helps pasture management. “We have our own silage gear so we do it when it suits us, rather than relying on contractors,” Mark said.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
NEWS // 9
The Billing family and staff aim to be self-sufficient, using mostly home-grown feed and only buying grain to fill feed gaps or to drive production when it’s economical to do so.
An integrated system helps to keep a track of the closed herd’s health and production for Mark Billing.
“The aim is to be self-sufficient.” Mark has always been interested in giving back to the industry and has ramped up that contribution in recent years. “When we took over the business, it was head-down and bum-up, but we’ve got the business in a position where we could employ staff and free up more of my time, with the support of Sam and our staff.” Mark was a director of the Bonlac Supply Company for a number of years and was chairing the Fonterra Supply Forum when the milk price crashed in 2016. “That was a stressful period trying to represent suppliers back to the company,” he said. “I toughed it out for 12 months but didn’t feel I could give any more to the Fonterra role.” He then joined the WestVic Dairy board for a three-year term, including a year as deputy chair, while maintaining his interest in the UDV. “When I finished the WestVic role, I focused my energy to the UDV and became a policy councillor representing local farmers and have been vice-president for more than 12 months. “That’s where my focus is now as it’s important to advocate on behalf of farmers.
“While the industry has significant headwinds with input costs, the policy side of things will make the biggest difference to ensure we can access exports, have a strong domestic market, control animal welfare and create a strong dairy image so when we go to politicians, they’re getting not only pressure from producers but consumers to make sure we’ve got good Aussie quality • 450kg (0.6m3) hopper product on shelves and farmers are treated fairly. • 4” pencil auger “The whole supply chain needs to be • Heavy duty 12volt motor & gearbox profitable.” • Sight glass in hopper The Great South West Dairy Awards • Simple opening with slide-and-tilt lid awards — which recognised• many farmBuiltyounger tough with a solid & robust design ers — enforced Mark’s positive outlook forframe the • Fully-welded • Heavy duty ATV tyres & axle industry. • Bolted galvanised “We need to build an environment throughhopper • 50mm tow hitch policy that keeps our industry vibrant, strong and • Fitted with 120ah 12v battery in heavy duty battery box attractive to people, especially young people.” • All wiring enclosed in sealed electrical housing with He described his honour board induction as relay & circuit breaker a “huge honour and a massive surprise”. • Bluetooth remote on/off switch with key fob “When you look at •theFold names on wheel the up jockey board — people who were •showing strong leadFlowrate : 10.5kg per 10 secs / 63.5kg per Min ership as I was coming up through UDV — I feel like a bit of an imposter but I was very grateful Mark proudly shows his love of cows on his car for the recognition, though I still want to do a number plate. fair bit more for the industry.”
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
10 // NEWS
A galaxy of head-turners JEANETTE SEVERS
WINDY WAYS Galaxies Dawn 7 went backto-back Grand Champion Cow at International Dairy Week in January, was classified EX95 in February, and turned heads at the Central Gippsland Jersey Breeders Club’s 60th Jersey Fair in April. Co‑owners Frank Walsh, of Cobden, and Brad and Jess Gavenlock, of Cherrylock Cattle Co in Tallygaroopna, brought Dawn, one of her calves and a team of heifers and cows to show at the Warragul event. In 2021, Dawn was awarded the Russ Carroll Memorial Supreme Champion, Rabobank Senior Champion Cow and Vic Wallace Memorial Best Udder at the Central Gippsland Jersey Breeders Club’s Jersey Fair. This year she added to that list, being awarded back-to-back the Vic Wallace Memorial Award for Best Udder, Rabobank Senior Champion Cow and the Russ Carroll Memorial Supreme Champion. Dawn was also awarded the R. Battley Memorial Champion Type and Production Cow. Dawn is well known in Jersey circles and was bred by Frank Walsh. Frank, recently retired from the farm, still retains a co‑ownership in Dawn, alongside Brad and Jess Gavenlock. “We started showing Dawn in 2018. She’s easy to show, but with all the preparation luck still goes with you on show day,” Frank said. The judge was John Gardiner, of Avonlea Holsteins at Cardinia, and he described Dawn as structurally correct, with a wonderful udder, teat placement and with volume of milk. Alongside her calf, Windy Ways CCC Bontino Dawn, Dawn 7 was awarded Dam and Daughter, led by Brad Gavenlock and daughter Penny. Most Successful Exhibitor was awarded to Mark and Philippa Flemming, of Philmar Dairy Company from Cobrico, and home of Miami Jerseys. Philmar was represented at the Jersey Fair by Philippa and Brenton Flemming, with four cows and three heifers. The team received Reserve Junior Champion Heifer for Miami Master Gladys 7265-P and Honourable Mention Junior Champion Heifer with Miami Master Glory 7258. The Reserve Intermediate Champion was awarded to Miami Publican Gladys 5943 and an Honourable Mention Intermediate Champion to Miami Tahbilk Jewel 5645.
Judge John Gardiner with finalists in the Rabobank Senior Champion Cow. Honourable Mention to Eagle Ridge Linda (195), owned by Cameron and Tracey Bawden and led by Cameron Bawden; Reserve Champion to Cairnbrae Valentino Estelle (187), owned by R. Allen, D. Bacon, C. Cochrain, G. Gordon and B. Govett and led by Glen Gordon; and Champion Senior Cow awarded to Windy Ways Galaxies Dawn (198), with co-owners Brad Gavenlock and Frank Walsh, along with sponsor’s representative Russell Mann from Rabobank Australia.
Lining up for judging the Best Udder at the Central Gippsland Jersey Breeders Club’s Jersey Fair.
Judge John Gardiner commended organisers and exhibitors for the quality of Jersey cattle on show.
Philmar was also awarded the L. Jakobi Memorial Group of Three Females bred by the exhibitor. Philmar Dairy Company won and was runner-up in the Heifer Dry Born 01/07/2020– 31/12/2020, won the Pair of Females by the same sire, dry and born 01/01/2020 or after, and won the Heifer in Milk Born 01/07/20219– 31/12/2019 and Cow in Milk born 01/01/2018– 30/6/2018. The 60th Jersey Fair in Gippsland demonstrates a long commitment to promoting the breed and providing an opportunity for young people to be showcased, with a judging competition for anyone under 25 years old from the first fair in 1961. Initially the fair ran alongside an annual sale, but the sale was separated to another day some years ago.
By 1983, the fair had become a multi-breed show. The Holstein breeds last showed in 1991, and the Ayrshires in 1993. In 2012, the fair was moved from spring to autumn. Jersey breeders have traditionally travelled from across Victoria and southern NSW to show their cattle at the Jersey Fair. The organisers consider this Jersey Fair to be second only to International Dairy Week for showing numbers of Jersey cattle. This year’s judge, John Gardiner, commended the organisers for the quality of cattle on show, the state of the decorated show ring and how well the fair was managed. “You are to be commended for the large crowd that attends this show,” John said. “A lot of heart and soul has gone into preparing these cows. It shows in the difficulty I have had in selecting fine differences in the breeding in the cows on display here today.”
The Premier Exhibitor award went to Philmar Dairy Company, from Cobrico, and home of Miami Jerseys, and represented by Brenton and Philippa Flemming, with four cows and three heifers. Philippa Flemming is pictured with award sponsor representative, Niel van Rensburg, of World Wide Sires Australia.
Windy Ways Galaxies Dawn 7-ET with owners Frank Walsh, of Cobden, and Brad and Jess Gavenlock, of Cherrylock Cattle Co at Tallygaroopna, and their children Penny, Maggie and Brittney. Dawn was awarded the Vic Wallace Memorial Award for Best Udder, R. Battley Memorial Champion Type and Production Cow, Rabobank Senior Champion Cow and the Russ Carroll Memorial Supreme Champion.
Brenton Flemming with Miami Tahbilk Jewel, shown by Philmar Dairy Company, who won the Cow in Milk born 01/07/2018-31/12/2018. The judge described Jewel as “an everyday dairy cow, with quality bones and good pins, who wants to produce milk”.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
12 // NEWS
Ear tags improve AI accuracy WHEN YOU are joining up to 10 cows every day
of the year, heat detection is a major job, according to Jared King from Wattle Flat on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Inaccurate heat detection can also become a major cost as more expensive sexed semen is used more widely. Jared was brought up on a dairy farm at nearby Strathalbyn, that his father later converted over to beef. Jared and his wife Megan decided to get back into dairy farming on their own, starting out sharefarming and now leasing the farm. They milk their own herd and supply the domestic market in South Australia. At home they have their hands full, with their four children aged 10 years to a few months.
Improved heat detection In March 2021, Jared installed CowManager on his 360-cow herd to make heat detection easier and more accurate. One of the big attractions of the CowManager system is the ear tag, which is easy to attach and can easily be removed if the cow leaves the herd. “We looked at the collar system, but I didn’t like it and the bolus can’t be retrieved so it leaves the farm with the cow,” Jared said. “And the CowManager subscription system means the upfront cost is low and helps with cash flow.”
Timing is everything Joinings are done daily throughout the year and can vary between one and 10 cows a day and calving 30 to 50 animals a month. As a result of CowManager, the accuracy and timing of AI has improved, and conception rates are improving. Jared is using more sexed semen and plans to move entirely to sexed semen and beef in the longer term. “When you waste a $25 straw on a mistimed insemination, you can live with it. But when the sexed straw costs three times that, you don’t want to get the timing wrong.” Supplying the domestic market, they need to maintain a flat milk curve year-round. “We’re not completely flat yet because we bought some seasonal calving cows so we will batch calve for a while yet,” Jared said. There are fewer vet visits and by using the CowManager Health module, Jared can get in early treatments for illnesses such as mastitis. “It’s very good for transition cows. I can track them as they enter the herd and make sure they are still eating, and their rumen function is working properly.”
The future is in the ear The Kings plan to increase the herd up to around 500 on their current lease, although the increase is dependent on infrastructure. They installed a new feedpad last year.
Jared King installed CowManager on his 360-cow herd in March 2021, to make heat detection easier and more accurate.
“As we grow, heat detection was becoming a bigger job. Constant checking. But with CowManager we can simplify the process,” Jared said. Although they employ up to five staff, only one is full-time and Jared manages the reproduction program on his own, using the Fertility module in the CowManager app. “There’s obviously cost savings in labour, scratchies, tail paint. But I’d say the ease of use and accuracy of heat detection are the major benefits for us. “We only use CIDRs on individual non-cycling cows now, so our synch costs are definitely less.” For more information, visit: www.cowmanager.com/Australia
One of the big attractions of the CowManager system is the ear tag, which is easy to attach and can easily be removed if the cow leaves the herd.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
14 // NEWS
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intense month of assessing milk price offers and contract terms from processors as the annual milk supply agreement season opens. Under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Dairy Code of Conduct implemented in January 2020, buyers of raw milk are obligated to complete and make publicly available milk supply agreements (MSAs) by June 1, that outline key terms and conditions for milk supply, including price. On July 1, the new milk season will commence, where the new minimum prices offered by milk processors and brokers come into effect for the agreed term. Australian Dairy Products Federation president Grant Crothers said it was the time for dairy farmers to review all matters regarding revenue for their raw milk and fully evaluate the key terms of their MSAs. “The Milk Value Portal was established to provide greater transparency on raw milk pricing in each of the eight dairy production regions across Australia, and becomes particularly valuable in June, with pricing data as well as each MSA and its contract features for the new 2022– 23 season being made easily accessible on the portal within the first 10 days of that month,” Mr Crothers said. “MSAs outline the terms and conditions of milk supply, which are applied to drivers of milk value such as location, seasonality, milk volume, milk composition and quality. “Farmers and farm advisers are strongly encouraged to use the MVP to help navigate their way through contract conditions, offered farm gate milk prices and the market factors driving them. “The MVP is a well-established source of primary information that can help farmers understand how milk is being valued as they enter the busy June period. “The interactive Farmgate Milk Value Tool allows users to get a regional comparison of average farm gate milk prices, influenced by different farm characteristics such as seasonality of milk supply, size of farm and milk components, for the year and for each quarter.” Milk price data and MSAs for the 2022–23 season will be made available on the MVP, now offering four years’ worth of data on the farm gate milk prices being paid by dairy processors to farmers and new insights into where opening farm gate milk prices land relative to the Commodity Milk Value — an indicator of milk prices. “Despite volatility in a number of key markets, several processors have already announced opening milk prices, providing dairy farmers with clear price indicators and greater certainty around the upcoming milk price season,” Mr Crothers said. “Providing early price indicators, being able to discover key drivers of value and their influencers, and having full access to milk supply terms and conditions, helps farmers to see the future more clearly and enables them to run a better dairy farming enterprise in the year ahead.” Mr Crothers said demand from the processing sector for raw milk continued to be high, which would likely be reflected with strong opening 2022–23 prices. “Though we are (a few) weeks out from the commencement of the new milk season, we’re confident that 2022–23 will be remembered for its record high opening farm gate milk price in the southern milk region and a tight supply market, putting immense pressure on processors to get their product mix selection right.” For further information, or to register to receive regular market insights, visit: www. milkvalue.com.au
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
NEWS // 15
Girgarre enjoys jobs boom
ACM Girgarre is exceeding expectations.
BY DANEKA HILL
THE VICTORIAN Government is congratulat-
ing ACM after the Kyabram-based company blew past its expected job and annual capacity figures at the Girgarre factory. Initially, ACM expected to hire 50 new workers, but now it has got 65. The factory started out processing about 100 million litres of milk a year and now it has built up to 200 million litres. In 2018, the Victorian Government invested money in the Girgarre factory through the Regional Jobs Fund, helping ACM buy the old
cheese factory and convert it into a milk processing plant. When asked how much money was invested, the Victorian Government said it did not disclose Regional Jobs Funds figures because it involved the private sector. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes praised the growth. “ACM Girgarre has not only grown its workforce but also its product range, creating more milk products to supply local and international markets — a big win for this small town,” she said. ACM services about 300 dairy farmers, which is almost 10 per cent of Victoria’s dairy farm businesses.
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INFANT FORMULA ARRIVES IN US A military cargo plane carrying the first shipment of infant formula from Europe to help address a critical shortage in the United States landed in Indianapolis on May 22. The White House said a second flight had been arranged. A February 17 recall by top baby formula maker Abbott Laboratories and the closing of its manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan during an investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration has created one of the biggest infant formula shortages in recent history for US families. “This is an important step, but it is by no means the only step that must take place,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, who greeted the plane on its arrival. “We will continue to work as the president has instructed us to look for every opportunity to increase supply. “Roughly 17,000 children in the country basically are the beneficiaries of this particular formula.” President Joe Biden’s administration is seeking to stock empty shelves with 1.5 million containers of Nestlé specialty infant formulas. Mr Biden has invoked the Cold War-era Defense Production Act to help increase supplies. Nestlé also said more shipments would arrive in the coming days.
Troops used forklifts to unload boxes of the cargo from the plane, which the White House said carried 35,000 kg of specialty infant formula — enough for 500,000 bottles — and onto trucks heading to distribution centres. Abbott, the biggest US supplier of powder infant formula, closed its Michigan plant following reports of bacterial infections in four infants, worsening a shortage among multiple manufacturers that began with pandemic supply chain issues. New York City Mayor Eric Adams on May 22 declared a state of emergency to prevent price gouging. “This emergency executive order will help us to crack down on any retailer looking to capitalise on this crisis by jacking up prices on this essential good,” he said.
Almost empty baby formula shelves at a Duane Reade store in New York City. Photo: John Nacion/STAR MAX/IPx
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
16 // NEWS
All power to dairy’s future JEANETTE SEVERS
A DAIRY farmer at Athlone has taken his farm
Lindsay Anderson points to east. The solar panels at the dairy and a close-by shed are variously north-south hipped, angled north-facing and pointed west.
Lindsay in front of a bank of west-facing solar panels that enable him to harvest shoulder solar power.
off-grid and continues to experiment with renewable energy systems to gauge best investment. Lindsay Anderson brought his expertise as an electrical engineer into his farming business to identify the best renewable energy for his use. His latest innovation is to enable all his calf paddocks to be irrigated using solar energy. Some years ago, Lindsay used the Our Farm, Our Plan project to develop his farm plan and renewable energy strategies. It means he has the data and plans available to support funding applications to help fund his micro-grid infrastructure. Our Farm, Our Plan is a program developed by Dairy Australia, Gardiner Dairy Foundation and Dairy New Zealand and aims to help farmers clarify business and personal goals, and prioritise activities on the farm. Lindsay used his Our Farm, Our Plan to support a farm energy assessment, an application to invest in farm infrastructure (when he purchased silage bale feeders), an application to the On Farm Energy Tier 1 grant to install a fourhorsepower cooling plant last year, and an application to the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan grants and rebates program helped him purchase and install four hybrid inverters. He purchased three silage bale feeders with farm infrastructure funding. Two racks are at the dairy, and one in the paddock. “When we move the cows into a new paddock, we move the bale feeder rack into that paddock,” Lindsay said. “We also feed silage in a rack at the entry and exit gates to the dairy. The cows can eat silage while they wait.” Lindsay is also currently testing three different wind energy systems to decide how the infrastructure can work for his dairy. Establishing his own networked micro-grid
has given him independence and provided business stability when electricity blackouts were previously commonplace for him. “I effectively run three micro-grids to power the farm,” Lindsay said. He is an early adopter of automatic milking systems (AMS or robots), retrofitting his dairy shed to install an initial Insentec Astrea 20.20 double box in 2011, followed by another two double boxes. Two of the double boxes are in full-time use. “I started with one double box and bought the other two in Queensland, and transported them here and installed them,” he said. Installing the Insentec Astrea system also enabled Lindsay to upgrade the dairy shed, which benefited his move off-grid. “The shed was originally two-phase. When the robots [AMS] arrived, I converted the shed to three-phase. “Solar better suits the robots because of constant power use. “With regular grid power fluctuations, we then separated the dairy shed from the grid.” A recent business partnership split saw the 400-head Jersey herd reduced to 150 milkers. Lindsay batch milks, with one herd milking 2.5 times daily, a second herd of cows milking twice a day, and a third herd of milkers going to the dairy once a day. His theory is his cows will maximise using the robots — he prioritises cows fresh in milk. It has also helped him maximise grazing, with high production cows getting first access to fresh paddocks. Lindsay’s family has been milking Jersey cows in the West Gippsland district for more than 100 years, and the generation above him still takes an active interest in the farm business. While the herd reduction has hit him hard, he is bouncing back and remains committed to dairy farming. “I mated everything last year to sexed semen, so I have a heap of heifers coming into the herd.”
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
NEWS // 17
There are four hybrid inverters installed under the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan grants and rebates program.
An infrastructure grant helped purchase three silage bale racks.
The original bank of solar panels on the Anderson farm at Athlone in West Gippsland.
Even before adopting the AMS, he was already moving the farm off-grid. “The initial solar panels were installed in 2008. “Everything has a use-by or redundancy date, but you’re still better off putting money into installing solar panels on your farm. Solar panels are a 20-year investment on the farm.” He believes in building redundancy into infrastructure. “I built redundancy into the micro-grids. I built three micro-grids so if something goes wrong with one, I’ve got back-up. “Last Friday, one inverter developed a fault, so we were able to swap over to another micro-grid. “I let the inverters do all the hard work. I have a 400-volt, three-phase circuit.”
The dairy shed operates on solar, and batteries charge during the day. In addition to lights and the robots, the chilling system, milk vat and hot water service are powered by solar panels. At night, if the batteries are depleted of power, for example because of less sunlight during short winter days, a generator backs up the system. But Lindsay has installed a lot of solar panels over the past 10 years, and varied their placement so they catch the sun in the east and west, and the northerly aspect. “I recommend people really think about their panel orientation,” he said. “The panels on the dairy shed are hipped north-south, facing west or east. I also have flat panels and panels on an angle that are north-facing on the shed roof.
Lindsay has recently connected a solar pump to enable irrigation in his calf-raising paddocks.
Lindsay is trialling three windmills to measure and analyse the infrastructure’s capacity to harvest power.
“I worked out that optimum year-round solar energy production resulted from panels facing north at our latitude. North gives us peak yield in the middle of the day and the infrastructure is generating power until the sun goes down. “It provides me with more usable power rather than relying on peak solar energy production.
“Many people just focus on how much power they harvest during the middle of the day. Outside the latitude of saturation point, it’s the shoulder power you want to harvest, in the early morning and from mid-afternoon. “The batteries don’t kick in to be used until late afternoon.”
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
18 // NEWS
Making animal-free dairy at scale AUSTRALIAN FOOD tech startup Eden Brew,
created by Norco, CSIRO, and deep tech venture fund, Main Sequence, has raised US$5 million as part of an ongoing capital raise; a follow-on from Main Sequence and new investment from US-based Digitalis Ventures. Launched last year, Eden Brew has used science from CSIRO to develop a new way to make milk, putting delicious dairy at the forefront of global food sustainability. Using fermentation, Eden Brew has developed all six proteins
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identical to those in cow’s milk to produce dairy that looks, tastes, smells, and acts the same as cow’s milk so we can enjoy dairy sustainably. The funding will be used to scale Eden Brew’s milk product, launch ice cream and expand the team with a particular focus on in-housing science. Eden Brew co-founder and CEO Jim Fader said that the company was making rapid progress toward developing the holy grail in dairy proteins – the cow’s milk micelle, at scale. The four-casein micelle gives cow’s milk its unique characteristics, including its enormous nutritional carrying capacity, heat stability, and sensory qualities. “While there are numerous milk alternatives, they cannot sustainably meet future demand and don’t achieve the sensory or processability properties of cow’s milk. Our natural method of fermentation future-proofs dairy’s place at every kitchen table, in every cafe, and every ice cream cone,” he said. Main Sequence Partner and Eden Brew chair Phil Morle said in order to make a profound impact on the world and what was consumed, technology and science were key. “When we build with biology, we can make nature-identical building blocks without the animal – at lower cost with less environmental impact and still meet surging protein demand. The new investment is part of an ongoing capital raise that will result in the retail launch of ice cream in summer 23/24 and scale milk production.
Fine for cheese factory smell A Victorian cheesemaker has been fined more than $9000 over an offensive odour. Yarra Valley Dairy, in the town of Yering, was slapped with a fine by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria after failing to comply with a remedial notice designed to stop an odour from escaping its premises. EPA Northern Metropolitan regional manager Jeremy Settle said the smell, which was likened to that of “sour milk with earthy characteristics”, was “unreasonable” and strong enough to cause “discomfort” in the surrounding community. “After a VCAT challenge to our original notice issued in May 2021, we issued an amended notice in October, but when EPA officers arrived in December to check on compliance, the odour on St Huberts Rd was strong enough to cause discomfort when facing into the wind,” Mr Settle said. “The company had complied with some of EPA’s requirements, but not all, and the odour was still there,” he said. EPA found Yarra Valley Dairy failed to make the necessary improvements to its wastewater treatment in order to prevent the smell from impacting neighbouring properties. The company was fined $9087 for contravening a section of the Environment Protection Act.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
NEWS // 19
Milk wins nutrition contest NEW RESEARCH has found milk to be the
most affordable way to address nutritional gaps in the Australian diet. The research, co-funded by Dairy Australia, has fed into the development of a Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF-ai), which ranks foods based on nutritional composition. All varieties of milk, including flavoured milk, scored better nutritionally on the index than fortified and unfortified oat beverages. With many Australians not consuming adequate levels of important nutrients, such as calcium and zinc, the index has the potential to help Australians make better informed choices for good health. More nutrition for consumer dollar The index scores common Australian foods according to their nutrient density and can be used to compare the nutritional value of foods that might be considered substitutes in pursuit of a diet that’s healthier, more affordable or better for the environment. Milk, including regular and reduced-fat, was found to offer the greatest nutritional value per dollar spent when compared to both fortified and unfortified plant-based beverages. This makes milk the affordable choice when addressing gaps in essential nutrients often missing in the diets of Australian adults, including calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc and vitamin A.
Dairy a healthier choice Consumer surveys have suggested that many people opt for plant-based beverages because they believe them to be healthier than dairy. The index, and the peer-reviewed research on which it is based, directly challenge this notion. Dairy Australia’s Melissa Cameron said the research showed that consumer food choices matter and that swapping milk for plant-based beverages could leave Australians missing out nutrients that were important for good health and wellbeing. “All foods vary in their nutrient composition, and nutritional trade-offs need to be considered if consumers are wanting to choose certain foods, or change their diets for whatever reason, whether this be for financial, environmental or health reasons,” she said. “This research provides a nutrient profiling tool specific to Australians’ dietary and nutrition needs, and my hope is that it provides greater guidance for health practitioners and consumers to ensure they know the foods and nutrients essential for good health.” Wholistic approach to sustainability Dietitian and nutrition scientist Joanna McMillan also cautions consumers against swapping certain foods for others which they believe to be more environmentally sustainable without taking a wholistic view.
The NRF-ai per dollar analyses the Nutrient Rich Food Score of the beverage against its affordability. Compared to plant-based beverages, regular and reduced-fat milk are the most affordable way to address nutrient gaps among Australian adults.
“Every food has a different nutrient composition and, as this new Index demonstrates, swapping foods can have unintended nutritional consequences and further reduce the intake of under-consumed nutrients,” Dr McMillan said. “More Australians are choosing plant-based diets in an effort to eat more sustainably. “However, if milk — and cheese and yoghurt — eating occasions are replaced by less nutrient dense options such as oat beverages and other plant-based products, these nutrients must
be made up for elsewhere in the diet. Evidence suggests that doesn’t happen. “Analysing the environmental impact of individual foods only tells part of the story — sustainability needs to be considered in the context of complete dietary patterns, with sustainable food systems built that are affordable, culturally relevant and designed with the local context in mind.” The research was published in peer-reviewed journal Foods.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
20 // NEWS
UDV membership dropping Leadership change loses vote GEOFF ADAMS
THE BODY representing Victorian dairy farmers is struggling with declining membership despite the industry enjoying the best returns in years. The United Dairyfarmers of Victoria met in Melbourne on April 29, and heard that membership had fallen to about 1000. The organisation operated at a deficit of $191,000 last year on a total turnover of about $1.5 million, and has an accumulated deficit of $365,000. Principal costs were direct support expenditure $734,000; peak council fees $343,000; and staff costs $268,000. The UDV said it was planning to adopt new membership strategies from its parent body, the Victorian Farmers Federation, this year. The VFF conducted a survey of both members and non-members last year, about future membership structures and fees.
The report presented to the annual meeting said it was very clear the VFF must better communicate the value of its achievements to Victorian farmers. “It has commenced doing so by reviewing its communication channels and messaging,” the annual report said. UDV president Paul Mumford said the industry was entering a time of change. “The UDV will continue to do what we do — make the Victorian dairy industry a better place,” he said. “What form that takes, what it is called, how much it costs — those things might change. “But an organisation with such a rich history and strong backing from its farmer members will continue in one form or another. “A state-based advocacy body for the Victorian dairy industry is important.”
GEOFF ADAMS
An attempt to reduce the representation of northern Victoria in a United Dairyfarmers of Victoria governance body has been rejected by the UDV membership. One of the resolutions put up to the UDV conference in April called for a reduction in the number of policy councillors in northern Victoria, from four to three. There are three policy councillors representing each of the other two main dairying areas, in Gippsland and western Victoria. Historically the north has produced more milk than the other regions, but in recent years the north has fallen behind. The western Victorian Corangamite branch moved to reduce the number of councillors from the north, but the motion was lost when put to the vote. Speakers against the motion argued that the north was larger and more diverse than the other
UDV president Paul Mumford.
two regions, requiring representation from the varied parts of the industry. A proposed resolution submitted by Corangamite branch to brand people or organisations invading farms as “domestic terrorists” was lost when put to the vote. Other issues raised in resolutions carried at the annual meeting included.
UDV SLAMS AG STAFF CUTS
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United Dairyfarmers of Victoria members have instructed their organisation to lobby the Victorian Government to abandon its plan to cut agricultural staff. The issue was raised by Goulburn Valley UDV members at the annual UDV conference in Melbourne on April 29. Agriculture Victoria has been told to shed employees through early retirement, but the UDV says Victoria will be losing valuable, experienced scientists. Tatura farmer and West Goulburn UDV branch secretary Hamish Crawford put the motion up, criticising the government’s decision and asking for a guarantee that dairy research funding within Agriculture Victoria will continue. He was particularly concerned that the redundancy offer was targeted at staff who were 55 years and over, and who had been employed for at least three years. Mr Crawford said the dairy industry relied on experienced scientists to offer independent verification of research being conducted in the dairy sector. He said projects like the Future Fodder program, designed to investigate the most efficient fodder sources for dairy cattle, required oversight from independent scientists. “The department has been able to provide this role in evaluation, which is
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important to establish the credentials for these investigations, particularly as we are trying to adapt to climate change. “I hope that these cuts will not affect our access to this independent verification.” Mr Crawford said it was also a shame to see the departmental cuts when dairying was performing so strongly and recovering from some tough years, with prices reaching $8/kg of milk solids and water now more available due to favourable weather conditions. He pointed out that over the past decade there had been a series of reductions in dairy support staff, including the removal of the dairy research centre in Kyabram. The state government said Agriculture Victoria had found 100 workers willing to take an early retirement package and bow out. The government also said Agriculture Victoria had more than 1200 staff and was the largest group under the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions umbrella. Across the entire DJPR, a total of 174 people chose to take the early retirement. Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh said the job losses came in the wake of 47 jobs lost in late 2021, largely in the soils research team.
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The Victorian dairy industry is going strong, but the state government is cutting agricultural staff.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
NEWS // 21
More detail on Dairy Code THE AUSTRALIAN Competition and Con-
sumer Commission has updated its guidance on some key elements of the Dairy Code, ahead of the new dairy season and the important June 1 deadline for dairy processors to publish their new milk supply agreements. The updates provide more detail on the ACCC’s interpretation of the code’s ‘single document’ requirement, arrangements for co‑operatives and collective bargaining groups, what constitutes a ‘material breach’, loyalty payments and other bonuses, and the requirement to publish dispute reports. A new processor checklist summarises processors’ key obligations under the code. “Now that the code has been in operation for nearly two full seasons and the dairy industry has provided feedback, we have updated our guidance to users in light of some of the practical issues that have come up,” ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said. “The updated guidance is consistent with our previous information. Given processors are approaching the third season opening since the code came into effect, we expect them to be across their obligations.” The ACCC is this year shifting its focus from Dairy Code education and engagement work to enforcement. “Processors that don’t comply with the code now face a greater risk of enforcement
The ACCC has updated its interpretation of the Dairy Code’s ’single document’ requirement, arrangements for co‑operatives and collective bargaining groups, what constitutes a ‘material breach’, loyalty payments and other bonuses, and the requirement to publish dispute reports.
action by the ACCC,” Mr Keogh said. “If there are processors who are still unsure of their obligations under the code, we encourage them to seek legal advice as soon as possible. “It’s important that farmers understand their rights and responsibilities under the
code. In particular, farmers should resist being rushed, and should carefully consider all the offers available to them before signing a supply agreement. “Farmers need to be aware that processor season price projections made at meetings or in processor communications are not neces-
sarily guaranteed, and what really matters is the minimum price detailed in a Milk Supply Agreement.” The ACCC is currently conducting further audits of processors, and will undertake more compliance checks after the June 1 publication deadline.
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22 // NEWS
Super bull powering ahead AS HE prepared for his first reduction sale for Emu
Banks Holsteins, Bryan Dickson was celebrating more ABV success with Superpower receiving his first daughter-proven breeding value and shooting straight to the top as the number one Australianstanding daughter-proven Holstein. Marketed by Genetics Australia, Emu Banks Superpower is expected to live up to his name and deliver extremely profitable and robust cows with tremendous production and strength traits. For Bryan and his wife Jo, it’s another in a long line of successes — including Christmas, which topped the bull rankings seven years ago. Superpower came in number three in the April Australian Breeding Values — following imports from Canada and the United States — but he’s the number one daughter-proven Holstein bull standing in Australia. His success is especially sweet for the Dickson family. “He only became proven in April and he’s from a home-bred family, not a family we bought in,” Bryan said. Superpower’s pedigree stems back to a Planet cow about eight lactations ago and continued with an excellent Roumare daughter. “Genetics Australia progeny tested him and he came to the top and now his daughters don’t have many faults; they’re consistently good,” Bryan said. Superpower graduated to the Genetics Australia proven daughter team after the April 2022 ABV release with an impressive 454 BPI and 256 ASI,
easily placing him into the top one per cent of bulls available and the highest new Australian bull. Superpower is A22, an impressive +0.56 per cent for Protein and +0.27 per cent for Fat. Genetics Australia’s western Victorian regional sales manager Rodney Brooks says it’s not just production where he excels; he is equally as impressive for health traits. “His 105 for Mastitis Resistance, 110 for Daughter Fertility and 102 for Calving Ease with a -4 for Gestation Length make him a Total Performance Sire and will ensure he is included in many breeding programs,” Rodney said. Semen is available as sexed or conventional and Superpower is set to be one of Australia’s most popular bulls in 2022. The herd’s ongoing success augered well for Emu Banks Holsteins’ first reduction sale when about 250 head went under the hammer at Mortlake on June 1. “I’m getting smaller,” Bryan said. “I’m sick of milking 1000 cows. I’m not going to retire but I’m going from 1000 down to 700. For starters, milking will be an hour faster. “When you’re 20, you want to grow and grow so I’ve lived my life for 30 years thinking bigger is better. “You make more money with 1000 cows but money isn’t everything; I’m not driven as much as I used to be.” Following a new philosophy that there are “more things in life than staying at home”, Bryan
Bryan Dickson is not ready to retire but is winding back slowly, holding Emu Banks Holsteins’ first reduction sale on June 1.
has accompanied his family to the Royal Sydney Show to watch them achieve multiple successes and recently went to Pakistan with Genetics Australia’s export manager Rob Derksen. “Pakistan was mind-blowing and I want to do more of that,” he said. “I’d been to America in 2013 but that was more of a study tour and this was more about sales of semen for Genetics Australia. “It worked really well. A lot of the farmers wanted to talk to another farmer.” Bryan, who sells about 20 registered genomic Holstein bulls per year, has sold bulls to Genetics Australia since 2007, usually giving the company first choice of bulls.
Emu Banks has another good bull on the way. He’s only about five months old, awaiting genomics and not yet in AI, but Bryan is upbeat about his prospects. “He’ll come into the system next year as a genomic bull. He’s got to be proven, but he has the potential to be better than Superpower.” Bryan plans another sale later in the year for spring-calving cows. All cows are registered and genomically tested. “I test all my calves as soon as they’re born and I believe that genomics gets it right most of the times,” he said. “The ones that are clearly the best genomics are clearly the best genetics.”
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NEWS // 23
Dairy career is on the radar ENGINEERING AND pharmacology university
student Monika Burford recently discovered the many opportunities for graduates in the dairy industry. Combined with a love for an outdoor lifestyle, Monika realised during a summer internship at Fonterra, in West Gippsland, she is well suited for a professional career in a sector she had not previously considered. The 23-year-old was among a team of four students hosted by Fonterra as part of the 12-week Monash Industry Team Initiative (MITI), sponsored by Gardiner Dairy Foundation. The team stayed on a Mirboo farm while working between December and February on a specific project at Fonterra’s Darnum plant, which produces milk powder and nutritional products such as infant formula. “To ensure the quality of the product, processing equipment must be clean and dry,” Monika said. “Our team investigated potential improvements to the clean-in-place (CIP) system and operations, which were intended to prevent introduction and growth of contaminants.” Monika said their investigation and report to Fonterra on feasible improvements, which could be added to the plant’s existing preventative maintenance strategy, was a chance to put theory into practice. “It was great to finally be able to put what we learn at university into practice, and see its relevance within the dairy industry,” she said.
“We spent the first few weeks getting to know how the plant operates and everyone’s positions, then after Christmas we refined the scope of the project and started getting quotes from contractors for potential upgrades to the system.” At the end of summer, the MITI team presented its report to Fonterra executives at the corporate office in Richmond. The students’ recommendations focused on three main components of the system: the CIP spray nozzles, isolation valves and drainage lines. They also introduced nozzle labelling systems to enable preventative maintenance and updated standard operating procedures (SOPs). “It was great to hear later that Fonterra is putting our recommendations into place,” Monika said. “It showed they weren’t just being encouraging or humouring us [as uni students], they genuinely valued what we did.” Now in the final year of her double degree, Monika is focused on the remainder of her course work before choosing a work sector beyond graduation — but the MITI internship has put the dairy industry on her radar. “You learn about specifics in your studies, but at Fonterra I learnt about the production process in a holistic way,” she said. Monika said another highlight of the industry placement was experiencing the industry’s
end-to-end culture of “inclusive, positive, supportive, constructive work environments and relationships”. “I like that it’s a tight-knit industry all the way from the dairy farm to guaranteeing product quality for the consumer.” During the placement, Monika and her colleagues lived in a relaxed rural environment on the Mirboo farm, and were able to explore West Gippsland’s natural attractions. “I enjoyed jogging in the forests and reserves, and we also visited beautiful waterfalls. It was a nice opportunity to stay on the farm and enjoy the area’s nature. “I’ve always liked the outdoors, so I really enjoyed the fresh air and space.” Monika said conversations with older friends had highlighted she was part of a generation of females more confident to pursue studies in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and she is glad this was a natural progression for her. As the daughter of a science teacher, she was drawn to STEM in her outdoorsy childhood, but admits sometimes feeling intimated by more vocal males in secondary school physics classes. “I guess that made me sometimes feel out of my depth, but I learnt not to be intimidated by challenges. I encourage teenagers to focus on their own achievements in class.”
Monika Burford during her placement at Fonterra at Darnum in West Gippsland.
As she knuckles down for the fifth year of her engineering and pharmaceutical science double degree, Monika is grateful for lessons and opportunities which have helped shape her future. “The MITI program, with the support of Gardiner and Fonterra, has given us invaluable insight into the dairy industry, kick-starting our careers and expanding our horizons.”
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Chobani’s Lyn Radford and Foodbank Victoria’s Dave McNamara.
DAIRY SHORTS Company moves further into Asia Nature One Dairy has signed a business sale agreement with the owner of Fei Fah Medi Balm to acquire 100 per cent of the Hong Kong-based organisation’s adult nutrition powder businesses and brands for scrip consideration. FEI, who sells and markets dairy and adult nutrition brands Ripple and White H20 in Hong Kong and Singapore, is expected to generate strong revenue growth with NOD in the next 12 months. “The acquisition is another key strategy of the NOD Group, extending our current brand positioning in Asia by launching further owned branded powder nutritional products in both adult and infant marketing segments,” Nature One Dairy founder and CEO Nick Dimopoulos said. “The powder business alone is forecast to exceed over $40 million in sales for FY23 in addition to the growth experienced from the liquid nutrition division based in Winston Hills, Sydney forecasted to show revenue exceeding $70 million for the group. “I look forward to working with the Hong Kong team and our new shareholder Lawrence Gau, who will continue to lead the team in Hong Kong.” FEI owner and CEO Lawrence Gau said he was pleased to continue his role based in Hong Kong.
Supply chain charity collaboration
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Chobani has always donated 100 per cent of its Fruit for Good yoghurt profits to Foodbank Australia and says it has now leveraged its relationships with supply chain partners, to encourage them to also donate their profits from the sale of product. Some of Chobani’s suppliers and partners who have got on board include: Woolworths, MPD/ADFC Milk, Visy, The Van Dyke Press, PakPot and Match & Wood. “We knew we were onto something special when suppliers and partners right along our supply chain wanted to jump on board and support this collaboration with Foodbank Victoria,” Chobani Australia’s Hamish McMicking said. “Not only is this a testament to our long-standing, robust supplier relationships, but also the willingness of the business community to reduce the
prevalence of food insecurity in Australia.” MPD’s Campbell King said when they were approached by Chobani they were eager to help. “We have all got a role to play in giving back to our communities, and Fruit for Good presented the opportunity to donate the profits directly to people in need,” he said. Woolworths’ James Macmahon said they were “thrilled” to be involved. “We’ve partnered with Foodbank Australia for many years and now in partnership with Chobani, we look forward to supporting their mission of equipping front-line charities with food relief for millions of Australians,” he said Chobani is a long-term partner of Foodbank Victoria, donating fresh product weekly to support the charity’s food security efforts.
Norco inks deal to help farmers Norco Co-operative has announced a new deal with Woolworths, which has expanded its ranging of the co-op’s cream products throughout 167 stores in Queensland and New South Wales (north of Newcastle). The partnership reflects efforts by the supermarket to support the 127-year-old business and its 281 farmer members, as they work to rebuild and recover following the devastating flood event that ravaged Northern NSW and the Norco Lismore ice cream facility. Norco’s Ben Menzies said the business was working tirelessly to support its farmer members through this exceptionally difficult period of production and acknowledged how quick Woolworths were to also lend its support. “With the loss of the ice-cream factory, we had to re-evaluate how to best utilise our fresh cream that would have otherwise made our great tasting ice cream” he said. The arrangement will see expanded ranging of three Norco cream products 300mL and 600mL Thickened Cream, and 250g Sour Cream in Woolworths stores - a strategic move by the dairy co-operative to maximise existing supply while its ice cream production remains halted due to the floods. The announcement follows recent news that Norco would increase its farmgate milk price for its 281 active farmer members for May and June 2022.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
CALF REARING // 25
Study finds methane reduced
Terragen CEO Jim Cooper, Terragen’s chief scientist Martin Soust and Purnim Holsteins farm manager Anthony Eccles.
A NEW study conducted at the Victorian Government’s Ellinbank SmartFarm has found a biological feed supplement for livestock reduces methane emissions in dairy cattle. The feed supplement, Mylo, had already shown it lifted weight gain and improved health in calves, and it had been shown to increase milk productivity and reduce somatic cell count in cows. Terragen managing director and CEO Jim Cooper said this new study, based at Australia’s pre-eminent dairy research facility Ellinbank SmartFarm, showed the product also reduced methane emissions from cows. “In the study, the cows not on Mylo emitted 7.5 per cent more methane per litre of milk,” Mr Cooper said. “The average Australian dairy farm, which has 350 cows, whose cows are being fed Mylo and emitting less methane would be producing the equivalent of 100 tonnes less carbon dioxide per year. “This is a reduction in CO2 emissions of almost 300 kg per cow, per year.” Mr Cooper said cows that received the baseline dose of 10 ml of Mylo a day gained 21 per cent more weight than the control cows over a
five-week period, a finding which has benefits for the broader cattle industry. “Our company is changing the face of global agriculture, harnessing the power of nature through world-class science and improving animal wellbeing, soil quality and crop growth,” he said. “Terragen is also helping address climate change in a sustainable way, and our Mylo feed supplement is proven to give dairy farmers a chance to farm more sustainably and lift productivity.” More research at Ellinbank SmartFarm is planned to determine if higher doses of Mylo will reduce methane emissions further. Terragen chief scientist Martin Soust said Mylo had already achieved significant results, with cows on the feed supplement eating less while producing three per cent more milk, and calves putting on about eight per cent more weight and weaning up to 10 days earlier. “Earlier research conducted at the University of Queensland showed our products work,” Dr Soust said. “Many of Australia’s leading dairy farmers and calf rearers are already using Mylo for its productivity benefits; now they can use it to reduce methane as well.”
KEEPING CRYPTO UNDER CONTROL Adding a final product appears to have been the last piece in Teresa Hicks’ puzzle to rid her calf sheds of cryptosporidium (crypto) and rotavirus. Teresa and her fiancé Darren Sagrera calve 350 Jersey cows in a tight nine-week autumn window on the property they sharefarm with Teresa’s parents, Jack and Christine, at Dederang in the Kiewa Valley. They no longer send any calves to the bobby calf market, so their calf rearing facility — which historically catered for 70 calves — is now housing every calf born. A portion of the herd is AI-ed to sexed semen for herd replacements. The balance is joined to Red Angus. Teresa says the resulting beef-cross calves have been worth the work in terms of the return. However, the additional calf numbers within a tight calving time frame have also allowed greater opportunity for disease outbreaks. Teresa said they had made a number of management changes to protect their cows and their calves at calving. The most recent one included incorporating CalfSafe into their calf shed hygiene regime. Calf-Safe is an organic-certified Australian-made biocide derived from 100 per cent botanical extract. It is rated up to the strength of a hospital grade disinfectant.
Teresa said it was an easy decision because it could be safely used on all surfaces with the calves in the pens, in addition to being biodegradable, residue-free, NASAA-certified [National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia] for organic production, effective against a broad range of pathogens, with a five-year shelf life and a pleasant citrus smell. “Every three days, I put my Calf-Safe into a battery powered backpack sprayer and go and spray all the pens and the feeders,” Teresa said. “I love it. It has a really nice smell, and I don’t have to worry about the calves being around it when I’m using it. “We used to have a lot of issues with crypto and rotavirus in the past. But this year, we’ve had none, and we’ve calved 250 cows so far. “We’ve made a number of management changes over the last few years, and I’m sure all that preventative care is contributing to the bigger picture. “But this is the first season with CalfSafe, and this is the first season we’ve had no crypto so far.” Calf-Safe is available from rural merchandise stores. – Daviesway
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
26 // CALF REARING
Genomic testing ups the ante GENOMIC TESTING has revolutionised Chris
Place’s dairy herd — and has likely made it much more valuable. Chris farms with his brother Peter and they’re part of a family dairying dynasty with six brothers on different farms in the Camperdown region of south-west Victoria. Their objective is to have the best possible herd — with trouble-free high production,
longevity and self-replacement — and genomic testing and using sexed semen has done the trick. They have almost doubled their number of heifers born each year and halved their empty rate. Their herd ranking has gone from about 150 to the top 40, complete with a heifer in the national top 10, and they have a new income stream through beef sales.
“It’s yet to be proven but I’m confident it’s made the herd much more valuable,” Chris said. “The data is there to show it’s a better herd — by breeding extra heifers and culling we’ve definitely got a better herd.” The whole herd is now registered with Holstein Australia. Chris was inspired to expand the use of genomic testing after participating in the Ginfo
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project and from discussions with his consultants at Genetics Australia and DataGene. Ginfo is a large-scale genotyping project to provide genetic and performance information to increase the reliability of Australian Breeding Values and indices. It is a collaboration of DataGene, Dairy Australia, Holstein Australia, Jersey Australia and the Victorian Government. Like the Our Farm, Our Plan process used by Dairy Australia to help farmers identify longterm goals, improve business performance and manage volatility, Chris took it upon himself to do some forward thinking. He now knows much more about his herd and is sure it’s better than ever, and he has the facts to back that claim. Chris and Peter had some cows registered about 25 years ago and had used sexed semen, but that has ramped up as they continue to develop the genetic merit of the herd. Their meticulous record keeping helped when it came to using the new technology. “Because we had very accurate records going back more than 50 years, they could take my DNA data and see how it correlates to my herdrecording data and use the Ginfo data to see the different markers such as milk production and mastitis resistance,” Chris said. They have been using sexed semen on maiden heifers for about seven years, concentrating on growing young stock well to maximise mating results, as well as ramping up use within the herd — and it has been a game changer. The valuable data from the genomic testing is used in selecting cows from which to breed. “We had some problems with COVID so I did tissue sampling myself with an ear notch,” Chris said. “I did the two-year-olds as we were bringing them into the herd and joining them, and did our calves as they hit the ground. “Suddenly, we had a lot more animals genomically tested and the information that came out of that was unbelievable. “It’s so accurate that if you want to get rid of some of the lower genetic value animals you know who they are. “You breed from your highest genetic animals and the lower ones that you keep you can join them to beef so you have a second income stream.” After joining maiden heifers to sexed semen, they have gone from getting 70 to 80 heifers a year to 140 to 150. “With 70 to 80 there weren’t enough heifers to do serious culling; now we can because we have 140 to 150 heifers coming into the herd from our best animals,” Chris said. “There’s no doubt you have a much better herd when you’re breeding from a better herd.” The figures support Chris’s theory. “We were ranked about 150 in the top herds; suddenly we’ve jumped up to the top 40,” he said. “We’ve never been that high before and we also have one of our heifers in the top 10 of female Holsteins in the country. “That’s all come from the genomic testing.” The Place brothers have always bred with the top bulls, keeping in mind daughter fertility as the priority along with high production and longevity. “Daughter fertility has been at the forefront of our thoughts in recent years,” Chris said.
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
CALF REARING // 27
Chris Place is happy to recommend genomic testing to other farmers. “If they use it, they will see it increases the potential of their herd,” he says.
Thanks to genomic testing and using sexed semen, brothers Peter and Chris Place have achieved their objective to have the best possible herd, with trouble-free high production, longevity and self-replacement.
“I’ve always said the biggest expense on the farm is not the John Deere or the pellets and grain, it’s empty cows.” The changes have led to a significant reduction in the number of empties. “We were more than 20 per cent empty but we’re now down to 10 per cent,” Chris said.
“We’ve had the whole herd and their predecessors registered with these results with Holstein Australia, which has been very good.” The addition of a beef sideline is a bonus. “We’ve only been doing the beef for a year but at the moment you can get $600 for a beef calf,” Chris said.
“The whole industry will be going that way if they are genomically testing.” Chris may have been inspired by being a Ginfo participant, but he didn’t need much convincing. “I could see in the future how there would be a benefit by being more comprehensive, by doing the younger stock as well,” he said.
Genetics Australia is investigating the potential of breeding from one of Chris’s heifers. Chris is happy to recommend genomic testing to other farmers. “If they use it, they will see it increases the potential of their herd.”
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28 // ANIMAL HEALTH
Are you thinking about B1? BY LUCY COLLINS
THIAMINE, OR vitamin B1, is normally pro-
duced by the microbes in a healthy cow’s rumen when consuming a well-balanced diet. As the vitamin is water soluble and cannot be stored in tissues long-term, ruminants depend on having a healthy microbial population to produce their daily requirements of thiamine. Thiamine is essential in the production of energy for nervous tissue, especially the brain. Should a rumen microbial population become disturbed, for example after a sudden change of feed or during a disease event such as acidosis, thiamine availability can be reduced either by a direct reduction in thiamine production as ‘good’ rumen bacteria numbers decrease, or as a result of an increase in ‘bad’ bacterial populations that produce thiaminase (an enzyme that breaks down thiamine). Thiamine deficiency can eventually lead to a degenerative brain condition known as polioencephalomalacia (PEM), whereby energy and fluid imbalances cause the brain to swell and compress within the skull. This leads to variable and non-specific neurological signs that can include dullness, apparent blindness, aimless wandering, incoordination, a
high-stepping gait, teeth grinding, frothing at the mouth, muscle tremors and twitching. Animals may then progress rapidly over 24 to 48 hours to having rigid limbs and stiff necks, seizures, paralysis and death. However, sometimes sudden death is the only sign. Young, well-fed, thrifty cattle or cattle being fed large amounts of high-starch concentrates are most commonly affected. Blood testing for thiamine is specific but expensive, while a post-mortem is also diagnostic but requires a dead animal and special laboratory testing (see image). In a live animal, response to treatment provides one of the quickest and best methods of diagnosis, alongside a thorough neurological examination to determine specific clinical signs match suspicions and rule out other potential diseases. Intravenous thiamine hydrochlorase (vitamin B1) in high doses is recommended for moderate to severe cases, and if response is promising treatment should be repeated frequently over the following days, alongside appropriate supportive care and nursing. Cases are usually sporadic and outbreaks are uncommon, however even with prompt treatment 25 per cent of cases may progress to death, and in animals that are unable to stand mortality rate is closer to 100 per cent. Prognosis is generally better for those ani-
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mals that develop clinical signs slowly, and with less severity. If treatment is not prompt, the degenerative changes to the brain can be permanent and neurological signs will persist or the animal will eventually die. As PEM is usually nutrition-related and sporadic in nature, it is difficult to plan a good prevention strategy. Good nutritional management with gradual transitions when adjusting feed rations and providing adequate roughage if feeding concentrates will go a long way. Thiamine deficiency is not the only cause of PEM. Lead poisoning, sulphur and salt toxicity can also cause similar signs so as always, any cattle displaying unusual neurological behaviour should be examined by a veterinarian promptly to determine the best course of action before any treatment is administered. Always be mindful of exotic diseases that may also present with similar signs, and if in doubt contact the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
A bovine brain showing the classic postmortem cerebral cortex autofluorescence associated with PEM. Image: Colorado State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Lucy Collins is completing her Dairy Residency with The University of Melbourne. She works as an on-farm veterinarian for Apiam Animal Health, and alongside her partner on his family’s dairy farm in south-west Victoria. She is a 2021 Nuffield Scholar supported by Gardiner Dairy Foundation.
ANIMAL DISEASE PREPARATION AN INDUSTRY PRIORITY Preparedness and response plans to Foot and Mouth Disease or Lumpy Skin Disease incursion into Australia are being developed, with the dairy industry heavily involved. What are the risks? LSD and FMD have been found in Indonesia, increasing the risk of an outbreak in Australia. An outbreak of either disease would cost the Australian dairy industry billions in loss of international trade, the cost of the response, and the potential loss of cattle culled. Even if no dairy farms are directly infected, all dairy and cattle trade will be impacted by international market loss. What are the diseases? LSD is a cattle disease (including buffalo), mostly transmitted by biting insects. This causes skin sores, reduced milk production, fever and abortion. This disease is most likely to come into Australia by insects blown across to Northern Australia on monsoon winds. FMD is a disease affecting ruminants (cattle, goats, sheep), pigs and camelids (camels, alpacas). It causes sores in the mouth and feet, as well as teats. This disease is more likely to be bought into Australia by the illegal importation of infected meat products or contaminated clothing or shoes. What is the industry doing? To address these risks, the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, along with affected industries, are working together to prevent and prepare for an incursion. Dairy Australia and Australian Dairy Farmers are members of Animal Health Australia and are heavily involved in the current revisions of the AUSVETPLAN manuals for both these diseases. Managed by AHA, AUSVETPLAN documents provide a nationally agreed approach for the response to an emergency animal disease, and the dairy industry is working hard to ensure these agreed approaches account for dairy
production systems. Focusing on addressing the current LSD outbreak in Indonesia, the Red Meat Advisory Council is coordinating work to ensure all cattle industries, including dairy, have input into government plans and enable collaboration on any research needed. This work is split into key areas, including overseas in-country support, trade, diagnostic capability and vaccine development, domestic containment and communications. The dairy industry is represented in all groups. What can farmers do? While the risk of one of these diseases coming on to your farm may seem remote, excellent biosecurity and surveillance by farmers is our industry’s best protection. Japanese encephalitis, a disease spread by biting insects which affects pigs and humans, was found only first in the Riverina district of NSW and northern Victoria, when the incursion is most likely to have come in via northern Australia. If you see anything unusual, such as sores, fevers, sudden drops in milk production or cows isolating themselves, speak to your vet, government vet, or contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Finding the disease early gives us the best chance of eradication, and any stock culls are eligible for compensation. Good biosecurity practices are also vital to reduce the spread of diseases and are particularly important for FMD. Keeping track of visitors, quarantining new stock, and ensuring gear used on multiple farms (e.g. disbudding irons) is cleaned before use is a good starting place in preventing any disease spread. Resources for building a biosecurity plan that is right for your farm can be found at https://www.dairyaustralia.com. au/animal-management-and-milkquality/animal-health/biosecurity
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
30 // ANIMAL HEALTH
Probiotics lift herd health
Kyle Wheeler (right) and his partner Aliesha Cook say their family’s Girgarre herd in northern Victoria has responded strongly to adding probiotics to their diet. Photo: Brooke Somerville.
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BY DIANNA MALCOLM
NOTABLY IMPROVED herd health and increased production have impressed the Wheeler family after introducing probiotics to their northern Victorian herd. The 235-hectare dairy farm, which milks 450 cows at Girgarre through a 20-a-side double-up herringbone with automatic cup removers, is home for Russell and Robyn Wheeler and their sons, Corey and Kyle, together with Kyle’s partner Aliesha Cook. Aliesha, who manages the herd with Kyle, said she approached Australian Probiotic Solutions early in 2021 after reading about some of its results and reviews on Facebook. Originally they were interested in a lead feed for calving, but after talking with APS’s Mark Moylan, they decided to dive right in — adding a directfed microbial (BioPro Probiotics) to their homecrushed grain (5kg/cow/day) for the milking herd. Changing the mix BioPro Probiotics is made from a combination of 11 biological compounds, five selected strains of probiotic bacteria and a specific strain of active live dry yeast — Saccharomyces cerevisiae — which stimulates cellulose-digesting bacteria, improving fibre digestibility and rumen development. (The probiotic bacteria are micro-encapsulated, to reach the lower gastrointestinal tract for improved immune function and the competitive exclusion of pathogens.) Finally, a blend of five digestive enzymes in BioPro supports feed breakdown, allowing more surface area for microbes to work on. APS also tailored a trace mineral pack, which included Bloat Shield, to complete the BioPro Probiotics. “We had had some problems with our previous calving with milk fever; we had to pull a fair few calves, and we also had some retained membranes and mastitis,” Aliesha said. “We felt the cows were always a bit lacking in something, and they weren’t coming fully onto their milk after calving like you’d expect them to.” More cows cudding Aliesha said the results had been exactly what they were looking for.
“They are so much better,” she said. “The herd is in better condition, production is up … we’re averaging about 29 litres. “Their coats are shiny — their white is white, their black is black — and, they have calved-in and got on to their milk so much better.” APS’s Mark Moylan said the strength of the company’s yeast, combined with the enzymes, good bacteria and minerals — sourced from Japan, North America and Austria — was without precedent. And with that comes unprecedented responses. “My rule of thumb when I first walk through a herd is to pick out 10 cows,” he said. “Of them, you should have at least six or seven chewing their cud. When we first visited the Wheelers, I noted around four were chewing their cud. “The other day after almost five months on the BioPro, it was eight out of 10. I wasn’t surprised because I see this response all the time in our clients’ herds. “It’s the first sign of improved rumination, and it’s great to be part of these positive transformations.” Benefits for calves The Wheelers have also incorporated probiotics in their calf sheds. Aliesha rears 270 head a year (including some bull beef). BioCalf is added to their milk every day at the rate of 1 g/calf. It offers a daily in-milk dose of high-performance micro-encapsulated multistrain probiotic that promotes immunity, recovery and improves digestion. Aliesha also swears by BioBoost paste — a probiotic oral treatment paste — with the addition of vitamin E for new, stressed or sick calves. They also offer OptiGuard, a premium, finely milled zeolite product for treating diarrhoea in calves. Aliesha said there was no going back for them now. “They are great products, APS has been amazing for us, and I would highly recommend their range to anybody.”
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS // 31
Safety plan targets tankers WORK HAS begun on a new training program
to improve road safety in the dairy industry. Transport and logistics specialist insurer National Transport Insurance has received Federal Government funding through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative to develop and deliver ‘Spilt Milk: A national crash reduction program for the dairy industry’ during the next two years. National Transport Insurance’s Staci Clark said NTI would work with experts and those involved in transport for the dairy industry to develop and test training programs, resources and workshops. “The goal is to reduce dairy tanker rollovers and improve road safety by working with drivers, fleet managers and maintenance consignors,” Ms Clark said. The Australian dairy industry produces $4.4 billion of milk each year. NTI data shows on average dairy tankers are 2.4 times more likely to be involved in a major crash than other freight transport. That’s the equivalent of one in 17 dairy tankers compared to one in 41 other heavy vehicles. Ms Clark said a similar education program in Victoria’s forestry industry resulted in a 65 per cent reduction in rollovers from 29 in a year to FY20 being rollover free. “For the dairy industry it is about improving road safety and protecting the environment because dairy tanker crashes not only put drivers
National Tranpsort Insurance’s Staci Clark says NTI will work with experts and those involved in transport for the dairy industry to develop and test safety training programs, resources and workshops.
and road users at risk, but can cause milk and diesel spills,” she said. “Keeping Australian industry moving toward a safer and more sustainable future is our priority
and this program is another example of NTI working with industry to achieve that.” To express interest in NTI’s Spilt Milk program, email: sustainability@nti.com.au
Find out more about the program at: www. nti.com.au/better-business-hub/our-expertise/ spilt-milk
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
32 // MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS
No job is too hot too handle LOCATED NEAR the picturesque North Yorkshire
village of Holmefirth, Longley Farm is best known to the Australian food industry as the parent company of Richmond Dairies in Casino, NSW. Richmond Dairies, which is known for its fast freeze technology, produces a range of dairy ingredients for the food manufacturing industry in Australia and abroad, exporting products around the globe. Longley Farm has been owned by the Dickinson family since 1948 when brothers Joseph and Edgar inherited their great uncle’s farm together with 10 cows. Today the farm boasts one of the best Jersey cow herds in the United Kingdom with 300 of its own cattle, and tops up demand with milk from up to 40 trusted farmers around the country, which is used in its award-winning range of dairy products. The farm also makes its own ice-cream, together with the traditional specialty Yorkshire curd. Longley Farm is the world’s leading commercial manufacturer of this uncooked fresh curd product, which is the key ingredient in a traditional Yorkshire curd tart. All of Longley Farm’s products are made without the use of artificial additives, colourings, preservatives or stabilisers and are sold in local shops and some national supermarkets. The need for heat exchangers Like most dairies, the factory operates a number of heat exchangers to remove the heat from processing and manufacturing its dairy
products, which must be chilled for sale. Most of these are of a traditional plate design, which is fine for simple heating or cooling purposes, but recent upgrades to the machinery which produces fresh cream and Yorkshire curd have seen new corrugated tube type heat exchangers installed. These new HRS heat exchangers incorporate corrugated tubes that provide a number of advantages over flat plate or smooth tube types. The biggest advantage is that heat transfer is increased, particularly at higher flow rates, meaning that less heat transfer area is required and resulting in a shorter, more compact design, together with associated cost savings. This also results in gentler handling of the product during the cooling phase, which is crucial for fresh cream production. “For a cream process we want the cooling profile to be very gentle and we want to agitate the cream as little as possible,” Longley Farm’s Konrad Schwoch said. Corrugated tube heat exchangers have a lower pumping requirement than other tube-type heat exchangers as their compact nature results in a lower pressure drop during the heat exchange process. This helps contribute to the long operational life and reduced maintenance of the unit, which has advantages for Longley Farm. “For me, the value in the tube-type heat exchanger is that it is a more robust piece of equipment,” Konrad said.
The compact HRS system sits on a platform above the dairy processing area.
“It’s harder to break and easier and cheaper to service, saving money over the lifespan of the unit.” Like all HRS heat exchangers, the corrugated tube units are made from high quality stainless steel. “Because of the innovation you get from HRS,
such as multi-tubes and annular spaces, you have a lot more surface area than a traditional tubular heat exchanger,” Konrad said. “Because of this … the actual size of the new system is smaller than the old equipment it is replacing, making it easier to incorporate into the factory layout.”
Continued page 33
DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS // 33 DESIGNED WITH OPERATORS IN MIND
Longley Farm uses HRS heat exchangers to process fresh curds used in a traditional Yorkshire curd tart.
Different design needed for curds The new heat exchanger chosen to improve Yorkshire curd production is a different design to that used for cream. This time a corrugated tube design, which specifically increased turbulence, was chosen to help to reduce fouling inside the tubes. While most dairies make curds and whey by adding bacteria to the milk to turn the lactose into lactic acid and stimulate the proteins to stick together, for Yorkshire curd production Longley Farm adds acid directly to the milk, which is the traditional way of making the product. “Using this traditional method creates a problem when you want to heat or cool the solution,” Konrad said.
“The curd can be very, very small, so when you are pumping it you get curd mixed into the whey portion. “When you want to pump it you know you are going to get particulates in it, so we need to use a corrugated tube heat exchanger because traditional plate heat exchangers can easily become blocked with the small bits of curd.” This unit has been specifically designed by HRS to handle these particulates, even if they reach levels well in excess of those found in normal operation. “With all our different requirements, including heating and cooling, it can be difficult to automate quite a complex group of processes and not end up with the biggest, most complicated plant in the world,” Konrad said. “The clever thing has been keeping the heat exchanger solution simple while providing everything we need.”
Operator comfort and convenience are at the centre of the latest updates to the Case IH Maxxum and Puma ranges. New Puma SWB models (150hp to 180hp) now feature CVT transmission options to complement the existing Powershift offering. Upgrades to the 2022 Maxxum and Puma SWB tractors include a lowmounted front screen wiper with an increased sweep area for better visibility; new highperformance LED safety lighting features; an improved entrance area with aluminium steps; and an integrated cool box. “Obviously when the operator is more comfortable in the cab, this can only help to reduce fatigue and increase productivity in the field,” Case IH’s Seamus McCarthy said. “The Maxxum and Puma are among Case IH’s most versatile tractors, and with these upgrades this versatility is enhanced and customer experience improved.” He said a number of standard vehicle modifications were also aimed at providing enhanced performance and connectivity
for customers. New electronic joystick and improved telematics with additional display functionality allow greater efficiency and precision. “Fast and reliable in-field connectivity is critical in realising the full potential of precision agriculture, with a direct result of that being an improvement in the profitability of farming operations, and Case IH is working hard to deliver that potential across our lower horsepower ranges,” he said. “Customer expectations are increasingly high when it comes to the sophistication of their machinery, and the latest updates on our Maxxums and Pumas are an example of listening to our customers and interpreting their needs through the new features.” Updated MY22 models are now available for order with the Puma due to arrive in Australia mid-year and the Maxxum expected in the second half of 2022. For more information contact your local Case IH dealer.
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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA JUNE 2022
34 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Plan aims to improve data use As part of the collaboration, John Deere and Food Agility CRC will work together to apply a newly developed Food Agility Data Sharing Agreement Template to data flow scenarios and to improve the template before it is released more widely to industry later in the year. The template, developed with National Farmers’ Federation and Minter Ellison, establishes key considerations between farmers and service providers including data transfer, storage, disposal and access, and provides clarity on the roles, responsibilities, deidentification and control of data. John Deere’s Benji Blevin said it was pleased to contribute industry expertise to a project that would inform future frameworks for best practice data management. “AgTech has the transformational ability to drive productivity, performance and sustainability across the ag sector, and while it continues to develop at an increasingly rapid rate, it is vital to ensure Australian producers feel confident they have control and transparency when managing their farm data,” Mr Blevin said. “As a technology innovator, we are continuously reviewing and improving our own robust data policies and practices and we are delighted to work with Food Agility CRC on this project to empower Australian producers to collect and share their data with confidence and control.”
Food Agility CRC’s Dr Mick Schaefer said the Data Sharing Agreement Template was also being piloted in other research projects, including its $6.5million collaboration with AACo, and would ultimately benefit the broader agricultural industry. “We are stress testing the Data Sharing Agreement Template to ensure it meets the needs of farmers and service providers in a range of circumstances. We aim to release it for wider industry use later in the year to help drive best practice across the sector,” Dr Schaefer said. Ensuring farmers have control of their data and the value attributed to it, is a goal within the NFF’s plan for agriculture to be a $100 billion industry by 2030. NFF CEO Tony Mahar said the Template Data Sharing Agreement was a practical application of the NFF’s Farm Data Code, which aimed to give farmers clarity and transparency in how their data is managed. “Every year digital tools and services are playing a bigger role on-farm. Farmers need to have confidence that the data they share is being protected,” Mr Mahar said. “It’s great to see Food Agility CRC applying the principles of our Farm Data Code to develop a template that will be available for broader industry.” The project is due to be completed mid-2022.
Industry and science are coming together for a new project focused on driving improvements in the use and management of agricultural data.
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1. S McDougall, 2003. Management factors associated with the incidence of clinical mastitis over the non-lactation period and bulk tank somatic cell count during the subsequent lactation, New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 51:2, 63-72. 2. Boddie & Nickerson, 1986. Dry Cow Therapy, Effects of Method of Drug Administration on Occurrence of Intramammary Infection, J. Dairy Sci 69, 253-257. ® Registered trademarks. Intervet Australia Pty Ltd (known as MSD Animal Health). ABN: 79008467034. Copyright © 2022 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
