Dairy News Australia May 2021

Single dairy body plan shelved PAGE 5 RARE SALE

A chance to buy the Jessica bloodline saw buyers flock� PAGE 11

ABV FEATURE

See the latest Australian Breeding Values results� PAGE 19

MAY, 2021 ISSUE 127 // www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au

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NEWS  // 3

Bulla Dairy announces opening price DANEKA HILL

ONCE AGAIN Bulla Dairy has

Dairy levy committee chosen. PG.5

Shared responsibility helps farms grow. PG.12

fulfilled an old promise to farmers, releasing its opening milk price as early as possible. On April 19 Bulla Dairy became the first processor to release its 2021–22 milk price of $6.40/kg MS to $6.90/kg MS. Bulla Dairy Foods chief executive Allan Hood said the business owed it to farmers to release the price as soon as it could. “We made a commitment to our suppliers a couple of years ago to release the price as early as possible, which has always been around early May and April,” Mr Hood said. “We are a family business and our farmers are too. An early price gives them the ability to plan ahead.”

The 2021–22 price includes an added price band for milk suppliers above 49 per cent milk supply ration (MSR). In 2020 Bulla reached an alltime high, achieving record cream sales and becoming the numberone-selling ice-cream brand in all states. Mr Hood said the momentum from a good 2020 gave the business the confidence to open as early as it had. “We are different to companies such as Saputo and the like, we are still a private business and so have no shareholders to answer to, which is why we can do things like this,” he said. Bulla’s factories are located in Colac and a majority of suppliers are based in south-west Victoria, with about 25 per cent of Bulla’s farms in northern Victoria.

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“We’ve got farms from one million litres to five million litres and a variety of herd types; the primary drivers for us is quality,” Mr Hood said. “We work with local factories to cream our milk, before it comes down to Colac. “It’s more cost-effective to transport cream.” Bulla Dairy has sourced milk directly from farmers since 2018 and aims to “grow modestly” in coming years.

Bulla Dairy Foods chief executive Allan Hood.

BOARD POSITIONS OPEN

Milk Clunes, farmer says. PG.14

NEWS ���������������������������������������������������� 3 – 17 OPINION ������������������������������������������������������6 MARKETS ������������������������������������������������� 18 ABV FEATURE ��������������������������������19 - 27 ANIMAL HEALTH ������������������������ 28 – 29 MACHINERY ����������������������������������� 31 – 35

Applications have opened for three director vacancies on Dairy Australia’s board ahead of elections at the Annual General Meeting in November. Two of the vacant positions are for directors with milk producer skills, while the other vacancy requires a director with dairy supply chain and product promotion skills. The terms of two serving directors expire this year and another director has retired. Current director James Mann, who serves as chair of Dairy Australia, and director David Lord, have indicated they will stand for re-election, while Graeme Nicoll, who is

serving in an interim capacity following the retirement of Jeff Odgers, will not stand for re-election. Dairy Australia Board Selection Committee chair Professor Paul Wood said a letter was being sent to all levy payers calling for nominations for the director vacancies. “This is an important time as we work towards delivering against our strategic plan, and provide services that benefit and advance dairy farm businesses and the industry, including investment in research and innovation, learning and capability development,

marketing, policy research, market insights, and trade development,” he said. “We want to hear from candidates who are passionate about shaping a more profitable and sustainable industry.” Dairy Australia’s board comprises eight nonexecutive directors and the managing director. The board provides oversight of the organisation and ensures the dairy levy is invested in programs that support the profitability and sustainability of dairy farmers. A Board Skills Matrix specifies the mix of skills required by directors and

is a requirement of Dairy Australia’s funding agreement with the Federal Government. To stand for election, applicants must undergo a selection process overseen by the Board Selection Committee. Alternatively, candidates may stand for election if their nomination is endorsed with the signatures of at least 100 current Group A members. Candidates interested in applying for the director positions should refer to Dairy Australia’s website www.dairyaustralia.com. au/directorelections and applications must be received by May 31.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

4 //  NEWS

Dairy beef trial under way MEAT & LIVESTOCK Australia is investigat-

ing the potential of creating a viable dairy beef supply chain to add substantial value to dairy steers commonly sold into lower value markets. A research project is under way led by Charles Sturt University, in conjunction with Meat Standards Australia (MSA), Teys Australia, Dairy Australia, Northern Co‑operative Meat Company and Manildra Meat Company, to study the impacts of genetics, nutrition and management on the performance and eating quality of beef from dairy breeds. Researchers are also investigating the viability of establishing a veal pathway for dairy beef to achieve eligibility for MSA grading. Currently, carcases classified under the AUSMEAT veal cipher are not eligible for MSA, however milk-fed vealers that are turned off at higher slaughter weights are eligible. MSA program manager David Packer said the project aligned with MSA’s long-term objective to make all cattle eligible for MSA grading. “The project is designed to understand the eating quality potential of dairy cattle and management to optimise eating quality outcomes for these breeds,” Dr Packer said.

“The project aims to add substantial value to a currently under-valued resource. “The project started in 2018 and involves cohorts of Jersey, Holstein-Jersey cross and Holstein cattle, all following a range of pathways, alongside cohorts of beef breeds including British and Euro-cross cattle. “The first cohort of cattle has completed both low growth and high growth pathways. “The pathways use low-cost and high-cost feeding regimes comprising a range of timeframes and combinations of pasture feeding, feed supplements and grain feeding in feedlots, to reach a target of 300 kg carcase weight. “Overall results to date show a similar carcase and eating quality trait performance from Holstein cattle to beef breeds, but lower carcase quality and higher MSA non-compliance for Jersey cattle. “While the Holsteins were quite slow at gaining weight in the early stages of the trial, in a feedlot they had a better feed conversion ratio than the beef breed cattle in the trial. “The Holsteins had comparable ossification and marble scores, though they had lighter muscling and a smaller eye muscle area compared to beef breeds.”

RIVERINA FRESH is taking a page out of Ama-

A new trial is exploring a viable dairy beef supply chain to add value to dairy steers.

The project will also explore a Spanish feeding treatment pathway, with cattle intensively fed on a custom ration to reach a target of a 300 kg carcase weight. Under Spanish feeding conditions a liveweight of 460 kg is obtained at 10 months of age, however, in this project the feeding period will be extended to increase carcase weight in line with market requirements. The project is expected to finish in 2022, with an analysis conducted on the economics of the feed cost versus the sale price of the product, with support from Dairy Australia.

REVIEW REQUEST STALLS FAIR GO LAUNCH Australian Dairy Products Federation has lodged an application with the Australian Competition Tribunal for the body to review a recent consumer watchdog decision to green-light the Fair Go Dairy scheme. The scheme, proposed by Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation, was granted final authorisation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on March 21. Under the scheme, QDO will grant processors a licence to use the Fair Go Dairy logo on qualifying dairy products. These products must contain at least 80 per cent unprocessed milk that was produced by Queensland dairy cows and purchased from a Queensland dairy farmer for more than or at a price QDO considers as ‘fair’. In its application to the Australian Competition Tribunal, the ADPF, which

represents processors from across the country, voiced concerns about the impact of the scheme. “… It will directly affect the feasibility of ADPF’s members’ ability to process and provide dairy products, which includes restricting the ability of ADPF’s members in Queensland to offer dairy products to customers, misleading the consumer as to what is a fair price for a dairy product and impacting competition between processors, and could distort the dairy market in Queensland and Australia more broadly (including consumer and retailer choice of dairy products).” The ADPF said it had voiced its concerns to the ACCC through consultation and provided three written submission on September 26, 2020, January 29, 2021 and February 5, 2021. In an email to members, QDO executive officer Eric Danzi said it was

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“disappointing” the scheme had been delayed by the review process. “This has further delayed Fair Go Dairy and means that the Australian Competition Tribunal The Fair Go Dairy must now review logo created the decision by the by Queensland ACCC to grant QDO Dairyfarmers’ authorisation,” he Organisation. said. “It is unclear how long the review process will take but until it has been completed QDO is now not permitted to run the launch campaign. “To say that this further delay is disappointing is a major understatement.” The scheme was due to launch in June.

zon’s book and hiring artificial intelligence to help manage its production floor. The small Wagga Wagga-based dairy producer has partnered with a solution platform used by the likes of Microsoft and Farmbot in an effort to transform into a leaner, quicker business. The new technology’s first job will be figuring out the best maintenance regime for key machinery. Riverina Fresh production manager John English said the move was part of an overall transformation. “We identified the need to better gather realtime metrics of what’s actually happening on the production floor,” Mr English said. “Over the years we’ve had a lot of success in identifying the causes of major downtime events, but found that it’s increasingly difficult to find out the causes of the high frequency short duration stoppages.” Riverina Fresh chief executive Rob Collier said the partnership with AI and internet of things platform Rayven included plans to develop real-time analytics capabilities. “This is an example of modernising a manufacturing business without having to outlay significant capital expenditure,” Mr Collier said. Riverina Fresh is supplied by 20 Riverina dairy farmers and bottles a premium range of milk.

Riverina Fresh is based in Wagga Wagga, NSW.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

NEWS  // 5

Single dairy body plan binned PLANS FOR a single whole dairy industry body

that combines advocacy with industry services will not proceed after many months of industry consultation. Instead, Australian Dairy Plan partner organisations will explore opportunities to boost dairy farmer representation, increase transparency around research, development and extension (RD&E) priority setting, and involve processing companies in industry-wide initiatives. Dairy Australia chair James Mann conceded the proposal to create a single, whole of industry body was always considered to be “ambitious”. “After extensive consultation, it is clear that restrictions prevent the use of levies for agripolitical activity and that an all-in-one industry model is unable to address the priority of a stronger and more unified industry voice, as it cannot accommodate the requirement for independent representation,” he said. “It would also compromise government investment in RD&E. Other models that combine advocacy with levy-funded industry services cannot progress at this time for the same reasons.” Going forward, the three reform partner organisations — Australian Dairy Farmers, Australian Dairy Products Federation and Dairy Australia — have been given primary responsi-

bility for driving through different aspects of the reform sought by people across the industry. Under future plans, Australian Dairy Farmers will lead a working group comprising the six state dairy farming organisations to consider how to optimise policy and advocacy development at a national and state level, together with funding arrangements. Dairy Australia will commit to greater resourcing for strategic policy development and enhanced transparency for RDE priority setting, while Australian Dairy Products Federation has committed to facilitating and promoting ­ opportunities for collaboration and ­co-investment by processors on whole-of-supply-chain interests. Australian Dairy Farmers president Terry Richardson said organisational reform was an industry priority to deliver a more profitable, confident and united industry. “Reform aims to deliver a stronger and more unified industry voice with an ability to champion common issues, as well as represent diverse views across the dairy supply chain,” he said. Australian Dairy Products Federation president Grant Crothers said the reform process identified a need for a ‘whole of industry’ voice that could represent issues common to both dairy farmers and processors. Plans for a single dairy industry body will not proceed.

DAIRY LEVY COMMITTEE CHOSEN The people who will review the dairy levy have been chosen. The majority are dairy farmers, while another five are industry workers who have put up their hands to complete the panel. The committee is expected to make a decision regarding the levy by June 2021. In the event a change to the levy is recommended, this process will extend to 2022. LPAC independent chair Ron Storey said there had been a strong level of high quality nominations and he was delighted in the grass-roots input. “We have a balance of representation across dairy regions, years of farming experience, herd sizes and owners vs sharefarmer experiences,” Mr Storey said. “The LPAC will now get to business and review the levy.” The dairy service levy is collected from dairy farmers in order to fund services provided by Dairy Australia. The levy is reviewed every five years by a majority dairy farmer panel. Dairy farmer representatives on LPAC ■ Heath Cook, NSW

■

Katrina Gofton, Tasmania

■

Brendan Rae, south-west Victoria

■

Matthew Trace, Queensland

■

Andrew Aldridge, Tasmania

■

Karrinjeet Singh-Mahil, south-west Victoria

■

Andrew Cavill, South Australia

■

Daryl Hoey, Gippsland, Victoria

■

Peter Evans, Western Australia

Industry body representatives on LPAC Tania Luckin, Dairy Australia director and dairy farmer from South-West Victoria

■

■

Roseanne Healy, Dairy Australia director

■

Rick Gladigau, Australian Dairy Farmers director and dairy farmer from South Australia

■

Victoria Taylor, Australian Dairy Farmers director

■

Peter Mulcahy, Australian Dairy Products Federation representative. KyValley Dairy director and dairy farmer from northern Victoria

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

6 // OPINION

EDITORIAL

Focus must be on unity in the industry Plans for a single dairy body, which formed a significant part of the proposed Australian Dairy Plan, have been shelved. It’s a small win for those across the country who had voiced concern about the ‘one size fits all’ approach.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Call for change to dairy levy poll THE AUSTRALIAN dairy levy poll is no longer

fit for purpose. Are all farmers’ voices being heard effectively and fairly? It is now 20 years since Dairy Australia was formed and the dairy levy funding poll implemented as a way of funding Dairy Australia and reviewing that funding every four years. The dairy industry has evolved and changed radically since deregulation. What was a balanced cohort of farm size and milk volumes by state industry size and region is no longer the case. The levy poll is frozen in time and represents an industry and farmers that no longer exist. Twenty years ago when the levy poll was created, farm size was much more evenly distributed in the Australian milk pool and the liquid milk states had many more farms and a higher percentage of the total Australian milk pool. Deregulation and $1/litre milk has radically altered the dairy landscape. We have lost many family farms and the liquid milk states have severely contracted and lost milk volume. This industry contraction has led to a situation now in which 20 per cent of the farmers produce 80 per cent of the milk. That’s about 500 farmers controlling 80 per cent of all eligible votes in the levy poll. What I am wanting to highlight is the fact that now if the other 80 per cent of farmers controlling only 20 per cent of the total Australian milk pool wanted change, their voices will never be heard in a balanced way as was envisaged when the levy poll was deigned and implemented 20 years ago; 4500 farmer voices and views are now irrelevant to the process.

If the industry contracts any more, we could very easily get to a situation where 10 per cent of farmers are controlling 80 per cent of the milk, or more; this is not a healthy situation for the industry. This voting bias that has accrued since deregulation and the near virtual collapse of the liquid milk states’ dairy industry also further diminishes those states’ effective voting strength and voice in the levy poll process. In the past four years, on average, only 150 farmers voted on the Dairy Australia board election process. Eighty per cent of farmers have absolutely no impact on the voting process for the board positions. I would like to suggest that it’s time for a full review of this process and the legislation relating to the levy poll. I think it would also be wise to inform the levy poll’s independent chair of this fact as the committee could discuss this as part of the levy poll process and present a report to the agriculture minister as part of the levy poll review. What I would also like to highlight is — as you know — the industry is currently going through the last stage of the Australian dairy plan process and advocacy restructure. Would it not be prudent to defer the levy poll by 12 months until this process is finished and then they could review the levy poll structure to decide if it’s still fit for purpose? Dairy Australia is in a sound financial position and would not be affected by this delay. In my view the voting process for both Dairy Australia and the levy poll must be changed for the sake of the industry’s long-term future. Bernhard Lubitz Leongatha dairy farmer

Advertising Max Hyde 0408 558 938 max.hyde@dairynewsaustralia.com.au Editor Alana Christensen (03) 5820 3237 editor@dairynewsaustralia.com.au Dairy News Australia is published by Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the staff, management or directors of Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd.

Regional editor news@dairynewsaustralia.com.au

In the end the approach simply didn’t pass muster. Dairy Australia chair James Mann said it best when he labelled the idea “ambitious”. While one of the recurring themes raised in farmer meetings was the need for more vigorous and targeted advocacy, many were vehemently opposed to the one-body model. The challenge under the one-stop-shop would have been bringing together all sectors of the industry; farmers, processors, research and development scientists and marketing people, when occasionally the interests of these parties have been different. The feedback revealed a number of consistent and clear themes on what is needed to get the industry to a better place, with contributors to the plan identifying that there is a need for industry bodies to do things differently — with a clear aim to have a stronger, more united voice and a need to consider structures that make advocacy more effective. But what are the next steps now that one of the integral parts of the Dairy Plan is no more? Well, all state dairy farming organisations will be coming together to help optimise policy and advocacy development across all levels — national and state. Consider it a Ministerial Council meeting for dairy bodies. Anyone who follows the Murray-Darling Basin Plan will know how well those normally go. But now is not the time for division; the focus must be on unity, goal setting and bringing everyone along for the ride. No matter the corner of the country, the dairy bodies must have a singular focus and work through their differences to deliver a stronger, more profitable and more sustainable industry for all. The challenge will be to convert everyone’s aspirations for high performance, efficiency and flexibility into a reality.

Publisher Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd Printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd Head Office 7940 Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton, VIC 3630 Phone (03) 5831 2312 Postal addressPO Box 204 Shepparton, Victoria 3632 Australia

WWW.DAIRYNEWSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

Dairy News Australia welcomes contributions from stakeholders in the dairy industry, and particularly from organisations wishing to advance the industry. Contributions and photos can be sent to: editor@dairynewsaustralia.com.au Letters to the editor on topical issues are also welcome. Letters should be concise and carry the name and town address of the author, as well as a contact phone number, not for publication.

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8 //  NEWS

Data drives herd decisions LACHIE TINDALL has plenty of heifer calves.

He also has a lot of herd data — including milk meter readings, genomic information, health, nutrition and mating records. But one thing he doesn’t have a lot of, is time. Efficiency is the key to making sense of all this data for his 650 to 700-cow herd. That’s one of the reasons why the dairy farmer from Carapook in western Victoria started genomic testing his Holstein heifer calves. Two years in, he suspects the importance of this DNA technology to his business will expand as he concentrates on increasing milk flow and components. Now, genomics plays a critical role in identifying replacement heifers. “We have reared anywhere from 280 to 300 heifers at a time, now it’s more like 300 to 330 heifers a year,” Lachie said. “I only want about 230 heifers for replacements so excess stock is sold.” Ranking genomically tested heifers on their Balanced Performance Index (BPI) has been the first step in determining the best animals. “I just go through and dump all the data into an Excel spread sheet and pull out the bottom 100 or 105, and then I go through them and draft accordingly,” Lachie said. “If they have the right markings to go on an export order, they go that way, if they haven’t, they go somewhere else domestically or I rear them out and try and get them in calf and put them on a different order.” Industry herd improvement organisation DataGene offers a web program called DataVat that allows farmers easy access to their genomic and herd recording information, where they can run reports about their herd or access individual animal information. The first of the genotyped females at the Tindall family farm, which includes Lachie’s parents John and Glenys, have started to calve. It’s only early days, but the physical changes in these animals have been reflected in the genomic data, according to Lachie. “We used to have problems in the herd with really short teats, so about 10 years ago we started selecting bulls specifically on teat length — it was one of the things we looked at, it had to have good teat length otherwise we wouldn’t buy it,” he said. “When we started doing genomics the data actually showed we are now quite positive for teat length.

“You can visually see it, but it was sort of nice — I guess — for it to be clarified that what we were doing was working. “It’s been the same with daughter fertility. We always picked bulls with high daughter fertility because we wanted to get our cows back in calf and I think our (genomic) average came back at 112, well above average.” Lachie makes no secret of his love of feeding cows. But breeding them, though — that’s a different story. However, the increasing amount of reliable data available on his herd has helped sway his thinking. “I tend to find when I have data, I’ve got stuff I can relate to and I know is right,” he said. “It sort of makes it a bit easier, without it you are just flying blind and say ‘I think I need cows that do this’, or ‘I don’t like the look of her and this and that’.” Data has turned subjective breeding decisions into objective business measurables for the Tindall family. As their herd expands, Lachie believes there will be an increasing amount of reliance on the “average” genomic numbers. “You can’t work on an individual cow when you have 700 cows, it is too hard. “We don’t go and select a bull for every cow that’s on heat every day, some days we will have 40 or 50 (cows on heat). “I just pick bull of the day and I try and select sires that are all similar. Some on BPI, some on stature and daughter fertility. “That’s probably where we will change now. “Because we are improving our understanding of genetics through genomics, we will be able to increasingly select for different traits such as better components and improved litres. “That’s because we know where our traits sit, there’s some — such as fertility — that can be sacrificed a little for us to chase production.” Lachie also plans to share his genomic data with his breeding advisers so they have a thorough understanding of his current herd and where the family wants it to go. The Tindalls have just finished building a feedpad to give the farm business more options when it comes to feeding cows. From mid-November until late May — or when it rains — the cows are fed a full Total Mixed Ration diet. The rest of the year they graze pasture.

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Western Victorian dairy farmer Lachie Tindall uses genomics to help him decide which heifers to retain for his milking herd.

Milk production sits at an average of 8000 litres/cow/lactation or about 600 kg of milk solids. The herd weighs an average of 580 kg. Feed conversion efficiency will also become a focus of the Tindalls as they work towards their goal of producing 1.5 litres of milk for every ­kilogram of dry matter consumed over a cow’s lactation. This feed conversion information would add to the accumulation of data generated from milk meters in the dairy, genomics and cow collars.

Looking ahead, Lachie would like to see the dairy industry place more value on data outside the farm gate. “What I’d really like is for the domestic and export market to start paying a premium if you have genomic data to back up what you are selling. “Having genomics and a BPI number would provide value for buyers.” For more about the latest Australian Breeding Values release, turn to page 19.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

NEWS  // 9

Call for standards in milk sampling A DAIRY advocacy group has called on govern-

ments to have processors implement uniform standards in testing and sampling of fresh milk collection. Dairy Connect Farmers Group president Graham Forbes said that if the Federal Government didn’t wish to do this, state governments should implement a standardised code with their oversight. “In NSW for instance, such standards could be implemented either through the Department of Primary Industries or the NSW Food Authority,” he said. “Prior to deregulation in 2000, NSW ­Government oversight was provided by the state dairy authorities, which included the NSW Milk ­Marketing Board, the Dairy Industry Authority and the NSW Dairy Corporation. “If one state, such as NSW, implemented common regulatory standards, these could be enacted in other states or in a manner similar to the Competition Law through the Federal Government. Alternatively, Dairy Connect called on the Federal Government to implement common oversight via amendments to the Mandatory Dairy Code of Conduct. The regulation that underpins the dairy code could be quickly and simply amended to include relevant clauses ensuring compulsory standards. In the event of a breach of this clause within the code, any offending party would be subject to appropriate penalties. Dairy Connect chief executive officer Shaughn Morgan said Dairy Connect in 2019 made a ­submission to then Federal Agriculture M ­ inister Bridget McKenzie in relation to the then draft Dairy Mandatory Code of Conduct. “We submitted that the draft dairy code should contain a clause regarding the implementation and compliance with the introduction of national standards for milk sampling, testing and calibration of testing equipment,” he said. “This would ensure consistency with respect to the testing and sampling of milk and the fat and protein content required. “The results provided to dairy farmers would ensure consistency by all transport carriers and processors who received the fresh nutritious milk from their dairy farmer supplier. “Dairy farmers rely on testing as it ­provides the basis for the payment of any bonus or ­penalties in relation to the fat/protein content, which directly impacts on the farm gate price that the dairy farmer receives.” Australian Dairy Products Federation ­executive director Janine Waller said it was ­essential that credible and robust food safety and quality systems operated in the dairy ­industry. “Industry has initiated a number of measures to promote national consistency for standard milk safety compliance and testing protocols, such as the newly accredited Milk Tanker Operator Training Program and an industry fact sheet on milk quality testing.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

10 //  NEWS

Jerseys impress at Sydney Royal A TALLYGAROOPNA Jersey cow has sealed her reputation as a leading Australian champion after winning the Interbreed Supreme Champion dairy female at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Windy Ways Galaxies Dawn 7, owned by Brad and Jess Gavenlock and Frank Walsh, had earlier been judged the Supreme Champion dairy cow. Mr Gavenlock admits the stud had had a “fairytale run” but said every win remained special. Mr Gavenlock said the keys to success included having good cows, a lot of luck and the right management, which came from years of learning what worked and what didn’t. He said it was hard to fault the cow. “There hasn’t been a Jersey cow that has beaten her yet,” he said. “She has very few faults and is so well made. They haven’t made a perfect cow and she’s not perfect, but I don’t know where I’d change her and she’s got even better with age.” He said they would continue to show her while she was handling it well. The rising six-year-old was in-calf in time for next year’s International Dairy Week and they will also use IVF with her. Jersey Australia general manager Glen B ­ arrett said Dawn 7 was now the benchmark cow in ­Australia. “She is a tremendous cow and this win follows her recent Supreme Champion win at the C ­ entral Gippsland Jersey Fair in March.”

She has also experienced considerable success at International Dairy Week. Brookbora Valentino Sweet Elfa took home the Intermediate Champion Jersey cow as well as the Supreme Intermediate Champion dairy female for the Bacon family’s Brookbora Jerseys at Tennyson. Lightning Ridge MB VIP Feliz-ET rounded out the Jersey clean sweep winning Junior Champion Jersey and Supreme Junior Champion female for D Patten, J Lindsay, C Moscript, and F and D Borba. The Wilson family from Tamworth took home the final interbreed class, winning the Supreme Dairy Pen of Three. It was the first time Brookbora Jerseys had shown at Sydney, making victory even sweeter. “Sydney was one of the first shows I went to and we always wanted to show there so we were fairly ecstatic when we won,” Daniel Bacon said. “It was exciting to be part of the overall Jersey success.” Mr Bacon described Brookbora Valentino Sweet Elfa, who was also Intermediate Champion at the recent Central Gippsland Jersey Fair, as a stand-out cow in the herd. “When she calved in, we thought she looked pretty good and she just kept getting better and better,” Mr Bacon said. “She’s the kind of cow we like to breed; a long flat-boned dairy cow with a good udder and a cow that should last a long time.”

Dawn 7 with Brad and Jess Gavenlock at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The Wilson family with the winning Pen of Three at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Daniel Bacon and Stacey Leppert with Brookbora Valentino Sweet Elfa at the Sydney show, with RAS Honorary Councillor Gerry Anderson.

Declan Patten and leader Zoe Hayes with Lightning Ridge MB VIP Feliz-ET at Sydney, with RAS Councillor, Ron Smith.

Lightning Ridge MB VIP Feliz-ET, which is based at Mr Gavenlock’s Cherrylock Cattle Company, was imported as an embryo from North America and her mother was a grand champion at World Dairy Expo. Co‑owner Declan Patten said she had an incredible pedigree from one of the best Jersey cows in the world and was following in her mother’s footsteps.

“We were over the moon with the result because the Holstein was also an incredible heifer,” he said. Mr Patten said it was pleasing to see Victorian cows win junior, intermediate and senior interbreed titles. “That shows the level of support from Victorian exhibitors, which is a massive positive.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

NEWS // 11

Buyers flock to rare sale of Jessica bloodline DANEKA HILL

THE SALE of Lot 3 took only seconds to reach

the $25,000 mark. When auctioneer crier Nick Flanagan got to $40,000 the crowd started talking, and onlookers shook their heads in amazement as an online bidder and a farmer in the front row continued to push the price higher. In the end it was the front row farmers — Les and Louise Calder of Calderlea Stud — who got the three-year-old Holstein cow Elmar Solomon Jessica 7 for a tear-jerking $46,500. The April 22 Elmar Holstein auction in Leitchville was a royal show in its own right with bunting, sawdust, “hairspray” and four-legged show ring legends making guest appearances. Stud principals Steve and Deanne Hore said the family hadn’t held a fully-fledged auction since the 1980s, with the past 40 or so years dedicated to building up their world-famous Jessica bloodline. Mr Hore said the sale was unreal. “It’s probably the highest single vendor sale in Australian history. That average lot price of $10,492 is pretty special to have.” Regarding their $46,500 cow, Mr Hore simply said “she deserves it”. “She was the most complete cow there, has high profitability, is in calf to sexed semen and is maximum classification for her age,” he said. “The Calders may or may not show her at Dairy Week, they haven’t said, but they will be using her to start their own Jessica line.” Lot 3 is the daughter of IDW 2018 Supreme Exhibit Jessica 11 and great-granddaughter of Reserve All World Cow 2004 Leader Jessica. The 65-lot auction reaped $673,400 in total. “Now we are going to sit and relax for a bit before getting a couple of barns finished. The money from his sale is going to be going towards infrastructure on the farm,” Mr Hore said. Those present were either excited to watch the spectacle or grim in the knowledge they were going to be the ones bidding. Glomar Holsteins’ Robert and Lynette Johnston drove five-and-a-half hours from Sale to attend the auction.

“This is a really good showing and the cows are presenting very well,” Mrs Johnston said. “We will be bidding. We’re interested in getting some different pedigrees and show ring material.” Stewart family farm workers Ruby Meston and Mat Dennis came to window-shop alongside farm kid Jed Stewart. “Jed has his list of dream cows,” Mr Dennis said. “He’s got his eye on the one red calf up for auction right at the end.” Mr Dennis and Miss Meston said it was great to see such high quality cattle. Stu Mackie is an old friend of the Hores and had left Gippsland at 4.30 am that morning to make the auction. “I’m here to support the family, I’ve known Steve a long time,” Mr Mackie said. “Everyone is here to try and buy a Jessica. Essentially, now is your only chance.”

The beauty of a $46,500 cow — complete with heifer calf in utero. Elmar Solomon Jessica 7 is a daughter of IDW 2018 Supreme Exhibit Jessica 11 and great-granddaughter of Reserve All World Cow 2004 Leader Jessica.

Ben Govett and Lot 5 with the Flanagan auctioneer team above.

The Hore family with Jessica 11 — too valuable for auction, but matriarch to many going under the hammer. From left to right: Brady, Rosa, Deanne, Steve, Kelsie and Marty Hore.

Lynette and Robert Johnston from Glomar Holsteins drove from Sale to bid at the auction.

The average lot price reached $10,492.

Jed Stewart and Ruby Meston from Yarrawalla.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

12 //  NEWS

Shared load gets best from workers A CLEAR management hierarchy may be the

default position for most Australian dairy businesses, but Tasmanian dairy farmer and Nuffield Scholar Matthew Gunningham says a flat team structure ultimately delivers better results. “Shared responsibility — whether it be taking the lead on cow health, calf rearing or grass production — creates happier, more motivated and productive staff. And that’s a win-win for our business and our people,” Mr Gunningham said. It’s a key insight he took from visiting businesses across the Americas, Europe and New Zealand as part of his Nuffield Scholarship, and one he and wife Pip have implemented in their own business. “The most common business structure today in any organisation is the hierarchy model, which was established at the outset of the industrial revolution,” Mr Gunningham said. “Society has since evolved — people are now more equal and better educated, with access to more information. Business is also more competitive and fast moving.” He said a flatter business structure has helped attract and retain the right people and get the best results from them. “People are happier, more motivated and productive. They have more responsibility, sense of ownership and job satisfaction,” Mr Gunningham said.

“And we love to see people who are ambitious, interested and prepared to work hard.” He said spreading the responsibility enabled employees to make their highest contribution to the business, making it more resilient to challenges and able to seize opportunities. The structure is working well at the six farms Mr and Mrs Gunningham manage — two of which they own themselves and four they own in joint ventures. Being grass-based, the workload across the farms is highly seasonal. At the peak of the season, they milk 4000 cows and employ around 30 people. During winter when the cows are dried off, the teams are half the size. The flatter structure means the Gunninghams employ people with different skills and experience than the big corporate dairy operations are seeking. Seeing the ‘self-management model’ in action at a range of businesses, including the world’s largest tomato processing company, Morning Star, gave Mr Gunningham the confidence to try it. He visited Morning Star as part of a “one in a million chance” to do a Nuffield Scholarship, supported by the Australian Dairy Conference and Nuffield Australia. “The self-management model works because rather than just a few brains in upper management marshalling a business, every person in the company is engaged in the process,” he said.

“And as Morning Star founder Chris J. Rufer says: ‘Positional power is meaningless as it’s all about knowledge, power and personal power’.” Mr Gunningham said the first step for businesses to adopt a flatter structure was owners or managers relinquishing some control. Clear, honest, two-way communication is also crucial to success because it allows everyone to understand their responsibilities and the business performance. “It’s not easy to be really honest with someone and it’s not always easy to hear, so you need to agree from the outset that you’re going to be very clear with one another and the reason for it — it’s because it’s the most efficient way

for us to improve and remain competitive,” Mr Gunningham said. Leaders need to invest considerable time in their people, to ensure they have the skills and confidence to make decisions that benefit the whole team. “The best description for this time spent training, mentoring, watching, showing and encouraging is ‘coaching’ as this relationship is like that of a coach and player in a sports team,” Mr Gunningham said. Nuffield Australia awards up to 20 scholarships a year to people like Mr Gunningham every year. For more information or to apply, visit: www.nuffield.com.au

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

14 //  NEWS

Milk Clunes, farmer says THE LAST surviving dairy farmer in Clunes

in northern NSW says the region is ripe for a dairy revival. Back in the day, every 40 ha block in the Clunes region in the Byron hinterland was home to a dairy farm, but today Warren Gallagher has to drive 15 minutes north and 10 minutes southwest to find another dairy. Mr Gallagher, a third-generation farmer whose family has been on the land for 104 years, says things have never been better thanks to a change to his breeding program, great weather conditions and a good price for his milk. “It’s comfortably the best year I’ve had in my 31 years on the farm,” he said. “Because our breeding program with Viking Genetics has been so successful, these days we’re not relying on cull cows to make money — milk is actually making money. “Everyone should be milking cows up here — it’s a licence to print money at the moment.” Mr Gallagher said the price of land deterred many dairy farmers, but the recent change in fortune should prompt landholders to reconsider dairy as an option. “There are opportunities to convert; it should be a strong consideration,” he said. Mr Gallagher said the region had a good climate and land for dairy and he was happy with the price he received from processor Norco.

“It’s a good grass-growing climate with excellent and very reliable rainfall averaging 1600 mm over the past 30 years. It’s always good here for dairy farming — but you make your own luck,” he said. Mr Gallagher helped to make his own luck by changing his herd and introducing Viking Red genetics about five years ago. It had been an Illawarra herd until the mid1990s when some Red Holsteins were introduced for genetic diversification and more milk. The switch brought the desired additional milk, with the farm reaching its goal of an 8000litre average lactation — but fertility and mastitis problems emerged. “Up to 30 per cent had calving problems, and feet issues were becoming too common, but I visited Terry Blasche’s farm at Casino and saw they were starting to get some good uniform type and longevity into the cows from using mostly Viking Red genetics.” Mr Gallagher saw the solution to his problems and his first Reds were born in May 2015, using Viking Red and other genetics. “I learnt that Viking Red was working best for my farm; it over-performed compared to any other genetics I’ve ever used. “The bulls I selected at the time already had 5000–6000 daughters on the ground, so they had proven success.”

Now milking 200 with 33 heifers due to calve in May, 50 cows in the herd are by Viking Genetics’ Foske and 35 are by Cigar. “They are a significant feature and have absolutely improved the herd,” Mr Gallagher said. Production is similar to five years ago, but the components have increased, cell count has dropped and heard health has improved significantly. “I’ve treated two cows for mastitis in the past 12 months; that’s significantly less than where we were five years ago,” Mr Gallagher said. The news keeps getting better, with Mr Gallagher having his best season for production. “We’re up six litres per cow for about an 8700 average. The farm total is 1.6 million litres, slightly below the record of 1.7 but with 40 less cows.” The reliability of the herd’s calving and the longevity of the cows has allowed Mr Gallagher to reduce his heifer breeding program. “I join a set number of cows to Viking Genetics with the aim of breeding 40 heifers a year, which is just over half what I used to breed,” he said. “That’s purely based on their reliability; I know they are going to stay in the herd and their longevity is a huge bonus. “If you can get reliability into your bulls and know they’re going to stay in the herd, it equals

Dairy farmer Warren Gallagher is the last surviving dairy farmer in Clunes, in northern NSW.

more milking ground, which is where you make your money.” Mr Gallagher says the future is looking bright, with the genetic changes starting to shine through in the herd. “Once I had enough in the herd to see a true influence it was nice to look at them here rather than on the truck.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

NEWS // 15

Checklist for fitter farms DAIRY AUSTRALIA has launched an online self-assessment tool to help dairy farmers evaluate their farm business performance. The new Farm Fitness Checklist is part of Dairy Australia’s flagship farm business management initiative Our Farm, Our Plan, which uses a ‘now, where, how’ planning cycle to assist dairy farms to identify and achieve longterm goals. It also adds to the range of resources already available through its farm performance analysis platform DairyBase. Dairy Australia’s farm performance lead Neil Webster said the tool allowed farmers to identify opportunities for improvement.

It is designed to be used on any device, including mobile phones. “The checklist prompts thinking and discussion about all aspects of the dairy farm business, including the people involved,” Mr Webster said. “It automatically saves all your answers in one spot and allows you to share the results with the right people like your partner, farm team or trusted adviser. “Support is available from our regional teams, online or farmers can contact us on 1800 548 073.” Dairy Australia managing director David Nation said action to build farm business skills

and improve profitability was a key commitment of the Australian Dairy Plan. “Our aim is for all dairy farms to have a longterm business plan in place within the next five years,” Dr Nation said. “Our Farm, Our Plan provides a straightforward process for farms to identify and document long-term goals, as well as better manage risk. “It includes a one-on-one follow-up for farmers participating in the program over 24 months to support them to embed and implement their plans.” South-west Victorian dairy farmer and Dairy Australia director Tania Luckin said the new farm

business management tools could make a big difference to farm profitability alongside achieving lifestyle objectives. “The Our Farm, Our Plan goal planning process helps to distil what farm businesses are trying to achieve and over what period of time, so farmers are in control of the direction of the business as well as the things they would like to achieve off the farm,” Ms Luckin said. “If our goals are a destination, then the plan on a page we create in Our Farm, Our Plan is the roadmap that will help us to get there.” Information on the Farm Fitness Checklist and Our Farm, Our Plan is available via: www.dairyaustralia.com.au/OFOP

FONTERRA COMPLETES CHINA FARM SALE Fonterra has completed the sale of its two wholly owned farming hubs in Ying and Yutian, China. The sale of the farms to Inner Mongolia Youran Dairy Co Ltd (Youran) was announced in October 2020. The transaction proceeds comprise the original sale price of NZ$513 million plus NZ$39 million in settlement adjustments, giving cash proceeds of NZ$552 million. Fonterra chief executive officer Miles Hurrell said the completion of the sale was an important milestone

for the company following its strategic refresh. “Fonterra has contributed to the development of the Chinese dairy industry by establishing these farms and we’re pleased to now hand ownership over to Youran for the next phase of development,” Mr Hurrell said. “The China market is fast moving and inspires us to keep innovating. “Our China team will now continue with their focus on creating value from our New Zealand farmers’ milk through

new products, applications and close partnerships with our customers. “As we’ve seen from our recent FY21 interim financial results, our China business is performing very well, underpinned by strong demand for New Zealand dairy driven by our team on the ground. “With these foundations, we are well placed to continue to grow our Greater China Foodservice, Consumer and Ingredients businesses.” The completion of the sale of Fonterra’s 85 per cent interest in its Hangu farm to

Fonterra has sold its two Chinese farms.

minority shareholder Beijing Sanyuan Venture Capital Co Ltd, as announced in October 2020, is progressing and is expected to be completed this financial year.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

16 //  NEWS

Study may open export doors A STUDY to better understand the role of oaten

hay in the diet of dairy cattle could underpin an expansion of the Australian export fodder market, according to a University of Melbourne researcher. The project — started this year — could also deliver animal health, production and environmental benefits for the dairy industry. University of Melbourne livestock nutrition and grazing management lecturer Dr (Paul) Long Cheng is leading the AgriFutures Australia and University of Melbourne research into the use of oaten hay to support the sustainable development of dairy production in China. There has been little international research into this topic and Dr Cheng said it was well overdue, given the increasing use of this roughage source in dairy systems. “The feedback I’ve had from initial conversations with representatives from the dairy industry in China and those in the Australian industry, such as farmers, is they don’t really know how good is good, or how bad is bad,” he said. “Oaten hay is perceived mostly as a hay — a fibre source. “Anecdotally we know oaten hay is much more than a fibre source — it has the potential to improve animal health and overall production. “We’re in a unique position, through this project, to be able to demonstrate the quality of the product and to educate the Chinese dairy industry of how, when and why oaten hay can be used in different dairy production systems.” China is one of Australia’s largest export hay markets, by volume and value, and with the rapid growth of the Chinese dairy industry Australia’s export fodder industry is well positioned to capitalise on this growth. The field trial will be held at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus, near Shepparton in northern Victoria. AgriFutures Export Fodder Advisory Panel member, Balco Australia procurement and tech-

nical lead and Australian Exporters Company board member Pat Guerin said research, generating commercially relevant data, would benefit the entire hay supply chain. He said developing this technical knowledge would also bolster the industry’s marketing to better compete with countries such as the United States, while assisting customers to get the best value from their hay. “If we can successfully develop an animal performance model — a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) model — this project has the potential to be ‘cut and paste’ for Australian exporters into any market,” Mr Guerin said. Continual industry development was also crucial to market sustainability, he said. The project will survey Chinese dairy farmers and agricultural academics this year to determine their attitudes towards, and experience with, oaten hay. For example, when, how and what they use oaten hay for. These surveys will also collect the parameters for rumen fermentation and production studies in Australia, including a common Chinese dairy cow diet and production management. Using this information, researchers will replicate a Chinese TMR for the dairy herd at the Dookie campus. China’s on-farm milking frequency of twoto-three times a day would also be replicated at the Dookie campus farm, through the university’s robotic milking system. But Dr Cheng said the most important part of the replica study was to ensure cows received feed with the same nutrient value as they would in China. “Using this base, the study will then incorporate different levels of oaten hay to determine the optimal inclusion rate to positively affect milk production, animal health and pollution mitigation,” he said.

Dr Paul Cheng is leading research at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus into feeding oaten hay to dairy cattle.

“Cow weight gain, milk production and urinary nitrogen excretion will all be recorded.” Dr Cheng was optimistic that feeding Australian oaten hay — because it is lower in protein than the more popular lucerne hay — could reduce a cow’s nitrogen excretion. The study will also calculate the economics of feeding Australian oaten hay and will include

the training of a University of Melbourne PhD student. Dr Cheng hopes this student will contribute to further research and links between the Australian hay and Chinese dairy industries. For more information on the project and AgriFutures Export Fodder Program, visit: agrifutures.com.au/export-fodder

JOHNE’S DISEASE MILESTONE NEARS

SALES MANAGER SALES SALES MANAGER SALES MANAGER SALES MANAGER MANAGER

Farmers and vets alike will celebrate a major Johne’s disease milestone this July. Total Livestock Genetics has a permanent full time management vacancy. July 2021 marks five years since the Total Total Livestock Livestock Total Genetics Genetics Livestock Total hashas Livestock aGenetics permanent a permanent Genetics hasfull a full permanent time has time management a permanent management full timevacancy. full management vacancy. time management vacancy. vacancy. livestock industry successfully switched Total Livestock Genetics has a permanent full time management vacancy. gement me nt full management time vacancy. management vacancy.vacancy. Responsibilities: Responsibilities: Responsibilities: Responsibilities: Responsibilities: from national regulation to producer • Develop • Develop and implement implement • Develop effective •and effective Develop implement sales sales and strategies implement strategies effective sales effective strategies sales strategies • Develop andand implement effective sales strategies Responsibilities: management of the incurable and chronic • Maintain Maintain productive productive • Maintain and and professional •productive professional Maintain relationships productive and relationships professional and with professional with key relationships key industry industry relationships personnel with personnel key industry with keypersonnel industry personnel • Develop and implement effective sales strategies • Maintain productive and professional relationships with key industry personnel Johne’s disease. • Provide Provide innovative innovative • Provide ideas ideas for innovative •business for Provide business innovative growth ideas growth for business ideas for growth business growth • Maintain productive and professional relationships with key industry personnel stry el h•key personnel industry personnel Provide innovative ideas for business growth A contagious disease related to • Provide timely timely and • and Provide effective effective timely •solutions Provide solutions andaligned timely aligned effective aligned and with solutions effective with clients’ clients’ aligned solutions needs needs with aligned clients’ with needs clients’ needs • Provide innovative ideas for business growth • Provide timely and effective solutions with clients’ needs leprosy and tuberculosis, Johne’s disease • Prepare Prepare monthly, monthly, •quarterly Prepare quarterly and monthly, • Prepare and annual annual quarterly monthly, sales sales forecasts and quarterly forecasts annual and sales annual forecasts sales forecasts • Provide timely and effective solutions aligned with clients’ needs nts’ needs • Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual sales forecasts targets the intestines of ruminants, • Perform Perform research research •and Perform and identify identify research • Perform new potential and research potential identify customers and customers new identify potential andand newcustomers new potential market market opportunities customers and opportunities new market and new opportunities market opportunities • Prepare monthly, quarterly andnew annual sales forecasts • Perform research and identify new potential customers and new market opportunities causing them to starve to death. •market Performopportunities research and identify new potential customers and new market opportunities ortunities smarket and new opportunities Requirements: Requirements: Requirements: Requirements: In Australia, dairy cows in the country’s Requirements: • A proven • A proven tracktrack record •A record proven of achieving of•track achieving A proven record sales sales track targets of achieving record targetsof sales achieving targets sales targets Requirements: south-east were worst affected, but all • A proven track record of achieving sales targets • Availability • Availability to travel to • travel Availability interstate interstate • Availability to travel interstate to travel interstate A proven track record of achieving sales targets cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids • Availability travel interstate • On• site On to site visits visits totoretailers to •travel On retailers site and visits •and farmers On to site farmers retailers visits Australia Australia toand retailers wide farmers wide and Australia farmerswide Australia wide Availability interstate are susceptible. Strong • visits Strong communication communication • Strong and communication and management • Strong management communication skills and skills management and management skills skills • On •site to retailers and farmers Australia wide On site visits to retailers and farmers Australia wide Animal Health Australia is using the • Solid Solid customer customer service • Solid service customer attitude • Solid withservice customer with excellent excellent attitude service negotiation negotiation with attitude excellent skills with skills negotiation excellent negotiation skills skills •communication Strong communication and management skills • Strong andattitude management skills • Business • Business related related computer • Business computer skills • related Business skills including computer including related Microsoft skills Microsoft computer including Office Office skills Suite Microsoft including Suite Office Microsoft Suite Office Suite Solid customer service attitude with excellent negotiation skills milestone to promote the Johne’s Beef ion skills • Solid customer service attitude with excellent negotiation skills • Ability to build to build positive •positive Ability working toworking •build Ability relationships positive relationships toincluding build working positive inMicrosoft a in team relationships aworking team environment environment relationships in a team environment in a team environment • Ability Business related computer skills Office Suite ffice Suite Assurance Score (J-BAS) and its dairy • Business related computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite • Ability • Ability to beto proactive be proactive •positive Ability andto and plan •be Ability plan proactive effectively effectively to be and proactive effectively plan effectively build working relationships aand team environment ent environment equivalent, JDDS. • Ability to build positive working relationships inplan a in team environment •AAbility topackage be package proactive and plan effectively A generous generous A and generous commensurate commensurate Aeffectively generous package with commensurate package with experience experience commensurate iswith on is offer. experience on offer. with Please Please experience isnote onnote offer. thatis that experience Please onexperience offer. note Please inthat in experience noteThe thatscoring experience in systems in were • Ability to be proactive plan A generous package commensurate with experience isadvantage, on advantage, offer. Please note that experience ce note fer.isPlease on that experience note Please that experience in note experience inthe in theoffer. the bovine bovine genetics genetics thethat and bovine and agricultural agricultural genetics bovine industry and genetics industry agricultural would and would agricultural beindustry an be an would industry be however would an however advantage, consideration be an consideration advantage, however in consideration however consideration introduced in 2016 and 2018 Abegenerous package commensurate withto experience is be onqualifications offer. Please note that experience in fields. the bovine genetics and agricultural industry would an consideration owever dvantage, anwill consideration advantage, however consideration however consideration will be given be given to applicants towill applicants be given with will with to be qualifications applicants given qualifications applicants with or experience qualifications or experience with inadvantage, sales or in experience sales outside outside orhowever experience these in sales these fields. outside fields. in salesthese outside these fields. respectively, providing herds with the bovine genetics agricultural industry would be an advantage, however consideration will be given toand applicants with qualifications or experience in sales outside these fields. side nperience sales these outside in fields. sales these outside fields. these fields. an eight-point ranking based on Written Written applications Written andand references applications Written references applications to:and to:references references to: will be given toapplications applicants with qualifications orand experience into: sales outside these fields. an owner’s management history, The Written The Manager Manager The Manager Manager to: applications andThe references TotalThe Total Livestock Livestock Genetics Genetics Total TotalGenetics Livestock biosecurity practices, history of Johne’s Manager Written applications andLivestock references to: Genetics P.O.P.O. Box Box 105 105 Camperdown, Camperdown, P.O. Box VIC, 105 P.O. VIC, 3260 Camperdown, Box 3260 105 Camperdown, VIC, 3260 VIC, 3260 Total Livestock Genetics disease in the herd and results of tests. The Manager email: or email: tlg@tlg.com.au tlg@tlg.com.au or email: tlg@tlg.com.au orVIC, email: tlg@tlg.com.au P.O. Box 105 Camperdown, 3260 Total or Livestock Genetics In order for producers to maintain their or email: tlg@tlg.com.au For further For further information information Forplease further please phone information For phone further (03) (03) 5593 information please 5593 2016 phone 2016 please (03) phone 5593 2016 (03) 5593 2016 P.O. Box 105 Camperdown, VIC, 3260 score cards they must redo tests every For further information please phone (03) 5593 2016 or email: tlg@tlg.com.au Applications Applications close: close: Applications Wednesday Wednesday Applications close: 19th 19th May Wednesday close: May 2021 2021 Wednesday 19th May 19th 2021 May 2021 three years, meaning many farmers are Applications close: phone Wednesday 19th2016 May 2021 For further information please (03) 5593 approaching their deadlines.

ER NAGER

SALES MANAGER

Applications close: Wednesday 19th May 2021

Farmers looking to arrange herd testing should consult with their cattle veterinarian. Animal Health Australia biosecurity senior manager Rob Barwell said the 2012 transition was not without its challenges, but five years later it had proven to be a success. “In deregulating the disease, most governments have brought Johne’s disease into line with other diseases which a producer may need to manage in their herd,” Dr Barwell said. Johne’s disease can be latent in a herd, only showing signs once an infected animal ages or the bacteria is passed on through faeces to a weak or young animal.

Johne’s Disease attacks the intestines. It can kill calves and weak animals quickly, or presents as the slow deconditioning of a healthy adult over several years until it dies of starvation.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

NEWS // 17

End of an era at bull farm NEARLY 60 YEARS of history came to an end on April 9 when the last collection was processed at Genetics Australia’s Parwan Park bull farm at Bacchus Marsh. Holstein bull TIRANO P will go into the record books as the last bull to have his semen processed at the facility. The milestone came just short of 60 years after the first collection was conducted on July 12, 1961. The property at 144 Woolpack Rd, Parwan Park is now on the market after Genetics Australia’s purchase of Total Livestock Genetics (TLG) and its decision to relocate its bull management, semen management and semen collection and production services from Bacchus Marsh to south-west Victoria. All semen has been relocated and all bulls have now moved to the TLG collection facilities at Camperdown and Glenormiston. All collections and semen processing will now be performed at these facilities. Genetics Australia chief executive officer Anthony Shelly said the relocation was an exciting time for the co-operative but also an emotional one after such a long association with the Bacchus Marsh site. “We acknowledge the dedication of all the current farm and production staff, particularly in the past four months since the announcement

of the purchase of TLG and the closure of Pawan Park,” Mr Shelly said. “They have ensured the bulls were moved with care and continued to meet the day-to-day demands of collections and processing to meet current orders. “We also thank the staff at the TLG site for making sure the bulls have settled in well at Camperdown and Glenormiston.”

New holding yards and infrastructure have been built and the laboratory updated at the Camperdown site. Mr Shelly said Genetics Australia was leaving a lot of history behind at Bacchus Marsh. “We acknowledge the past production staff who have worked at the facility during the past 60 years,” he said.

“Their work in many ways pioneered the development and progress of herd improvement in Australia and they have made a significant contribution to the industry as we know it today.” Set on about 20ha, Parwan Park is now on the market through selling agents Stockdale and Leggo Bacchus Marsh.

SAPUTO COMMITS TO GREEN ENERGY

Phil Bath with Holstein bull Tirano P, the last bull to have his semen processed at Genetics Australia’s Parwan Park bull farm.

Almost half of Saputo Dairy Australia’s energy requirements are set to be offset by renewable electricity within the next two years. It comes as the dairy processor signed a 10-year large-scale renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with ENGIE, a global leader in renewable energy. By 2023, 46 per cent of the processor’s electricity needs will come from renewable energy. In 2020 Saputo pledged to accelerate its efforts to actively source renewables as part of a push to reduce its global greenhouse gas intensity by 20 per cent by 2025. This renewable initiative will be on track to reduce carbon dioxide

Saputo has signed a 10-year large-scale renewable power purchase agreement with ENGIE, a global leader in renewable energy. Picture: AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz.

emissions by more than 61,000 tonnes in 2023 — equal to taking more than 13,000 cars off the road.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

18 // MARKETS

Dairy prospects firming up ELIZA REDFERN INDUSTRY ANALYST DAIRY AUSTRALIA

A COMBINATION of tough seasons and

strong returns in competing agricultural sectors (particularly beef) has breathed new life into the old saying about the grass being greener on the other side of the fence. Recent exit statistics suggest many dairy farmers have taken the opportunity to find out. That said, with milk supplies at the farm gate remaining tight and excellent seasonal conditions in many regions, the grass seems increasingly green on this side, too. Early indicators for the upcoming National Dairy Farmer Survey (NDFS) suggest a significant majority of farmers believe they will not only be profitable this season, but the next too. The trials of past years had significant impacts on farmer confidence, but with favourable operating conditions persisting, there seems to be a creeping rise in optimism. Weather-wise, the tide continued to turn as the recent La Niña event over the tropical Pacific brought above-average rainfall to most of southern and eastern Australia. Furthering the recovery from drought conditions that began in early 2020, the influx of rain throughout spring and summer supported water storages and raised seasonal determinations to levels last seen in 2017–18. While improving soil moisture levels, these wet and cool conditions enhanced pasture growth through a typically dry time of year, as croppers harvested close to record levels of grain together with ample hay and silage made for the feed market. For some, storages were already bursting with fodder from the season prior and the recent growth-supportive weather conditions caused the supply of supplementary feed to surge. Crickets can almost be heard chirping over the quiet demand for feed, as farmers make use of abundant home-grown fodder. As a result, many fodder suppliers are sitting on large inventories, and prices are sitting well below last year’s values.

However, a run of wet hay-making conditions has provided the market with a smorgasbord of hay qualities, with the sought-after better-quality forages fetching higher prices. Compared to the steadiness of the hay market, global influences have produced much more volatility in the value of grain. The lull in feed demand locally has helped keep prices at bay, while international demand for grain has remained strong. Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic saw food security become a priority, with reports earlier in the year suggesting China was stockpiling imported grain. As Russia increased its wheat export tax to keep supply close and reduce local prices, the large harvest in Australia ensured a steady supply, with wet conditions alleviating pressure on local prices.

Meanwhile, the need for irrigation has dissipated as farmers choose to make the most of every drop the clouds can give. As the cool conditions minimise evaporation losses and consistent rain maintains flows into water systems, seasonal determinations for all Victorian systems have sat at 100 per cent high reliability water shares (HRWS) since February, with Broken and Bullarook Creek systems at maximum seasonal determinations. Irrigation prices slipped below $100/Ml for both northern Victoria and Murray irrigation systems; after the March floods in NSW, Murray prices dropped to $72/Ml from the torrential rain supporting tanks, dams and aquifers. With La Niña now over and the transition into El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral state under way, the above-average rain seen during the past few months is forecast to settle moving into winter.

Robust feed supply and brimming on-farm sheds are expected to carry farmers through to spring as pasture availability wavers. While the easing of input costs shifts farmer focus to slow supplementary feeding and increase direct grazing as a cheaper feed alternative, sources suggest growers are treading water as they hold back market offerings, waiting to catch the next price wave when demand swells up. Against the backdrop of slowing milk production growth, the current input market dynamics have provided farmers with an opportunity to recover from past challenging years. On current indications, that opportunity looks set to continue. Confidence has rebounded but remains heavily beholden to farm gate price. Depending on how this piece of the puzzle falls into place for 2020–21 in June, the industry may well see more dairy cows munching on that green grass.

BIDS TOO LOW IN MILK AUCTION Bidders on a new online trading platform for milk came in too low to attract a sale on April 21. The trading platform presented by Milk Exchange was considered a first for the Australian dairy industry. There was 89.8 million litres of newseason milk on offer from 34 farmers from Victoria’s dairy regions, and the NSW Hunter Valley and southern highlands centred around Nowra and Shoalhaven. There were two bids received, of $6.65/ kg for 2.7 million litres from Gippsland and $6.55/kg for 5.3 million litres from Victoria’s south-west. But with asking prices of $7.20 and $7, none were accepted — leaving a gap of 35 to 60 cents between buyers and sellers. Almost all the major milk buyers participated, with hundreds of visits to the exchange’s website before and during the auction to assess the farm milk on offer. Milk Exchange commercial development general manager Richard Lange said it was a great step forward

in understanding how the technology added transparency and market choice for farmers. “Interestingly bids were made on seasonal milk rather than flatter supply. Many famers expect buyers to be only interested in flat milk, but this is not the case. There remains strong interest in seasonal high-quality milk. “We had modest expectations on this first auction but were delighted in how it was embraced by buyers and sellers. “Trading on the day faced a few barriers including being an early offer of milk for the new season as well as dealing with a new system of selling. “We were pleased with how the platform performed along with the positive feedback and suggestions from users who saw opportunities with the new technology,” Mr Lange said. “There was a lot of learning on the day for buyers and sellers, as well as the team at Milk Exchange. We are looking forward to the next auction.”

Bids were made but not accepted in the first milk auction.

Mr Lange said with the auction, farmers had taken a step forward to proactively marketing their milk instead of being reactive to offers from dairy companies. An auction for dairy products is also being planned in the near future

to build on the success of the farm milk event. Mr Lange said with the success of the day, Milk Exchange brought forward the planned next milk auction to May 5.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

AUSTRALIAN BREEDING VALUES // 19

AUSTRALIAN BREEDING VALUES

Genomic tests bring benefits using genomic testing not only provides productivity and financial gains, its sets a farm business up for the future, according to a NSW dairy extension officer. The former dairy farmer has also encouraged farmers to make genomics part of their regular routine to help increase the on-farm uptake of the technology. He will speak about genomics at Subtropical Dairy information sessions during May. Rob Cooper works for Dairy NSW and was previously an equity partner in a 1600-cow, irrigated dairy farm at Manilla, about 60 km north-west of Tamworth in NSW. He’s as passionate about the genetic gain genomics can deliver on-farm now as he was when he first started taking DNA samples from his own calves almost seven years ago. Rob learnt about genomics during a trip to the United States in 2013, and it was there he understood how the testing could help him make better on-farm decisions. “I’d started using sexed semen a couple of years before that, so when we started genomic testing the heifers, and had the ability to be able to select which heifers to use the sexed semen on, it was a big plus,” he said. This process allowed Rob to select which heifers to join to beef semen, so he wasn’t rearing replacements from poorer cows. Genomic testing is the DNA analysis of a tissue or hair sample to provide insight into the potential performance of bulls and cows. DataGene conducts genomic evaluations for the Australian dairy industry. Once the genomically tested heifers entered the herd, Rob used this information about the animals to pair with bull genomics for more targeted breeding decisions. For example, improving the herd’s fertility and milk solids. This extra genomic data paid significant dividends. “In round terms, we were getting a double rate of genetic gain because we were selecting replacements from the better half of the herd and then using sexed semen on the best half of the herd, and beef on the rest,” he said. The former dairy farmer used the extra

income from beef calf sales to offset the cost of genomic testing his heifer calves and the sexed semen. Rob said his sales of the beef calves were more than 200 per cent more lucrative than sales of Holstein bull calves. “It did vary from year-to-year, but instead of getting $50 to $60 for a Holstein bull calf, the beef-cross calves, we were getting $200 to $250 for the same age — seven days old. “Thanks to the beef calves, genomic testing pays for itself immediately. “Long-term, with the herd improvement benefits, it actually costs very little to do the genomic test and it’s also simple. “I don’t think a lot of people realise it is that simple.” Rob’s first foray into genomic testing involved taking heifer tail hair samples. He then progressed to ear tissue samples and said this was not only easier, but it also helped reduce the workload because it fit in with the routine job of applying NLIS (National Livestock Identification System) tags. “It really didn’t take any time to get that sample.” Encouraging farmers to start small, by taking samples from their latest batch of heifer calves, Rob said they’d soon see how the data would improve breeding and culling decisions. Before he used genomics, he made a random choice about which heifer calves to keep and which to sell. “With genomics it is based on fact and the actual numbers. “You can now say with confidence, because you genomic test ‘this is the bottom end of my heifers and I’m getting rid of that lower end which will improve my herd’.” Rob is also a board member of DairyBio, Dairy Feedbase and Subtropical Dairy, which has given him insight into the industry-wide benefits of genomics through improved Australian Breeding Values and the development of new breeding traits. Subtropical Dairy will run genomic information sessions in May. For more information, contact Subtropical Dairy on 0431 197 479.

Rob Cooper will speak about how genomic testing delivered productivity and profitability gains for his farm business at information sessions run by Subtropical Dairy during May.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

20 //  AUSTRALIAN BREEDING VALUES

Crunching the numbers faster AUSTRALIAN DAIRY farmers can now make

faster and more informed breeding decisions, thanks to new weekly genetic analysis. This change means Australian milk producers can now access their herd’s genomic data as frequently as their peers in the United States — one of the world’s largest milk producing nations. An increasing number of dairy farmers are relying on genomics — the study of an animal’s

DNA — to make more informed breeding, sales and culling decisions for young calves and heifers. DataGene chief executive Matt Shaffer said data timeliness and accuracy was crucial for farmers to get the most value from their investment in genetics. “If you are a farmer, and on a tight time frame, you want to know the genetic merit of your animal as soon as possible,” he said.

“You don’t want to have to wait two or three months after your animal has been genotyped to get that information. “We have now cut the turnaround time in half, from an average of 22 days to 11 days from when the genotype arrives from the lab to ­sending results to farmers.” There are three steps to genomic analysis: taking a sample on farm; a lab using that sample

1

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PROVEN BPI SIRE Mr Super

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BPI 450 HWI 433

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Overall Type 106

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“We are currently milking 6 Contender daughters, 4 have seen the classifier and all scored Good Plus as 2 year olds including one scoring GP84. I really love their great dairy frames with angularity, thin soft skins, snug soft udders with great temperament. Contender has an outstanding pedigree and I was fortunate enough to see his family on an overseas trip in 2013. His Grand Dam was a standout cow of the trip and easily the best 2 year old we saw. Our mating goal is to use bulls that are complete and tick all the boxes for production, health and type, Contender is definitely a complete bull in my eyes.”

Brian Anderson, Bundalong Holsteins

432 Dtrs/ 77 Herds

L - R Clydevale Contender Ishka & Clydevale Contender Prudent

Photo credit Cullen Marketing

For more details contact your STGenetics Area Sales Manager or phone the STgenetics Call Center on 1800 793 465

to create a map of the cow’s DNA, its genotype; and DataGene running its genetic analysis using that genotype to produce breeding values. Since January, DataGene has analysed the genotypes of Australian dairy cattle every week. Last year, this task was completed monthly and before that, it only occurred nine times a year. Practically, this means if DataGene receives an animal’s genotype just after the weekly ‘run’, there’s now only a week before the next analysis. Shortening the turnaround time gets information back to farms faster and ensures all farmers have the most up-to-date figures for farm management decisions. Dr Shaffer said DataGene had spent years working with the Australian dairy herd improvement industry, developing this system to c­ ombine improved data frequency and quality. This has been a welcome development for northern Victorian dairy farmer Brendan Martin, who has genomically tested almost 500 heifers in the past six months on his Bamawm farm. “For us, when we are selling heifers to the export market, on the old system it used to be two to three months by the time we received their genomic information,” Mr Martin said. “By that time, we had already made the ­decision. “Now with more readily available data, we will be able to make better decisions around what animals to keep and sell.” Weekly genotype analysis means more of Australia’s dairy farmers will be able to get the best value from their genomic data, according to Daniel Abernethy, the genetics manager of Zoetis Genetics — a company that tests animal DNA to develop a genotype. “Having frequent releases means producers with different calving patterns, split calving or longer calving periods can make better decisions because the turnaround time of results are so quick,” Mr Abernethy said. Total Livestock Genetics assists farmers with DNA testing for genomics, and its sales and product development manager Paul Douglas said increasing the frequency of genotype analysis would enable farmers to manage their livestock more comprehensively. “Receiving a complete set of numbers, as efficiently as possible, allows for better ­management decisions for a complete batch of animals,” Mr Douglas said. “It has shortened the timeframe for decision making.”

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

AUSTRALIAN BREEDING VALUES  // 21

Brookbora named top herd AUSTRALIA HAS a new top Jersey herd after

Brookbora Jerseys reached the number one spot in the April 2021 ABV release. It is the first time Brookbora Jerseys, owned by Robert and Sandra Bacon at Tennyson in northern Victoria, has claimed Australia’s number one title. Brookbora rose to the top with a BPI of 191, up 23 from the December 2020 proof where it was in third place. After several years in the top spot, Con and Michelle Glennen’s White Star Jerseys at Noorat in south-west Victoria slipped to the number two herd, despite increasing their BPI by 6 to 176. John and Margaret Cockerell at Warrain Jerseys in Numurkah were also big movers, climbing to number three with their herd BPI rising 27 points to 166 BPI. A large proportion of their herd being genomic tested since December 2020 added to their figures. Robert Bacon said it was pleasing to reach the top during a time when the Jersey breed continued to improve. “I think Jerseys in general are getting better and more consistent,” he said. “We’ve been in the top handful for a few years and were top in the TWI before it ended and top for health traits, but this is our first time to top the BPI.” However, he can’t really explain the huge jump.

“We don’t really know why,” he said. “We haven’t changed anything. Our aim has always been to breed commercially viable, consistent cows with good conformation, to enjoy milking them for a long time.” Mr Bacon has also spoken to previous top place holder Con Glennen. “Con was the first on the phone to congratulate us and said it couldn’t happen to a better herd,” he added. Brookbora Jerseys also entered four cows in the Sydney Royal Easter Show, winning all four classes highlighted by Interbreed Intermediate Supreme Champion Brookbora Valentino Sweet Elfa and Reserve Senior Jersey Champion Brookbora PGRS Valentino Lovelies, co‑owned with Parrabel Genetics and Rockstar Cows. Warrain Jerseys has had individual cows in the top rankings but this is the first time the herd has been in the top three. Margaret Cockerell said a focus on health and appearance traits was complementing the herd’s strong production performance. “We’ve been sitting in the top 10 for a fair while but to suddenly jump up to number three was a bit of a surprise,” Mrs Cockerell said. “With assistance from Amy Wright who does our mating management, we pick bulls that we think are going to improve our herd. We’ve had high production years around 7000–7500 litres average, so we’re now looking to improve parts of

ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO DEFINE A…

GENETIC STRATEGY?

Robert and Sandra Bacon, who own and run Brookbora Jerseys at Tennyson, west of Lockington, have Australia’s top Jersey herd according to a recent ABV release.

the cows’ appearance, feet and legs and udder,” she said. “We expect a lot of milk out of the cows so we want to avoid them wearing out too quickly. The longer you can have her productive, the better the return. It’s not just about milk in the vat, it’s having a healthy cow capable of doing it.” The top young genomic heifer in the April ABV release was Kings Ville Bella 66 with a BPI of 381.

The Matt daughter is owned by Rob and Kerrie Anderson at Kings Ville Jerseys in Gippsland. Mr Anderson said Kings Ville Bella 66 had a pedigree to match her BPI, making her marketable into the future. “She’s a young calf that is ranked highly with great potential and she’s from a cow family that already has a bull in AI, King Ville Bashful-P,” Mr Anderson said. Mr Anderson’s daughter Holly had the number one ranked heifer Kings Ville Haha Belle 155 last year. Matt daughters dominate the top list with Broadlin Ilagay 3791 with a BPI of 370 from the stud of Lisa and Lynton Broad equal second with Kings Ville Matt Eran, also from the Kings Ville stud. Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett congratulated the Bacon family. “Reaching number one herd is a tremendous achievement that takes many years of committed breeding,” he said. “Be it the top index herd, breeding quality bulls for AI programs or winning in the show ring, Brookbora is doing it all with distinction.” Mr Barrett also highlighted the influence of Matt, which was the number one proven bull. “Matt is certainly leaving his mark on the Australian Jersey cow,” he said. “His proof continues to get stronger as do the quality of his progeny.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

22 //  NEWS

April 2021 Australian Breeding Values release The latest Datagene results have revealed the top herds by BPI, top cow ABVs and top active bulls in the country. See some of the results below. For full results visit datagene.com.au

Top Holstein females with ABV(g)s on Balanced Performance Index (BPI) Indices Long Name

Production

Conformation

Survival

Fertility

Mastitis

Workability

Resistance

FeedSaved

Heat

Owner BPI

BPI

$

Rel

HWI

ASI

ASI

Overall

Mam

Type

Surv-

Rel

Type

Syst

Rel

ival

Rel

Dtr

Fert

Mas

Mas

Milk

Fert

Rel

Resist

Rel

Spd

Like

Temp

Work

Feed

FS

Heat

HT

Rel

Saved

Rel

Tol

Rel

4160

DELANEY EJ, DA & AE

544

64

574

171

77

107

104

57

113

48

112

45

111

66

103

104

103

60

31

41

95

38

PEAK 62973-ET

Overseas Cow Herd

535

60

488

254

73

103

105

51

111

43

107

39

111

55

101

105

104

54

-24

39

95

38

ILLAWAMBRA RIVER SLEEPY 3950-CNF-DP

PARRISH, TJ & LR

534

62

569

222

76

98

96

55

110

46

116

42

110

58

102

103

101

58

21

40

97

38

JELBART JERONIMO ROXANE 15905-CNF-D

JELBART DAIRIES PTY LTD (GINFO)

521

63

582

174

75

97

104

57

112

48

117

43

108

67

102

104

103

61

25

41

94

38

GUNDOWRING 7202

HOLLOWAY ID & AM (EASYD)

520

69

495

298

77

99

99

68

107

60

111

59

106

78

103

103

102

71

29

46

89

38

CURRAJUGLE JERONIMO GOLDEN 2906

JOLLIFFE KN & SK (EASYD)

517

65

555

177

77

102

104

60

112

52

115

49

108

70

104

105

104

64

-38

42

95

38

ELM-J MYWAY-ET

Overseas Cow Herd

516

62

512

233

75

100

100

55

111

47

113

44

110

59

100

103

103

58

-67

40

99

38

VALA 331-ET

VALA HOLSTEINS (EASYD)

515

64

507

211

77

102

106

58

112

49

111

44

108

62

103

106

105

61

-65

42

95

38

ILLAWAMBRA LAWSON DALLAS 3914-CNF-D

PARRISH, TJ & LR

515

63

518

208

77

106

102

57

111

48

114

44

110

61

103

105

103

60

-94

41

97

38

LOLLIE

HENRY TW & TC (GINFO)

509

64

486

266

76

103

104

58

110

50

114

45

105

68

102

104

101

61

-144

42

91

38

Top Jersey females with ABV(g)s on Balanced Performance Index (BPI) Indices Long Name

Production

Conformation

Survival

Fertility

Mastitis

Workability

Resistance

FeedSaved

Heat

Owner BPI

BPI

$

Rel

HWI

ASI

ASI

Overall

Mam

Type

Surv-

Rel

Type

Syst

Rel

ival

Rel

Dtr

Fert

Mas

Mas

Milk

Fert

Rel

Resist

Rel

Spd

Like

Temp

Work

Feed

FS

Heat

HT

Rel

Saved

Rel

Tol

Rel

IRWIN LOVE LIES 5

COCKERELL JR & MA (PCF)

477

72

359

217

76

112

111

66

111

63

98

62

111

75

104

107

104

68

-80

35

96

38

6130

GLENNEN C & CO (IDARY)(GINFO)

458

70

274

329

76

112

110

65

108

58

96

58

101

74

104

107

106

70

-120

35

94

38

MATT TREASURE 3

COCKERELL JR & MA (PCF)

449

71

382

201

78

108

109

65

110

58

102

58

109

73

104

105

105

64

-38

35

98

38

CRAIGIELEA GAY 5588

COCHRANE W & K (EASYD)

444

72

325

240

77

105

106

65

111

63

99

63

108

74

102

105

103

71

-80

35

94

38

DAVID LOVE LIES

COCKERELL JR & MA (PCF)

431

72

337

258

78

104

104

67

110

61

101

60

105

74

103

105

102

67

-22

36

95

38

CAIRNBRAE DIMENSION DAISY 3

CARSON AG & JA

429

69

331

265

76

102

102

63

107

56

103

55

108

73

100

104

102

64

-66

34

95

38

VALENTINO LOVE LIES 5

COCKERELL JR & MA (PCF)

425

72

330

173

76

114

113

67

110

64

101

64

108

76

102

106

105

70

-134

35

93

38

424

73

337

174

82

107

109

62

114

53

98

50

110

74

102

107

105

61

-23

35

100

38

422

73

331

206

76

111

109

67

112

65

102

65

106

78

101

106

104

72

-96

35

93

38

419

73

306

290

77

107

106

68

107

65

97

66

106

77

103

106

105

72

14

36

91

38

BROOKBORA LOVE LIES 736

BROOKBORA GOLDEN GLORY 178

BROOKBORA LOVE LIES 655

BACON RLG & SL . (FULL DIF) (GINFO) BACON RLG & SL . (FULL DIF) (GINFO) BACON RLG & SL . (FULL DIF) (GINFO)

Top 10 Holstein Herds Herd Owner

PARRISH, TJ & LR VALA HOLSTEINS (EASYD)

ABV

Curr.

No.

Genomic

Age

Cows

Cows

Cows

Group

55

1,637

868

9T

Holstein

Breed

BPI

HWI

BPI

Rank"

Rank

$

1

2

252

HWI

ASI

246

99

Prot

Prot

Milk

Fat

Fat

kg

%

L

kg

%

14

0.10

348

19

0.06

39

39

361

9T

Holstein

2

1

251

258

80

12

0.07

293

16

0.06

465

2,628

735

9T

Holstein

3

3

220

204

103

15

0.11

347

19

0.06

HOEY DM & L (2) (MOFW5)

50

122

67

9T

Holstein

4

30

209

156

147

16

0.25

104

24

0.28

DICKSON BJ & JL (EASYD)

1,433

4,747

2949

9T

Holstein

5

15

203

176

111

15

0.15

271

17

0.08

262

1,718

350

9T

Holstein

6

10

202

184

98

13

0.15

193

14

0.09

KITCHEN FARMS

ANDERSON WR & BL WINTER BL

132

229

201

9T

Holstein

7

3

200

204

66

10

0.08

207

12

0.04

SPRUNT RG (EASYD)

199

766

426

9T

Holstein

7

23

200

169

99

16

0.09

423

19

0.01

HOGG AL & JM (EASYD)(GINFO)

248

1,250

571

9T

Holstein

9

65

194

141

138

18

0.21

232

22

0.17

LISTER CRAIG A (MOFW5)(GINFO)

445

2,403

882

9T

Holstein

10

19

193

170

104

15

0.13

291

18

0.08

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

NEWS  // 23 Top 10 Jersey Herds ABV

Curr.

No.

Genomic

Age

Cows

Cows

Cows

Group

BACON RLG & SL . (FULL DIF)(GINFO)

365

2,299

714

9T

Herd Owner

Breed

Jersey

BPI

HWI

BPI

Rank

Rank

$

1

1

191

Prot

Prot

Milk

Fat

kg

%

L

kg

%

-0.02

422

16

-0.13

HWI

ASI

145

78

14

Fat

GLENNEN C & CO (IDARY)(GINFO)

538

3,229

1074

9T

Jersey

2

3

176

129

126

14

0.23

103

20

0.28

COCKERELL JR & MA (PCF)

394

2,084

582

9T

Jersey

3

1

166

145

59

11

-0.02

338

12

-0.13

BALNAGEITH JERSEY STUD

249

1,559

9T

Jersey

4

6

160

120

105

12

0.15

166

19

0.19

SPRUNT GC & RG (EASYD)(GINFO)

262

977

566

9T

Jersey

5

5

158

121

76

12

0.04

316

13

-0.07

HOEY DM & L (MOFW5) (EMAIL)

204

1,249

356

9T

Jersey

5

11

158

111

116

14

0.21

111

18

0.22

CARSON AG & JA

391

1,583

316

9T

Jersey

7

9

151

115

59

7

0.06

110

13

0.13

ANDERSON RG & KL

270

1,913

598

9T

Jersey

8

6

150

120

61

7

0.08

113

11

0.09

HODGES NA

46

231

9T

Jersey

8

8

150

117

93

11

0.08

206

21

0.19

BUCHANAN FAMILY TRUST 2.(MOFW5)

106

615

9T

Jersey

10

10

147

112

92

12

0.15

154

13

0.09

Prot

Prot

Milk

Fat

Fat

kg

%

L

kg

%

Top 5 Australian Red Breed Herds ABV

Curr.

No.

Age

Cows

Cows

Group

WAIKATO FARM

45

53

9T

Australian Red Breed

LAMERS AJ & SM (GINFO)

63

79

9T

Australian Red Breed

Herd Owner

GRAHAM, RW & BC

Breed

BPI

HWI

BPI

Rank

Rank

$

1

1

239

182

176

27

0.21

614

26

0.00

2

2

176

135

139

19

0.25

203

17

0.12

HWI

ASI

646

2,242

9T

Australian Red Breed

3

3

168

129

119

17

0.14

369

21

0.08

CLARK RD & VD (MOWF5)

34

54

9T

Australian Red Breed

4

3

159

129

119

16

0.21

167

15

0.12

HOEY DM & L (2) (MOFW5)

67

185

9T

Australian Red Breed

5

8

155

109

135

17

0.21

213

21

0.17

Curr.

No.

Age

Cows

Cows

Group

Breed

BPI

HWI

BPI

Prot

Prot

Milk

Fat

Fat

Rank

Rank

$

kg

%

L

kg

%

CHELMONTE FARMING

72

1,553

9T

Illawarra

1

1

42

0.05

-222

14

0.34

MANUEL SR & LP (EASYD)

56

303

9T

Illawarra

2

2

PARKER RW & SA (EASYD)

56

209

9T

Illawarra

3

3

Top 5 Illawara Herds Herd Owner

WIECK, B & J WILLIAMS GP & RC (MOFW5)

ABV HWI

ASI

30

31

-3

4

-9

-3

0

-0.04

67

3

0.00

-7

-21

0

4

-0.04

231

-1

-0.15

33

755

9T

Illawarra

3

5

-7

-28

-1

2

-0.05

165

2

-0.07

325

1,821

9T

Illawarra

5

6

-10

-31

4

3

0.02

73

-4

-0.11

Curr.

No.

Age

Cows

Cows

Group

Breed

BPI

HWI

BPI

Prot

Prot

Milk

Fat

Fat

Rank

Rank

$

kg

%

L

kg

%

65

720

9T

Guernsey

1

1

78

0.12

-257

-2

0.23

Top 5 Guernsey Herds Herd Owner

GALLUS MR I CLEGGETT LF & JM (EMAIL + 104)

ABV HWI

ASI

127

7

-3

436

2,017

9T

Guernsey

2

4

34

32

39

5

0.05

102

8

0.08

Smith J

42

90

9T

Guernsey

3

3

32

40

5

3

-0.01

119

-1

-0.16

ROSS RJ & GE

51

62

9T

Guernsey

4

2

7

48

-36

-5

-0.05

-94

-6

-0.05

GRAY, MD & PM

51

163

9T

Guernsey

5

5

-1

15

5

-3

0.01

-96

6

0.23

Curr.

No.

Age

Cows

Cows

Group

Prot

Prot

Milk

Fat

Fat

kg

%

L

kg

%

Top 5 Brown Swiss Herds Herd Owner

ABV Breed

BPI

HWI

BPI

Rank

Rank

$

HWI

ASI

RESTDOWN PASTORAL (EASYD)

388

2,328

9T

Brown Swiss

1

1

67

57

49

6

0.11

91

9

0.10

BALFOUR PE & SM.

241

765

9T

Brown Swiss

2

3

42

36

38

6

0.10

90

5

0.01 -0.16

GOVETT BEN (EASYD)

135

862

9T

Brown Swiss

3

4

41

34

32

7

0.06

171

1

MCCARTHY T & S

30

88

9T

Brown Swiss

4

2

36

47

23

1

0.02

0

11

0.25

BROWN E & FISICARO S (HERDDATA APP)

155

304

9T

Brown Swiss

5

6

14

8

17

1

0.12

-74

0

0.09

Curr.

No.

Age

Cows

Cows

Group

Breed

BPI

HWI

BPI

Prot

Prot

Milk

Fat

Fat

Rank

Rank

$

kg

%

L

kg

%

31

112

9T

Ayrshire

1

1

-45

-10

0.00

-391

-5

0.17 -0.08

Top 5 Ayrshire Herds Herd Owner

LIVINGSTONE RM & SJ

ABV HWI

ASI

-25

-37

SAUNDERS TA & DAY AG (GINFO)

39

112

9T

Ayrshire

2

3

-62

-72

-48

-5

-0.13

54

-3

Johns TD & BB

221

1,352

9T

Ayrshire

3

2

-82

-64

-56

-15

-0.05

-465

-3

0.24

MUNDEN A & K

65

135

9T

Ayrshire

4

5

-97

-87

-74

-10

-0.09

-201

-13

-0.06

CRAIG LAWN FARM

73

121

9T

Ayrshire

5

7

-106

-93

-78

-14

-0.13

-269

-7

0.07

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

24 //  NEWS Good Bulls Guide for Holsteins — Balanced Performance Index (BPI) —  Australian Proven only Indices Rank

Bull ID

Bull Name

Source

BPI $

BPI Rel

Production Traits HWI

ASI

ASI Rel

Conformation Traits

Survival

No. Dtrs

No. Survival Herds

Rel

Over Type

Mam Syst

Type Rel

Daughter Fertility

Workability Milk Spd

Temp

Like

Rel

Dtr Fert

Rel

1

7HO12671

WA-DEL YODER BANDARES

WWS

510

82

497

232

89

56

15

111

72

104

108

85

104

101

105

85

109#

76

2

CBCONTENDER

MR SUPER CONTENDER

SXT

450

91

433

157

98

432

77

113

78

106

101

94

98

104

105

95

109

91

3

29HO18093

BRABANTDALE DRAKE-ET

ABS

415

88

369

171

96

147

20

109

83

104

104

90

104

104

105

87

103

91

4

VIKHROMELLO

VH ROENHAVE RODGERS ROMELLO VIK

412

81

447

165

94

124

20

109

64

99

103

68

102

99

102

85

112#

72

5

29HO18490

DE-SU 13530 SEVILLE-ET

ABS

411

83

411

182

91

72

17

109

71

103

100

85

100

104

107

87

110#

70

6

JSSUPERHERO

ENDCO SUPERHERO-ET

GAC

400 86

412

96

93

104

27

112

76

107

102

91

104

106

108

89

110

83

7

29HO18182

ROSYLANE-LLC SPOCK-ET

ABS

392

87

350

206

95

127

25

109

76

108

103

90

102

102

105

90

110

86

8

14HO07796

WELCOME SILVER GRIFF

WWS

389

90

304

297

99

781

37

107

80

101

103

95

101

102

104

95

107#

72

9

29HO17747

COOCKIECUTTER HARPER

ABS

377

89

319

250

96

186

42

105

83

100

100

91

102

103

101

94

106

89

10

SILVERLINE

GLOMAR SILVER 1717-ET

GAC

373

86

253

274

96

199

44

109

73

109

112

90

104

101

104

87

99

71

Good Bulls Guide for Jerseys — Balanced Performance Index (BPI) — Australian Proven only Indices Rank

Bull ID

Bull Name

Source

BPI $

BPI Rel

Production Traits HWI

ASI

ASI Rel

No. Dtrs

Conformation Traits

Survival

No. Survival Herds

Rel

Over Type

Mam Syst

Type Rel

Daughter Fertility

Workability Milk Spd

Temp

Like

Rel

Dtr Fert

Rel

1

7JE01344

WILSONVIEW IF MATT

WWS

352

95

298

94

97

240

40

111

91

107

108

93

103

105

105

93

97

94

2

7J1038

ALL LYNNS LOUIE VALENTINO

GAC

294

100

211

74

100

2,942

256

114

99

112

113

99

103

106

108

99

95

99

3

ALGERNON

BROADLIN HILUX

GAC

281

90

223

176

95

162

33

107

71

106

111

82

103

100

104

93

100

80

4

VALIN

KINGS VIEW VALIN 4697

GAC

272

96

198

97

98

343

71

112

88

106

105

93

103

104

105

96

98

91

5

VIKJQUINTANA

VJ QUINTANA

VIK

271

92

231

151

96

188

34

105

74

94

93

89

101

100

100

93

105

82

6

7J1219

DUTCH HOLLOW OLIVER P

GAC

264

97

230

61

98

445

66

112

90

109

112

96

100

106

108

95

99

94

7

7JE05004

RIVER VALLEY CECE CHROME

WWS

263

92

231

81

95

138

28

107

80

105

106

91

101

101

103

84

98

90

8

011JE01150

DEERVIEW VALSON

ALT

255

96

303

•74

98

313

73

114

94

109

108

93

102

104

104

93

107

97

9

CRVVOYANT

MERSEYBANK CLAIRVOYANT

CRV

253

92

225

77

95

134

40

108

86

99

101

84

100

104

103

86

103

90

10

MINX

STONYRUN AUS TBONE MINX

AGR

252

89

214

109

94

129

29

106

71

106

105

81

103

106

106

88

101

84

gen leading bpi 260x186 ad apr21.indd 1

27/4/21 2:19 pm

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

NEWS  // 25 Good Bulls Guide for Red Breeds — Balanced Performance Index (BPI) —  Australian Proven only Indices Rank

Bull ID

Bull Name

Source

BPI $

BPI Rel

Production Traits HWI

ASI Rel

ASI

Conformation Traits

Survival

No. Dtrs

No. Survival Herds 17

Over Type

Rel

Mam Syst

Daughter Fertility

Workability

Type Rel

Milk Spd

Temp

Like

Dtr Fert

Rel

Rel

1

VIKRTOKYO

VR MALBACK TUOMI TOKYO

VIK

338

80

214

237

92

81

104

76

104

103

64

100

101

106

67

98

88

2

VFOSKE

V FOSKE

VIK

289

93

205

199

100

3,070 196

107

99

102

107

98

102

102

105

99

100

99

3

ARBCYGNET

BEAULANDS SWANNIES — ET

GAC

279

83

270

163

93

89

35

106

82

98

105

75

105

103

106

86

105

87

4

AXBBLACKWOOD BLACKWOOD PARK BLACKWOOD

AXB

270

82

220

194

94

109

11

105

67

99

107

73

103

103

105

76

100

86

5

ARBLINDT

GAC

242

78

158

207

92

89

34

105

58

99

105

62

101

102

105

87

99

66

BEAULANDS LINDT

Good Bulls Guide for Brown Swiss — Balanced Performance Index (BPI) —  Australian Proven only Indices Rank

Bull ID

Bull Name

BPI $

Source

BPI Rel

Production Traits HWI

ASI

ASI Rel

Survival

No. Dtrs

No. Herds

Survival

Rel

Daughter Fertility

Workability Milk Spd

Temp

Like

Dtr Fert

Rel

Rel

1

93SBJ03

HERCULES

GGI

251

41

197

205

52

16

5

100

38

100

98

101

48

102

43

2

GGHEGALL

HEGALL

GGI

181

69

117

175

95

141

28

99

58

100

97

101

81

100

67

3

GGPARAY

PARAY

GGI

145

56

105

127

80

29

5

104

38

100

96

106

62

101

46

4

GGPAYLENG

PAYLENG

GGI

134

44

108

130

54

36

7

101

36

100

99

105

64

103

45

5

ASSAY

ASSAY

GGI

123

41

93

85

54

34

6

100

28

101

101

105

36

100

32

Good Bulls Guide for Guernseys — Balanced Performance Index (BPI) — Australian Proven only Indices Rank

Bull ID

Bull Name

Source

BPI $

BPI Rel

Production Traits HWI

ASI

ASI Rel

No. Dtrs

No. No. Dtrs 1st Survival Herds Cntry

77

14

1

GUACTION

BROOKLEIGH BQ ACTION

SEM

99

83

173

-37

92

2

7GU00472

WALNUT RIDGE PRINCE CHARMING GAC

82

38

67

31

44

3

AUSFAYSBOO

KOOKABURRA FAYS BOO

80

80

77

41

95

117

4

0200GU08184 GOLDEN GATE PRADA KAKADU

SEM

63

56

66

70

74

5

CRISPRUCE

AGR

4

73

30

-14

86

JENS GOLD C BLUE SPRUCE

Conformation Traits

Survival Rel

Over Type

Mam Syst

The first genomic sire to hit +400 gBPI$ (April 2018) #1 HWI sire in Australia at 602

Dtr Fert

Temp Like

Rel 70

108

87

13

99

24

83

97

98

82

102

103

35

96

97

44

100*

100*

36

107

84

94

91

52

102

101

103

70

101

91

23

11

99

32

96

99

36

96

99

101

41

104

34

33

11

103

70

98#

101#

65

95

99

99

36

103

81

Has remained in the top genomic lists every year since his release

29H018698

Superhero x Powerball P x Tango

The high components, outstanding fertility and great health traits that the family transmits have been intensified in this sire. The fact that he is also heterozygous polled and carries the A2 gene further adds to the excitement around his genetic profile. It was with no surprise that Jeronimo has come in at an impressive 596 BPI$, a feat no other sire in the world has ever achieved or even been close to.

1800 ABS BULL

www.absglobal.com/au

104

Rel

102*

Currently has 34% of the top 100 genomic tested heifers including #1 at 544 gBPI$

Milking Jeronimo Daughters Dixie Park Holsteins – John, Helen and Matt Glennen

Milk Spd

107 49

Top Genomic Sire and Now The #1 BPI and HWI Sire gBPI$ 596, 52 BPI$ points higher than the next best sire

Type Rel

Daughter Fertility

Workability

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

26 // AUSTRALIAN BREEDING VALUES

Genomic sire Sondalo was ranked in the top three Australian standing genomic sires.

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revealed there’s a bull for every breeding goal in the Genetics Australia team. The April ABVs release has shown the continued strength of Australian-bred bulls, both daughter-proven and genomically-proven, with many Genetics Australia bulls leading in health, breeding and production traits. In total, 95 per cent of the Genetics Australia Holstein bulls are in the top five per cent of the breed for BPI and 19 of the 23 Jersey bulls are in the in-demand A22 category. Genetics Australia chief executive officer Anthony Shelly said the ABVs showed there was a “bull for every breeding goal”. The increased emphasis on improved health traits and acceleration of these traits through genomic selection in the Holstein breed is clearly evident. Of the 42 Holstein bulls, 43 are over 100 for both Mastitis Resistance and Daughter Fertility. There are 19 A22 Holstein bulls, 10 polled bulls including five homozygous polled and 26 different sire lines. Daughter-proven bulls Silverline (373 BPI) and Maebull (363 BPI) led the charge for ranking the best two Australian standing proven bulls, while genomic sires Sondalo (531 BPI), Karat (528 BPI) and Samaria (519 BPI) rank as the top three Australian standing genomic sires. The Jersey ABV results show a clean sweep for Genetics Australia. Algernon (281 BPI) is the highest standing daughter-proven Jersey bull, while among the genomic bulls Douggan (393 BPI), Pickle (381g ), Dobson (372g), Trecker (372 BPI) and Bazyli (366 BPI) are the top five Australian standing Jerseys. Regional sales manager for northern Victoria and South Australia Greg Tiller said the ABVs reflected the depth of Genetics Australia’s Holstein and Jersey teams. “Gone are the days of just breeding for production,” Mr Tiller said. “We have nice type bulls to suit that breeding goal, bulls at the top of the rankings for health traits, mastitis resistance and calving ease, plus bulls that fit the needs of those chasing production. “We’re trying to breed blended cows that will be long lasting and profitable in Australian conditions.” Daughter fertility rates are high, with Optics 118 and full brothers Karat rating 528 BPI and 115 for daughter fertility and Kardew, 112 for daughter fertility. As a daughter-proven bull with added reliability, Singular excels in offering exceptional daughter fertility (114), cell count improvement (172) and mastitis resistance (104). At an impressive 509 for Health Weighted Index (HWI), he will be in high demand in 2021 and early ordering is advised.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

AUSTRALIAN BREEDING VALUES  // 27

Holstein is smashing records In March, the heifers were calved at six-toseven weeks and while they were showing promising signs in the vat, Mr Gardiner was also pleased with them in the dairy. “They are very quiet,” he said. “It’s good because it’s a safety factor, for starters, and it’s enjoyable to milk quiet cows.”

ABS Jeronimo-P has flooded the pointy-end of the heifer rankings, having sired 37 of the top 100. Pictured are a group of Jeronimo-P in-milk daughters at Dixie Park Holsteins, owned by John, Helen and Matt Glennen.

ABS Jeronimo-P is the first sire to record a Balanced Performance Index (BPI) of more than 590, coming in at a record-breaking 596.

SINGULAR RC ECLIPSE AKINO UNO F173 Numero Uno x Shamrock

A22 | BPI +456 | ASI +147 | Fat% +0.76 | Survival +111 | Type +105 | Dtr Fert +114 | Gest Length -1

SINGULAR DAUGHTER Daybreaker AK Anastasia VG85 SINGULAR RC is quite unique in his breeding being a real breeders bull with great commercial attributes. Dam VG85 Shamrock x EX91 Goldwyn x EX95 Kamps - Hollow Altitude cow which many Breeders would recognise as the base of the famous Apple Cow Family in North America.

Freecall: 1800 039 047

www.genaust.com.au

Daughter

*April 2021 ABV

AUSTRALIA’S HIGHEST-RANKING dairy bull and heifer have been revealed in the latest Australian Breeding Values (ABV) release. ABS Jeronimo-P was the first sire to record a Balanced Performance Index (BPI) of more than 590, coming in at a record-breaking 596, deeming him the most profitable dairy sire in the nation. The Holstein also notched a breed-leading 602 on Australia’s Health Weighted Index (HWI) — a breeding index that values vital traits such as fertility, mastitis resistance and feed saved. A heifer sired by Jeronimo-P and owned by south-west Victorian dairy farmers Andrew and Jacqui Delaney was also crowned Australia’s number one heifer, with a BPI of 544 — up 51 BPI points from the December ABV release. Australia’s top heifer is about 15 months old and is one of about 40 owned by the Delaney family that will be joined in the coming weeks to Bomaz Episode. Jeronimo-P has flooded the pointy-end of the heifer rankings, having sired 37 of the top 100. The Delaneys own five heifers sired by Jeronimo-P in the top 100. The rise of Jeronimo-P is a win for Australian dairy farmers, a vote of confidence in genotyping and proof that selecting sires for local conditions is delivering profit, according to ABS Australian business operations manager Bruce Ronalds. “With 27 daughters milking in Australian herds, Jeronimo’s performance has eclipsed his genomic prediction,” he said. “If ABS hadn’t run every bull through the Australian genomic system, Jeronimo may never have been found. He’s the ideal sire for Australian conditions and his success demonstrates to farmers that there are bulls which deliver profit and health benefits for our unique milking systems.” Jeronimo-P burst onto the Australian breeding scene three years ago as the first sire to hit the market with a BPI of more than 400. He has remained at the top of the ABV genomic list since. In this recent ABV release, Jeronimo-P lifted two points to 104 for temperament, 64 points for ASI (production) and three points for mastitis resistance. Terang dairy farmers Bryan and Jo Dickson have nine Jeronimo-P daughters milking in a herd of up to 1000 and these heifers contributed to the bull’s ABV ranking. In late March, the Dicksons’ heifers had an average PI of 100, with the highest hitting 109. “They are going reasonably good considering he is a health sire — health doesn’t go into the production index,” Mr Dickson said. “They also aren’t out of super-good cows, just normal, standard cows. None of the heifers kick and they aren’t slow milkers either.” Across in South Australia, Jeronimo-P heifers have met the expectations of Mt Gambier dairy farmer Shane Gardiner. Two of the five milking in his 250-cow herd have undergone their first herd test, with the results proving to Mr Gardiner the value of genomic technology. “I am definitely more confident that they are going to be profitable animals,” he said. “So far, from what I can see, they are performing the way I expected them to perform. It gives me confidence that they are going to do the job we bought them for in the first place.”

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

28 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Cow health has many factors LIFTING A 1000-cow herd’s average milk fat

percentage from 2.7 per cent to 4.0 per cent came down to a chain reaction of layered reasoning by nutritionist Ken Bailey. The Western Australian, who owns and operates Haslen Technology, has been working across dairy, broadacre and horticultural operations to lift yields and improve soil systems for close to three decades. Mr Bailey said his education at Marcus Oldham College taught him how to think, while his visits to the United States widened his scope of understanding; together, these have been key drivers in his ability to find results for his clients. The journey has taken him down many rabbit holes, ANIMAL HEALTH Mr Bailey’s relentless drive to find complete answers has led to some transformational discoveries for his clients.

Combination therapy It is not one single factor that trumps another. Rather, Mr Bailey says cow health and performance are intrinsically linked to healthy soil and plants, balanced minerals and the use of potent probiotics — in that order. And, when it all comes together, it’s a symphony for any farm’s orchestra. “What I noticed early on was there was a big gap between the people working with soils and plants, and the people that worked with the animals — and there was no seamless continuity within that.

“We’re working with the soil, building its minerals and therefore the nutrition in the plant. We want good, healthy plants with lots of diversity, so the animals have a good base to work from. “Monoculture is really the problem, because when you have no plant diversity, the soil becomes sick. If I can have 20 or 30 plants in the system, I’m a lot happier.” Mr Bailey said he still remembered an old vet who believed in organic practices, quoting a 1917 nutritional publication which said “to have healthy cows you have to graze them across 100 different species of plants every five days”.

Probiotics accelerate mineral health Mr Bailey said soil health was directly connected to an animal’s mineral health, and once the soil was depleted it was a three-year journey to correct any mineral deficiencies in the animals that were grazing it. However, the turnaround can be hastened by the strategic use of powerful probiotics. “Magnesium is the one element nearly all nutritionists don’t use enough of,” Mr Bailey said. “The ratio of calcium to magnesium needs to be 2:1. And it’s the same for the ratio of calcium to phosphorus [2:1]. That should be the foundation of your diet.” He says the reality of feed-conversion efficiency is that cows eat for energy first, protein second, and minerals third. And, they will eat

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four or five times more than they need just to satisfy their mineral requirements if there is a mineral deficiency in their diet. “If you’re satisfying the mineral needs, feed conversion comes back to the energy and protein, and the amount of DM [dry matter] those cows need can drop off dramatically.”

Probiotics are the final piece of the puzzle Mr Bailey said the strategic use of potent probiotics sped up animal responses across the board. “The uptake and conversion of the minerals into bio-available forms happens quicker with the probiotics, because you’ve got the rumen working properly. You need to have enough biology in there to achieve maximum digestion.” And so it was for one of his clients who was struggling with a 2.7 per cent fat test. “By increasing the magnesium and adding the probiotic over the top of that, we resolved the issue relatively quickly, and got it back to 4.0 per cent. “A low protein percentage is a different story, because that’s related to starch, which is always related to the biology in the rumen — and that takes time to correct.” Mr Bailey said it was a big lesson for him in the early days because he’d expected “all of those problems to be fixed in three months”. “Some could be, but when you’re dealing with base minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus — which is what bones are made of, and where most of our problems come from — it becomes a longer-term conversation. “When soil fertility becomes depleted, it takes three years to bring it back, and it takes the same amount of time to get those minerals back into the cows. “Once I got my head around that, I realised that probiotics could help speed up that process because they introduce the efficiencies needed to bring about that change more readily. “Mostly what probiotics do is offer competition. They drive the rumen activity, and maximise the breakdown of the NDF.” NDF is “neutral detergent fibre”, the most common measure of fibre used for animal-feed analysis.

Probiotics elevate herd health Mr Bailey said animal health was another welcome benefactor of adding probiotics to the mix. “It improves dramatically. There is an improvement in animal condition — they will put on another one to two condition scores. “The SCC [somatic cell count] will also come down. That happens because there is biology in there that will go down into the udder and populate the teat canal with beneficial biology and that keeps the mastitis organisms out. Most people think it’s environmental, and therefore it enters the udder externally. That’s only part of the story. “I have a client that was struggling to stay in grade two at his milk company with an SCC that peaked at 300. With minerals and probiotics, it’s now averaging 120 across 1000 cows. That’s a massive response.” Mr Bailey said selenium also played a part in the overall result.

Choose wisely When it came to his probiotic choices, Ken said he easily resonated with the levels of probiotics, bacteria and live yeast in Australian Probiotic Solutions (APS) and he recommended them to all his clients.

Cow health and performance is intrinsically linked to healthy soil and plants, balanced minerals and the use of potent probiotics, according to Ken Bailey.

“APS have done an excellent job with what they’ve put in there,” he says. “Bacillus subtilis is the bacteria that I really like, but there is a good spread of biology and yeast that has been chosen based on their performance. They’ve done their homework on what probiotics work, and what don’t. “And, if you can have a probiotic in there that improves an animal’s feed-conversion efficiency, then that’s the name of the game, because, when you’re talking about farmers paying $300/tonne of DM for feed — whether it’s irrigated, silage or hay — the more production that you can get from that tonne of DM, the more profitable your business is going to be. “So there can be some serious savings made right there.”

Probiotics recommended for calves Mr Bailey said he recommended all his clients used BioCalf — a daily probiotic milk additive powder for calves — at 2 g/calf/day for the first two weeks, before dropping it back to 1 g/calf/day thereafter. He said it was a good tool for reducing the use of antibiotics in agriculture. “To get the best out of that advice, I also recommend they have minerals going into the calves too,” he said. “Otherwise the response to BioCalf will be below what could be achieved. The minerals are also important for disease suppression.”

Diversity brings networking Ultimately, Mr Bailey finds it useful to move across all agriculture genres to give a complete service to his clients. “I work with a lot of farmers that don’t have any animals at all, as well as with dairy and sheep farmers, which gives me a good cross-section of agriculture,” Mr Bailey said. “I understand where good grain and hay quality is at. “Being able to work across a great number of different types of farms, you can pick up a lot of good base knowledge and then share that around to others. I can also bring a lot of farmers together, like putting farmers producing quality grain and hay in touch with dairy farmers — that kind of thing. “There is a lot of networking within my role.” Just as he “networks” different areas of the nutrition jigsaw to gain the best result.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

ANIMAL HEALTH  // 29

Take control of colostrum LUCY COLLINS

WHEN TALKING about colostrum, there are things we can control and things we can’t. My preference is to not spend too much time or energy worrying about what we can’t control, and focus on stacking the odds in our favour for the things we can. And there are still plenty of things we can control that we could do a whole lot better than we currently do. Despite our best efforts (repeat after me: clean cups, clean teats, clean buckets), it’s impossible to collect colostrum in a completely sterile manner. This means some level of microbial contamination is pretty much guaranteed. When colostrum is fed within two hours of collection, this is unlikely to be an issue. However, excess colostrum is commonly stored on-farm for future use. As bacteria can rapidly multiply — with numbers as much as doubling every 20 minutes at 20°C — how we choose to store our colostrum can play an important role in its quality. I have seen colostrum stored in everything from specially-designed bags in chest freezers to 44 gallon drums left out in the sun. What works for you will depend on your operation, but what follows is a few mainstays of colostrum storage that almost everyone can take on board.

Cleanliness is key Contaminated colostrum can actually be a source of infection for newborn calves. It can also inhibit their ability to absorb the important immunoglobulins they require from colostrum within the first 24 hours of life. Talk about a double whammy! Good colostrum hygiene begins by milking cows as soon as possible after calving, pre-stripping to remove any sealants and washing contaminated teats thoroughly before drying with paper towel. Putting clean cups on clean cows and collecting colostrum into clean test buckets (ideally stainless steel) should be a normal part of your colostrum collection routine. Keep lids on buckets whenever possible. None of the following points can make dirty colostrum clean again, so the most important step to get right in the whole process is this first one.

Not all colostrum is created equal Colostrum quality is highly variable and influenced by numerous factors — age, breed, vaccination status, volume, time until milking and leakage prior to calving can all impact antibody concentrations. Antibody (most importantly, immunoglobulin G or IgG) concentration can be measured indirectly using a Brix refractometer, and a level of ‘quality’ assigned (22 per cent or above is good). Good and poor quality colostrum shouldn’t be pooled — don’t shandy the Moet with Passion Pop! Blood in fresh colostrum can artificially enhance a Brix quality reading and support bacterial growth, so avoid using bloody colostrum where possible. Prioritise using and storing your good quality colostrum first.

Storage matters Short-term storage of colostrum should include refrigeration at 4°C. Chilled colostrum has a shelf-life of two days before quality deteriorates below acceptable thresholds. Potassium sorbate is a cheap salt solution used commonly in the food industry as a preservative. It inhibits bacterial and yeast growth, extending shelf-life. Colostrum with potassium sorbate added can be kept refrigerated for up to seven days. Freezing can offer a longer-term storage option for some farms, and extend colostrum shelf-life by six to 12 months. Colostrum should be frozen as soon as possible after collection, in appropriately-sized containers for future use. Oversized containers will not defrost evenly and risk elevated bacterial loads during the defrosting process. Thawing should be done in a 50°C waterbath, NEVER in a microwave or you’ll destroy the immunoglobulins. If storing colostrum, get into the habit of recording date of collection, Brix quality and if potassium sorbate has been added.

Treatment options Heat treatment may be of benefit for some farms where specific diseases (such as salmonella or mycoplasma) are of concern. Talk to your vet before you go investing in any equipment, though. UV treatment is not cur-

Dairy News columnist Lucy Collins says not all colostrum is created equal.

rently considered an effective method for reducing pathogen loads and significantly reduces colostral IgG levels. Note that traditional high-temperature pasteurisation of colostrum is not an option for newborn calves. It inactivates the immunoglobulins in colostrum and completely defeats the point behind trying to get it into them so quickly.

Monitor and review Total plate and coliform counts provide a quick, relatively inexpensive and measurable way of determining the bacterial load in a colostrum, milk or water sample using cultures. Many vet clinics can now help you assess the pathogen levels of what you’re feeding your calves by performing these tests in-house.

Contact your regular vet for more information. Investigate industry calf-rearing benchmarks, ask yourself regularly where you might improve your current system and know when to seek advice should you need it. Calf-rearing can be hugely rewarding but also poses many challenges — so stack the odds in your favour where you can. Lucy Collins is completing her Dairy Residency with The University of Melbourne. She works as a dairy veterinarian for Apiam Animal Health, and on her partner’s dairy farm in south-west Victoria. She is a 2021 Nuffield Scholar supported by Gardiner Dairy Foundation.

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

30 //  FROM THE EXPERTS

Helping sorghum stand firm AFTER DECADES of study, University of Queensland researchers have identified a genetic solution to the problem of sorghum lodging and falling down, which affects 10 per cent of sorghum crops each year. Professor David Jordan from UQ’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) said lodging was when the stems of plants carrying high grain yields were weakened by loss of water. “Losing a bumper grain crop because plants fall over is heartbreaking for growers and undermines efforts to increase production to improve food security,” Prof Jordan said. Working with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at the Hermitage Research Facility in Warwick, Prof Jordan found lodging occurred whenever water scarcity halted photosynthesis. “This forces the plants to rely on carbohydrates stored in the stems,” he said. “The metabolic shift ultimately weakens the stems, culminating in their death, while patho-

gens can invade and further weaken stems, causing them to break.” Doctoral student Xuemin Wang analysed data from 14 seasons and found the most severe lodging — greater than 20 per cent — occurred in 2005, 2006 and 2017. He found the differences in air pressure recorded on the Southern Oscillation Index explained 29 per cent of the season variation in lodging frequency. “Our data also found that despite substantial breeding efforts and turnover of commercial cultivars, the level of resistance to lodging does not appear to have improved,” Prof Jordan said. The research team, which also includes Dr Emma Mace who works for QAAFI and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Professor Graeme Hammer, found that traits used to drive up yields also introduced a susceptibility to lodging. An example is plant height, which is essential to achieving higher yields but also raises the risk of lodging-inducing stem failure.

Professor David Jordan views a sorghum crop at the Gatton Research Facility in Queensland.

“The higher the yield potential of a sorghum hybrid, the more likely it is to suffer from lodging, creating a challenge for breeders trying to improve both traits,” Prof Jordan said. He said to meet this challenge, scientists undertook one of the world’s largest genomewide association studies in sorghum. “This study looked at 2308 unique hybrids grown in 17 Australian sorghum trials over three years. “A genome-wide view of the genetics is important as it means we can search the network of lodging-associated genes for those pathways we can target for improvement without sacrificing yield potential.” Prof Jordan said the team found one way to increase stem strength would be to alter the composition of the molecules used by the plant to assemble the supportive cell wall. Bolstering disease resistance at the same time would offer additional protection. The research team is now poised to translate these insights into targeted breeding strat-

egies to directly benefit the Australian sorghum industry. Previously, Queensland sorghum researchers introduced greater drought resistance into Australian cultivars by transferring ‘stay-green genes’ from sorghum sourced from Ethiopia. Stay-green genes are now recognised to have introduced a level of resistance to lodging by delaying photosynthesis shutdown and stem death in response to water scarcity. “We are at the point where we have come as far as we can with the stay-green mechanism for reducing the incidence of lodging,” Prof Jordan said. “By generating the new genetic map, we can now identify new leads for breeding greater lodging resistance into high-yielding sorghum hybrids.” The sorghum core pre-breeding project was funded by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Queensland, Grains Research and Development Corporation and UQ.

Skip row sorghum lodge at Springsure, Queensland.

How is your effluent pond AFTER RECENT heavy rain in some areas across Victoria, it is time to assess if your effluent ponds are coping with the extra inflow and are in good condition for the coming winter. Effluent systems are generally designed to have the storage ponds empty going into the winter. Having the ponds empty increases effluent storage capacity as rainfall exceeds evaporation in this period and paddocks are generally too wet to apply effluent as it increases the risk of nutrient run-off and waterlogging. By reducing second pond volume, farmers can maximise fill capacity, plus applying an autumn application of effluent will provide a free boost to winter pasture growth. This is due to the large amount of nitrogen and potassium which is often held. When applying effluent: ■  Leave at least 150 mm of effluent in the bottom of the ponds to prevent cracking and future leaking. ■  If effluent is recycled for yard washing, then enough effluent must be left in the pond for this to continue. ■  Rotate effluent application in paddocks and regularly soil test application areas.

Avoid grazing paddocks until at least 21 days after effluent application. ■  Graze prior to effluent application as it allows greater penetration of UV rays into the canopy to kill potential pathogens contained in the effluent. ■  Transition cows should not be grazed on high potassium paddocks — including paddocks where effluent has been applied. ■  Young stock should not have access to areas where effluent is stored or has been applied. Ideally test the effluent prior to application to assess the nutrient concentrations, so appropriate application rates can be calculated. If you don’t have a recent test you can assess an appropriate application rate by using Dairy Australia’s Effluent and Sludge Calculator: www.dairyingfortomorrow.com.au/tools-andguidelines/nutrients-from-effluent-and-sludgecalculator The first effluent pond should also be desludged every couple of years, depending on the size of the pond and herd size, to ensure sludge does not build up and find its way into the second pond. First pond sludge is an extremely useful resource and acts as a slow release fertiliser, still ■

Is your effluent pond in good condition leading into winter?

providing additional growth 12 to 18 months after application. Sludge application can be a good way to kickstart a rundown area of the farm and can be incorporated during a cropping phase. All dairy farmers are required to keep dairy effluent on-farm and out of waterways.

By ensuring your ponds are empty before winter it will assist you to manage your effluent system over the wet months. For more information, visit: agriculture.vic.gov. au/livestock-and-animals/dairy/managing-effluent - Agriculture Victoria dairy extension officer Richard Smith

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 31

Largest Case IH dealer gets bigger O’CONNORS IS expanding its network, with

the purchase of two new sites in Ballarat and St Arnaud. The new sites, purchased from Agrimac, take the O’Connors footprint from 10 to 12 locations. O’Connors chief executive officer Gareth Webb said the business had been looking for opportunities for further growth following their successful expansion into the NSW central-west region in 2018–19. “The acquisition of the Agrimac Case IH dealerships is a great opportunity to extend our footprint into a diverse agricultural region,

combining our experience with the knowledge that is already in the Ballarat and St Arnaud business,” Mr Webb said. “O’Connors is looking forward to the challenge of entering a new market and we are excited to be able to bring the region the strength and customer benefits a larger dealership network provides.” The largest Case IH dealer in Australia and New Zealand, O’Connors currently has branches across three states, including at Birchip, Warracknabeal, Shepparton and Corowa.

The Agrimac deal is anticipated to be finalised by June 1. Current Agrimac dealer principal, Hugh McEachern, will continue to own and operate Agrimac’s Warrnambool and Hamilton branches. “For 57 years O’Connors has built a reputation for delivering exceptional support to customers, with unrivalled expertise and with parts and service departments backed by our extensive branch network,” Mr Webb said. “We’re looking forward to bringing these benefits to our new customers and ensuring uninterrupted support during the transition.”

Current Agrimac dealer principal Hugh McEachern with O’Connors chief executive officer Gareth Webb.

ON-FARM WATER REBATE EXTENDED Farmers still feeling the impact of drought will have a further 12 months to apply for funding to help build much-needed infrastructure to make their properties drought resilient. Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt said farmers would now have until June 2022 to utilise the $50 million in funding secured from the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme. “This has been a hugely popular program that’s made a real difference for thousands of farmers facing the devastating challenges of drought,” Mr Pitt said. “The scheme can be used to fund small scale on-farm drought proofing water projects, including buying and laying pipes, installing water storage devices, such as tanks and troughs associated with stock watering and desilting dams and water bores. Mr Pitt said the extension came on the back of the Federal Government’s commitment of another $50 million in October last year. The OFEWIRS reimburses up to 25 per cent of costs, capped at $25,000. For more information on the rebate, visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website at: www.awe.gov.au

DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

32 //  MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Surge in machinery finance THE AUSTRALIAN agriculture sector is capitalising on improved seasonal conditions and government incentives, including the Instant Asset Write-Off Scheme, to invest in farm equipment, the latest data from NAB reveals. Loans to NAB customers for agricultural equipment finance have increased 132 per cent year-on-year from 2019 to 2020, as agribusinesses recover from two years of challenging conditions including drought, fires, COVID-19 disruptions and, most recently, floods. NAB regional and agribusiness executive Julie Rynski said the trends in equipment finance were indicative of the strength in lending and the resilience and overall confidence of the agriculture sector. “Lending for tractors has increased 146 per cent, while lending for equipment such as sprayers and headers has risen 142 per cent,” Ms Rynski said. “Farmers looking to boost their on-farm grain storage have also driven a 140 per cent increase in lending for grain silos. “After a record breaking 2020–21 harvest and with subsoil moisture conditions looking good across much of the south-east and south-west of the country following summer rain, the figures are reflective of our customers’ intentions to capitalise on the turnaround in seasonal conditions.” Ms Rynski said one of the biggest growth areas had been in lending for irrigation plant and equipment, which is up 217 per cent.

“Investment in irrigation plant and equipment is occurring throughout a range of production areas off the back of the La Niña event delivering more surety in irrigation water supply,” she said. “Farmers are also investing in energy efficiency practices and technology to generate renewable energy, with lending for on-farm solar power infrastructure increasing 142 per cent. “We expect investment in that category will grow further as our customers continue to focus on sustainable agricultural practices and also look to save on energy costs.” Ms Rynski said with the end of the financial year approaching, agribusinesses were making the most of the Federal Government’s Instant Asset Write-Off Scheme to buy new machinery and make other on-farm investments. “The Instant Asset Write-Off Scheme applies to eligible assets used or installed by the end of June next year, so there is still a good window of opportunity for farmers to capitalise on the scheme. “Assets which can be written off are the same as those deemed eligible under the existing depreciation rules.” Ms Rynski said the bank did not expect current demand for equipment finance lending to ease any time soon. “If we continue to have favourable seasonal conditions, we expect this level of investment in agricultural equipment to continue for the next 15 months.”

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MACHINERY & PRODUCTS  // 33

Calling all inventors FARM INVENTORS, backyard tinkerers and students are

invited to showcase their innovative ideas in the Agri-Innovator of the Year Award at the 2021 Henty Machinery Field Days. The entries must meet the criteria of having a practical on-farm application, be based on an original idea of the entrant and not be in full-scale production at the time of entry. Henty Machinery Field Days chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said Agri-Innovators was aimed at tertiary and university students, farmers, backyard tinkerers and inventors. “Entries can be any agribusiness invention, ranging from a mobile phone app or computer software program to the largest tillage machinery,” she said. “This year’s entrants will receive exposure to the agricultural market place and the opportunity to network with potential manufacturers.” Temora farmer and the 2018 Agri-Innovation winner for an auto sheep feeder, Justin Dunn, encouraged all ­aspiring inventors to enter their concept in the Agri-Innovators Award. “At some point you have to take off — it may be not ­finished or perfect but you will never get to that point until you have it out there commercially,” he said. Mr Dunn’s invention, The Shepherd, received nationwide media coverage from the win at Henty, with about 50 units sold after the event and went on to win the NAB Agribusiness Award of Excellence at the Australian National Field Days. At Henty, The Shepherd was a solar-powered new generation smart feeder incorporating automated technologies.

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Temora farmer Justin Dunn was the winner of the 2018 Henty Agri-Innovator of the Year Award with The Shepherd auto feeder.

The units are now fitted with a 4 g remote camera with a 300-degree view, and also a SMS remote controller which sends alerts via text message. People wishing to enter the Agri-Innovators Award can contact the field days office on (02) 6929 3305.

FEEDER TECHNOLOGY IS EVOLVING Lely installed the first Lely Vector automatic feeding systems on dairy farms in 2011 — and now it has updated the technology with enhancements to durability and ease of use. “These test farms were an important sparring partner for us in terms of product improvements,” Lely Barn and Feeding senior product manager Teus de Jong said. “By listening to the test farms’ practical experiences, conducting field research and simply trying out new things, we’ve improved the Vector system in all kinds of ways.” The lifting mechanism and feed grabber of the loading system were completely redesigned to make them more accurate and durable. The mixing and feeding robot has also been improved. The barrel and auger are now made of stainless steel, the design is easier to service in many aspects and the rotational speed of the auger has been increased to improve the quality of mixing and cutting.

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The software has also been updated on various occasions. In this way, the system has been made even more durable, accurate and easier to use during the past 10 years. “Lely has always used innovation to help farmers ensure their future is more profitable, sustainable and pleasant,” Mr de Jong said. “The Lely Vector is no exception. It has been developed by thinking differently, and fully exploiting all the possibilities that automation offers. This has resulted in the most advanced, profitable and therefore most popular automatic feeding system on the market. That’s something we’re very proud of.”

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

34 //  MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Square baler is 75 years old THE ICONIC New Holland small square baler

celebrates a 75th birthday in Australia this year. When New Holland introduced the first successful automatic hay baler in 1937, farmers recognised the advance that had been made. Ed Nolt was the inventor of the first successful automatic baler, which revolutionised hay and straw harvesting. The first production units of the New Holland Model 73 baler started coming off the assembly line in 1940. The first New Holland Model 75 baler arrived in Australia under a war-time government lending lease in 1945. However, the foundations on which New Holland Australia was built commenced the following year — in 1946 Doring Implements imported and retailed six Model 76 balers. By the end of 1949, more than 60 Model 76 balers had been sold around the nation. In the early 1950s New Holland released the high performing Model 77, and about 175 balers were sold over three years. In the mid 1950s New Holland started Australian manufactured products, including small square balers, with Australian production peaking in 1967 with 1275 Model S69 and Model 281 balers produced with a market share of 60 per cent. Konigs Shepparton owner Leo Schoonderbeek can attest to the popularity and longevity of the

New Holland balers, having four of them in his yard at the moment. He likened the 317 model to the famed Holden HQ. “Everyone knows what the HQ looks like, whether you’re a Holden man or a Ford man. It’s just like that with this model. “They’re still going around after 30 or more years.” Konigs manager Paul Barlow said the small squares were still popular with horse owners who want a manageable-sized bale, and hence there were still plenty of reasons to keep them going. This year New Holland is releasing a new model 5070 Hayliner into the Australian market. The limited edition model Year 2021 small square balers will be marked with special anniversary decals. New Holland fodder conservation product segment manager Sune Nielsen said the unique design principle had not changed too much over the decades — the side delivery pickup offers many advantages, with visibility over the pick-up and feed rate most important to maintain a consistent flow of material into the bale chamber. “Large, high windrows are no problem for the baler as the tractor travels alongside the windrow so there’s no chance of product getting caught under the tractor,” Mr Nielsen said.

“Side delivery also means the crop is cut neatly either side of the bale by the plunger knifes, and the bale itself is a good shape.” The Hayliner has an additional 300 mm length bale chamber, thicker chamber walls and four way hydro-formatic bale density system, all ensuring consistent bale weight and bale length which is a crucial part of baling.

An early model New Holland baler, called the Super 77.

The new BC5070 New Holland baler continues a tradition.

Konigs Shepparton manager Paul Barlow with the New Holland 417 model — still going after a few decades.

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DAIRY NEWS AUSTRALIA MAY 2021

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS  // 35

Honda to exit Aussie quad bike market NEW

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HONDA HAS confirmed it will exit the

Australian quad bike market from October 10 this year. It comes following an October 2019 decision by the Federal Government to impose new safety standards, which Honda Australia motorcycle and power equipment director Peter Singleton said had resulted in “negative outcomes”. “Safety standards must be evidence-based, in both criteria and testing methods, to internationally accepted standards. Honda has provided research to show the negative outcomes of the government’s proposal but unfortunately it was rejected, and we are here in this position today,” he said. The company said while it was disappointed, it was committed to supporting current customers through the transition, with parts and servicing available for an extended period. Honda quad bikes will continue to be sold by dealers until October 10, 2021, with the expectation that stock will be sold prior to this date due to heightened demand. Honda said it supported all known and proven safety measures from experts and coronial inquests, including the mandating of the use of helmets for all ATV and side-by-side riders, rider training and the restriction of riders under the age of 16 from riding adult-sized vehicles. Mr Singleton confirmed the company’s focus would now pivot to developing its side-by-side market. “We understand that many farmers require a versatile vehicle to support their work, and we believe our side-by-side range can serve this requirement. Our Pioneer range of side-by-side vehicles is already proving to be a popular choice and provides reliable, high quality performance and functionality for farmers.” In the eight years from January 1, 2011 to December 31, there were 128 quad bike fatalities in Australia. About 11 per cent (14 fatalities) were children aged 11 years of age or under and more than onethird (43 fatalities) were adults aged 60 years and over. Over half (77 fatalities) of all fatalities were the result of a rollover and 78 fatalities occurred on a farm or property.

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