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The Dairy Bulletin - November 2011
Northern Irrigation and Southern Riverina
“Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like hard work.” Thomas Edison
The Dairy Bulletin is produced by the DPI Dairy Services Branch
Inside this issue:
- What is your baled silage telling you after months in storage - Part I
- Tallangatta Focus Farm kicks off
- NCDEA – Helping Dairy Farmers Manage Occupational Health and Safety on Their Farms
Balancing carryover, spillable water and business risk
Robert O’Connor, DPI Echuca
Irrigators on the Goulburn and Campaspe irrigation systems who carried over water from last season may have lost some ‘spillable water’ as a result of spills and pre-releases from Lake Eildon and Lake Eppalock. Farmers on these systems can check the balance of their spillable water account through WaterLINE online at www.g-mwater.com.au. The balance is reported in your Water Usage Statement and will show the volume deducted as a result of the spills or pre-releases. It also shows any volumes added as a result of the new season allocation and how much water you carried over from last season. Alternatively, these details can be sourced through your local Goulburn-Murray Water office or by talking to your G-MW planner.
Since the introduction of carryover in the drought year of 2006/07, many irrigators have used carryover as a means of managing the risk of potential future dry years. Their line of thinking largely being that the risk of losing some carryover water in wet years when a spill occurs is much less than the risk of having low amounts of irrigation water in dry years. At the time of writing this article, water lost in recent spills could be replaced by purchasing allocation at a historically and relatively cheap price of $30 per megalitre.
Providing that spills occur in wet seasons, and relatively cheap allocation (or temporary water) is available when this happens, carryover can provide relatively cheap insurance to assist with any future dry years. Additionally, by visiting WaterLINE online and finding out how much (if any) of your water has been deducted as a result of spills or pre-releases, earlier and more informed decisions and actions can be taken on whether you need to replace this water through purchases of allocation on the ‘temporary water market’. Of course the risk remains that if you carry over water in to the 2012/13 irrigation season, you may lose some or all of this volume if the lake spills next season.
This risk varies with individual circumstances.
This year water users have carried over large volumes of water from last season and taken advantage of new policy introduced in 2010/11 for the Murray, Goulburn and Cam-paspe regulated systems which lessened the risk of individuals losing their carryover water to only when the storage ‘spills’. Spillable water accounts now mean that irrigators can store water above their entitlement volume while there is free air space in the storages. This means any water that has been lost from spillable water accounts as a result of spills, has been displaced by this season’s inflow which basically forms another person’s seasonal irrigation allocation.
Factors that influence the amount of water irrigators can lose as a result of spills include how much was carried over from last season, the seasonal allocation, the size of the spill and the amount of low-reliability water share and high-reliability water share attached to the Allocation Bank Account.
Another consideration in managing your water is the volume of carryover recorded against your water shares (as shown in your Allocation Bank Account) on July 1 that is used to determine when additional allocation goes in to the spillable water account, even if you have subsequently used or traded the water you carried over. Any allocation you purchase in the current season is always available for use or trade, even if you have water credited to the spillable water account.
Irrigators on the Victorian Murray system have not lost any water they carried over from last season due to a declaration of a low risk of spill from Lake Dartmouth on July 1, 2011. Spillable water accounts have not been introduced on the Loddon, Broken and Bullarook irrigation systems. On these three systems irrigators can receive no further allocation when the sum of carryover plus this season’s allocation reaches 100 percent of entitlement volume.
In future years, the risk of losing water from your spillable water account will depend on the probability of the key storage spilling; Lake Eildon for the Goulburn system, Lake Eppalock for the Campaspe system and Lake Dartmouth for the Murray system. This may be a physical spill from Lake Dartmouth or an internal spill if Victoria’s half share is full, but only if this spill can’t be caught in Lake Hume. Issues that influence the probability of a spill occurring are the levels in storages at the start of the season and the outlook for future inflows. Just over two years of average inflows will fill Lake Eildon if no water is released, whereas it takes around five years of average inflow to fill Lake Dartmouth if there are no releases. Dartmouth provides reserve storage, so in some seasons there will be no need to make significant releases.
To develop a carryover strategy talk to your trusted farm advisor or a Dairy Extension Officer, phone Echuca (03) 5482 1922; Tatura (03) 5833 5222 or Cobram (03) 5871 0600.
Key messages:
- Goulburn, Campaspe and Murray system irrigators can visit ‘WaterLINE online’ to check the balance of their spillable water account.
- The volume that individuals lose as a result of lakes spilling depends on individual circumstances.
- Any allocation (temporary water) you purchase in the current season is available for use or trade.
- It is the volume of carryover recorded against your water shares on July 1 that is used to determine when additional allocation goes in to the spillable water account.
- Develop a carryover strategy to help manage the risk of potential dry years.
What is your baled silage telling you after months storage - Part 1
Frank Mickan, Pasture and Fodder Conservation Specialist, DPI Ellinbank
Baled silage is expensive enough without pulling the wrapping off to find mouldy and/or unpleasant smelling silage inside when feeding it out 6–12 months later. However, just like a carcass competition, farmers and contractors can learn a lot when the plastic ‘skin’ comes off.
Whenever the ensiling process has been compromised (e.g. punctured plastic seal, baled too wet or too dry), dry matter (DM) and nutrient losses will occur, as well as animal health issues occasionally. These losses may appear to be small but are usually far greater than first thought. Hence, losses that appear large, are also much larger than imagined. The extra effort to prevent, avoid or repair problems is well worthwhile financially.
Understanding a simple ‘act of nature’ equation can be very useful in determining problems in baled (and forage harvested) silage.
Silage + Oxygen = Carbon Dioxide + Water + Heat produced
Freshly mown grass, sealed silage with damaged plastic film and silage at opening/feeding out also have the same result when exposed to air (oxygen); carbon dioxide, water and heat are produced.
When determining a problem, if mould is present, air is usually or has been present also. If the bales themselves or the plastic film is obviously wetter than expected, or wetter than when wrapped, then the silage is probably breaking down inside and producing this excess water which you can see. Carbon dioxide will have been produced but not seen. Heat is sometimes, but often not felt because generally it has escaped before being detected.
Failed baled silage can be due to:
- Incorrect dry matter content at baling
- Wrapping/sealing problems
- Damage to the plastic seal
- Quality of the plastic film
- Pests
1. Incorrect DM content at baling
If DM content is too high, mould growth can occur in the bale.
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Figure 1: Mould due to the presence of air |
With round bales, material that is baled too dry (over 50 – 55 per cent DM) cannot be compacted enough to expel excess air. This entrapped air will allow plant respiration and aerobic (requiring oxygen) microbial activity to continue, leading to DM and quality losses. A certain amount of mould (and yeast) growth may also occur depending on the quantity of trapped air. The problem is dramatically compounded in over-dry bales if the plastic wrap is holed, because the air can enter more quickly and further into the bale (see Figure 1).
If DM is too low, bales will be sunken and misshaped, and will usually have undergone very poor fermentation (see Figure 2).
Most bales baled under about 38 percent DM may undergo a clostridial or enterobacterial fermentation. This is due to the high moisture content and slower rate of fermentation because the material is not chopped as in a 4 forage-harvested crop. The wetter the silage becomes towards the base of the bale, the wetter it was at baling, or the more it has broken down due to incoming air.
Solution: Round bales should be 40 – 50 percent DM. Large square bales should be 40 – 60 per cent DM. Use a chopper baler for over dry bales with all knives in place. Use a fermentation enhancing silage additive for over wet bales.
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Figure 2: Baled too wet without silage additive |
2. Wrapping/Sealing problems
Unevenly shaped bales
Despite bales being correctly wrapped with four layers at 50 percent overlap and 55 percent stretch air will still very slowly enter the bale over time. These losses are minimal over twelve months, sometimes longer.
However odd-shaped bales will not have the minimum of four layers of plastic over the entire surface of the bale. Underlapping of the film will occur (Figure 3), which will allow air to enter the bale at a much higher rate where the film is three layers instead of four.
To expose or verify underlapping for the lighter coloured films, cut out a square section (roughly 30 cm square) of the suspect area, and hold it up to the light. Carefully pry apart the film and count the number of layers in the lighter zone.
Solution: Ensure bales are square or slightly convex in shape. Apply extra wrap over underlapped sections.
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Figure 3: Bale wrap underlapped |
Pre-stretcher issues
The film passes through a pre-stretcher to ensure the film forms an airtight seal on the bale. Poorly serviced pre-stretchers may over or under stretch the film. If the film is not stretched enough, is over-stretched, or the film runs through the pre-stretcher the wrong way, then the seal will be inadequate.
With the advent of pre-stretched films onto the market, separate gear sets were required for these new films. In the event of a machine being on-sold, or the correct gears being lost or forgotten to be exchanged, etc sealing problems are the result. Dust and rain will settle between the film layers and will prevent a good seal forming. Unused plastic rolls stored in the sun’s heat during the day’s harvesting will not ‘neck down’ or stretch as well as they were designed to.
Solution: Service the pre-stretcher regularly. Use the correct gearing for the specific plastic wrap used. Store unused rolls away from direct heat and avoid dust and moisture get-ting between the film layers at wrapping.
Part II of Frank Mickan’s article ‘What is your baled silage telling you after months in storage?’ will feature in the December edition of the Dairy Bulletin.
Tallangatta Focus Farm Kicks Off
The McDonald focus farm in Tallangatta made an enthusiastic start in late June. Mark and Narelle McDonald are one of four northern Victorian dairy farm businesses who have put their hands up to be involved in the Murray Dairy Focus Farm Project over the next two years.
A focus farm is not considered to be a demonstration or best practice farm; it is a normal commercial dairy business operating in the dairy industry. The aim of the Focus Farm Project is to help farmers better understand their farm business systems, to analyse the impact of on-farm development and decision making options including considerations relating to risk management. Each focus farm will develop objectives and focal areas specific for their business which might relate to production, financial management or resource management.
The McDonald Focus Farm will be supported by an experienced farm consultant who will facilitate a support group. Over the next two years the support group, comprised mostly of dairy farmers as well as the McDonalds’ agronomist, banker and accountant, will meet every six weeks at the McDonalds’ farm. Their role is to assist Mark and Narelle to achieve their stated personal and business objectives.
Mark and Narelle McDonald’s experience in dairying is similar to many young couples attempting to grow assets and skills in the industry. They commenced share farming in 1995 and worked on three different farms on a range of lower order shares without herd ownership. In 1997 they returned to a family beef property and converted it to dairy. After an-other five years they moved to Corryong and borrowed to purchase a 220 cow herd. An equity partnership opportunity arose in Mt Gambier milking 480 cows and they decided to move.
However, after some very difficult conditions they returned to the Kiewa Valley in 2006 and share farmed in a traditional 50/50 share arrangement, milking and owning 330 cows.
In 2009 they were successful in securing a five year lease farm at Tallandoon in the Mitta Valley near Tallangatta. In 2010-2011 they milked 330 cows. Herd numbers may increase to over 400 cows in 2011-2012 and 500 the following year, if Focus Farm assists them in achieving their business objectives.
Mark, Narelle and their two young sons Jock and Dughal, met for the first time with their support group in June. They clearly explained their objectives to the group at the meeting:
- To have better cash flow and ‘money in the bank’;
- To reduce debt;
- To have an annual holiday; and
- Longer term they want to invest off farm.
The support group will now meet on the focus farm every six weeks to review both the short and long term activities and priorities. Physical and financial performance will be measured to assist in decision making. There will be open days on the farm at various times during the project. The extent to which the McDonalds’ business objectives have been achieved will be assessed at the end of the project.
For more information about the Murray Dairy Focus Farm Project, please contact Tori Rath, telephone (03) 5833 5927.
NCDEA - Helping dairy farmers manage occupational health and safety on their farms
Many jobs on a dairy farm are seasonal calving, ensiling pasture, hay making, and there are some jobs that are always important and always on the to-do list. Often neglected because we will ‘get around to it later’ is the paramount job of managing health and safety.
When it all comes down to it, the farm cannot run itself. The entire business relies on you, the farm manager, being able to function effectively. If you employ staff, you are required by law to provide a safe work place for your employees.
To help dairy farmers manage the occupational health and safety (OHS) on their farms, the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia is offering a range of courses. These courses are for owners, managers and farm hands. Trained NCDEA staff will work with course participants to help make their workplaces as safe as possible for themselves, their families, their workers and visitors to their farm, while complying with OHS legislation.
All courses can be run on demand at locations across the Murray Dairy region and at suitable times and dates.
It is never too late to learn these vital skills. An effective OHS plan is a must for every farm business. To help you implement OHS on your farm, consider taking a part in one of the following courses:
Apply First Aid
HLTFA301B Apply first aid
This three day course gives participants the skills and knowledge to provide first aid response, life support, and management of casualties of the incident and other first aid until the arrival of medical or other assistance. This course was known as Level 2 First Aid, and there is a requirement that workplaces should have a person trained in first aid on site. One day of this course is an update for those participants who hold a current first aid qualification.
Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
HLTFA201B Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
This one day course gives participants the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond to life threatening emergencies using basic life support measures only in an initial response.
Perform CPR
HLTCPR201A Perform CPR
This four hour course gives participants the skills and knowledge required to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in line with the Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines. The skills and knowledge relate specifically to performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and do not address other aspects of resuscitation, life support or first aid. This course is the annual update that is advised to be undertaken for qualified first aiders.
Tractor Operation
RTC2701A Operate tractors
This one day course covers the process of operating tractors independently and with attached implements, and covers pre-operational checks and maintenance, operating the tractor in a safe and controlled manner, shutting down the tractor, storing machinery and equipment and recording maintenance and operation details as required by the enterprise.
Front End Loader Operation
RTC3310A Operate specialised machinery
This one day course covers the process of using front end loaders on rural land and defines the standard required to operate the machine safely, operate the machine’s features and attachments consistent with the operator manual and carry out day to day servicing and minor maintenance.
Quad Bike Operation
RTE2308A Operate ride on vehicles
This one day course covers the process of maintaining and operating quad bikes (four wheeled), and defines the standard required to perform routine pre-operational checks and maintenance, match, attach and operate 7 equipment as described in the operator manual, recognise and control hazards and risks, safely operate quad bikes in a range of weather and terrain conditions and monitor and maintain vehicle records. This course applies to workers on dairy farms who use quad bikes as part of daily work routines within legislative requirements and enterprise guidelines.
Fencing
A one day introductory course on how to erect, repair and maintain fences with consideration to safety and environmental practices.
Chemical Users Course
RTC3704A Prepare and apply chemicals RTC3705A Transport, handle and store chemicals
This two day course covers the preparation and application of liquid chemical mixes and/ or granules for the control of weeds, pests and diseases. Safe transport, handling and storage are also covered. On successful completion of this course, participants can apply to the DPI for an Agricultural Chemical Users Permit (ACUP) which is needed to apply certain chemicals on agricultural land.
Chemical Refresher Course
If your Farm Chemical Users accreditation is five years or older this course will renew your currency, and may be required when you are involved in a quality assurance program.
Managing the Safety of a Dairy Farm
RTC4701A Implement and monitor the enterprise OHS program
This course will give managers the knowledge and tools to implement OHS practices on their farm, and will help them to comply with the legal requirements of OHS. The course is conducted over two days at least a week apart and there is applied learning using the tools provided and completed between each session.
For more information or to enrol, please contact 1300 062 332. For more information or to enrol, please contact 1300 062 332.
Ticklers
A city bloke moved to the country and bought some land. He went to the local feed store and talked to the proprietor about how he was going to take up chicken farming. He then asked to buy 100 chicks.
“That’s a lot of chicks,” commented the proprietor.
“I mean business,” the city slicker replied.
A week later the city bloke was back again. “I need another 100 chicks,” he said.
“Boy, you are serious about this chicken farming,” the man told him.
“Yeah,” the bloke replied, “If I can iron out a few problems”.
“Problems?” asked the proprietor
“Yeah,” replied the city bloke, I think I planted that last batch too close together.”
Monthly Reminders
Feeding
- Monitor your cows and what is happening in the vat to determine if they are getting a balanced and adequate diet. If you are unsure, get someone to help you.
- Introduce new feeds gradually; give the bugs in the rumen time to adjust to dietary changes. Depending on feed type, it can take from days to a couple of weeks to adjust.
- Identify ways that you can minimise wastage as it can be very costly. Concrete troughs, hay rings, rubber matting, running hot wires over the top of feed or simply feeding out along a fence line can all help reduce wastage.
Herd Health
- Some of us are in the thick of joining, some of us are about to start. Make an effort to keep up the enthusiasm in the second round of joining – keep looking for cows on heat. Remember heat detection is improved by observing the milking herd grazing in the paddock mid morning and again in the late evening.
- Tail painting with a different colour after each three week cycle will make heat detection easier
- Start thinking about hot days and how we can manage heat stress in the herd when the temperatures are high.
- Keep an eye on the young stock. Don’t wean them and then forget about them. Vaccinate and drench the young stock as required and feed them well so that they keep growing.
Business
- It is important to keep revising budgets as the season progresses. Look at the feed budgets as well as the cash budget.
- Keep talking to friends and family about decisions and feelings. Remember the importance of getting some time away from the farm.
What's On
Focus Farm Field Day
Read Brothers Focus Farm—Toolamba
Tuesday 22 November 10.30am - 1.00pm
600 Bitcon Road Toolamba
Lunch provided
Please RSVP your attendance to Tori Rath, telephone (03) 5833 5927, email tori@murraydairy.com.au
Clearing the Carbon Confusion
Don’t miss these informative and insightful workshops. Guest speakers will be Dave Griffin (DPI Vic) to provide some clarity around the latest carbon policy announcements and how they re-late to the dairy industry.
Neil Baker (Macalister Demonstration Farm) will discuss practical strategies that both reduce emissions and improve profitability.
Thursday 1 December - Kyabram
7.00PM - 9.30PM
Venue: Ky Club
Friday 2 December - Cohuna
11.30am - 2.00pm
Venue: Cohuna Bowls Club
For more information please contact Lyndal Metcalf, DPI Dairy Extension Officer, telephone 0417 316 345, or email lyndal.metcalf@dpi.vic.gov.au
