The Northern

DairyfarmerOCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2008

■■ Climate changekey challenge

PAGE 4

■■ On-farm effluentplans get backing

PAGE 6

■■ QFF opposesinterim basin plan

PAGE 8

■■ Internet openstrove ofinformation

PAGE 9

■■ Neutral outlookfor spring rainfall

PAGE 10

■■ DairySpectacular greatsuccess

PAGE 16

INSIDE

QUEENSLAND farming organi-sations have welcomed anAustralian Government plan towork with farmers to improvewater quality in the Great BarrierReef catchment.

The Queensland DairyfarmersOrganisation (QDO), togetherwith the Queensland FarmersFederation (QFF) and its othermember organisations, Growcom,Canegrowers and CottonAustralia, have welcomed FederalMinister for Agriculture, Fisheriesand Forestry Tony Burke’s outlineof the Government’s plan to workwith farmers, industry organisa-tions and natural resource man-agement (NRM) bodies toimprove the water quality.

QDO chief executive officerAdrian Peake said he waspleased Mr Burke had publiclyacknowledged the impressivework on farms to lift water qual-ity and that he was committed tothe reef program, which includes$146 million in funding for fiveyears to help improve on-farmpractices.

The program, to start in thecoming months, includes incen-tives for farmers to adoptimproved on-farm NRM prac-tices for better quality of waterrunning off their farms.

The dairy industry’s compo-nent of the program will revolvearound delivering the DairyBetter N Better program and theDairying Better N Better continu-ous improvement program mod-

ule On the Moo’ve, combinedwith on-farm incentives to sup-port adopting improved practices.

QFF, QDO, Growcom,Canegrowers, Cotton Australiaand AgForce formed this part-nership with reef regional bodiesto lobby for funds to help rurallandholders implement manage-ment changes to benefit waterquality and, ultimately, the GreatBarrier Reef.

The Federal Government has supported a program tohelp farmers improve the quality of water running off theirfarms in the Great Barrier Reef catchment areas.

KEY POINTS■■ Plan to lift farm

water quality■■ $146 million in

funding■■ Groups team up to

boost reef quality

Partnerships key to reef rescue

Prioritise investment: a vital stepTHE DAIRY industry in Queensland and northern NSW has to engage at a high level about dairy issuesin the immediate and long term that will have direct impact on what the northern dairy industry can accom-plish going forward.

Enhanced understanding of issues affecting production and future considerations relating to growthand confidence to invest have in the past guided investment in research, development and extension thatprovided the base for the Australian dairy industry to grow.

How we invest in the future has to always be under scrutiny.The dairy industry spends considerable time, collectively across all the organisations that serve it,

reviewing long-term strategy, setting priorities, and future work programs to ensure a continuing success-ful industry at all levels.

For the northern dairy industry, this continual review allows us to update specific issues that align with,and help, direct national programs and industry investment, as well as issues more regional and local incomplexity that the Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation (QDO) and Subtropical Dairy have identifiedneed consideration for long-term success at regional level.

Projects from this region in R&D (for example, the M5 farmlet trial, Nutrition Plu$ and Forage Plu$) wereborn out of variability issues producers encountered to provide reliable, quality feed bases for herds whenfaced with reduced rainfall and irrigation in the mid-90s.

This work in Queensland has now provided a base knowledge that has been extended across Australiaas more regions unfortunately experience similar challenges. Discussions with producers acrossQueensland have helped form our views on what the next challenges will be.

Subtropical Dairy, the regional R&D program, will hold its annual forum in late October at Toowoomba,Qld. Here they will take the opportunity to relay to dairyfarmers what these big issues are, and how theyare the body for linking regional R&D issues and needs through to Dairy Australia and in ensuring thatthese issues can be dealt with and their plan to do so.

I encourage producers to attend and take the time to become informed as to how your representativeshave your dollars invested to help you now and into the future.

In late September the Dairy Australia board travelled to meet in Queensland and engage with industryorganisations, including the QDO, Subtropical Dairy and other key stakeholders.

This visit to the north has been welcomed and provides another opportunity to pres-ent what research, development and extension work is happening in the northernindustry and what the key issues and opportunities are for the future.

The QDO took the opportunity to provide an update to the Dairy Australia board onthe Northern Dairy Industry Situation and Outlook and the many challenges and oppor-tunities we see need to be pursued to help dairyfarmers in the northern dairy industrystrengthen their businesses, and thus the indus-try, into the future.

WELCOME 3

Recognition a Spectacular bonusDOING valuable work for the dairy industry is one thing, being recognised as the ones doing the valuablework is quite another. This lack of acknowledgment or recognition has been at the forefront of many dis-cussions throughout the life of Subtropical Dairy. It was thus an unexpected bonus for us that when weagreed to support the youth program at the Dairy Spectacular held at Bangalow in northern NSW inSeptember, we would also receive valued recognition in the wider dairy community.

The Dairy Spectacular had previously been run in conjunction with the Casino Primex Field Days inJune.This year the organising committee decided to move the event to Bangalow and hold it in September.

The decision was rewarded with more than 200 entries of dairy cattle coming from Gympie, DarlingDowns, Beaudesert, northern NSW and further south, with teams from below Sydney attending.The showwas a magnificent display of quality dairy cattle with strong showing of Jersey, Holstein and Illawarrabreeds. Ayrshire and Guernsey were also represented.

Our decision to support this event was primarily because of its strong youth program, which was in linewith our support for the young farmer groups.

The Friday program gave our young people an opportunity to gain knowledge through workshops oncareers in the dairy industry as well as participate in presenting and exhibiting cattle, and junior judging.Both workshops were well-attended by young people at the show and local schools.

The Spectacular was also well-attended by local schools. The 300-plus schoolchildren, who heard apresentation on the dairy industry by Janine Teese, had the opportunity to ask questions. One local schoolhad only planned to bring some classes but were impressed enough by what was on offer that they decid-ed to bring the other classes as well. Good work, Ms Teese.

Ms Teese used a steel cow as an aid for her talk. It had the illustrious name of Tinneke (Tinni) and wasa big hit, allowing hundreds of kids to experience “milking a cow”. Tinni will be put out to pasture at theTonges for a while. As Sam Tonge was the breeder of this fine animal, I am sure he will take good care ofher. I believe she will be in demand for future events.

What really capped off a successful event was the recognition Subtropical received during the two days,with the ring announcer regularly acknowledging Subtropical Dairy and the role it plays in the industry

It is hard to assess the value to us from an event such as this but it was positive.We have been linked to a successful dairy showand youth day that was well-run and well-supportedby the industry.

I congratulate the organising committee for thevision and planning of an event which I believe willbecome a highlight on the dairy calendar.

EditorialEditors: Carlene and Alastair DowiePO Box 59, Carisbrook,Vic, 3464Email: <alastair.dowie@ruralpress.com>Phone/fax: (03) 5464 1382Mobile: 0418 553 282

AdvertisingAdvertising manager: Peter RoachPO Box 2544, Gladstone Park,Vic, 3043Email: <peter.roach@ruralpress.com>Phone: (03) 9344 9906Fax: (03) 9338 1044Mobile: 0417 371 364

Queensland Dairyfarmers’Organisation LtdAdrian Peake, Executive officerPO Box 13061, George Street Post Shop,Brisbane, Qld, 4003Phone: (07) 3236 2955Fax: (07) 3236 2956Email: <reception@dairypage.com.au>

Subtropical DairyJanine TeeseProgram manager – Subtropical Dairy LtdPhone: (07) 5462 2281Mobile: 0438 715 625Fax: (07) 3319 7268Email: <janine@dairyinfo.biz>

Mailing and distributionThe Northern Dairyfarmer is distributed todairyfarmers throughout Queensland andnorthern NSW. If you are a dairyfarmer andare not receiving a copy, contact:Queensland Dairyfarmers’ OrganisationPO Box 13061, George Street Post Shop,Brisbane, Qld, 4003Phone: (07) 3226 2995Fax: (07) 3236 2956Email: <reception@dairypage.com.au>

CopyrightAll material in The Northern Dairyfarmer iscopyright. Reproduction in whole or part isnot permitted without written permissionof the publisher.

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Published by:Agricultural Publishers Pty LtdABN 55 000 560 430

ISSN 1833-8887

The Northern Dairyfarmer magazine is ajoint industry owned and operatedpublication targeted at delivering the latestresearch and development information andindustry news to dairyfarmers and industrystakeholders of the northern dairyindustry.The Northern Dairyfarmer ispublished on about the 13th of everysecond month in February,April, June,August, October and December.

The Northern

Dairyfarmer

Laurie Dunne, ChairSubtropical Dairy

Wes Judd, PresidentQueensland Dairyfarmers Organisation

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

4 NEWS

CLIMATE change was the keyfuture challenge facing the ruralsector in Australia, the FederalMinister for Agriculture, TonyBurke, told the QueenslandFarmers Federation (QFF)annual dinner in September. Itwould impact on broader poli-cies such as drought and waterpolicy, he said.

The Federal Government hadallocated $130 million underAustralia’s Farming Future pro-grams to help the sector adjust,including $46 million forresearch and development pro-grams, Mr Burke said.

The Queensland DeputyPremier, Paul Lucas, used thedinner to release the long-await-ed SEQ Rural Futures Strategydiscussion paper.

The Minister for PrimaryIndustries, Tim Mulherin, out-lined the next steps in the ‘freshapproach’ reform of theDepartment of PrimaryIndustries and Fisheries(DPI&F) while the Minister forNatural Resources and Water,Craig Wallace, spoke on themerits of industry involvementin the successful State RuralWater Use Efficiency program.

The State Opposition Leader,Lawrence Springborg, spokeabout the importance of sup-portive policies for growth inagricultural production to meetfuture food needs, pointing todifficult balancing issues in theMurray Darling Basin.

The QFF vice-president,Joanne Grainger, thanked allthe speakers while the QFFpresident, Gary Sansom,described the night as a greatsuccess.

About 70 people attended thedinner, including the director-

general of the Premier’sDepartment, Ken Smith;Natural Resources and WaterDepartment director-general,Scott Spencer and deputy direc-tor, Debbie Best; secretary ofthe Federal Department ofAgriculture, Conall O’Connell;and deputy director-generals ofDPI&F, John Skinner, and of theInfrastructure and PlanningDepartment, Gary White.

Mr Sansom also released theQFF Annual Report.

QFF AGMThe QFF annual general meet-ing was held on Tuesday,September 9. Kingaroy, Qld,dairyfarmer and QueenslandDairyfarmers Organisation(QDO) senior vice-president,Brian Tessman, and Childerscanegrowers and senior vice-

president of Canegrowers, JoeRusso, were elected for addi-tional two-year terms as direc-tors. QFF president, GarySansom, and vice-president,Joanne Grainger, were not upfor election this year. Theirterms expire in 2009.

Other office-bearers electedwere:• water policy committee chair :Ross McInnes (QDO);• farm business and economics

policy committee chair: RonMullins (Canegrowers);• sustainable agriculture task-force: Keith Noble (Growcom);• workplace health and safetytaskforce: Gary Sansom (QFF);and• biosecurity taskforce: MarkPanitz (Growcom).

Mr Sansom thanked alloffice-holders and the staff ofQFF for their efforts throughoutthe year.

Climate change key challenge: BurkeKEY POINTS■■ Climate change to

impact range ofpolicies

■■ SEQ Rural FuturesStrategy released

■■ Supportive policiesneeded foragricultureproduction

MILK sales for Queenslandcontinue to well and truly leadthe country, with the year-to-date July figures running at 2.4%compared with a national aver-age of 0.7%.

The July production figurescame in at 3.4% higher than forJuly last year. This the first

increase in milk production forQueensland since November2005.

The QueenslandDairyfarmers’ Organisationhopes this signals better thingsto come, which would be great-ly helped with an early springbreak.

Qld milk sales lead way

DeputyPremier PaulLucas, QFFpresidentGary Sansomand ScenicRim CouncilMayor JohnBrent launchthe long-awaited SEQRuralFuturesStrategydiscussionpaper.

Tony Burke: climate changekey challenge.

Lawrence Springborg:supportive policies vital.

Craig Wallace: praisedindustry involvement inRural Water Use Efficiencyprogram.

Tim Mulherin: ‘Freshapproach' reformsexplained.

THE QUEENSLAND IndustrialRelations Commission hasapproved increases in StateAwards that took effect fromSeptember 1.The changes are:• $23.60 per week increase inthe adult award rates of pay;• 3.8% increase to all allowancesthat relate to work or conditions;

• junior award rates of pay areincreased by the same per-centage as the full-time adultrates;• Qld minimum wage is to beincreased to $552 per week.

Contact CommerceQueensland Employer AdviceLine, phone 1300 135 822.

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

NEWS 5

THE ANNOUNCEMENT thatDairy Farmers and NationalFoods have reached a $910 mil-lion deal, with National Foods toacquire all of the shares in theco-operative for $5.65/share, setsanother major page in Australiandairy industry history.

The bid by National Foods,owned by Japanese brewinggiant Kirin, puts it out in front ofrival offers. The proposal isunanimously backed by theDairy Farmers board in theabsence of a superior offer andsubject to an independentexpert’s report determining it isin the best interests of sharehold-ers.

If the offer is approved,National Foods and bid partnerWarrnambool Cheese & Butterwill control Dairy Farmersbrands. National Foods haspledged that suppliers to DairyFarmers who sign revised con-

tracts will receive competitivemilk prices.

Dairy Farmers chairman, IanLangdon, said the NationalFoods proposal offered share-holders an “attractive cash priceas well as providing certaintyregarding forward farm-gatemilk pricing and security of milksupply arrangements”.

It also delivers on the board’scommitment to provide share-holders a liquidity event follow-ing the co-operative’s 2004restructuring. To be successful,the proposal is subject to a num-ber of conditions, including sup-port of more than 75% of activemembers who vote.

“The proposal is also subjectto Dairy Farmers Milk Co-opera-tive (DFMC) entering intorevised supply contracts withnew or existing suppliers until atleast June 30, 2010,” MrLangdon said.

“This will be for minimumspecified volumes by region,which will maintain overall milkvolumes based on current milksupply levels. This, in turn, pro-vides certainty of milk off-takefor farmers.

“This competitive farm-gatemilk pricing will apply from thefirst day after the end of the milksupply month in which comple-tion of the acquisition occursuntil June 30, 2010. After thisperiod, National Foods has indi-

cated that it intends to continueto pay DFMC suppliers farm-gate milk prices that are compet-itive in the relevant region.”

National Foods managingdirector, Ashley Waugh, said theacquisition would result in “themost respected portfolio of dairybrands in Australia”.

“If the proposal is approvedby shareholders, a strategy willbe implemented to ensure aseamless transition to the newownership arrangements for bothbusinesses’ stakeholders, includ-ing farmer suppliers, customers,employees and franchise own-ers,” Mr Waugh said

The QueenslandDairyfarmers’ Organisation(QDO) urged dairyfarmer sup-pliers to consider options care-fully before making a decision.

“This sale of a major asset inyour business should be treatedas such and we urge all produc-ers who have not done so alreadyto seek financial advice as to thebest way to deal with the pro-ceeds from this sale,” QDO pres-ident Wes Judd said.

“Tax implications for thosewho don’t could be substantialand this asset value that has beenbuilt up over many generationswould not be done justice ifunnecessary tax or other liabili-ties, beyond what should beborne, confronted individualsdue to poor planning.”

Dairy Farmers going, going ...KEY POINTS■■ Dairy Farmers and

National Foodsreach deal

■■ Suppliers promisedcompetitive farm-gate milk prices

■■ Farmers shouldseek financialadvice aboutimpact

INDUSTRY selected nomi-nees, endorsed by the DairyAustralia board, will stand forelection to fill three vacantpositions on the board atDairy Australia’s annual gen-eral meeting on Friday,November 28.

Peter Nankervis, GeoffreyAkers and Wendy Craik havebeen nominated by anindustry committee compris-ing representatives fromAustralian Dairy Farmers(ADF) and the AustralianDairy Products Federation.

More info: Sid Pickering,phone (03) 9694 3894, email <spickering@dairyaustralia.com.au>.

Parmalat to stay for nowITALIAN dairy group Parmalat’sAustralian unit said last monthit plans to remain in the coun-try after missing out on buyingrival producer Dairy Farmers.

Parmalat officials toldinvestors at a briefing in Milanin August that the company wasconsidering several options forits Australian arm, includingexiting the market. But aspokesman for the Australianunit said it continued to be animportant part of the group.

Three nomineesfor DairyAustralia board

Qld dairy takes out Parmalat awardTHE PARMALAT 2008 DairyBusiness of the Year Awards havebeen announced. Overall winnersthis year are Scott and VictoriaMenkins, of Rosalie Plains,Queensland. The Menkins arealso category winners in the Total

Mixed Rations and Dryland inLow Rainfall section.

In the High Rainfall orIrrigated category, the winnersare Sam and Fleur Tonge, ofDobies Bight near Casino, NSW.

Criteria for the 2008 Dairy

Business of the Year focused onfarmer initiatives taken to recov-er from last summer’s drought.

THE SUBTROPICAL Dairyannual general meeting (AGM)will be held in Toowoomba,Queensland, on October 29 atthe City Golf Club, starting at10am.

All dairyfarmers are invitedto attend. Reports will be pre-sented by the chair Laurie

Dunne and executive officerJanine Teese. Subtropical Dairy,which is reviewing its constitu-tion, will present its proposedchanges.

To RSVP (for catering pur-poses), contact Janine Teese:phone 0438 715 625, or email<Janine@dairyinfo.biz>.

Subtropical Dairy AGM

Scott and Victoria Menkinswin the Parmalat DairyBusiness of the Year award.

Nod for Qld award wage rise

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

6 NEWS

MAXIMISING forage produc-tion from limited water resourceshas been made easier by theRural Water Use EfficiencyInitiative’s Dairy and FodderWater for Profit program.Assistance, in the form of on-farm technical advice, work-shops, field days and a financialaid scheme, is still available fordairy and fodder producers inQueensland for improvements toirrigation or effluent systems.

Funding is available for sys-tem upgrades or system change,based on a 50% contribution ofproject costs up to a maximum of$10,000. In addition, a newlydeveloped performance-basedincentive grant is also available

to approved applicants, as fur-ther incentive to show signifi-cant improvements in water-useefficiency or effluent manage-ment.

This additional grant is alsobased on a 50% contribution ofproject costs up to a maximumof $10,000. Each applicationwill be measured against a num-ber of key performance indica-tors to determine eligibility forthis additional funding.

Eligible dairy and fodder pro-ducers are urged to register foran on-farm system assessmentby a qualified irrigation or efflu-ent specialist to find out whereefficiency savings can be made.This information is crucial whenmaking decisions on whether toupgrade the current system orcompletely change to a new sys-tem.

A new series of workshopsfocusing on irrigation efficiencyand dairy effluent managementand reuse are being organised forlater this year.

These will also provide pro-

ducers with important informa-tion on managing and maintain-ing their irrigation and/or efflu-ent system.

Queensland dairy or fodderproducers who would like someassistance with improving theirirrigation or effluent systemshould fill in the enclosedflier/fax back form and send it

back to the QDO on fax (08)3236 2956.

The program is fundedthrough the QueenslandDepartment of NaturalResources and Water’s RuralWater Use Efficiency program,and is supported by theDepartment of PrimaryIndustries and Fisheries, Qld.

On-farm water, effluent plans backedKEY POINTS■■ Financial aid for

irrigation andeffluent works

■■ Maximum $10,000available

■■ Workshops plannedfor later this year

Dairyfarmers can obtain funds to help with works toimprove water efficiency.

Farm chemicals collection plannedQUEENSLAND’S ChemClearprogram is planning its third col-lection for later this year.

The program collectsunwanted, out-of-date, unla-belled and unknown ag vetchemicals.

To be included in the collec-tion, waste holders must bookin, by phoning 1800 008 182with the following information,if available:• manufacturer and productname;• expiry date;

• size of container, and • estimate of remaining quanti-ty.

Alternatively, they could faxa completed ChemClearInventory Sheet to (03) 93694380 or register online at web-site <www.chemclear.com.au>.

There are two classificationsof chemicals ChemClear col-lects:• Group 1 chemicals are cur-rently registered ag and vetchemicals manufactured by par-ticipating members of Croplife

Australia, Animal HealthAlliance (Australia) and TheVeterinary Manufacturers andDistributors Association. Group1 chemicals are collected free ofcharge.• Group 2 chemicals are anyderegistered, scheduled,unknown, unlabelled, mixed,or out of date chemicals orchemical products producedby non-participating manu-facturers. There is a fee fordisposal of Group 2 chemi-cals.

DUE TO the level of ongoinginjury rates in Queensland,Workplace Health and SafetyQueensland will target a 40%reduction in injuries and a 20%reduction in fatalities by 2012.

The Queensland Governmentwill release a Homecomingsawareness campaign aimed at

encouraging Queenslanders toplace a higher value on workplacesafety.

Its Minister for Transport,Trade, Employment andIndustrial Relations, JohnMickel, earlier this year releasedinformation about the dangersof unsafe and modified machin-

ery – in particular onQueensland farms. Mr Mickelsaid machinery safety guardswere often removed, modifiedor not secured, leaving workersat high risk of workplace acci-dents.

To ensure safety when usingmachinery, employers should

identify hazards and assess andcontrol risks; provide informa-tion, training, supervision andprotective equipment to staffand contractors working withthe machinery; and, consult withstaff about health and safety.

Contact: Website<www.deir.qld.gov.au>.

Guard against accidents

RECENT electrical-relateddeaths in the rural industryhave highlighted the need forincreased awareness of electri-cal safety. The Electrical SafetyOffice has a new booklet called‘Electricity in Rural Industry –Using it Safely’, which coverstopics such as power lines, irri-gation hazards, safety switches.

Visit website <www.deir.qld.gov.au/pdf/eso/electricity_rural_a5_booklet.pdf> or phone1300 650 662 for a hard copy.

New electricalsafety booklet

KEY DAIRY industry represen-tatives were among those whoattended the opening of theCentre for Advanced AnimalScience (CAAS) at Gatton,Queensland, last month.

The centre was opened by theMinister for Primary Industriesand Fisheries, Tim Mulherin.CAAS will house some of thenation’s leading scientists, whosework will directly impact thestate’s ability to increase foodproduction while ensuring theproduction footprint remainsproperly focused.

“The work of CAAS scien-tists will target a range of proj-ects which are important on theworld stage,” Mr Mulherin said.“In part, the research will targetthe reduction of greenhouseemissions in cattle, the develop-ment of a cattle tick vaccine anda key international poultry dis-ease issue – coccidiosis.

“These are practical ways theBligh Government can helpQueensland researchers tacklethe vital issues of food securityand biosecurity. Many of the sci-

entists’ projects will address notonly domestic issues but mattersof global importance to primaryproducers.

“The innovative researchtackled by CAAS scientists willalso aim to draw some of theworld’s foremost research lead-ers, who will be able to visit andcollaborate with our staff.”

Mr Mulherin said the newCAAS facilities at the Gattoncampus of the University ofQueensland (UQ), were part ofthe Department of PrimaryIndustries and Fisheries(DPI&F’s) “fresh approach” togrowing the primary industriessector.

“In order to gain maximumimpact for the agricultural indus-try, my department is refining itswork under three pillars: build-ing skills for the future, deliver-ing innovative research partner-ships to grow investment, as wellas driving profitability from thefarm ‘gate to plate’,” he said.“CAAS falls under the secondpillar – innovative research part-nerships.”

UQ vice-chancellor ProfessorPaul Greenfield said the DPI&Fand Smart State investments inCAAS highlighted the state’scommitment to scientificresearch as the basis for soundpolicy and practice.

“CAAS is the way of thefuture cutting-edge infrastructurecreated by a joint venturebetween the Bligh Governmentand UQ, with a strong industry

focus,” Professor Greenfieldsaid.

“It is a vital component of amajor upgrade at UQ Gatton,which includes making Gattonthe home of our School ofVeterinary Science. The strategywill give Queensland the bestprecinct in Australia — and oneof the best anywhere in the sub-tropics – for research and teach-ing involving animals.

“It will offer advanced educa-tion and training to futureresearchers and industry profes-sionals responding to industry’sneed for a workforce that isexpert in areas including animalhealth and welfare, livestock pro-duction and animal-relatedbiosecurity.”

Mr Mulherin said the openingof CAAS marked an importantmilestone in the efforts of indus-try, researchers and government

to deliver an innovative approachto agricultural research.

“These facilities provide anunprecedented opportunity forAustralian agricultural researchand will be a drawcard for addi-tional investment to drive growthin primary industries,” he said.

“As well as containmentrooms for disease research, thefacilities include grouped andindividual animal pens for nutri-tion trials, a feed-processingshed and cattle-handling yards.

“This facility will boostworld-class research into animalgrowth, adaptation, welfare, andhealth and vaccines – researchthat is vital if we are to addressthe growing problem of globalfood shortages.”

CAAS is a joint commitmentby the DPI&F, UQ and theDepartment of Tourism, RegionalDevelopment and Industry.

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

RESEARCH FACILITIES 7

New animal study centre opens

The first-class research facilities at the new Centre forAdvanced Animal Science.

KEY POINTS■■ New research

centre joint work■■ Research aims for

less cattlegreenhouse gases

■■ Cattle tick vaccinedevelopmentplanned

THE QUEENSLAND Ministerfor Primary Industries, TimMulherin, has announced anindependent review into a com-bined facility on the Tablelands,which will replace the researchstations at Kairi, Walkamin andSouthedge, as well as theAustralian Agricultural CollegeCorporation’s Mareeba campus.

The laboratory facilities atMareeba, which are beingupgraded, would be retainedunder the review.

The review is part of the

Department for PrimaryIndustries and Fisheries (DPI&F)“fresh approach” to build skillsfor the future, deliver innovativeresearch partnerships to growinvestment and network andmodernise services.

It will make recommenda-tions on location of a singlefacility, which could be at a newsite or one of the existingDPI&F sites on the Tablelands.

Queensland FarmersFederation (QFF) chief execu-tive officer John Cherry and

Queensland Dairyfarmers’Organisation (QDO) chief exe-cuitve officer Adrian Peake haveattended a number of steeringcommittee meetings for theAtherton Tablelands componentof the DPI&F fresh approachreview.

The steering committee isoverseeing the review.The con-sultants held the first round ofconsultations with key industrystakeholders on the Tablelandsin late August and anotherround in early September.

The QFF and QDO havesought more information fromDPI&F on current capability andworkload of existing facilities aspart of the review to ensure thedepartment retains the capabili-ty to deal with industryresearch and development.

The QDO is working withlocal industry representatives topresent the R&D needs of theregion’s dairy industry,

More info: email <freshapproach@dpi.qld.gov.au> orphone DPI&F on 13 25 23.

DPI seeks views on combined Tablelands facility

Industry input on emissions trading

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

8 CLIMATE CHANGE

THE QUEENSLAND FarmersFederation (QFF) is opposing theformulation of an ‘interim basinplan’ as a panic reaction to theconcerns about the lower lakes ofthe Murray Darling Basin. In asubmission to the Senate Inquiryinto emergency measures to findwater for the Lower MurrayLakes, QFF is arguing that aminimum of two years will berequired to conduct effectiveplanning process.

Chief executive officer JohnCherry said this provided foreffective consultation, which rig-orously and iteratively engageslocal communities in the prepa-ration and implementation of theBasin Plan and its associatedprograms.

“There is a deep concern thatany proposals for an interim planwill fail to bring catchment com-munities along as an integral partof the planning process,” MrCherry said.

“QFF also questions the meritof targeting water holdings in theupper catchment as a means ofwatering the lower lakes, point-ing to losses of upwards of 70%-80% in moving the water down-stream,” he said.

“The only solution in theshort- to medium-term is for rainacross the Murray Darling catch-ment to increase flow to the

lakes. But South Australiansshould also look to their ownbackyards for solutions as well.”

If Adelaide householdsmoved to the same water restric-tions as Brisbane, about 55,000megalitres less would be drawnfrom the Murray.

“That is, around 18% of theamount needed to refill LakeAlexandrina,” Mr Cherry said.“In 2006/07, Adelaide house-holds consumed an average of235 kilolitres compared to just153 kilolitres by Brisbane house-holds.

“While Brisbane householdswere watering backyards withbuckets in 2007, Adelaide resi-dents were still able to turn ontheir sprinklers for three hours aday. Even now, watering times inAdelaide are up to three hours aweek, compared to 30 minutes inBrisbane.”

QFF opposesinterim basin planKEY POINTS■■ MDB plans must

involvecommunities

■■ Qld no solution toLower Lakesproblems

■■ Adelaide waterrestrictions wouldhelp

THE AUSTRALIAN dairyindustry seeks further engage-ment with the FederalGovernment on the industry’sconcerns identified in itsresponse to the Carbon PollutionReduction Scheme (CPRS) dis-cussion paper.

Australian Dairy IndustryCouncil (ADIC) chairman AllanBurgess said a preliminaryexamination of the CPRS discus-sion paper had provided aninsight into flow-on impactsalong the dairy industry’s inte-grated supply chain.

“When one part of the chainis impacted, it flows on to anoth-er,” he said. “Therefore, all dairyindustry players – especiallyfarmers – will be impacted fromthe start of the scheme in 2010,even though the inclusion of theagriculture sector is not proposeduntil 2015,” he said.

Mr Burgess said the industryhad invested considerable effortin analysing and developing itssubmission, and had been able todraw on its strength of whole-of-industry collaboration from farm-ers through to manufacturing.

“The dairy industry hasdeveloped to be highly produc-tive and internationally competi-tive over recent decades throughadapting to challenges,” he said.“Today, climate change posesfurther significant risks and chal-lenges, and the industry hasmade adaptation to climatechange its number one priority.”

Mr Burgess welcomed theopportunity to provide theGovernment with the industry’sresponse and recognises this isthe start of a process of consulta-tion with the Government.

CONTINUING media misinfor-mation about the role ofQueensland Murray Darling irri-gators and the state of the riverin South Australia was highlight-ed by a front page article in TheAustralian recently pointing to a‘record’ take of 1041 gigalitresof water for irrigation in theQueensland Murray Darlingcatchments in the past 12months.

However, the article failed to

mention the Queensland takewas less than a third of allocationin five of the six previous years,as Queensland irrigators facedlarge cuts in allocations muchearlier than in most other states.

Furthermore, Queensland’saverage take has been just 4.9%of the annual average diversiontaken by the five states in thebasin.

In 2006-07, NSW took morethan 1500GL and Victoria

1400GL, 10 times the 149GLdiverted by Queensland in thatdry year. On average, thesestates have diverted 5368GL(54%) and 3383GL (34%) peryear, respectively, in the past 13years.

More than 70% ofQueensland diversions are byirrigators who rely on naturalriver flows, allowed in accor-dance with statutory waterresource plans, which provide

for environmental flows duringwet and dry conditions as wellas sharing water for consump-tive purposes.

The Queensland FarmersFederation argues that whetherthe Queensland system can bemanaged better to meet envi-ronmental flows in the basin, andparticularly the southern basin,is not something that can bedecided without a full basinplanning process.

THE QUEENSLAND FarmersFederation (QFF) has calledon Federal and StateGovernments to urgentlycommission research on thelikely impact of the proposedemissions trading scheme onfarm inputs.

While emissions fromfarming will be excluded fromthe scheme in 2010, the costof energy-intensive farminputs will rise immediately.Farmers will receive a rebateon-farm fuel cost increases forat least the first three yearsbut not for rises in electricity,chemicals, fertilisers, waterand (after 2011) freight.

With a $20/tonne carbonprice, farm costs could rise by2-3%; with a $40/tonne carbonprice, costs could rise 4%-6% .The Climate Change Inquiryheaded by Ross Garnautreleased its next report on thebroader economic costs ofdifferent trajectories of cuts inemission in September.Treasury modelling of industryimpacts is due in October.

What is also needed isbasic information for varioustypes of farms and commodi-ties to discuss what shouldhappen with compensation fortrade-exposed industries from2010.

The QFF has met with theDepartment of PrimaryIndustries and Fisheries, andwill meet with the FederalDepartment of Agriculture onthe issue.

QFF calls forclimate-changefarm cost analysis

Facts missing in Qld Murray reports

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES 9

A CLICK of a mouse opens up aworld of information for dairy-farmers, including industrynews, research results, informa-tion on industry programs, tools,spreadsheets and links to otherrelevant sites, according to DiGresham. Mrs Gresham providesfarmer training on Internet, emailand computer-based farm-man-agement programs.

“People can get overwhelmedby the technology, but once theywork through some training andfeel comfortable with their com-puter, they realise the enormouspotential it offers,” she said.“They can access good-qualityinformation on a range of issueswithout having to go anywhere.”

Mrs Gresham said farmerscould visit innovative sites thatcontained information on a rangeof topics. For example, ThePeople in Dairy website at<www.thepeopleindairy.org.au>offered a wealth of informationand tools for farmers on how toattract, deploy, retain and devel-op the people involved in theirbusinesses.

Designed specifically fordairyfarmers, the website covers

all aspects of staff recruitment,pay and conditions and even hasexamples of questions to ask dur-ing the interview.

“The People in Dairy websiteis the only place that has allinformation about recruitment ondairy farms in the one spot,” MrsGresham said.

She said farmers could alsoaccess specialist sites such asThe People in Dairy throughlinks from the dairyinfo.biz web-site. The dairyinfo.biz siteoffered farmers and people

working in the dairy industry acentral hub to access a range ofinformation and resources gener-ated from industry research andextension programs, she said.

Internet opens treasuretrove of information

Computer trainer Di Gresham takes Cedar Pocketdairyfarmer Michelle Bunter on a tour of internet sitesuseful to dairyfarmers, including<thepeopleindairy.org.au>.

Labouring thepoint at Camden

PEOPLE who attend this year’sDairy Research Foundation’ssymposium at Camden, NSW,will learn a variety of approachesto address labour issues on dairyfarms. Speakers include bothfarmers and industry experts.

FutureDairy’s project leaderand organiser of the event, DrYani Garcia, said topics includedhow to keep good staff, succes-sion planning, using overseasworkers, equity partnershipsand automation options toreduce labour needs, for exam-ple robotic milking.

The symposium will alsolook at trends affecting dairybusinesses in the coming 12months such as grain availabilityand price, fertiliser price trends,carbon trading implications andglobal markets. Participants willtour FutureDairy research trialsbeing conducted at Camden.

Farmers from all overAustralia flock to the sympo-sium each year.

It has developed a reputa-tion for providing a relevant,exciting forum for dairyfarmersto find out about the latestresearch and how it could beapplied on their own farm aswell as hear from farmers ondifferent ways they haveachieved success.

The Dairy ResearchFoundation 2008 Symposiumwill be held on November 6-7at the Camden Civic Centre.

To register, contact SherryCatt, phone (02) 9351 1631 oremail <sherryc@camden.usyd.edu.au>.

KEY POINTS■■ Computer provides

access to widerange ofinformation

■■ People in Dairy hasinformation aboutmanaging staff

MORE INFOWeb:<www.thepeopleindairy.org.au>Phone: (03) 9620 7283Web:<www.dairyinfo.biz>

THE NORTHERN Australianoutlook for total spring(September to November) rain-fall is neutral, with the odds closeto 50:50 for a wetter-than-normalseason, according to the Bureauof Meterology.

The pattern of seasonal rain-fall odds across Australia resultsmainly from continued warmthin the central and south-easternIndian Ocean, especially off thewest coast of Western Australia,the bureau said in its NorthernAustralian Seasonal RainfallOutlook: probabilities forSpring 2008, released in lateAugust.

The chances of exceeding themedian rainfall for spring aremainly 45%-55% over northernAustralia, with probabilities a lit-tle over 55% in south-eastQueensland. So for every 10years with ocean patterns like thecurrent, about five springs areexpected to be wetter than aver-age across the Northern Territoryand Queensland, while about five

are drier. Outlook confidence isrelated to how consistently thePacific and Indian Oceans affectAustralian rainfall.

During spring, history showsthis effect to be moderately con-sistent across most of the NT andQueensland except for the cen-tral NT and south-eastQueensland, where it is onlyweakly consistent.

The approximate 30-dayvalue of the Southern OscillationIndex (SOI) was +3 as at August23, while a mixed pattern ofwarmer- and cooler-than-normaltemperatures persists along theequatorial Pacific Ocean.

Both these observations indi-cate a neutral climate patternacross the Pacific, which com-puter models indicate is likely tocontinue for the next few sea-sons.

Crop forecastMeanwhile, Rabobank’s latestcommodity reports saidAustralia’s wheat production for

the 2008/09 season “remainsvery much in the balance”. Theharvest is forecast to reach 21million tonnes — an increase of61% on last year.

The Australian Bureau ofAgricultural and ResourceEconomics (ABARE), in itsSeptember edition of theAustralian Crop Report, saiddespite winter rainfall across theAustralian grains belt beingaverage or below average, timingof the rains has been opportuneand crops were in a reasonableposition leading into spring.

Australia’s winter grains pro-duction is forecast to be about 35million tonnes in 2008-09 —close to 13 million tonnes morethan the drought-affected 2007-08 harvest.

This latest winter crop fore-cast represents a slight down-ward revision on the 37 milliontonnes forecast released byABARE in June 2008.

Spring rainfall is critical forthese forecasts to be realised.

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

10 DROUGHT

THE ‘MILKING the Drought’project continues to offer servic-es and support to farmersthroughout central and southernQueensland. Services are basedon helping farmers manage theirbusiness through the droughtand subsequent recoveryprocess.

A key service being offered isthe opportunity to have an on-farm discussion about the farmbusiness and do a simple farmassessment and plan.

This plan may focus on areasin the business that need atten-tion, or simply sign-post farmersto where they can gain furtheraid or advice on relevant topics.It is a great time to focus on anydrought aid that may be available

and get some help with applica-tions.

In response to the expressionof interest offered to farmers ear-lier in the year, the ‘Milking theDrought’ program also supportsthe existing Nutrition Plu$ teamand Business Plu$ team to deliv-er nutrition and finance work-shops locally to farmers, address-ing topics relevant to droughtmanagement and recovery.

To take advantage of opportu-nities available through the‘Milking the Drought’ project,

phone Belinda Haddow on (07)4646 4463 (leave a message ifphone is unattended).

This project and workshopsare supported by the AustralianGovernment, the Department ofAgriculture, Fisheries andForestry under the AgFund proj-ect – ‘Milking the Drought’,along with Dairy Australia, theQueensland Dairy FarmersOrganisation, the SubtropicalDairy Program and theQueensland Department ofPrimary Industries and Fisheries.

Keep milking the droughtKEY POINTS■■ On-farm business

planning available■■ Nutrition Plu$ and

Business Plu$workshopsavailable

THE LATEST Dairy Australiafeed monitoring service reporton grain and hay is available at<www.dairyaustralia.com.au>,along with a raft of otherdrought management briefs.

For drought aid advice, con-tact Queensland FarmersFederation drought officer PeterPerkins, email <peter@qff.org.au>, phone (07) 3837

4747; Queensland dairy regionaldrought response co-ordinatorBelinda Haddow, phone (07)4646 4463; or the QueenslandDairyfarmers Organisation,phone (07) 4646 4463.

A wide range of droughtinformation available at theDairy Info.Biz website<www.dairyinfo.biz> includesthe latest version of feed supplycontacts and the DroughtAssistance Program Advice Bulletin.

Tap into info

QUEENSLAND Dairyfarmers’Organisation (QDO),Queensland Farmers Federation(QFF) and industry representa-tives met with the NationalDrought Review Social ExpertPanel in August as part of itspublic meetings in Queensland.

The QDO and QFF havestrongly argued for positivechange and tangible measures tobe in place so that all in farming-based communities can partici-pate in drought preparednessand climate change programs.

They presented to the panelthat all National Drought Policy(NDP) issues were intertwinedand dealing proactively with theclimate and economic issueswould go a long way to resolvesocial stresses from the drought.

The QDO presented thatmore resources should be allo-cated to partnerships withindustry drought response pro-grams, which get servicesdirectly to farmers.

The QFF, with input fromQDO, has prepared a submis-sion to the Social Policy ExpertPanel. At the request of thepanel, the QDO has suppliedadditional information on theQueensland dairy industry’sdrought response program.

Call for droughtprogram upgradeTHE QUEENSLAND FarmersFederation (QFF),with input fromthe Queensland Dairyfarmers’Organisation (QDO), has made acomprehensive submission to theProductivity Commission’s inquiryinto government drought support.The QFF submission calls for gov-ernments to become proactiveand engage all of the community indrought preparedness and climatechange programs that can providepathways for individuals andgroups to deal collectively withknown and definable climate risks.

The submission notes theQueensland drought has costgovernments $830 million, butadopting the QFF DroughtPolicy would see more publicand private investment indrought preparedness.

Social policy panelsubmission

Neutral outlook for spring rainfall

By Robyn Rankin

SILAGE is the key to dairy suc-cess, according to an AthertonTablelands producer whose busi-ness is going ahead in leaps andbounds. Frank and Dawn Cudafarm 526 hectares, milk 300 reg-istered Holstein cows and pro-duce about 7000 tonnes of pota-toes each year.

For the couple, who bothcome from farming backgroundsbut started the farm from scratchin 1976, growth has been steadybut they are far from resting ontheir laurels.

Together with off-farm inter-ests such as shopping centres,land subdivisions, feed mill anda washing-and-packing facilityfor potatoes, the farms keep thembusy.

Mr Cuda, 55, starts his day at2.30am, closely followed by MrsCuda, 49, an hour later, begin-ning with milking.

Mr Cuda said it was impor-tant, despite their diversifiedinterests, to maintain hands-onconnections to the cows anddetect problems before theydeveloped.

“The most important job ismilking the cows,” he said. “It’simportant to be hands-on withthe milking. To me, that’s a feel-good start. If the cows are allhappy to come in and are produc-ing well, it helps make manage-ment decisions easy – they tellyou immediately if something iswrong.”

One of Frank and Dawn’ssons, Mark, helps in the dairywhile the other, Phillip, is heavi-ly involved with the croppingside of the operation.

Frank’s office is usually histractor cab, as after milking hecan usually be found in the fieldhelping to manage crops.

“Thank God for mobiles,” helaughed.

Mr Cuda described the over-

all herd of 350 as slightly biggerthan average for the district andsaid they supplied DairyFarmers.

“We started off with pasturebecause it was the cheapestsource of milk production but wefound it hard with climateextremes to totally avoid feedgaps,” Mr Cuda said.

Mrs Cuda added that pasturelimited production to about twomillion litres annually, but theyhad now set themselves a targetof four million litres, thanks tosilage, which was stored inunderground pits.

Primarily growing maize andbarley for silage, the pair keep aclose eye on soil health with reg-ular testing ensuring whateverelements are supplied, be theynitrogen, phosphorous, potassi-um, sulphur, calcium, magne-sium or boron.

“We won’t go in and plantwithout soil tests,” Mr Cuda said.

As far as herd developmentgoes, they focus on legs and feet,“cast-iron udders”, cell countand cows being above averagefor size.

“Mark selects very hard onthose features,” Frank said. “Thecombination of everything –quality cows, management, feedand labour is what makes us asuccess. If you fail in one, youreally fail the lot.”

But he warned others thatinsufficient attention is paid tothe genetic ability of herds ingeneral.

“We’ve come across nutri-tionists who tell us to ‘just feedthem’, but we’ve found that to bewrong,” Dawn said.

She highlighted that with theexample of two cows fed exactlythe same. One produced 13,000litres/year; the other, just 7500litres/year.

“The difference is genetics,”she said.

Frank added that “if you’renot growing, you’re dying, andthat applies to any business”.

He is enthusiastic about theindustry’s return from the dol-drums of deregulation and saidthat with reasonable farm-gateprices, there was no need forfarmers to be involved in value-adding.

“Dairy Farmers has beendoing the value-adding for us,”he said. “But I’m very supportiveof the National Foods takeover ofDairy Farmers.

“We have so much in com-mon and I feel that the two busi-nesses combined would providean absolute powerhouse in theAustralian market – making itsecond to none in the industry.

“When you consider thebrands, the national presence andthe domestic market dominanceof the fresh dairy product sector,rationalisation of the number ofprocessors in the market is anabsolute must. Collective bar-gaining in one shape or anotheris also a must.

“In farming, nothing stays upforever and nothing stays downforever, and when those timeswere bad, I kept that in mymind. We’re a business no dif-ferent to any other business andwe have to do everything possi-ble to allow more of the con-sumer dollar to fall to the bot-tom line.”

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

12 FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

KEY POINTS■■ Dairy and potato

farm■■ Crops grown for

silage■■ Genetics key to

better production

Silage key to Cuda success

Mark Cuda is involved in the dairy side of the farm.

Table 1: The Cuda Operation at a glance

Frank, Dawn, Philip and Mark CudaEast Barron, Atherton Tablelands, Qld

Size of farming area (ha)Total: 526Milking area: 80Irrigated: 48Non-irrigated: 32Turnout block: 160Other: Potato and maize: 283Type of dairy: Herringbone 20-a-sideHerd numbers: 300-350 adultsBreed: Friesian HolsteinsProductionProduction per cow (kg solids): 630Production per hectare (kg solids): 2367Supplements per cowGrain: 2.4 tonnes per year, 15% Dairy meals102 tonnes molasses600 kg cottonseed meal and soyabean mealSilage 10 tonne wetPasturesTropical pastures Dec-AprilRyegrass clover herbs May-DecPrices/costsMilk price $/kg milk solids $7.49 Production costs $/kg milk solids $4.35

Eight centre-pivots irrigatecrops, including 162ha of pota-toes, as well as barley, maize,ryegrass, clover and herbs.

The family, together withthree other growers, is the largestpotato producer in Queensland,supplying Woolworths Australia-wide, sending out 60 semi-trail-ers of the vegetable a week dur-ing their production window ofmid-September to mid-December.

Mr Cuda’s face, together withhis father’s, would be known tomany housewives aroundAustralia as they have featured intelevision and point-of-sale mar-keting campaigns for their potatoproduction.

Frank and Dawn Cuda arenow looking towards the nextgeneration and intend to startmoving assets across to Markand Phillip’s control in stages,provided they indicate a long-term willingness to be involvedin the industry.

“We’re talking many, manymillions here,” Mr Cuda said.“We’ve got to make sure they’re

able to handle it and our sonshave to be confident that this iswhat they want to do long-term.”

He spoke of other farmerswho had been in the industry for25 years and “just hate it”, whichis particularly pertinent to thelifestyle choice that is dairying.

“They are making a lot ofdecisions as if they’re going totake these things on, so we’llsee,” Mr Cuda said.

IF ORDERS for Holstein semenare anything to go by, there willbe a lot more milking cows inFar North Queensland in threeyears’ time. The region’sHolstein semen sales from thelocal artificial insemination (AI)co-operative have more thandoubled from an average of lessthan $20,000 per month tomore than $40,000 per monthin June, July and August 2008.

According to the chairmanof the Tableland Artificial StockBreeders Association, FrankCuda, semen sales were by farthe best indicator of farmers’future intent.

“Farmers place their ordersin advance and the AI co-oper-ative then works withAustralia’s major distributors,who source semen fromaround the world,” he said.

“It means that in 12 months’time, these semen orders willresult in well-bred calves on theground, and then in a furtherthree years’ time, there’ll beextra heifers in the milking herd.This indicates to me that NorthQueensland farmers are lookingto expand their operations.”

Mr Cuda said there was anadded incentive for dairyfarm-ers to breed their own milkingherd as the average price for aheifer was now $2500 com-pared with about $800 thistime last year. “Particularly forelite heifers, I’ve heard of evenhigher prices because of anacute shortage of replacementstock,” he said.

Not one to just talk the talk,Mr Cuda is working to lift hisown farm’s production fromthree million litres to four mil-

lion litres of milk per year.“We’re implementing a

range of strategies, includingincreasing cow numbers,improving breed quality andgiving additional feed,” he said.“The key is production percow, per hectare, per labourunit, with the total farm outputmoving up all the time.”

A farmer who is also confi-dent in the future of the dairyindustry is Dennis Byrnes ofYungaburra, also a DairyFarmers supplier.

Mr Byrnes is investing in anew rotary dairy to speed upthe milking process. “The newrotary will cut milking timedown from 3.5 hours per 300cows to one hour per 300cows,” Mr Byrnes said.

“The rotary will be fullyautomated, which means oneperson can do the milkinginstead of two, as is requiredwith our current set-up.This isa significant benefit as there’s areal shortage of suitable labourin the dairy industry.”

Mr Byrnes is also working atexpanding his herd from 320 toup to 500 cows.“As well as therotary, I’m aiming to invest in afeed pad, which will assist us toconserve more feed andreduce wastage,” he said.

Mr Byrnes is also opting touse the more expensive sexedsemen priced at $80-$100 astraw instead of standardsemen, which costs $25 perstraw.“The sexed semen resultsin 90% heifers and 10% bulls,which means I can build mymilking herd at a faster rate tocreate a new generation withinthe next few years,” he said.

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND 13

FNQ confidence on the rise

Phillip Cuda is heavilyinvolved in the croppingside of the farm operation.

Frank and Dawn Cuda in front of an irrigated potato cropon their Atherton Tableland farm.

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

14 INFORMATION FORUMS

By Janine Teese

FARMERS from across the MidNorth Coast region of NSWgathered at the New GenerationDairy Farmers Forum at CoffsHarbour, NSW, in September tohear about the Future Dairy proj-ect from Dr Yani Garcia and DrKendra Kerrisk.

Wayne Clarke travelled fromCasino, NSW, to present his expe-riences with complementary for-age rotation system that includesbrassicas, shaftal clover and corn.Mr Clarke shared his experienceswith growing brassicas.

Critical to success was to

plant early (mid-February) andhave good paddock drainage, hesaid. To optimise dry-matter pro-duction planting density wasimportant with 40 plants persquare metre the target.

Mr Clarke said the cows’ dietalso needed to be monitored toensure there was enough fibre –thus grazing needed to be limit-ed as opposed to ad lib accesswith other pastures and crops.

Dr Garcia’s research hasshown that effective pastureusage is not compromised by thetype of farming system. Rather,by grazing the pasture wheneverit was ready and avoidingwastage, any system couldachieve high pasture usage.

Dr Kerrisk’s presentationhighlighted that the installationof robotic milkers needed a ‘sys-tem approach’. Installing roboticmilkers did not replace the needfor herd management while insome cases increasing pasturemanagement requirements.

The robotic milkers providedflexibility within a system, withworking hours no longer beingdetermined by milking start andfinish times.

Dr Steve Little, of Dairy

Australia, encouraged farmers toconsider carefully what theywere buying with regard to grainand fodder. He said farmersshould seek nutrient analysis andalways ensure there was adetailed, written contract statingagreed upon specifications.

For more information refer tothe Grains2Milk information kitor the Dairy Australia website<www.dairyaustralia.com.au>.

The New Generation Dairy

Farmers Forum was organised bythe Mid North Coast RegionalGroup and funded by aSubtropical Dairy small projectwith in-kind support from theFuture Dairy project andGrains2Milk Dairy Australiafunded projects.

Contact: FutureDairy YaniGarcia email <sgarcia@usyd.edu.au>, Kendra Kerrisk email<kendra.davis@usyd.edu.au>,website <FutureDairy.com.au>.

Future showcased tonew-generation farmersKEY POINTS■ Plant brassicas

early and havegood drainage

■ High pasture usagepossible under anysystem

■ Systematicapproach neededto instal robots

■ Use specifiedcontracts to buyfodder

Calf management a hot topic

Speakers at the New Generation Dairy Farmers Forumincluded Wayne Clarke, Kendra Kerrisk, Yani Garcia andSteve Little.

IT IS important to take due carewhen raising heifer calves as it isan investment for the future.More than 130 farmers in lateJuly learnt important facts andfigures about management prac-tices of rearing quality calves atcalf management workshopsheld across Queensland.

World-renowned calf andheifer specialist Dr SamLeadley gave farmers in south-east and Far North Queenslandthe opportunity to ask questionsabout this important area offarm management. Issues relat-ing to growth rate, milk quality,diet and a range of other thingswere covered in the three work-shops.

One of Australia’s leadingcalf and heifer rearing special-ists, Jeanette Fisher, also pre-

sented at the workshops.Understanding the physiology ofyoung calves and their needswere important points that MrsFisher covered.

A key message was why itwas important to feed colostrumto calves as soon as possibleafter birth. This was covered byexplaining the physiology andbiological makeup of a calf’simmune and digestive system.

A calf’s ability to absorbantibodies is highest in the firsthour after birth and drops toalmost zero by the time it is 24hours old. A suppressed immunesystem makes the calf more sus-ceptible to pathogens (disease-causing organisms), thus reduc-ing growth rate and the calf’shealth.

Calf rearing is an important

part of dairyfarmingoperations. Extensiveresearch has been con-ducted over many yearsto develop best manage-ment practices.

The calf managementworkshops were fundedand supported bySubtropical Dairy, theSouth East QueenslandYoung Farmers Network,Gympie DairyDiscussion Group,Tablelands VeterinaryServices and the JamesCook School of Veterinary andBiomedical Sciences. Fundingand support from Heifermax,Redpath, Provico, Intervet andGenetics Australia allowed DrSam Leadley to come toAustralia.

MORE INFOWeb:<www.atticacows.com> and<www.heifermax.com.au>

Dr Sam Leadley and JeanetteFisher explained the importanceof good calf rearing practices at aseries of workshops in July.

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

THE CRANK family was a well-deserved winner of theSupreme Champion Cow andSupreme Senior Udder at theDairy Spectacular at Bangalow,NSW, showgrounds onSeptember 12. Minash LeducNita 2nd took the top awards.

Supreme Junior Championand Supreme Junior Udderwent to S&J McCarthy’s AscotParnk Pitinos Beauty whilereserve places were awarded toArabella Mr Sam Ding, ownedby Arabella Farming Co.

With more than 200 entries

competing for $38,000 in prizemoney, the best of the breedswere on display at the DairySpectacular, which hosted theIllawarra state feature show.

Previously based at Primex,this was the first time the DairySpectacular was held as a stand-alone event made possible byRichmond Dairies underwritingthe event.

The Spectacular includedtrade stands and market stallsfrom local businesses as well asa range of activities for thekids.

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

16 DAIRY SPECTACULAR

MORE than 350 students trav-elled to the Dairy Spectacular atBangalow, NSW, showgroundson September 12 to learn aboutthe dairy industry. Janine Teese,from Subtropical Dairy, gavepresentations throughout theYouth Day.

A metal cow with calf teats,Tinneke (Tinni), made speciallyfor the event, allowed children tohave a close-up encounter and‘milk a cow’. High-school stu-dents studying agriculture weregiven a run-down on careers inagriculture and exposed to a dis-

play with post-school educationoptions.

The morning session includedtalks on cow conformation, judg-ing and leading techniques,along with a clipping demonstra-tion.

Highlights for the students

were junior parading and juniorjudging. Subtropical Dairy chair,Laurie Dunne, was on hand topresent ribbons and prize money.

Thanks to everyone who gaveup their time and lent their ani-mals to make the day a great suc-cess.

The morning session included talks on cow conformation,judging and leading techniques, along with a clippingdemonstration.

Tinneke (Tinni for short) is the brainchild of Sam Tonge, ametal cow with calf teats that enable students to ‘milk acow' and learn about the dairy industry.

Natalie Crank is congratulated by Parmalat's Bev Sawyer,sponsor for supreme champion at the Dairy Spectacular.

Spectacular a great hit with students

Cranks sweep at Dairy Spectacular

ND

F11

0952

1

EKKA RESULTS 17

By James Nason

GRAHAM and Robbie Radel’sMountain View Brown SwissStud from Biggenden, Qld,rewrote the record books whenits five-year-old cow MountainView Impact 2 became the firstBrown Swiss cow to be namedsupreme champion dairy cow atthe Royal Queensland Show.

The interbreed dairy judgingring in Brisbane is a long wayfrom the Olympic Games butwinning the tricolour interbreedribbon was every bit as meaning-ful as an Olympic gold for 30-year-old Mr Radel.

“It’s as good as a gold medal;it’s better than a grand final,” hesaid with tears of elation in hiseyes. “I’m ecstatic, absolutelyecstatic. Anyone who breedsdairy cattle and shows them –that’s what we all aim for. It’sjust an incredible feeling.”

It was an equally proudmoment for Mr Radel’s dadGraham, who won the supremedairy interbreed with HappyValley Betty 12 at the Ekka in1983. The Radels breed bothIllawarras and Brown Swiss andcan now claim to have wonSupreme Ekka Interbreed titleswith not only two different cows,but two different breeds.

The 2008 winning cow,Mountain View Impact 2, is byEmerito out of Malanda ViewImpact. Earlier, Mountain ViewImpact 2 was narrowly defeatedin judging of the supreme cham-pion udder award by the Barronfamily’s Brunchilli S Eileen,Ardylbar Jersey Stud,

Cambooya, Qld. The same cowwon the supreme udder andchampion cow broad ribbons atthe Toowoomba Royal Show ear-lier this year.

Jerseys were also prominentin the interbreed junior femalejudging, with Glen Echo ParaSuzette from Jeff,

Janelle and Chad Parker’sGlen Echo Jersey Stud,Kenilworth, Qld, winning bothsupreme junior udder andsupreme junior female. ParaSuzette, by Robin Vale Parageneout of Noojee Lester Suzette,won the best udder champi-onship at the Gympie Show ear-lier this year.

The interbreed judging beganwith the closest of tussles in the

juvenile female section. In theend the competition was so tightthat not even a countback couldseparate the two top-placedheifers, so the result was declareda draw between Braeburn WhataMelyss from Rod and RachelVerrall’s, Braeburn Jersey Stud,Gowrie Junction, Qld, andArabella Ignite Whisky from theHolmes’ family’s ArabellaFarming Co, Brookstead, Qld.

Rod Verrall, who lectures inbovine reproduction at theUniversity of Queensland’sGatton campus, said it was agreat thrill to feature in an Ekkainterbreed championship. TheVerralls run their dry cattle at MrVerrall’s father Glen Verrall’sproperty at Milora, Qld; and theirmilking cattle at the GowrieJunction property of Rachel’sparents, long-time Ekka Jersey

and Brown Swiss exhibitorsAndrew and Cassandra Kath.

The Holmes family’sArabella Farming Co,Brookstead, continues to provethe quality of its breeding pro-gram, adding this year’s tiedinterbreed juvenile female title toa string of previous Ekka inter-beed successes that includesupreme champion cow twice,supreme junior female twice,and a previous supreme juvenilefemale and supreme udder title.

In the interbreed group judg-ing, three Holstein Friesianfemales took the championshiphonours, comprising the Barronfamily’s Ardylbar Storm Morkand Clarkdale Malachite Dewinand Clarkdale Talent Jemmafrom the Clark family’sClarkdale Stud at Lismore,NSW.

Ekka's supreme dairy cowRNA presidentDr VivienEdwards(second fromleft) and hiswife, Jenny, sashthe supremechampion dairycow at the2008 RoyalQueenslandShow, MountainView Impact 2,shown byRobbie Radel(far right),Mountain ViewBrown SwissStud. RNAstewardGeoff Brownholds thechampionshiptrophy.

THIS year saw another qualitydisplay of dairy products at theEkka.The champion results are:• Champion Cheese of Show:King Island Dairy, Discovery AshBlue.• Special Aggregate Prize(Cheese): BrancourtDistributors Pty Ltd.• Champion Dairy Dessert:Colin James Fine Foods, ColinJames Hazelnut Roche.

• Special Aggregate Prize(Desserts): Dairy Farmers.• Champion Liquid Milk orCream of Show: Dairy Farmers,White Chocolate Mocha.• Special Aggregate Prize (LiquidMilk or Cream): Dairy Farmers.• Grand Champion DairyProduct: King Island Dairy, KingIsland Discovery Ash Blue.Congratulations to all winnersand all competitors.

Ekka dairy product judging results

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

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THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

18 YOUNG FARMERS

Young dairy network committee formed

THE YOUNG Dairy Network ishosting a tour through north-ern NSW into the UpperHunter, leaving fromToowoomba on Monday,November 24, and returning onFriday, November 28.

The young farmers tour is

open to all young peopleinvolved in the dairy industry inthe Subtropical Dairy region.Themed Play to Learn, Learn toGrow, it will kick off with a bang,with white water rafting downthe Nymboida River and a visitto a Dorrigo farm.

The tour will then progressdown around the Tamworthregion and into the UpperHunter. The five days will be agreat mix of farms and fun, withvisits to some progressive farmsthat have great stories to tell.

The cost to the farmer will

be very affordable, and forthose coming from outside theregion, billeting will be availableon local farms pre- and post-tour. Seats are limited, so get inquick.

Contact: Theresa Kunde,phone 0428 147 749.

Join young farmers tour

Mid North Coast Youngfarmers group launchedTHE FIRST event of the MidNorth Coast NSW YoungFarmers group was held at theend of August. More than 20young farmers aged between 18and 32 signed on to be part of theyoung farmers group from theBellingen and Dorrigo regions.

It was a great event with asteering committee established tohelp guide the groups’ activitiesand support the regional co-ordi-nator, Kellie Cooke. Activitiesplanned included farm walks,guest speakers, workshops,information sessions and social

activities on a range of topics asidentified by the group at thebarbecue.

The group plans to meet oncea month. All young farmers arewelcome. Farmers who areyoung or young at heart,involved in the dairy industryand live between Grafton andKempsey regions can contactKellie Cooke, phone 0418 646855.

Regular fliers and newsletterswill be sent out to keep farmersup-to-date with events across theregion.

Steering committee for the Mid North Coast YoungFarmers Group: Mark Griffith, Dave Gibson, Stuart Cork,Andrew Marks, Brent Watson and Kellie Cooke.Absent:Scott Connell.

WITH the success of the youngdairyfarmer networks across thenorthern dairy region and furthernetworks developing rapidly, anew committee has been formedto ensure the needs of existinggroups and other young farmersare met.

This committee will providestrategic direction for the net-works and ensure on-the-groundyoung farmer activities are ade-quately supported and funded.

Committee membershipincludes Di Gresham (chair andSubtropical Dairy representa-tive), Jenny Easlea (QueenslandDairyfarmers’ Organisation rep-resentative), Paul Judge (NSWyoung farmer), Paul Roderick(Queensland young farmer),Ross Warren (Department ofPrimary Industries and Fisheriesrepresentative), Andrew Taylor(Parmalat), Roslyn D’Addona(Dairy Farmers), Janine Teese

(Subtropical Dairy), AdrianPeake (QueenslandDairyfarmers’ Organisation) andTheresa Kunde (Young FarmerManagement Team).

This strategic committee will

oversee the collective network ofgroups and be branded as theYoung Dairy Network. TheNetwork has a “ground up”structure guaranteed to meetgrassroots needs of both the

regions and individual farmerswithin them. This network willaccess both government fundsand corporate sponsorship tofinancially support the youngfarmer activities.

Members ofthe YoungDairyNetworkstrategicsteeringcommittee: (atrear);AndrewTaylor, PaulJudge, PaulRoderick, (atfront) TheresaKunde, JennyEaslea, chairDi Gresham,RoslynD'Addona andJanine Teese.

THE NORTHERN DAIRYFARMER October/November 2008

NORTHERN DAIRY DIARY 19

DIARY DATESTo have an event included in the diary dates, send information to Carlene and Alastair DowiePhone/fax: (03) 5464 1382 Email: <alastair.dowie@ruralpress.com> or submit to website <www.dairyinfo.biz>

October Cow Behaviour Farmwalk 13: Versdale Pub and Wally and Janelle

Holcombe’s farmContact:The SEQ Regional Team of Subtropical Dairy, Robyn Plunkett (by Oct 8)Phone: (07) 5543 6319 Email: <tarantel@bigpond.com.au>

October Cow Behaviour Farmwalk 14: Parkers’ Farm – 142 Moy Pocket Road,

KenilworthContact: Jackie KytePhone: (07) 5482 4368 or 0409 564 729 Email: <Jackie@jkconnections.com.au>

October Cow Behaviour Farmwalk 15: Chris Kunde’s Farm – 125 Cambooya

Connection RoadContact:Theresa KundePhone: 0428 147 749 Email: <t.kunde@bigpond.com>

October: Farming in a Changing Climate21: Kyogle, NSW

Contact: Greg ReidPhone: (02) 6626 1213Email: <greg.red@dpi.nsw.gov.au>

October “Milking in Circles” a look at labour saving28: irrigation (pivots and solid set)

Roddaus – Kia-Ora (pivot) and Blackwoods – Goomboorian (solid set) Contact: Jackie Kyte Phone: (07) 5482 4368 or 0409 564 729 Email: <Jackie@jkconnections.com.au>

October Subtropical Dairy AGM29: Toowoomba, Qld

Contact: Janine TeesePhone: 0438 715 625 Email: <Janine@dairyinfo.biz>

November Dairy Research Foundation Symposium6-7: Camden, NSW

Contact: Phone (02) 9351 1635November “Busines$ Matter$” a look at taxation,18: superannuation, preparing yourself for the

agribusiness banker.Venue TBAContact: Jackie Kyte Phone: (07) 5482 4368 or 0409 564 729 Email: <Jackie@jkconnections.com.au>

November Young Farmers Network Play to Learn,24-28: Learn to Grow Tour to Northern NSW and

Hunter regionContact:Theresa KundePhone: 0428 147 749

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