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NOVEMBER
The Australian DECEMBER
2014
airyfarmer
Big gains
from
effluent
planning
Attracting
investment
to dairy
Mycoplasma
emerges
as mastitis
cause
NZ’s $22m giant
robotic dairy barn
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The Australian
airyfarmer OUR COVER
New Zealand farmers Aad and
Wilma van Leeuwen have invest-
Vol 29, No. 6 November-December 2014
ed $22 million in a giant robotic
dairy barn that will eventually milk
1500 cows. It is part of a vertically
integrated operation with milk
supplying a processor of which
they are majority shareholders.
Picture: ANNE BOSWELL. See story, page 56.
BETTER WASTE MANAGEMENT
Waste a resource at Fair Oaks Farms 72
Telling agriculture’s story 73
Gains from effluent planning 75
Effluent management vital in pristine area 78
Understand nutrient movement on farm 80
Shifting effluent big business 82
NEWS Feedpad prompts effluent rethink 84
Contest for DA board positions 15
INCREASING FARM PROFITABILITY
Dairy Australia board selection 17
‘Pathways’ presentation draws in audience 92
Farm analysis valuable 93
ATTRACTING AND DEVELOPING PEOPLE DairyBase on its way 93
Cows Create Careers celebrates milestone 21 Feedbase and nutrient manager appointed 93
Sharing passion for dairy 22 New discussion groups formed with DA funding 94
Farm safety 23 Dairy group ‘essential part of business’ 94
Online heifer tools 95
BUILDING DAIRY Mastitis app helps improve bottom line 96
Mastitis Toolkit on its way in new year 96
Young vet passes on passion for dairy 25
Mycoplasma emerging as mastitis cause 97
Competition to challenge young farmers 30
NDC 2014 to test dairy strengths 30
COLUMNS
DAIRY FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
At my desk 5
Benchmarking helps develop business 28
Milk Matters 6
PROMOTING & PROTECTING DAIRY Dairy Australia Roundup 11
NHIA News Roundup 18
Dairy Farmer of the Year lauded for promotion 34 Update from the Gardiner Foundation 32
Dairy farm investment forum a success 36 Australian dairy market 54
Legendairy champs ‘show’ off industry to next gen 38 International dairy market 55
Tackling trade for returns 40 What’s On 87
ADHIS 88
ATTRACTING INVESTMENT Think Again — the Ryan Report 89
Industry overcomes image problems 41 Snippets and Titbits 90
Govt support could make a difference 43
China: today’s consumer, tomorrow’s rival? 44
Vikings poised for dairy swoop 45
FTAs futile for agriculture? 48
Mainland conference a step in export plan 48
Volatility hinders investment case 49
Understanding farm profitability 50
DAIRY EQUIPMENT UPDATE
NZ farmers build giant robotic barn 56
Innovations on show 60
Saving energy on dairy farms 66
Going solar pays dividends 68
Working out the energy savings 71
The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014 3
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AT MY DESK
DairyBase to give The Australian Dairyfarmer is published on
profit insights the 15th of every second month, in July,
September, November, January, March and
May, for the Australian Dairy Farmers,
T
HE word is about that there’s an DairyBase may provide the means by Level 2, Swan House, 22 William Street,
exciting new development coming which those family farms can explain why Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.
out of Dairy Australia. It is a na- they are successful and why they would
tional database: DairyBase. make a good partner for an investor looking EDITORIAL
The new database will combine the busi- for returns from the dairy industry. Editor: ALASTAIR DOWIE
ness analysis from a number of State-based Anyone interested in this part of their farm Associate editor: CARLENE DOWIE
dairy databases, such as the information held and what DairyBase could offer should not PO Box 59, Carisbrook, Vic, 3464
in the Victorian Dairy Farm Monitor Project. miss next year’s Australian Dairy Confer- Email:
But it’s going to be a lot more than just a ence. The conference is always a highlight as
Phone/fax: (03) 5464 1542
big database. it is run by farmers for farmers.
Mobile: 0418 553 282
It is also being developed to allow users Conference programming chair Hank
to use specially developed tools to delve into Bruger tells me it is designed to take quite
the data and extract some meaningful infor- a different shape to that of the historically ADVERTISING
mation around what makes different farm larger ‘even-year’ conference. Advertising manager: PETER ROACH
businesses tick and identify some of the keys It will be a forum for business-focused GPO Box 257, Melbourne, Vic, 3001
to profitability. dairyfarmers who are prepared to actively Email:
Most dairyfarmers will not be excited analyse their business, know their business Telephone: (03) 8667 1127
about a big computer database but this one in detail, seek out new strategies and explore Fax: (03) 8667 1141
could be a real game-changer. new ways of improving their dairy busi- Mobile: 0417 371 364
For a start, if it delivers on its promise, it nesses.
should mean farmers will start to get infor- The workshops sessions will be hands- PRODUCTION
mation that can really help them improve on and those in attendance will get a look at Fairfax Agricultural Media Victoria
their farm businesses. DairyBase and how it can be used to analyse
It will enable farmers to look at the system their businesses. Publisher: JOHN CARSON
they are operating and whether they have it It will incorporate two days of workshop-
set at the right level. style forums, two conference dinners and
Secondly, it promises to allow them to test some farm visits all based around the theme Circulation: The Australian Dairyfarmer is
changes and their impact on the farm busi- of profitability. supplied free to all registered dairyfarmers
ness. For example, a farmer could use it to The conference is being held at Launces- in Australia.
test the impact of a change in stocking rate. ton, Tasmania, on Tuesday and Wednesday, For a change of address, contact
Or it could be used to show the impact of February 17 and 18, with optional pre- and ADF Reception
a change in milk price or of a poor season. post-forum farm visits. Telephone: (03) 8621 4200
In the hands of skilful advisers, this could An early-bird registration will apply for Fax: (03) 8621 4280
allow farmers to start to test their farm busi- those who register soon — details are avail- Email:
profitability, regardless of the external fac- ference website
tors. at . Australian Dairyfarmer is copyright.
As our special report starting on page 41 Let’s hope this Reproduction in whole or in part is not
investigates, the industry has been grappling is another step to- permitted without the written permission of
in recent times with how to attract invest- wards unlocking the publisher.
ment. The vexed question for investors is the profitability Editorial contributions: Editorial
around returns. puzzle for many contributions are welcome, but no
For some — like those involved in the Australian dairy responsibility can be taken for their loss.
mooted huge buy-up by Chinese interests of farms. Associate editor Copy is preferred on disk or by email in
50 farms in south-western Victoria — the an-
text-only format. Deadline is two months
swer lies in vertically integrated operations.
The south-west Victorian proposal is under- before publication.
stood to involve the farms supplying process-
ing plants owned by the same investors. Printed by: Rural Press Printing.
But at a farm level, corporates have often Published by: Fairfax Agricultural Media
struggled to deliver the same returns as well- (Agricultural Publishers Pty Ltd)
run family farms. And even in vertically inte- @DowieDairyEd ABN 55 000 560 430.
grated operations, the farm side still needs to
operate efficiently.
Family farms have struggled to attract the ISSN: 0814-4494
institutional investment dollars because they CAB Audit Figure: 11,980 (March 2013)
can’t definitively show on paper the reason www.facebook.com/
for their business success. AustralianDairyfarmer
The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014 5
MILK MATTERS
provided by Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd
Opportunity beckons By NOEL
for dairy in 2015 CAMPBELL
ADF
president
A
S 2014 draws to a close, it’s fair lobbied for a pledge by the Commonwealth and profitability. ADF has stepped up its
to say it has been a year of mixed Government to finance agricultural educa- advocacy for a free trade agreement (FTA)
fortunes for the Australian dairy tion, which is integral if our industry is going with China, taking the fight to social media
industry. That said, confidence is to achieve sustainable growth. and dairy consumers to highlight the im-
growing in our industry and the prospects Dairy industry advocacy has had several portance of our $13 billion industry to the
for the years ahead are extremely positive. major successes this year including the repeal Australian economy.
At the close of last season we saw signif- of the Carbon Tax, which put us at a distinct Earlier this year I took part in two trade
icantly improved pricing in export-focused disadvantage among exporting competitors delegations to China, presenting as a guest
regions. Since the start of the new season and negatively affected production costs. We speaker at the China Dairy Industry Asso-
the Australian dollar has depreciated to our look forward to developing a more sustain- caition conference in Shanghai. Attending
advantage. However, global demand has able emissions intensity policy approach with these events provided an opportunity to
weakened considerably, which has caused all sides of politics. Considerable progress work closely with our Chinese counter-
prices to weaken also. The next few months has also been made with regard to the new parts, as well as governent officials, and
will be critical to our 2014-15 outcomes. front-of-pack labelling scheme, with ADF to highlight the importance of a pro-dairy
Farmer confidence levels are much im- working collaboratively with other industry China-Australia FTA.
proved in export-oriented regions, with bodies to develop a dairy-specific system that The past 12 months delivered many chal-
international interest in local dairy assets takes into account the healthy nature of core lenges and, undoubtedly, there are many
increasing. Domestic opportunities for dairy products. more still to come. However, it is with
growth, however, have been constrained While recognising the enormous chal- confidence and enthusiasm that we look to
by factors such as the ongoing $1-per-litre lenges facing the industry in the short term, the year ahead, ready to take control of the
issue, as well as declining milk production ADF has also made a conscious effort to future and conquer adversity for the benefit
due to drought in Queensland, New South tackle long-term issues to secure a more of our members and the wider dairy com-
Wales and Western Australia. profitable future for Australian dairy. munity.
Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has ADF’s National Dairy Farmers’ Summit
worked diligently to ensure farmers can ac- in March assisted in the development of the ADF National Dairy
cess support, securing an increase to the asset very first Australian Dairy Vision, which Farmers’ Summit
threshold test for the Interim Farm House- provides a roadmap for the next 10 years A major highlight of 2013-14 was the inau-
hold Allowance. ADF has also successfully to improve our productivity, confidence gural ADF National Dairy Farmers’ Sum-
Matt Reid’s Horizon 2020 presentation was a highlight at the ADF president Noel Campbell address the China Dairy Industry
ADF’s National Dairy Farmers’ Summit in March. Association in Shanghai.
6 The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014
MILK MATTERS
mit in March 2014. The summit brought International trade ensure a prosperous future for our industry
together dairyfarmers from all regions, agreements from the farmgate to the consumer.
processors and State dairyfarming and na-
tional farming organisations for a consulta- With interest from overseas markets in lo- Retail milk price war
tive forum on dairy’s future. cal dairy assets burgeoning, as evidenced The impact of private-label milk priced at
The insight and proactive input pro- by the Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Fac- $1/litre continues to be felt across the
vided by attendees substantially aided the tory and United Dairy Power experiences, dairy industry and ADF has persisted in fight-
direction of the Australian Dairy Industry ADF heightened its focus on trade this year ing for fair conditions on behalf of dairyfarm-
Council’s (ADIC) Strategic Forum in May, with the aim of achieving greater trade lib- ers.
identifying top priorities for the future of eralisation in Asia. In 2013 Coles released a YouTube video
industry, including the need for a collective The Korea FTA did not deliver all we claiming that $1/litre milk had no impact
industry strategy for innovation, investment had hoped for, with trade liberalisation sev- on farmers as the price reduction had been
and growth. eral years behind our main rivals. But the absorbed by Coles. ADF challenged this
The ideas collated at these two events agreement will provide access to a range of claim, with the Australian Competition and
were the basis for the Australian Dairy Vi- new opportunities in an important regional Consumer Commission (ACCC) ruling that
sion. market. Coles milk price claims are unsubstantiat-
The Japan Economic Partnership Agree- ed. In May, the ACCC also instituted court
Australian Dairy Vision ment made minimal progress in reducing proceedings against Coles, saying it had en-
In July the ADIC board endorsed the in- trade barriers in our single most important gaged in “unconscionable conduct towards
dustry’s first Australian Dairy Vision: market by value. 200 of its smaller suppliers”.
“Australian dairy — prosperous, trusted, The ratification of the China-Australia ADF continues to push for the estab-
world-renowned nutrition”. The vision is a FTA remains ADF’s top trade priority. lishment of a Mandatory Code of Con-
statement that the Australian dairy industry We seek a deal with China that is ‘New duct, including a supermarket ombuds-
aims to be known for and proud of by 2025. Zealand plus’ — that is, an agreement man “with teeth” to balance the extreme
Underpinned by five equally weighted which, upon implementation, would see market power of the major retailers. ADF
elements each containing a set of priority tariffs on dairy exports immediately fall views these actions as vital to the survival
areas for collective action, the vision was to the same level as NZ’s, with no special of our fresh milk producers whose prod-
born out of a consultative process and will agricultural safeguards. ADF has lobbied uct is, at present, grossly undervalued.
help Australian dairy organisations to work extensively on the China FTA, launch-
collaboratively to grow in confidence and ing a targeted social media campaign Here’s to the New Year
prosperity on a domestic and international #FTA4dairy to ensure dairy remains front It has been a busy year at ADF, and
scale. and centre during ongoing negotiations although we’ve achieved a great number
The Australian Dairy Vision, officially for trade liberalisation, as well as mak- of positive results, there is still much
presented to Parliament on October 1, has ing the Prime Minister, key cabinet Min- more to be done to help our industry reach
received unanimous support from parlia- isters, senior politicians and advisers in its full potential. ADF will continue to ad-
mentary members including Minister for Parliament aware of our interests. vocate for and support the Australian dairy
Agriculture Barnaby Joyce and Shadow ADF and the ADIC continue to campaign industry with determination and pride in
Minister for Agriculture Joel Fitzgibbon. strongly for a commercially meaningful 2015.
The Australian Dairy Vision’s priorities deal on the Trans Pacific Partnership being I wish you all a safe and happy Christ-
will ensure our industry is better equipped negotiated with Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, mas-New Year period and look forward to
to meet the challenges facing Australian New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Japan, the tackling new challenges and exciting op-
dairy and to capitalise on opportunities for United States, Vietnam, Mexico and Cana- portunities in 2015 on behalf of our extraor-
growth. da. Successful outcomes in these areas will dinary industry. D
Korea FTA before 2015
IN a positive step for the Austral- Asian region and we congratulate the was ratified before the end of 2014.
ian dairy industry, the Joint Standing government on its achievement,” Mr “Ratifying the agreement before the
Committee on Treaties’ (JSCT) recom- Campbell said. “It is vital that Australia end of the year will mean that Austral-
mended last month that the Federal acts quickly to secure the opportunity ian dairy can take advantage of the
Government ratify the Korea-Australia for early implementation. tariff reduction timeline as of January
Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA), an “Key commercial rivals such as the 1 2015 and stop continued market ero-
accord that has the potential to boost United States and European Union al- sion,” he said.
Australian exports by millions of dol- ready have FTAs with Korea, and Aus- Dairy Australia estimates indicate
lars. tralia’s FTA with Korea is vital to stop that the first-year benefit of tariff sav-
Australian Dairy Farmers president continued market erosion,” Mr Camp- ings for Australia under KAFTA will
Noel Campbell said the deal recog- bell said. be in the order of $US7.6 million, with
nised dairy as one of the nation’s ex- In 2011-12 Australia exported this figure set to grow year on year as
port strongholds but must be ratified 27,349 tonnes of dairy products to the country-specific quotas volumes
as soon as possible to open up mar- South Korea, worth $116 million, with increase and the out-of-quota tariffs
kets for Australian dairyfarmers. another $88 million of exports in 2012- are reduced. Any delays will cost the
“This was a major step forward in 13. The decline in exports, Mr Camp- Australian dairy industry another year
securing Australia’s trade within the bell said, would end only if the KAFTA of benefits.
The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014 7
MILK MATTERS
Australia backs dairy’s
social media blitz
I
N a first for the agricul- the capacity to meet the
tural sector, Australian shortfall in China’s dairy
Dairy Farmers (ADF) supply.
launched #FTA4dairy on Australia cannot capi-
September 1, a social media talise on this opportunity
campaign that united rural and without a ‘New Zealand
regional communities in the Plus’ FTA, which across
fight to secure a pro-dairy out- the period 2016-25,
come from a China-Australia could deliver the Aus-
Free Trade Agreement (FTA). tralian dairy industry
The targeted campaign, cumulative savings of
which encouraged Twitter us- more than $630 million.
ers to upload a selfie holding The #FTA4dairy cam-
the message #FTA4dairy or paign was vital in rais-
#FTA4farmers, was conceptu- ing awareness with the
alised as a way to generate sup- broader Australian com-
port for ADF’s advocacy for a munity and getting the
‘New Zealand Plus’ FTA, that A small selection of some of the Tweets that were part of the #FTA4dairy message to Parliament.
on implementation would see campaign. The #FTA4dairy cam-
tariffs on dairy exports fall to paign reached more than
the same level as NZ. In other 1.7 million twitter users,
words, a deal that will level the playing field the campaign a shout out during his constit- receiving positive endorsement from farm-
for Australian dairy in the Chinese market. uency statement to the Federation chamber, ers, processors, politicians, students and
With more than 1390 tweets uploaded on highlighting the importance of a dairy-inclu- consumers alike. High profile users such as
day one, the campaign was an instant suc- sive FTA with China. stand-up comedian, Wil Anderson, and Aus-
cess, sparking national and international in- “The Australian dairy industry currently tralia Day ambassador, Andrew Heslop, also
terest and importantly — bipartisan support trades at a competitive disadvantage ... when tweeted their support.
from Parliament. it comes to the Chinese market, and we need Aside from Twitter endorsements, the
An endorsement from Prime Minister to do everything we can to help,” Mr Chester campaign received massive online, print and
Tony Abbott, who said he would be fight- said. broadcast coverage, plus some exposure in
ing for dairy’s interest in negotiations with China’s dairy market has grown exponen- Chinese media. ADF chief executive officer
China, came on day two of the campaign. tially from $20.7 billion in 2008 to $40.6 bil- Natalie Collard also gave an interview with
Similarly, Minister for Trade and Invest- lion in 2013. ABC Landline’s Pip Courtney, which saw the
ment, Andrew Robb, stated that he would Chinese consumer opinion of the domes- campaign secure a prime televised highlight.
pursue a ‘New Zealand Plus’ deal when it tic dairy market has weakened since the Positively backed by the people, it’s clear
comes to the dairy sector. 2008 melamine incident, which resulted in that Australia both wants and needs a pro-
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Joel Fit- six infant fatalities. dairy FTA with China. Now, it’s up to the
zgibbon made support for dairy clear when Additionally, a rapidly expanding mid- Government. D
he tweeted, “What’s good for dairy is good dle class has prompted a massive push for
for Oz”, while Nationals Senator Bridget “clean and green” imported dairy products Follow ADF on Twitter:
McKenzie and Liberal MP Dan Tehan also from high quality producers such as Aus-
advocated strongly for the campaign. tralia. Australian dairyfarmers seek access
Nationals Senator Darren Chester gave to their growing domestic market and have @AusDairyFarmers
Highlights of #FTA4dairy
8 The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014
MILK MATTERS
Dairy takes centre
stage at Parliament
D
AIRY took centre stage at Par-
liament on October 1 when the
Australian Dairy Industry Coun-
cil (ADIC) ventured to Canberra
to officially launch the Australian Dairy
Vision.
The event literally put dairy on the politi-
cal radar, transporting Alicia and Bicassa,
two dairy show cows from Cumberoona
Holstein Farm, to the lawns outside Parlia-
ment House under the watchful eye of their
owners, Ian and Lisa Hindmarsh.
At ease with the crowds, the dairy duo
helped to promote the industry’s vision
for the future while dairy representatives
detailed its importance to interested mem-
bers of Parliament. Members of the public
turned up in droves, attracted by the cows
and staying for a chat and the ice cream in
the Canberra sunshine. Dairy cows, members of parliament and industry on the lawns at Federation Mall.
ADIC chair Noel Campbell formally
presented the Australian Dairy Vision at to bring all aspects of industry and govern- drive Australia’s $13 billion dairy industry
the ADIC Dairy Dinner later that evening, ment involved with dairy closer than ever in the next decade.
where more than 100 parliamentary repre- before. “The Dairy Vision is our industry’s guide
sentatives and industry dignitaries gathered The Dairy Vision received bipartisan for the way forward,” he said. “The vision’s
to acknowledge dairy’s significant contri-support, with Minister for Agriculture implementation plan will not only drive
bution to the Australian economy in the Barnaby Joyce and Shadow Minister for collective action; it will also be a measure
past 225 years. Agriculture Joel Fitzgibbon praising the of progress throughout the Australian dairy
industry for its initiative in bringing its as-
There was an undeniable sense of excite- value chain.”
ment in the air, with attendees engaged inpirations to Parliament. Guests including State farmer representa-
thoughtful discussions about dairy, demon- Mr Joyce highlighted the dairy indus- tive leaders, executives from dairy’s 13 ma-
try’s progress in the past two centuries and
strating the evening’s success in establish- jor processors, ADIC directors and members
ing strong connections between the nation-proclaimed that despite challenges facing of parliament enjoyed a dairy-inspired menu
al industry and parliamentarians built on the industry — in particular with regard to designed to showcase the industry’s world-
deep understanding and respect. international free trade agreements — its class produce, including the 2013 Annual
The vision, “Australian Dairy — Pros- prospects for the future were good. Grand Dairy Award cheese winners. D
perous, Trusted, World-Renowned Nutri- Similarly, Mr Fitzgibbon acknowledged For more information and to obtain a
the strong leadership and commitment of
tion”, is a statement which the industry as- copy of the Australian Dairy Vision visit
dairy industry leaders who had worked
pires to be known for and proud of by 2025. website .
Vision as an industry bench-
mark.
“I note the use of the word
‘unified’ in the vision state-
ment. This is important,” Mr
Fitzgibbon said.
“The dairy sector is often
seen as two distinct parts —
export and domestic — and
to some extent that remains
true. But what is good for one
is also good for the other and
all parts, and collaboration is
critical.”
Mr Campbell said he was
thrilled by the unified re-
ADF president Noel Cambell and Minister for Agricul- sponse from Parliament and
ture Barnaby Joyce chat on the lawn at Parliament was proud to be part of a con- Shadow Minister for Agriculture Joel Fit-
House. cept that would inspire and zgibbon at the ADIC Dairy Dinner.
The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014 9
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with dairy: Legendairy
A
NEW call to action is encourag- television, digital and outdoor advertising
ing Australians to start and end will appear timed with the back-to-school
their day with dairy foods in a bid period.
to increase dairy consumption. For more information head to website
Unveiled in October as part of the indus- .
try’s Legendairy marketing and communica-
tions platform, the message, ‘Start and end Dairy Australia annual
your day with dairy. Legendairy’, aims to general meeting
get consumers to think about when and why Dairy Australia’s 2014 annual general meet-
they eat dairy. ing (AGM) will be held on Friday, Novem-
According to Dairy Australia’s group ber 28, at Flemington Racecourse, Flem-
manager for industry promotion and product Consumers are being encouraged to ington, Victoria, starting at 10.30am. Dairy
start and end their day with dairy through
innovation, Isabel MacNeill, the call to ac- the Legendairy initiative.
Australia members are invited to attend the
tion is a much needed one. AGM, which will include the election of
“It’s a perfect opportunity to show how Whether it is encouraging mothers to start three directors to the Dairy Australia board,
versatile our products are at any time of day and end their children’s school day with one for a director with finance and govern-
and how an extra serve of dairy can easily fit dairy or encouraging athletes to eat dairy ance skills and two for directors with milk
into people’s day,” she said. before and after exercise, the call to action producer backgrounds.
Recent research by Dairy Australia conveys important health messages. Members should have received a formal
showed that dairy is cemented into consumer “Beyond showing the versatility of dairy invitation to the AGM, including the notice
habits at the start of the day, with 82% of sur- foods, it’s about reinforcing the essential role of meeting and voting proxy form, in the
veyed mothers with kids aged five to 12 con- dairy plays as part of a balanced, nutritious mail.
suming milk, cheese or yogurt at breakfast. diet,” Ms MacNeill said. Contact: Dairy Australia Member line,
Those mothers — the key consumer focus of “The message also has a natural fit with phone 1800 004 377.
Legendairy — are the biggest influencers of life on a dairy farm, linking into the rhythm
household food purchasing and eating habits. of farmers starting and ending the day milk- Mentoring for future
Consequently, there is an opportunity to ing cows.” dairy innovators
increase consumption at the end of the day, A campaign comprising print, online and Some of Australia’s brightest young aspiring
especially for milk. Just 14% of adults sur- social media activities was launched in Oc- bioscience PhDs have been matched with
veyed said they drank a glass of milk at, or tober to share the ‘start and end’ message. A dairy industry leaders in mentoring partner-
after, dinner. new landing page on the Legendairy website ships designed to develop tomorrow’s dairy
In its first year, Legendairy focused on has also been launched, offering dairy reci- innovators.
raising awareness of the industry and its pes, videos, a competition and an engaging The young scientist ‘mentees’ are post-
products. Now the focus has shifted to driv- new blog of lifestyle advice and activities graduate students involved in Dairy Futures
ing behaviour change and increased dairy written by real mums for real mums. CRC research. All the CRC’s PhD students
consumption. In February 2015, a major burst of new take part in the mentoring program. Last
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The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014 11dairy hot water
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12 The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014month, the aspiring mentees met with po- Supported by the industry’s Legendairy provides graduates with a $500 weekly liv-
tential industry mentors at a two-day work- initiative to help celebrate and share the Aus- ing allowance and includes all costs of train-
shop to begin their mentoring relationships. tralian dairy story, DairySA has already run ing, travel and accommodation covered by
Through ‘speed-networking’ and other ac- the workshop in South Australia and western Dairy Australia.
tivities, each student was partnered with a Victoria and plans to deliver it in other re- During the program, participants will
mentor who will provide professional and gions in the coming months. learn a range of dairy manufacturing top-
personal career guidance for at least the next “Dairyfarmers are always interested in ics such as Practical Cheese Making, Milk
12 months. ongoing training to help them run their busi- Powder Theory and Practice, Market Milk
Abdul Jighly’s research explores the po- nesses,” DairySA communications coordi- and Fat Products through the National
tential of genomic selection in forage spe- nator and workshop presenter Louise Stock Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NC-
cies. Mr Jighly chose Ron Paynter, a dairy- said. DEA) The program is strongly supported
farmer from Gippsland with experience in “While many farmers are actively using by many dairy manufacturers who pro-
agronomy, extension, education and a range platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, vide 3-5 day placements at their factories,
of industry leadership roles. Priyanka Reddy many don’t know the full potential they of- where successful graduates learn about the
is developing high resolution, large scale fer. Our workshops provide an overview of commercial aspects of dairy manufactur-
tests for the toxic and beneficial compounds Facebook and Twitter as well as highlight ing including milk powder, cheese, butter
produced by ryegrass endophytes, with a the power social media has to engage broad and liquid milk.
view to improved pasture persistence and audiences. Farmers can use social media for To be eligible for the program, applicants
animal health. She is partnered with Dr Bar- a range of purposes but the most important must have a science-based qualification at
bara Meurer, business development manager thing to remember is that it goes two ways. a degree or diploma level, preferably some
at Dairy Innovation Australia Ltd (DIAL). Listening to what others are saying and re- work experience in a food or related industry
Dairy Futures CRC chief executive officer sponding is just as important as pushing in- and most importantly, a passion for the dairy
Dr David Nation said the mentoring program formation out.” industry.
was an important part of the CRC’s commit- The training is also an important part of Dairy Australia program manager Dr
ment to provide at least 30 high-quality bio- providing farmers with opportunities to be- Mani Iyer said the scholarship attracted tal-
science researchers to support a productive come confident spokespeople for the indus- ented young people into dairy industry.
dairy industry. try. Australia’s dairyfarmers have an impor- Applications will close at 5pm EST on
More information at Dairy Futures tant story to tell and using social media to December 1.
CRC, website . powering to the entire industry. tralia website .
DairySA helps farmers to lead coming courses can contact their regional
social media charge development program. Dairy research resources
Dairyfarmers are embracing social media as Dairy Australia has access to the nation’s
an important communication tool through an Dairy manufacturing most comprehensive collection of dairy re-
innovative new social media workshop de- scholarships open to search resources. As levy payers, farmers
veloped by DairySA. graduates with dairy passion have free access to this virtual goldmine.
Recognising the opportunity social me- Applications are open for Dairy Australia’s “We have new materials from all over the
dia offers farmers to share, communicate popular Manufacturing Scholarship Pro- world added to our collection every week
and connect with both consumers and other gram, which offers new graduates and diplo- and our helpful staff are delighted to assist
farmers, DairySA developed a workshop to ma holders an opportunity to be trained in all your search,” the library manager Vesna Vu-
introduce farmers to the benefits of social the relevant aspects of dairy manufacturing. kasin said. D
media and how to capitalise on it both per- The program, which takes place across Contact the DA Library through the
sonally and for their business. eight-10 weeks from February to April 2015, website at .
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The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014 13Kick Off 2015 with
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14 The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014NEWS
Contest for DA
board positions
Two candidates will be contesting one of the milk producer director positions at the Dairy Australia
board elections this month. Both are Western Victorian dairyfarmers. The Warrnambool Standard’s
Steve Hynes spoke to them both.
Aiming for a new Eddie
Lisa Dwyer on
and
approach their farm at
Macarthur, Vic.
NULLAWARRE, Vic, farmer Michael Spitse is taking a
tilt at election to the Dairy Australia (DA) board.
Mr Spitse will challenge for a board position using
a provision of the DA constitution that has been used
only once before.
By gathering 100 signatures from DA levy-payers
to support his
nomination,
Mr Spitse has
guaranteed
himself the
Dairy convert
right to chal-
lenge for a
sets sights high
board position. LISA Dwyer never expected to be a dairyfarmer.
The process Ten years ago she was well established in a career in
was used suc- the thoroughbred racing industry and expected to stay
cessfully by there.
current board “I got hijacked into dairyfarming by a marriage pro-
member Kel- posal,” Mrs Dwyer said.
vin Jackson, a Since then she and her husband, Eddie, have bought
director since their own farm near Macarthur, Vic, and navigated
2006. through some of the most difficult years the industry has
Mr Spitse, known.
who milks 900 “We started from scratch,” Mrs Dwyer said. “That’s
cows on a farm why we bought a farm here — it’s not a prime dairying
south of Nul- area but it’s what we could afford. I had to stay in my job
lawarre, said for three years as a condition of getting the loan.”
he had chal- The couple has a strong belief in the dairy industry —
lenged for a a belief reinforced by having made it through drought,
board position the price crash of 2009 and volatile seasons and prices
Michael Spitse is a farmer from Nul- after being en- ever since.
lawarre, Vic, couraged to do “We have been able to survive and make progress
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The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014 15More courses
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so by other farmers. I was asked by people involved in despite all the things that have been thrown at us,” Mrs
the industry to stand for nomination as a director,” Mr Dwyer said. “If we have been able to do it from where we
Spitse said. started, it has to be a pretty good industry.”
“After some consideration I decided to stand be- Mrs Dwyer has thrown herself into the industry, aiming
cause I hope to bring a different view to the table. to help steer its future.
“I think it is a worrying trend that the dairy industry is She has gained an agribusiness graduate certificate
not growing while we have a lot of resources like land from the University of Melbourne, qualified with the Aus-
and information.” tralian Institute of Company Directors, gained election
If elected, Mr Spitse will take concerns over how DA as a non-executive director of the Australian Livestock
spends its money to the boardroom — concerns ex- Export Corporation and been appointed chairwoman of
pressed by a large number of producers in the lead-up WestVic Dairy, the regional development arm of Dairy
to the last dairy levy poll in 2012. Australia (DA).
“I want to challenge DA from the inside out over cur- Now she’s aiming higher, with a place on the DA board
rent funding models, projects and developments for in her sights.
dairyfarmers,” he said. “I believe DA’s role should be about getting more dol-
“We need to continue the projects that have proved lars into farmers’ pockets,” Mrs Dwyer said. “It’s the re-
their merit, avoid duplication and think about commer- sponsibility of directors to deliver what matters to dairy-
cialising certain services.” farmers. To do that you have to listen first.”
Dairy Australia board selection
THE process for selecting candidates tion committee
to stand for election to the Dairy Aus- and are standing
tralia (DA) board as non-executive di- for election for
rectors at the annual general meeting the first time.
in November was finalised in Septem- Chair of DA
ber. and dairyfarmer
The board selection committee, Geoff Akers was
comprised of industry representatives also nominated
and chaired by Dr Alan Grant, over- for re-election as
saw the process which is governed by a director.
DA’s constitution. “Following the
There are three vacancies this year: committee proc-
one for a director with finance and au- ess a nomination
dit skills and two for directors with milk based on 100
producer backgrounds. Group A mem-
“The constitution provides two paths bers for Michael Chair of Dairy Australia and dairyfarmer Geoff Akers has
to election as director; the first is to Spitse, a Victori- been nominated for re-election as a director.
be nominated by the board selection an milk producer,
committee and the second is to be was received, and as required by the election alongside that of Mrs Dwyer,”
nominated by at least 100 Group A constitution, the committee consid- Dr Grant said.
members,” Dr Grant said. ered Mr Spitse’s skills and experience Amendments to the organisation’s
The former chairman and president to decide which board-nominated constitution, adopted at the 2013 an-
of the Institute for Chartered Account- candidate he should stand against,” nual general meeting, require at least
ants, Jan West, and dairyfarmer and Dr Grant said. “On this basis, it was two of the vacant positions be filled by
chairman of WestVic Dairy, Lisa Dw- determined that DA members would milk producers to ensure there are four
yer, were selected by the board selec- consider Mr Spitse’s nomination at the milk producer directors on the board.
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The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014 17www.nhia.org.au
1/112 SYNNOT STREET WERRIBEE VIC 3030 PHONE (03) 9742 7244 FAX (03) 9742 7696 169
A new way to
buy semen for AI
By CAROL MILLAR
T
HE Gene Market is an innovative liquid nitrogen stored in their absorbent
way for farmers to buy semen for walls so there is no danger of the shipper
their artificial insemination (AI) tipping over and any dangerous liquid es-
breeding requirements and have caping. This means that shipping charges
it delivered directly to the farmgate with do not have to include expensive “danger-
the minimum of fuss or effort. ous goods” charges. The vapour shipper
Conceived — pun intended — by Dr must be returned to Total Livestock Genet-
Shane Ashworth of Total Livestock Ge- ics by return post.
netics (Australia’s premier semen collec-
tion facility) at Camperdown, Victoria, What to do when the
The Gene Market is a way for anyone to shipper arrives
go online and choose from a range of bulls It is vitally important that farmers transfer
(currently more than 300) from all of Aus- the semen from the vapour shipper into
tralia’s major semen suppliers. their own AI tank as soon as possible after
The online catalogue has all the details its arrival.
of current sire evaluations for each bull, They must not leave it sitting in the va-
provided by the company that owns it, and pour shipper for any longer than is neces-
potential customers can quickly and easily sary. It is vital for the integrity of the se-
sort through the list of bulls according to men that it is transferred immediately into
their own criteria. a semen tank with sufficient levels of liquid
For example, for a dairyfarmer interested nitrogen present.
in sexed semen from proven Holstein bulls The vapour shipper should be placed Shipments are sent in special lightweight
it is simple to get a page showing the 26 as close to the AI tank as possible. Two vapour shippers.
bulls available in this category, along with people are needed for the transfer process:
their details, such as pricing. The buyer one to lift the canister in the vapour shipper
just has to click on the “Add to shipper” tab and the other to lift the canister in the AI Give it a go
and choose how many doses of semen are tank. Forceps or tweezers should be used The Gene Market makes buying semen
required. All payments are via credit card. to transfer the goblet of semen across into from a wide range of semen companies
Shipments are done in special light- the AI tank — not fingers. Using fingers quick and easy. It is a great innovation that
weight vapour shippers, which have been can compromise semen quality and cause gives Australian farmers a wide choice and
specially imported from South America for burns or blisters. a quick, efficient delivery service right to
the purpose. The shippers can hold a maxi- This process must be accomplished their home addresses.
mum of 200 doses of semen and keep the quickly and efficiently. There is plenty of There is a limited range of merchandise
semen at the correct temperature for about research that shows the semen begins to also available on the website, such as AI
10 days. thaw within two seconds of being exposed gloves, sheaths and heat-detection devices.
Vapour shippers have a porous inte- to room temperature, and when this hap- In addition, there is also an inventory of
rior wall that absorbs liquid nitrogen. This pens the quality of the semen is compro- frozen embryos available for sale and im-
“super insulation” technology means the mised. It is vital that farmers pay close mediate delivery. D
proper thermal performance is maintained attention to semen-handling techniques as For further information or ordering,
during shipping via a road freight company. conception rates can be affected by poor visit website: .
18 The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014Improve your fertility
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Dairy cow fertility and your profitability
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Cows Create Careers
celebrates milestone
T
WO hundred industry representa-
tives from across Australia’s
dairy regions came together in
September to celebrate 10-years
of Dairy Australia’s Cows Create Careers
— Farm Module project.
The anniversary dinner, held in the
project’s founding region of Gippsland,
showcased 10 years of a successful indus-
try, education and community collabora-
tion and celebrated the many dairyfarmers,
volunteers and participants who have made
Cows Create Careers possible in the past
decade.
Speaking at the event, Dairy Austral-
ia managing director Ian Halliday said
Cows Create Careers had grown from nine
Gippsland schools in 2004 to more than
209 schools across 23 dairy regions in
2014, with 51,855 students completing the Trish and Graeme Lancey were among those who celebrated the 10th anniversary of
Cows Create Careers.
project since its inception.
“Cows Create Careers has continued to week-old calves at school and complete a with students, teachers, dairyfarmers, in-
go beyond the classroom, with many young dairy industry curriculum. Throughout the dustry advocates and communities through
people being inspired to pursue a career project, volunteer dairyfarmers and indus- its investment into the project. The National
in the dairy industry after completing the try advocates visit the school and share Centre for Dairy Education Australia also
project,” he said. their industry knowledge with students. plays an important role by being an educa-
Mr Halliday said the project’s 10-year The project started in 2004 with dairy- tional link for the schools throughout the
success could not have been possible with- farmers of the Strzelecki Lions Club in Vic- project and commercial sponsors continue
out industry and volunteer support. toria. The Gardiner Foundation provided to support the project across the nation. D
“Cows Create Careers has gained huge seed funding in 2005 to expand the project For more information on Dairy Aus-
support from volunteer dairyfarmers and to all dairying regions in Victoria, and in tralia’s Cows Create Careers program
industry advocates across the nation,” he 2006, Dairy Australia supported the growth visit website .
“Volunteers are the face of Cows Cre-
ate Careers — they educate and support
students on dairy career pathways, build
awareness of the dairy industry, and build
connections with dairy communities.”
Cows Create Careers aims to increase
the awareness of dairy industry careers in a
hands-on way: across six weeks, secondary
students are educated by rearing two three-
Ian Halliday: Cows Create Careers has
gained huge support from volunteer dairy-
farmers and industry advocates across The founders of the Cows Create Careers program Deanne Kennedy and John
the nation. Hutchison are congratulated by Dairy Australia chair Geoff Akers.
The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014 21Sharing passion for dairy
W
ITH a love of animals and the typical stuff I can be found halter train-
the show arena, Ollie Abb- ing cattle for shows, planning show teams,
litt has an infectious enthu- scheming the breeding of our next top cow
siasm for the dairy industry. — it all keeps me challenged.”
Growing up in North West, Tasmania, Ms However, her favourite aspect of the job
Abblitt’s parents, grandparents, uncles, is watching the animals develop. “I spend
aunts and cousins are all either dairyfarm- a lot of time working out breeding plans
ers or involved in the dairy industry. for the cows,” she said. “It is rewarding
“I spent school holidays on my parents’ to see a mating that really works — to see
farm and I would have a week’s ‘holiday’ something on paper turn into a really good
with my grandparents, which usually in- animal in the calf shed, the paddock and
volved helping out on their dairy farm,” Ms then the dairy — and if we are lucky, the
Abblitt said. showring. Call me crazy, but anyone who
In 2008, Ms Abblitt participated in Dairy has bred animals will know the rewarding
Australia’s Cows Create Careers program feeling that I am talking about.”
as a Year 10 student at Circular Head Chris- It was this passion for the dairy industry
tian School in Smithton, Tasmania. At the that inspired Ms Abblitt to become a Cows
time, teacher Josh Smith was involved in Create Careers volunteer in 2014 for Mil-
delivering the program at the school. licent High School, South Australia. Once a
“The program caters for all learning student participant, she decided to share her
types as there are many components to it; enthusiasm for the industry by becoming an
there is the hands-on calf rearing, computer industry advocate who visits the school and
research, craft, letter writing and scientific shares industry knowledge with the stu-
reports,” Mr Smith said. dents completing the program.
“Cows Create Careers is a good program Cows Create Careers industry advocate “I chose to become a Cows Create Ca-
because it captures the interests and skills Ollie Abblitt was once a participant in the reers industry advocate because I am young
of nearly all the students. Ollie is a good ex- program. and I have a passion for the dairy industry
ample of this; she did the program and was that I want to share,” Ms Abblitt said.
engaged by the variety of activities Cows ful because it brought a sense of commu- And it seems her previous experience as
Create Careers provided her.” nity into the classroom. a 16-year-old program participant has pro-
The program was taught within the “The success of Cows Create Careers, in vided Ms Abblitt with some handy insider
school’s science curriculum as Agriculture my opinion, is due to the fact that we are knowledge on how to engage high school
Science, and even though Ms Abblitt came bringing the ‘real world’ into the class- students. “One of the major keys is to know
from a strong dairyfarming background, rooms rather than teaching out of a text your audience: then you can connect, inter-
Cows Create Careers still offered her new book or researching information that may act and have a good time,” she said.
ideas and experiences. or may not be relevant,” he said. “We talk about calves, how most calves
“At 16, I only saw what was happening “Cows Create Careers provides a learn- are conceived, touch on genetics and what
physically on my parents’ farm and not all ing experience that is authentic and totally is involved with artificial insemination
the background work of people like agron- connected to the community.” (AI). I was able to take into class AI guns,
omists, nutritionists and financial advisers,” After completing Year 12 in 2013, Ms semen straws and sheaths.”
she said. Abblitt then went on to complete a Certifi- However, there are some topics that re-
“We got to look at aspects of soil science cate III and IV in Agriculture, and by Janu- ceive a mixed reaction in the classroom.
and plant biology, some of the information ary 2014, she had been offered an appren- “Talking about dairy reproduction has the
I learnt then is the basis of my soil science ticeship on a dairy farm in Glencoe, South students either pretty involved or grossed
knowledge today. I would credit Cows Cre- Australia. out,” she said.
ate Careers for opening my mind further It was her drive and passion for the The passionate young dairyfarmer has
to more aspects of the dairy industry and dairy industry that made her make the aspirations to keep building her career in
what’s involved with dairy industry jobs.” journey across the Tasman to take up the dairy — an industry that she loves and finds
The program’s ‘hands-on’ nature — es- new opportunity, and it paid off — the now challenging.
pecially interacting with two three-week- 22-year-old is herd manager, milking 330 “I love the challenges that we have to
old calves at school — was Ms Abblitt’s Guernseys on the 550-cow dairy farm. deal with,” she said. “I enjoy being told that
favourite part of the program. No two days on-farm are the same; Ms I have a target milk production, in calf rate,
“Being hands-on is one of the best as- Abblitt is involved with droving stock, tonnage of feed to be grown, etc. that have
pects of the program,” she said. “My fa- paddock rotations, feed budgeting, animal to be met. There is no better feeling than
vourite part of Cows Create Careers was health and nutrition, calf rearing and the when you can conquer these goals, or even
having the calves on the school campus genetic progress of the cows. better, pulverise them.
and being involved with them on a regular “We also show cattle at International ”I guess the thing that keeps me in the
basis.” Dairy Week and the Royal Adelaide Show,” industry is probably like all dairyfarmers:
Mr Smith said the program was success- she said. “So when I am not doing all of we love it.” D
22 The Australian Dairyfarmer November-December 2014You can also read
