Murray Dairy News
Tallangatta Focus Farm Kicks Goals
More than 60 people attended the first Murray Dairy Focus Farm field day held at Mark and Narelle McDonald’s dairy farm near Tallangatta, in north east Victoria.
Led by the Focus Farm facilitator John Mulvany, the aim of the day was for attendees to become familiar with the farm and the individuals involved in the support group to better understand and utilise the regular Focus Farm reports published in the media, including the Mountain Milk Line newsletter and the Country Mail.
A review of the farm’s historic physical and financial information for the farm was conducted, along with a tour of the farm infrastructure, paddock inspections and a walk through the herd.
Support group members also presented on the day, including:
- Agronomist and Focus Farm mentor Darren McCormick, who discussed the soil, pasture renovation and cropping programs;
- DPI Extension Officer Dennis Watson, on the efficiency of border check and centre pivot irrigation and the associated costs of irrigating including pumping;
- Accountant Ray Carter, talked about business structure, tax implications and the importance of insurance and superannuation.
A facilitated discussion also occurred regarding the specific objectives of the McDonalds 2011/12 season:
- To have a better cash flow;
- To reduce debt;
- To have an annual holiday and family time;
- Invest off farm longer term.
The general consensus from the discussion was that the McDonalds were making progress towards their goals. The Focus Farm project is working for the farmers, the support group and the region through the provision of real time data from a working dairy farm.
The project works with real farmers making real decisions. An additional component is the mentoring program, through which Darren McCormick of Landmark NorMac is being mentored by John Mulvany. The mentoring component focuses on learning:
- Pasture assessment and the impact of paddock decisions on the total business bottom line;
- Cow nutrition and its effect on production;
- Group facilitation skills.
