focus on fodder - issue 83 spring 2018across australia. producers with available irrigation water...

IN THIS EDITIONDomestic and export market updatesNational Fodder Conference – that's a wrapGen Ag Future Fund Scholar – AFIA announces inaugural winner

FOCUS ONFODDER

Spring 2018ISSUE 83

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Spring 2018 Focus on Fodder 1

Contents

In this issue

2 In BriefMessage from the BoardAFIA Notice Board

5 MarketsDomestic hay market updateExport

9 Events2018 National Fodder Conference – and that’s a wrap!

14 Research$2.2 million investment to boost Australian export fodder

productivity

17 DiversityGen Ag Future Fund Scholar

19 InnovationTaking a new approach to preserving haySSS Productivity allows for increase in cattle numbers

in dry conditions

25 #AusFodder18

Contents

Australian Fodder Industry AssociationThe Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) is the peak body for the Australian fodder industry, connecting all sectors of the supply chain from seed to feed. Since AFIA was established in 1996, our network of members, sponsors and supporters has functioned to help the Australian fodder industry grow. Currently AFIA has over 330 members but continues to grow its representation, programs, service delivery and impact across the entire value chain of the Australian fodder industry.AFIA provides a range on industry services including advocacy and promotion; interactions with government regulators; the provision of relevant forums to collectively discuss important fodder industry matters and concerns; managing and coordinating the annual National Fodder Conference; collection and dissemination of independent fodder market information; industry information, updates and developments; works closely with Australian fodder exporters and AgriFutures™ Australia to deliver the Australian Export Hay Five Year R&D Plan.

Our MissionTo provide leadership and vision to the Australian fodder industry, engaging with all sectors of the fodder industry value chain to deliver a favourable environment for members to do business in today and into the future.

Our VisionTo support a profitable, sustainable, competitive and innovative Australian fodder industry.

AcknowledgementsEditor: Jemma Stefanou, AFIA [email protected] publishing: Di Holding, AnDi Communications, [email protected] photo: Susan Taylor, Tapex AgriImages: owner referenced or otherwise owned by AFIA.Copyright: © Australian Fodder Industry Association Ltd 2018 All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect Australian Fodder Industry Association Ltd opinion or policy. To the extent permitted by law, Australian Fodder Industry Association Ltd excludes all liability for loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained in this publication.

CONTACT AFIAPO Box 527 Ascot Vale VIC 3032

T: 03 9670 0523 E: [email protected] www.afia.org.au

Connect with us:

@ausfodder Ausfodder @ausfodder

Title

2 Focus on Fodder Spring 2018 Australian Fodder Industry Association

Message from the BoardWelcome to AFIA’s Focus on Fodder publication for Spring 2018.

Firstly I would like to thank AFIA staff, sponsors, members and delegates who supported the 2018 National Fodder Conference in Adelaide. We had a wonderful conference at a fantastic venue, the Adelaide Convention Centre, at a time when fodder is well and truly at the forefront of national media. Many key figures in the fodder industry were interviewed live on the ABC Country Hour during the Monday program, and I encourage all members to have a listen.

I enjoyed an informative and insightful Pre-Conference Tour to Kangaroo Island, which showcased mainstream agricultural enterprises such as export and domestic fodder, wool, beef and grain production. Unlike the mainland, access to markets on Kangaroo Island is by ferry. The island’s isolation and unique attractions also make it a great tourism destination and we managed to enjoy some local produce. Interestingly, the well documented down turn in the wool industry led many Kangaroo Island farming families to diversify into other industries including honey bees, eucalyptus oil, vineyards and hospitality. Land prices increased as Blue Gum plantations developed and lifestyle acreages for mainland residents with ocean views are driving current land prices. Once again, I enjoyed networking with old and new faces on the industry tour.

Current media attention is concentrating on the devastating drought conditions, especially in New South Wales and Queensland. Crisis point has been reached for many producers as hay and grain supplies have been depleted and prices for these commodities continue to increase daily. Grain is being shipped from Western Australia and South Australia into Brisbane and Newcastle ports to meet demand. Current conditions indicate that much of these drought-affected areas will have failed winter crop harvests, and limited pasture growth prompts little likelihood of producing hay and silage. Heavy soaking rains are needed to provide relief and to replenish irrigation supplies. The report on the domestic hay market in this issue gives a clear picture of the current situation across Australia.

Producers with available irrigation water are targeting both quantity and quality from summer forages,

whether for grazing or silage and hay production. Producers in drought-affected areas should also be considering seed supplies now for 2019 plantings. The inaugural AFIA Fodder Festival in Elmore will provide an ideal opportunity for attendees to discuss these issues with sponsors.

I recently attended Lambex 2018 in Perth following the AFIA Conference in Adelaide. Western Australia is currently experiencing a very good season in most regions and producers are reaping the rewards of current lamb, mutton and wool prices. Whilst in WA, I also had the opportunity to catch up with Georgie Troup, Leader of the AgriFutures Australia Hay Agronomy Project at Northam. This new oaten hay agronomy project is the largest investment to date in the AgriFutures™ Export Fodder Program and will support growers to increase productivity, improve fodder quality and reduce production risk. The oaten hay agronomy project will be delivered in partnership with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Agriculture Victoria and the Department of Primary Industries New South Wales (NSW DPI) and I look forward to hearing the outcomes.

Frank McRae Chair, Board of Directors Australian Fodder Industry Association M: 0428 737 403 E: [email protected]

In Brief

Pictured from left: Frank McRae, Georgie Troup, Elise Woods and Greg Miller checking the oaten hay phenology trial at the DPIRD Northam Research Facility, where Georgie is evaluating current and new oat varieties to assist growers in selecting the right variety for their farm. This research is supported by AgriFutures Australia and the GRDC.

Australian Fodder Industry Association

AFIA Notice BoardAFIA Board welcome two new directorsThank you to Peter Gillett and Mark Lourey for their services over the years. We would like to welcome our two new Board Directors Cameron Angel (QLD) and Brad Griffiths (SA).

2018 AFIA Annual Report now availableMembers can access this years Annual Report online by signing in via the AFIA website: www.afia.org.au

AFIA Work Health and Safety ProgramIf you are interested in joining up to the AFIA Work Health and Safety Program presented by Tricia Chant at the 2018 National Fodder Conference, or wish to find out more, contact John McKew in the AFIA office [email protected]

Reminder: AFIA membership renewalsAFIA membership renewals are now due for payment. Subscription reminders have been sent by email. To settle your account, please contact Pru Edmonds on (03) 9670 0523 or email [email protected]

2018 AFIA Photo Competition winnersCongratulations to our two photo competition winners Amy Lougoon (social media prize) and Brent Leeson (high definition prize). We also congratulate Pioneer Brand Products for winning the Bill Gough Memorial Award for Best Trade Display.

Gen Ag Future Fund winnerCongratulations Cameron Lowe on receiving the inaugural Gen Ag Future Fund Award. We look forward to supporting him alongside sponsor Lallemand throughout his fodder future journey.

Event: Grower and agronomist workshops: Managing dual-purpose grazing cereals in NSW farming systems11 Oct: Cudal Bowling Club, Browns St (Canowindra Rd), Cudal

17 Oct: Holbrook Returned Servicemen’s Club, 38 Swift St, Holbrook

More info: Peter Matthews, phone 0263913198, email [email protected]

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Domestic hay market updateJohn McKew CEO, Australian Fodder Industry Association

The one word that has been repeated extensively to describe the last five months in the Australian domestic hay/fodder market has been “unprecedented”. It was first used by an AFIA member (a grower) back around May/June to describe to me what they were witnessing in terms of enquiry and demand for hay from within their own business. As we all well know now, the over-supply situation we were facing as an industry back at the beginning of 2018 has now become short supply as two seasons of carry-over stocks have all but been cleared out, exacerbated by a virulent drought throughout New South Wales and dry conditions in other parts of the country.

Over the last two months, the media have been in regular contact with AFIA to understand what has been happening with supply, demand and prices for hay/fodder. An unsolicited call from a media monitoring company in New South Wales in late July suggested we (AFIA/John McKew) has appeared 37 times in the media over recent weeks and based on the wide-ranging media calls I have received, I am not surprised by this (we have no imperative to purchase media monitoring services). I do believe this is a key service that AFIA can and should provide to our industry – media comment on the conditions our industry has been facing. Sometimes those comments are misrepresented but usually our comments are accurate and reasonable.

In addition to the extensive media enquiry, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in Canberra have also been in contact with AFIA several times, on occasions at the bequest of the Minister, to understand better the current supply, demand and price conditions for hay/fodder. Again, I see this as an important service we can (and should) provide on behalf of our members and the industry. I would like to think that our objective analysis has been a contributing factor to the introduction of freight subsidies and a contribution to the sympathetic ear of governments to the drought and the hay/fodder short-supply situation.

The AFIA Hay Report, contracted by Dairy Australia but also available via the AFIA website to all of our members, is a key information/intelligence tool to

understanding what is happening in the hay/fodder market across twelve regions of Australia on almost a weekly basis. I would commend this report to everyone involved in the hay/fodder industry, especially those livestock producers who are dependent on our products.

There is no immediate solution to the current shortage of hay/fodder. We anticipate small parcels of product will continue to become available on the market as those with some supply reassess their own needs and make decisions on the potential to free-up some additional supply. The best-case scenario now is widespread rain and a warm and wet spring to bring on a good flush of grass, reinvigorate the crops and take some of the pressure off the hay/fodder market. Let’s hope we get it.

I would like to recognise the enormous contribution of our hay/fodder industry in this time of drought crisis. I believe our industry, notably our fodder growers and traders have acted with empathy and good faith in trying to meet the needs of livestock producers around the country in what has been an unprecedented hay/fodder market. I know telephones have been in constant use as supplies have been sought far and wide to meet the needs of those in dire straits.

Markets

In FocusThere is no immediate solution to the current shortage of hay/fodder

The AFIA Hay Report is a key information/intelligence tool to understanding the hay/fodder market across Australia

keys toproducingquality oat hay

Chapter 1 why grow oat hay?

Chapter 4variety selection

Chapter 7 weeds, diseases & pests

Chapter 2 oat hay planner

Chapter 5 establishing the crop

Chapter 8 making oat hay

Chapter 3 market requirements

Chapter 6crop nutrition

Chapter 9 transport & storage

Oat hay provides enterprise diversity bringing financial and agronomic benefits.

Select varieties to meet market, region and disease resistance requirements.

In-crop weed and disease control options are limited. Plan ahead.Abide by all product labels.

Paddock selection and pre-seeding weed control are essential for quality oat hay.

Calculate seeding rate on 1000 grain weight.More seeds generally increase quality, yield and weed competition.

Bale when 12-14% moisture.Different variety maturing extends cutting date more than spreading sowing date of the same variety.

Know your market.Talk to your hay buyer before sowing.

Soil test: sow in paddocks with low nitrogen (N).Understand variety N requirement and importance of potassium.

Store export hay in sheds.Monitor hay moisture.Know and implement transport laws.

credit Emma Leonard, AgriKnowHow

‘It pays to make hay’

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Export hay market update Rob Lawson Chief Executive Officer, Balco Australia

Due to the extreme weather conditions facing the east of our country the coming export hay season will be filled with challenge due to supply related issues, but we have all seen supply and demand related issues many times before in agriculture and we will face them again in the future.

The demand from the export market has remained high all through 2018 and is set to continue for 2019, but of course it will be limited going forward due to supply conditions from Australia as a whole being limited.

We are currently seeing hay moving from Western Australia via road to supply the domestic needs; because New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia have virtually exhausted their hay stocks. This is a very rare occurrence.

Therefore as we enter the new season it will clearly see hay prices increased in comparison to last season, I am sure all exporters will be advising their respective markets of the pending increases for pricing as we get closer to the new season.

As has been well documented 2017 was the first time hay exports went over 1 million tonnes from Australia and we are on track to again go above the 1 million mark once again, the table below shows the tonnages by country for the first 6 months of calendar year.

Destination Country

Australian Hay and Straw Exports (Jan – Jun)

2018 2017 Variance

Japan 287,907 265,618 +22,289

China 126,960 153,202 -26,242

South Korea 132,828 125,577 +7,251

Taiwan 42,916 44,027 -1,111

Other 12,956 10,229 2,727

Total 603,567 598,653 +4,914

The China market that has been growing year on year for the last few years, has slowed in comparison to last season due to cow numbers decreasing in China over the past 12 months adding to this China

are also growing oat hay domestically in several provinces in China this is also contributing to the slowdown in supply from Australia in 2018. However the other markets have maintained their demand in fact increases are noted in Japan, South Korea and “Other”. Overall the export market is in a healthy place with demand continuing to be strong even with some changing dynamics across the destination countries.

I would like to encourage everyone to continue to have confidence in the export markets and remember your exporter needs your support to meet the needs of our overseas customers year in and year out with a view towards the future continuing to be strong for the medium to long term outlook.

I wish everyone all the very best in the midst of difficult times for the season ahead.

Markets


In FocusExport demand has remained high through 2018 and is set to continue in 2019

Hay is moving from Western Australia via road to supply domestic needs

Eastern states stocks are virtually exhausted which is vary rare

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Australian Fodder Industry Association Spring 2018 Focus on Fodder 9

Inside one of the SA Mushroom production sheds visited on the pre-conference tour where participants learnt about composting.

Events

2018 National Fodder Conference – and that’s a wrap!John McKew CEO, Australian Fodder Industry Association

Proudly sponsored by Massey Ferguson, the 2018 Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) National Fodder Conference, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in late July and themed ‘The Future of Fodder’ was a unique, successful and professionally run event. We have been delighted to receive such positive feedback, constructive evaluations and encouragement from our members at such a challenging time for the fodder industry. I would like to thank AFIA staff Pru Edmonds, Jemma Stefanou and Natalie Radojcic for their dedication and professionalism in running this event and to all our sponsors, speakers, members, delegates and venue staff for making the event such a spectacle. It truly is the prime-networking event for anyone in the fodder industry.

The popular pre-conference tour to Kangaroo Island was an outstanding start to the Conference program. Despite ferry cancellations due to rough seas, 48 hours before the AFIA tour was due to board, the

weather improved dramatically allowing for a pleasant ferry ride across to the island.

Prior to the Kangaroo Island departure, members were treated to a tour of Balco Australia’s newly re-opened export fodder processing plant in Bowmans on the mainland and witnessed the bus getting stuck over a drain at the site; a little unplanned entertainment. Members also visited SA Mushrooms to learn about straw-composting and Jolley Farms, a dairy farm on the Fleureiu Peninsula which also has a self-propelled Bale Baron. On Kangaroo Island, visits were made to KI Pure Grain, a honey farm, eucalyptus oil distillery, spirit

In FocusThe 2018 National Fodder conference in Adelaide was a unique, successful and professionally run event

The pre-conference tour was welcomed by businesses on the Fleureiu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island

The tour captured the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island

The conference explored how to meet the challenges of the future in fodder with science, research and innovation

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Pre-conference tour participants were treated to a tour of the new Balco Australia export fodder processing plant at Bowman.

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distillery, oyster farm and vineyards. The tour captured much of the natural beauty and endemic wildlife of the rugged southern coast of Kangaroo Island and explored the agricultural diversity of the island. Kevin, the tour bus operator and we all suspect, local identity, was the font of all knowledge of his long-time home, Kangaroo Island and filled in the void of bus travel with history, stories and facts about the island. Without a doubt, Kevin was a major contributor to our outstanding experience on Kangaroo Island.

Sunday 29 July, day one of the conference, began with workshops. At the Contractors Workshop, invited speaker from America, Peter Vinelli, spoke of the risks associated with hay fires and how to prevent them. Tricia Chant also presented the first introduction of the AFIA Work Health and Safety Program, which was an initiative born from the Contractors Workshop in 2017. The Invisible Farmer Project ran an interactive social media workshop for women and men in The Women in Fodder Workshop, which provided some useful tools for women to share the diverse contributions of women on farms in Australia.

Events

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afia Official shed supplierPre-conference tour participants captured much of the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island.

One of the Kangaroo Island businesses visited on the pre-conference tour was KI Pure Grain.

TitleEvents

The Transport and Safety Workshop was a highly interactive event, sponsored by MaxiTrans this workshop included presentations from Justin Fleming from Trucksafe and Paul Simionato from the National Heavy Regulator (NHVR). If you wish to get in touch with Paul Simionato from the NHVR, you may call on 0417 142 136 or send him an email [email protected].

The Welcome Cocktail Function was the perfect ending to an informative, interactive and discussion-filled day one of workshops. Proudly sponsored by Tapex Agri, the Welcome Cocktail Function was a buzz with conversations over drinks and finger food and proved, as in previous years, the fodder industry family knows how to have a good time.

'The Future of Fodder' theme was further explored as day two of the conference commenced with a Welcome to Country by Kuarna Senior Woman Aunty Georgina Williams, a Welcome to Adelaide and South Australia address from the South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, The Hon Tim Whetstone and a Welcome Address from the newly appointed Caroline Rhodes, CEO of Grain Producers South Australia.

The AFIA AGM thanked Peter Gillett and Mark Lourey for their services to the AFIA Board and announced two new Directors, Cameron Angel (Queensland) and Brad Griffiths (South Australia).

We then heard updates and outlooks from Dairy Australia, Gilmac, and SARDI before AgriFutures™

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AFIA acknowledges the 2018 National Fodder Conference major sponsor Massey Ferguson.


Events

Australia new Program Manager John Smith announced the first national export fodder levy R&D investment programs. After a break, members were informed on the importance of maintaining and preserving harvest health, AFIA launched the Work Health and Safety Program and Peter Vinelli addressed the whole conference with his insights on baling high moisture hay and hay fires. Without a doubt, Peter concluded day two of the conference with some challenging ideas that provoked a lot of discussion.

The 2018 Annual Conference Dinner, proudly sponsored by New Holland, was a definite highlight of the conference. AFIA presented Mike Collins of Collins Hay with a life membership as the industry acknowledged the contributions of the late Ann Collins, former Chair of the AFIA Board. After minimal formalities, it was time for dinner, entertainment and dancing.

Day two explored how to meet the challenges of the future in fodder with science, research and innovation. AFIA Director Denis McGrath chaired the session and introduced young leaders in fodder. Georgie Troup spoke on the announced National Hay Agronomy Project, Alan Humphries on his pastures program at SARDI, Luke Shelley gave a preview of the Bureau of Meteorology climate outlook and Andrew Lang discussed the potential of straw and fodder as a fuel source in Australia. The ever popular “Our Place" sessions followed, comprising local farmer and industry identity Lyall Schulz, who had also contributed

wine for our speakers from his winery, Barley Stacks Wines, and Keil Wittwer from AG Schilling and Co in Kadina.

The final session focused on the Future of Fodder with Liza Dale-Hallett from The Invisible Farmer Project speaking on the importance of capturing and celebrating the stories of women historically and now as equal contributors to the agriculture industry. This session also explored the many benefits and applications of agroforestry in an Australian context. We closed day three with some of our own special announcements: our inaugural Gen Ag Future Fund Winner, Cameron Lowe from South Australia; Photo Competition Winners Brent Leeson and Amy Lougoon and the Bill Gough Memorial Award for Best Trade Display going to Pioneer Brand Products (GenTech Seeds).

The 2018 National Fodder Conference also included an outstanding machinery and trade display, all inside at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The machinery displayed delivered a visual impact and spectacle for everyone and proved once again how much the fodder industry loves technology and innovation.

'The future of fodder' was explored during the conference sessions in Adelaide.

14 Focus on Fodder Spring 2018 Australian Fodder Industry Association

$2.2 million investment to boost Australian export fodder productivityA new oaten hay agronomy project is the largest investment to date in the AgriFutures™ Export Fodder Program and will support growers to increase productivity, improve fodder quality and reduce production risk. Investment in research, development and extension (RD&E) activities that harness leading edge technologies to develop competitive advantage in export fodder markets is the key focus of the AgriFutures™ Export Fodder Program.

The latest project, worth $2.2 million, is set to have industry-wide benefits across producing regions and processing and assist the industry continue to expand its reach globally and domestically.

AgriFutures™ Australia Program Manager, Research and Innovation, John Smith said the new four-year project will address knowledge gaps in Australian export fodder agronomy and plant pathology.

“It’s a significant project that will focus on hay variety responses to changes in sowing date and nutrition on hay quality, disease impact, management intervention, and how these factors impact on return,” said Mr Smith.

“The project will work across all Australian producing areas, offering variety specific management information which will enable producers to increase productivity, improve fodder quality and reduce production risk.”

Project lead and Oat Research Agronomist, Georgie Troup from the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), is looking forward to providing growers with the support they need to enable them to increase the likelihood of meeting export quality demands.

“Producers can expect variety selection and nutrition advice, updated disease management guidelines and tools to better manage crops,” explained Ms Troup.

Research

In FocusThe Australian export fodder industry has supplied forage to countries across the world for more than 25 years

Key export fodder markets include Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan

In 2017, Australia exported almost 1.2 million metric tonnes of fodder worth an estimated $400 million

Australia’s point of differentiation in the global market is the exporting of oaten hay (typically lucerne is the most widely exported commodity)

The majority of Australia’s export fodder is produced in Western Australia and South

Australia

TitleResearch

“There will be trials located in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, and we will be working with grower groups in key hay growing regions to tackle regionally specific issues affecting export fodder production.

“By collaborating with a team of agronomy and pathology researchers across Australia we will have the best opportunity to answer the key industry questions and support growers.”

The oaten hay agronomy project will be delivered in partnership with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Agriculture Victoria and the Department of Primary Industries New South Wales (NSW DPI).

In other program highlights, the AgriFutures™ Export Fodder Program has funded a $100,000 workplace safety standards project to identify key areas of

WHS risk. An audit of processing facilities will be led by Australian Fodder Industry Association CEO, John McKew in conjunction with WHS specialist Training Compliance Australia and deliver strategies to alleviate processing risks.

More information: John Smith Program Manager, Research and Innovation AgriFutures™ Australia M: 0437 179 359 E: [email protected] W: agrifutures.com.au/export-fodder

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Gen Ag Future Fund ScholarSouth Australian student Cameron Lowe is the recipient of the Australian Fodder Industry Association’s (AIFA) first scholarship aimed at fostering expertise within the next generation of fodder professionals in Australia.

Sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition and facilitated by AFIA, the Gen Ag Future Fund scholarship provides up to $3000 per year to help with education or projects that will benefit the Australian fodder industry.

Cameron was selected from six applicants aged between 18 and 30. He is studying towards an associate degree of farm business management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong and is due to complete his studies next year.

AFIA chief executive John McKew says Cameron was a standout applicant due to the calibre of his application and his forward-thinking commitment to the Australian fodder industry.

“He wants to be able to add value to the industry,” John says. “He is really committed to learning and bringing in knowledge and skills and applying them not just to his own business but to the whole sector.”

Cameron grew up on his family’s 1120-hectare South Australia cropping property, which produces a range of cereals and pulses and about 85,000 small squares of both hay and straw per year. Cameron worked on the farm for two years after finishing school in 2014.

He also spent a year working as a farm hand on a corporate property in Temora, New South Wales, as part of his study.

He was notified of his scholarship win in early June and was delighted by his success. The scholarship can go either towards his tuition costs or towards a study tour. Cameron says he will spend it on both.

“My class is going to China in late August for two weeks, including Beijing and Shanghai,” he says. “The scholarship has given me the opportunity to stay a bit longer.

“We will be hearing from various fodder importers in China, as well as some marketing experts, and will then look at practices including a robotic dairy, horticulture and agricultural farms to see how they do it and see if we can improve our practices back home.”

Upon completing his degree, Cameron plans to investigate best-practice fodder production systems in both Australia and overseas, to bring relevant expertise from other areas home.

He hopes to do this by expanding the established production on his home farm into a more specialised range of products that can target different supply avenues and expand into further areas, building a solid market and reputation.

“I am committed to be full time on my home farm at Wasleys within the next three or four years. That’s the plan long-term,” says Cameron.

“Next year I will be looking at going up to Darwin to do a bit of baling contracting and will then get around and

Diversity

In FocusThe inaugural Gen Ag Future Fund Scholarship sponsired by Lallemand Animal Nutrition was awarded to Cameron Lowe, South Australia at the recent National Fodder Conference

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Cameron Lowe (centre) being presented with the inaugural Gen Ag Future Fund Scholarship by David Lewis, Lallemand Animal Nutrition and John McKew, CEO AFIA (left) at the 2019 National Fodder Conference.

TitleDiversity

see a few things. But I’ll be home when they need me for harvest, baling and seeding.”

As part of his scholarship win, Cameron will make a presentation at AFIA’s 2019 fodder conference to talk about what he has learned and the opportunities the scholarship gave him.

“I believe there is still a lot of potential for the fodder industry to expand in Australia. Farmers are faced with increasing challenges such as rising land prices and high operational costs. They are aiming to avoid putting all their eggs into one basket and diversifying their properties to spread risk,” he says.

John McKew is grateful to Lallemand Animal Nutrition for initiating the idea for the scholarship fund and the partnership with AFIA.

Lallemand country manager Alex Turney says the company is proud to support the next generation of passionate agriculturalists.

“Gen Ag Future Fund supports the development of the Australia’s agricultural youth and parallels Lallemand’s goal of enhancing knowledge and production practices,” Alex says.

“We know from this year’s winner essay, Cameron truly represents the diversity found in agriculture. Cameron has specific interests that will inform our industry for years to come, and he demonstrates an energetic commitment to growth. The future of agriculture is in good hands.”

Alex says as a global leader in natural microbial products, Lallemand is committed to the advancement of Australia’s agriculture and he looks forward to working with and supporting the industry’s future leaders.


Innovation

Taking a new approach to preserving hayLong-time hay producers Warwick and Amy Abbott from Farrell Flat in South Australia, took the step to introduce a new preservative, BioStart HayKing, into their hay operations in 2017 and are very happy with the overall results.

Running a mixed hay operation for both domestic and export customers comprising cereal and legume crops Warwick was asked to look at a preservative for his domestic clients so he made some enquiries through his Krone Dealer, Darren Greatz at Tundarri Services. “I bought our current Krone baler from Darren so he was the first port of call. He told us about HayKing so I went to his hay meeting to hear more about the product from Nick Smyth at HiTech Ag Solutions. He told me what I wanted to hear; it was safe to use, cost effective and had been around for a while in Australia.”

Warwick had an Ascot Pump Applicator installed on his Baler and used it across all hay types last season. “As Nick had said, I found it really easy to use through my 250 litre tank and it flowed smoothly all season through the applicator. The low rates meant a tank went a lot further with less downtime. It was just simple and easy”.

Warwick’s experience in 2017 means he will use the product across more hay in 2018, even his export hay. “Export hay really catches people out. Even though you have to deliver hay with strict delivery standards you can get caught with pockets of un-cured hay and

that’s a risk. We got away with it for many years but I now have a tool that reduces that risk, simply.” Further to that Warwick added the popularity of vetch hay means a preservative is really necessary. “Vetch is really difficult to get right. It dries unevenly and you do worry about its condition once in the bale. Now I know that HayKing is so easy to use I will ramp up vetch hay production with confidence”.

BioStart HayKing is a hay conditioner which contains fermentation extracts which help inhibit the microbes responsible for decomposition and spoilage, aiding the preservation of hay and straw and improving storage and palatability. HayKing can be used to treat hay with up to 24 percent moisture content. HayKing liquid requires no mixing or refrigeration and can also be applied to hay treated with hay steamers.

In FocusWarwick and Amy Abbott wanted a hay preservative for their domestic hay customers

BioStart HayKing contains fermentation extracts to help inhibit microbes responsible for decomposition and spoilage, aiding preservation of hay and straw and improving storage and palatability

Warwick and Amy Abbott have introduced BioStart HayKing into their hay production business based at Farrell Flat, South Australia.

The Forage that tips

the scales

1800 PIONEER pioneerseeds.com.au

Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase, which are part of the labelling and purchase documents. ®, TM, SM, Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Dow AgroSciences or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2018 PHII. No part of this advertisement can be reproduced without prior consent from GenTech Seeds Pty Ltd. The information presented in this technical sheet is from sources that are considered reliable. It is provided in good faith and every care has been taken to ensure its accuracy. GenTech Seeds Pty Ltd. does not accept any responsibility for the consequences of any decision based on this information. A limited Product Warranty applies and can be read on the reverse side of the bag of all Pioneer® brand seed products.

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SSS Productivity allows for increase in cattle numbers in dry conditionsAfter being able to increase stock numbers despite the dry 2017/18 summer, Doug Frend is convinced he is on the right track with Pioneer® brand Super Sweet Sedan (SSS). Doug fattens trade cattle on ‘Dimberoy’ at Gunnedah, New South Wales, buying in weaners and growing them out to sell direct to the abattoirs. He turned to SSS for the first time in 2017/18 in a search for a high-quality forage.

“The productivity of SSS was incredible, having the ability in a dry summer to keep growing cattle is absolutely brilliant,” he explains. “Because of the SSS, we were actually buying cattle over the summer, to increase our numbers, while a lot of people were de-stocking.”

Doug initially selected SSS due to its fine stem and ability to produce quality hay for his feedlot if the season allowed. “The fine stem characteristic is important, so that it processes well and mixes with

grain, not getting sorted out, like a thick stem sorghum would,” Doug says.

“The low prussic acid was also attractive, increasing grazing safety and meaning we weren't going to have any deaths. The SSS has performed really well in that regard, there's been no sign of any sickness. “The ability to control grass and broadleaf weeds in the summer crop was also important, and it's been incredibly clean, free of weeds.”

In FocusSuper Sweet Sudan (SSS) is a highly productive, high quality fodder with fine stems and low prussic acid

SSS is suited to grazing and fodder conservation

Innovation

Doug Frend fattens trade cattle on ‘Dimberoy’ at Gunnedah, New South Wales. He is using Super Sweet Sudan (SSS) grass to maintain beef production levels over summer.

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TitleInnovation

Doug planted 190 hectares at five kilograms a hectare in November 2017. The seed was treated with a fungicide insecticide and Concept®II on a full profile of moisture. It received 50 kilos of DAP plus zinc as well as weed control of Dual Gold® and atrazine post-plant, pre-emergence.

After soil testing and crop establishment, Doug top-dressed 200 kilograms per hectare of a urea/sulfur blend in mid-December, followed by another top-dressing of 130 kilograms per hectare of urea in February after baling and the first grazing.

“It grew into a fair jungle pretty quickly, we couldn't keep on top of it by grazing alone despite throwing all our cattle at it, which gives an indication of the productivity. Managing that growth is a challenge we will improve on next year for even better results,” Doug says.

“We decided to make some hay in January once it had gone to head, and got 750 large square bales from 100 hectares, which we're currently using in the feedlot and for weaning calves. “It baled up beautifully, much like a big crop of oats. There’s not much hay about after a dry year, and with no winter forage ready yet, I’m so glad we made the hay.”

All up, along with the hay production, SSS has given Doug four months of solid grazing for, on average, 700 head at 350 kilograms. “It just grew so much feed in what was quite a dry summer, so in a wet summer the feed would just be unreal. Despite the dry season,

we are still grazing it into May as there hasn’t been a frost yet. It greens up and goes again on every little shower of rain.”

“I've been more than happy with the product, and I'll be definitely making it a cornerstone of our rotation, it's just so good to have that reliable feed over summer to keep the cattle growing,” he says.

“The cattle found it very palatable and the regrowth potential has been amazing, when it did rain in February it bounced away again and looked like a crop of oats.

“The cattle have done really well, about 0.75 kilograms per day on average, though I think 1 kilogram per day would be achievable by grazing earlier and keeping the fresh growth coming away.

“SSS has been incredibly productive, and I'm looking forward to a wet summer, and running even more cattle in years to come.”

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Pulling into the oatsBrent Leeson, 2018 AFIA Photo Competition High Definition Category Prize Winner

Four year old Isabelle FelminghamAmy Lougoon, 2018 AFIA Photo Competition Social Media Category Prize Winner

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focus on fodder - issue 83 spring 2018across australia. producers with available irrigation water...

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