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National Dairy Feedbase Integration

Dave Henry

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Why the focus on feedbase ?

• Key driver of productivity and profitability• Threats/Opportunities

– Climate change– Climate variability– Soil & Plant Health– Increasing & variable costs of production– Legislation

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Diversity of farms, farming systems, people

Total Mixed RationsPasture based

Close to pasture production potential

Potential to increase pasture production and/or utilisation

Risk profile

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National investment in feedbase

• Historically,– Project by project– Projects delivered into (single) regions– Little cross-regional value gained from investment elsewhere

(despite opportunities)

3030 FutureDairy

GreenerPastures

ForagePlus

2012

Vic NSW WA QLD Tas

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How can the Tasmanian Dairy Industry benefit from National Integration ?

Objective: Better understanding of feedbase principles for higher levels of pasture production and consumption

Understanding the impact of, and interaction between:• Defoliation interval & intensity• Soil N• Soil moisture

“Greener Pastures”, WA

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What can we learn from the work in WA ?

• Different systems, pasture types, soils however …– General pasture management principles– Research and extension design, methodologies & techniques

(Lucey, J., Staines, M. et al)

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Diversity of farms, farming systems, people

Total Mixed RationsPasture based

Close to pasture production potential

Potential to increase pasture production and/or utilisation

Risk profile

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For farms already achieving high levels of pasture consumption:-

• How do they achieve it ?• Where is next gain coming from ?• Decision making guidelines …..

3030 (Vic)

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What can we learn from 3030 ? • Optimising management of the ryegrass pasture base• “beyond ryegrass” – role of complementary forages

(where is next gain coming from)• Process for whole farm systems analysis to determine

where gains can be made– Role of modelling

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It works both ways – the role of Tasmania in the national effort (examples)

• Perceived strong linkages between research and extension– Other regions keen to learn from experiences

• Technologies/tools for daily resource management• Greenhouse gas calculator • Perennial ryegrass knowledge base

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Outcomes

• Regions leverage off National research and extension efforts in order to meet priority needs– Assist farmers to confidently manage their feedbase resources

to optimise profit– Develop a capacity to adjust their systems to changing

circumstances and opportunities