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Venue Rydges Hotel

Port Macquarie NSW

July 25 NSW Farmers (Dairy Committee)

AGM

Dairy Connect (Farmers Group)

Meeting

NSW Dairy Industry Forum

Welcome Function

July 26 Symposium Day

Symposium Dinner

July 27

Farm Day

Emerging Scientists Program

www.drfsymposium.com.au

THE DAIRY RESEARCH FOUNDATION’S

2017 Symposium M

ILC

MO

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ED B

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INCORPORATING DAIRY CONNECT, NSW FARMERS (DAIRY

COMMITTEE) and DAIRY NSW

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Associate Professor Kendra Kerrisk

Chair of the 2017 DRF Symposium Organising Committee

Welcome

In 2017 we take the Dairy Research Foundation Symposium to the beautiful coastal destination of Port Macquarie

in NSW!

The extremely positive response to the Symposium visiting different dairying regions of NSW has brought about the

decision to take it on the road again in 2017.

We kick off again this year with our Industry day where our industry bodies come together to stage their meetings, forums and updates. We welcome the collaboration of NSW Farmers, Dairy Connect and Dairy NSW whom are

all participating again this year.

For 2017 we have another stellar line-up of speakers, headed by Josè Santos from Florida University. Josè is across all of the latest research into reproductive performance of the modern cow. He will bring us up to speed with his research findings and industry learnings in relation to farmers generating the most successful reproductive

outcomes.

Farm Day will take us to ‘Hastings Park’ - the property of Leo & Sue and Luke & Megan Cleary. Attendees will not be disappointed by the array of things to see at ‘Hastings Park’. The family is very well respected within the

industry and are top operators in their field.

In keeping with tradition, the real focus of the Farm Day will be our Emerging Scientists - the best and brightest of our next generation researchers. Bring your voting hats as they vie for first place in the 2017 DRF Emerging Scientist Award. Their challenge is to inform you of the impact that their research can have at a farm or industry

level.

Delegates attending this year’s Symposium are encouraged to stay at one of the local hotels – see list on page 3 of

this booklet.

We look forward to catching up with our loyal attendees but we also want to extend a welcome invitation to any farmers who haven’t previously attended. Be assured you will be welcomed with open arms – we truly believe that you will walk away from the event with new contacts, ideas to implement in your own business, a new spring in your

step and stimulated passion for what you do.

We look forward to welcoming you to Port Macquarie in July 2017.

By and large the majority of our dairy farmers are price takers - profitability is

dictated by the quality of the product and the cost of producing it.

This year we focus on the workhorse of the dairy industry - the cow with the theme

MILC - More Income Led by Cows

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Venue Addresses

RYDGES PORT MACQUARIE

1 Hay Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

THE WESTPORT CLUB

25 Buller St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

HASTINGS PARK DAIRY

200 Hewens Rd, Brombin NSW 2446

The Emerging Scientists’

The Dairy Research Foundation is pleased to showcase the

talents of Australia’s emerging dairy scientists at the 2017

event. Their presentations are the focus of our Farm

Day program and all have been paired with a senior

consultant or scientist to create a highly interactive series of

discussions.

The intent behind this encounter is to offer an opportunity

for professional development for these emerging scientists.

Here we introduce them to and assimilate them with our

industry. The program is in the form of a competition,

where we ask you, the audience, to assess the quality,

relevance and interest of each presentation – with the

audience scores combined to determine a winner. This is

announced at the conclusion of the Farm Day.

The program clearly identifies those competing in

the Emerging Scientists’ Program – and we encourage your

full participation which will do much towards supporting our

next generation of dairy scientists.

Where to stay in Port Macquarie Port Macquarie is full of hotels, motels, B&B’s and

other styles of accommodation.

Below are a few options that are offering special rates (mention DRF Symposium) for our delegates and are a relatively short walk to the dinner venue

(indicated in brackets below).

For a full list of accommodation options please go to

www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au/stay

Getting to Port Macquarie

By Car - Port Macquarie is positioned on the New South

Wales Mid North Coast, just off the Pacific Highway.

Recent upgrades to the highway now make it an easy 4

hour drive from Sydney’s northern suburbs and less than 3

hours from Newcastle. Travelling from Brisbane is a 6

hour drive. From inland NSW, the Oxley Hwy connects

both Armidale and Tamworth to Port Macquarie via the

New England Hwy in less than 4 hours.

By Air – Port Macquarie is approximately one hour flying

time from Sydney or Brisbane. QantasLink and Virgin

Australia provide daily flights between Sydney and Port

Macquarie. Virgin Australia also provides daily flights

between Brisbane and Port Macquarie. JetGo Australia

flies between Melbourne and Port Macquarie on Mondays,

Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays via Melbourne’s

Essendon Airport.

By Train - The NSW TrainLink service between Sydney and

Brisbane stops daily at Kendall and Wauchope. A coach

connection is provided for passengers travelling to Port

Macquarie from Wauchope Station, which is 20 minutes

inland from Port Macquarie.

WATERS EDGE PORT MACQUARIE (3 mins) T: +61 2 6583 2955|F: +61 2 6583 7398 E: reservations@watersedgepm.com.au www.watersedgeportmacquarie.com.au RYDGES PORT MACQUARIE (13 mins) 1 Hay Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 T: +61 2 6589 2888 www.rydges.com/accommodation/port-macquarie-nsw/port-macquarie MANTRA QUAYSIDE PORT MACQUARIE (6 mins) 136 William Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 T: +612 6588 4000 |F: +61 2 6584 4784 E: quayside.gm@mantra.com.au www.mantra.com.au/new-south-wales/north-coast/port-macquarie PORT PACIFIC RESORT (14 mins) T: +61 2 6583 8099 |F: +61 2 6584 9024 E: club@portpacific.com.au www.portpacific.com.au

Dress Code

The Symposium is a casual affair however adequate footwear, warm clothing/wet weather protection for Farm Day is suggested. The Symposium Dinner on

Wednesday evening is ‘smart casual’.

The Dairy Research Foundation’s

2017 Symposium

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The Symposium at a glance

Tuesday July 25

10.00am-5.30pm NSW Farmers (Dairy Committee) AGM, Dairy Connect (Farmers

Group) meeting, Dairy NSW Industry Forum at Rydges, Port Macquarie

6.00pm-8.00pm Welcome Function at Rydges, Port Macquarie

Wednesday July 26

8.00am-5.00pm Symposium Day, Dairy Research Foundation Symposium at Rydges, Port

Macquarie

6.30pm-10.00pm The Dairy Research Foundation Symposium Dinner, sponsored by Dairy

Australia at The Westport Club

Thursday July 27

8.00am-2.30pm Farm Day, Dairy Research Foundation Symposium, incorporating the

Emerging Dairy Scientists Program at Hastings Park Dairy

Organising Committee

Chair

Kendra Kerrisk University of Sydney

Committee

Bill Inglis Dairy Research Foundation

Cameron Clark University of Sydney

Greg Duncan Dairy NSW

Kerry Kempton NSW DPI

Leo Cleary Farmer Member

Michael Campbell Charles Sturt University

Michael Perich Leppington Pastoral Company

Natasha Lees Scibus

Nicolas Lyons NSW DPI

Sergio Garcia University of Sydney/DRF

Sheena Carter Dairy Australia

Tara Wolfson EJM Events

Wayne Clarke Farmer Member

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10.00am Morning tea Pre-Function room

10.30am NSW Farmers (Dairy Committee) AGM Room - Bayside 3

12.00pm Lunch Restaurant

1.30pm Dairy Connect (Farmers Group) meeting Room - Zebu

3.00pm Afternoon Tea Restaurant

3.45pm NSW Dairy Industry Forum

Welcome by Jane Sherborne, Chair of Dairy NSW and dairy farmer

from the Southern Highlands

Room - Bayside 1 & 2

4.00pm - 5.30pm Panel Discussion – Project 20:20: Pathways to Change

Panel participants:

Jillian Wilson - Kyogle

Tim Bale - Stewarts River

Colin Thompson - Cowra

Grant Sherborne - Burrawang

Ruth Kydd - Finley

Room - Bayside 1 & 2

6.00pm - 8.00pm Pre-Function Room and Bayside 3

DRF 2017 SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM

Tuesday July 25 – Industry Day

Wednesday July 26 – Symposium Day

8.00am Exhibition/Arrival Tea & Coffee

8.30am Official opening

DRF chairman Bill Inglis introduces Ian Halliday, Managing Director of Dairy Australia

Session 1 – The big ticket items

8.45 am José Santos

FLORIDA UNIVERSITY

In the US, selection for milk yield has depressed reproduction; however, in the

last 16 years, the adoption of improved management procedures for health

and reproduction programs with selection for fertility and health has

changed this situation. Although the US production system might be different

from that in Australia, the dairy cows remain similar. José Santos from the

University of Florida will share with us some of the important changes

implemented in the US that has allowed milk production to continue to

increase, but now with herds achieving very good reproductive performance.

The Dairy Research Foundation’s

2017 Symposium

Welcome Function

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Wednesday July 26 – Symposium Day

MILC MORE INCOME LED BY COWS

Session 1 continued

9.30am Yani Garcia

UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

Annual DRF Director’s update: past, present and future research in

dairy production

The University of Sydney and Dairy Research Foundation have a rich

history of dairy science. Here we ask the current Director to give us a

snapshot of recent and forward-looking dairy research at Sydney

University. Whilst you hear of our contributions to the industry, use the

opportunity to have a say on the future directions of the research group.

10.00am Break

Session 2 – Market farming

10.30am Grant Fuzi

BLUE RIVER GROUP

Blue River Group recently acquired the Riverina Fresh dairy processing

plant in Wagga Wagga which has a unique ecosystem of 20 local

farmers providing high quality milk. The business provides Blue River

with a fantastic opportunity to invest in the regional community and to

grow the brand and niche product offering which is highly regarded in

the coffee market. Grant Fuzi will open this session and really get us

thinking about the impact of pre-farm gate practices on post farm gate

products. The recent announcement of ‘Project Bridge’, a commercial

dairy farm showcasing Israeli technology and an ag & food tech hub

around the farm for testing & commercialisation of Australian ideas &

technologies will be a fantastic resource for the dairy industry. We will

also hear about the key areas of interest of Blue River and where they

plan on making an impact.

11.00am Tim Bale

MANNING VALLEY

FARMER

Securing a direct contract with Woolworths has changed the game for

dairy farmer Tim Bale. Of greatest interest are the changes on farm

that he believes he probably should have implemented even if he

hadn’t become a ‘Farmers Own’ farmer. We can all take some of his

learnings to enhance our own businesses.

11.30am James Crooke

GUNDOWRING FINEST

ICECREAM

The Gundowring ice-cream story is the perfect end to our pre-lunch

session. It’s a story of succession, seasonality and all things sweet.

Taking the journey from farmer to gourmet food producer has

involved some steep learning curves. James will take us through some

pearls of wisdom for anyone considering entering the value-adding

game.

12:00pm Lunch

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Session 4 – Our industry tomorrow

3.30pm Steve Crimp

CSIRO

Global, national and local influences all play a role in shaping our

industry. Steve will take us through the CSIRO Rural Industry Future

report which looks into the Megatrends that will impact on

Australian agriculture over the coming 20 years. He will also hone in

on our exposure to climate risk at an industry level. Forewarned is

forearmed and Steve’s insights will be important if we are to be

prepared as an industry and as individual farmers. Let the ride be a

little less bumpy perhaps.

Session 3 – Enhancing the business through external expertise

1.00pm Rob Cooper

DAIRY FARMER

MANILLA, NSW

Rob Cooper is well respected for the decisions he makes regarding the

adoption of technology and different farming practices. Hear how he

deciphers information and the art of implementing research that really

adds value to his operation. The decision making, the risk mitigation and

the evaluation after the event are equally important aspects of the

adoption process.

1.30 pm Adam Darley and

Chris Shirley

DAIRY FARMER AND

VETERINARIAN

When it comes to generating income led by cows Adam Darley has

something akin to a military operation. The sequences of events that

occur almost like clockwork each month ensure that no cow flies under

the radar when it comes to the annual cycle. Adam’s focus on

ensuring that he is well armed with information to manage preventative

procedures is what makes this business tick.

2.00pm Jamie Drury

ATTUNGA DAIRY FARMER

What makes a generational Holstein farmer turn to the little brown

cow and what impact has it had on his business in dollars and cents.

Jamie knows his numbers inside out and gives us an opportunity to

scrutinise them as he takes us through the journey from monochrome to

mocha. One of the secrets to Jamie’s success has to be the fact that he

truly believes that there is something to be learnt from everyone.

2:30pm Michael Perich

LEPPINGTON

PASTORAL COMPANY

At the far right of the scale spectrum Michael Perich talks about the

attention to detail that goes into managing a large scale dairy

operation. Leppington Pastoral Company target premium milk markets,

but the focus is on planning, proactivity and prevention. A good

operation doesn’t happen by chance and the ‘Gantt Chart Guru’ knows

that decisions made today may take 18 months to have an impact on

farm.

3.00 Afternoon Tea

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2017 Symposium

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4.00pm Neil Moss

SCIBUS

Extreme weather events are all part of the farming game however,

having strategies that are practical for implementation is important.

During the extreme heat-waves that hit NSW earlier this year some

farmers were successful in minimising the impact on both cow comfort

and production. What can we learn from them – ‘10 tips style’.

4.20pm José Santos

FLORIDA UNIVERSITY

We bring José back to the stage to share the latest research findings

around heat stress and its long-term impacts on cows, their performance

and even the performance of their off-spring. For some of our cows the

damage may already be done but that doesn’t mean it’s time to throw

in the towel.

4.40pm Jennie Pryce

AGRICULTURE VICTORIA

Preparing for extreme heat events is one thing but breeding for them

is quite another. The DairyBio team have been working hard to

determine the potential and the value of selecting heat tolerant

cows. We invite Jennie to the stage to explain the potential inroads that

can be made and let us in on the cold hard facts regarding the impact

of climatic conditions on milk production (across Australia).

5.00pm Symposium close

6.30pm The Dairy Research Foundation Symposium Dinner

Sponsored by Dairy Australia

Session 4 continued

MILC MORE INCOME LED BY COWS

Thursday July 27 – Farm Day/Emerging Scientist Program

8.00am Arrival at Hastings Park Dairy, 200 Hewens Rd, Brombin NSW 2446

8.30-9.00am Dairy farmers for more than 20 years, Leo & Sue along with Luke & Megan Cleary are

blessed to wake up every morning on the spectacular ‘Hastings Park’ which is nestled in a

bend of the Hastings River, inland of Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast.

After first hearing about a2 Milk in 2012, the Cleary’s made the decision to take

advantage of a small window of opportunity offered by Norco Co-operative and

transitioned their farm to an a2 Milk CompanyTM certified herd. Whilst it wasn’t without

its trials and tribulations the family maintains that it was well and truly worth the effort.

Their learnings around biosecurity were very valuable and should influence stock

movement practices across the industry. Today, the herd sits at around 350 cows.

The farm operates a 24 aside rapid exit herringbone dairy and with current

production of over 2.5 million litres per year, the move to a2 added value to their

product with Norco paying premium milk prices.

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9.00am - 2.00pm Rotate through the following platforms with a break for morning tea and lunch

Platform 1

Breeding and Genetics

We bring our Genetics Goddess, Jennie Pryce (Agriculture Victoria) back to the stage for

Farm Day to host the breeding and genetics platform where Alexandra Green (University

of Sydney) will take you through a beginners guide to speaking cow. Beth Scott

(Wageningen University) will dispel the fact and fiction of the prevalence of stillborn

calves. This session will be wound up by Jo Newton (Agriculture Victoria) who will show us

what contribution high genetic merit cows can make to farm profit.

Platform 2

Feed and Feeding

Kerry Kempton (NSW Department of Primary Industries) is perfectly qualified to host this

platform of young movers and shakers. Alex John (University of Sydney) will be first cab

off the rank with tips on taking the slug out of sluggish through diet modifications.

Following on the theme of speed, Juan Molfino (University of Sydney) will share his

experiences indicating how cows resist or adapt to changes in management. From feeding

cows to feeding people; Veronika Vicic (Charles Sturt University) will taunt your tastebuds

with new findings on the taste of Holstein Beef.

Platform 3

Environment and Welfare

Hosted by Sheena Carter (Regional Extension Coordinator for Dairy NSW). As an indus-

try we are lucky to have some very dynamic extension co-ordinators who deliver some

extremely valuable national programs that have been tailored to our regions. Sheena

will give us a bit of a heads up on the programs that will be available across NSW over

the coming months and highlight some of the resources available to farmers through Dairy

Australia. Ashleigh Wildridge (University of Sydney) will explain how the robotic way

keeps the stress away. Next on the stage will be Laura Senge (Murdoch University) who

explains that water auditing is the first step to effective effluent management on dairy

farms in SW WA. Paul Cheng (University of Melbourne) will finish up with the potential

of feeding canola and wheat to decrease the carbon footprint of grazing heifers.

2.00 - 2.30pm Afternoon Tea / Emerging Scientist Prizes / Symposium Close

8.30-9.00am continued Over the years The Cleary’s have built a strong understanding of the impact of heat stress

on their own farm and have made recent improvements to their property with the

installation of a shade structure over the yards for cow comfort. Their participation in the

Fert$mart program influenced the move to recycling effluent via their irrigation system

and reiterated the value of their existing fertiliser strategies and added value to their

understanding through the mapping of hot zones.

Farm Day provides the perfect opportunity to meet the Cleary’s and learn from this very

successful and well-reputed farming family with discussion guided by Neil Moss (Scibus).

The Dairy Research Foundation’s

2017 Symposium

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Early bird prices - Payment by 3 July 2017

Farmers/Students - Symposium Day, Farm Day and Dinner (not including welcome function) $460.00

Service providers - Symposium Day, Farm Day and Dinner (not including welcome function) $600.00

Single day ticket (option of Symposium Day or Farm Day - not including welcome function or dinner) $300.00

Not so early bird prices - Payment after 3 July 2017

Farmers/Students - Symposium Day, Farm Day and Dinner (not including welcome function) $580.00

Service providers - Symposium Day, Farm Day and Dinner (not including welcome function) $715.00

Single day ticket (option of Symposium Day or Farm Day - not including welcome function or dinner) $350.00

Welcome Function

6.00pm Tuesday 25 July 2017 $45.00

Symposium Dinner

6.30pm Wednesday 26 July 2017 $110.00

Conference Pricing We are pleased to offer an early bird discount to those booking and paying by Monday 3rd July 2017.

We are also pleased to offer significant discounts to farmers and students attending.

To secure your early bird pricing, payment must be received by the 3 July 2017 cut-off.

To register to attend the DRF Symposium, there are a range of choices.

1. Go to www.drfsymposium.com.au and click on the registration button and complete your details and

payment electronically

2. Complete the form on the following page and submit by post or fax (see details on page 12) to

Tara Wolfson

3. Complete the form, scan and email it to Tara Wolfson at tara@ejmevents.com.au

MILC MORE INCOME LED BY COWS

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Trading Organisation for tax receipts ______________________________________________________

Contact Name __________________________________ Phone _______________________________

Address _______________________________________ Suburb _______________________________

P/Code _____________ State _________________ Country ________________________________

Email _______________________________________________________________________________

EVENT REGISTRATION No. Early Bird From 4 July Subtotal

Full package Dairy farmers/Students

Includes Symposium Day, Symposium Dinner and Farm Day $460.00 $580.00

Full package Service Providers

Includes Symposium Day, Symposium Dinner and Farm Day $600.00 $715.00

INDIVIDUAL EVENT REGISTRATION (including Industry Day events)

NSW Farmers (Dairy Committee) AGM N/A N/A

Dairy Connect (Farmers Group) Meeting N/A N/A

NSW Dairy Industry Forum N/A N/A

Single Day ticket $300.00 $350.00

Welcome Function (Tuesday 25th July) $45.00 $45.00

Symposium Dinner (Wednesday 26th July) $110.00 $110.00

Note. All printed costs are Inclusive of GST TOTAL PAYMENT DUE

Symposium Day (26th July) OR

Farm Day (27th July)

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please indicate below if you have any special dietary needs you’d like us to take care of. _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Delegate Name * Email Address Company *

* This information will be used to create name tags for the event.

The Dairy Research Foundation’s

2017 Symposium

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TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED

Indicate your form of payment. Credit Card Cheque

All Cheques are to be made payable to ‘University of Sydney’

Credit Card No. ___________________________________________________________ CVV _________

Name on Card _____________________________________________________ Expiry ______ /______

Signature __________________________________

Card Type Visa MasterCard

TERMS & CONDITIONS

CANCELLATION POLICY

A full conference refund, less a $50 cancellation fee, will be made on any cancellations received by July 1, 2017. After this date we regretfully cannot refund your fee. Any refunds owing will be not be paid until the conclusion of the conference. Substitution of delegates is however permitted.

EVENT CANCELLATION

In the unlikely event that the Symposium is cancelled, all refunds of ticket sales will be processed within thirty (30) days of cancellation.

DISCLAIMER

Every effort is made to ensure that the details provided for the Dairy Research Foundation’s Symposium are correct. The organisers retain the right to make changes where necessary. Neither the Dairy Research Foundation nor EJM Events, will accept liability for any damages of any nature sustained by participants or their accompanying persons or loss or damage to their personal property for the duration of the Symposium or after the event.

CONDITION OF ENTRY

A condition of entry to the Dairy Research Foundation Symposium is that delegates must not interrupt the intent of the program in any manner that is considered to cause disturbance or discomfort to the presenters or fellow delegates. Any delegate causing such disturbance or discomfort or displaying unruly behaviour will be removed.

Only pamphlets approved by the event organisers are permitted to be distributed. By attending the DRF Symposium, you understand that you may be photographed and you hereby give the Dairy Research Foundation and EJM Events the unqualified right to take pictures of you and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, photo, without compensation for marketing purposes. Dairy Research Foundation and EJM Events shall not be obligated to use, and may elect not to use, your image.

LODGING YOUR REGISTRATION FORM

Your registration form needs to be returned to

Conference Managers, EJM Events

By Fax to +61 2 8072 1871

By Post to PO Box 1053, Ryde NSW 1680

By Email to tara@ejmevents.com.au

General Enquiries

Ph. Tara Wolfson at EJM Events on +612 8089 1388

Please Note. A confirmation email and Tax Invoice will

be issued on receipt of your registration and payment.

MILC MORE INCOME LED BY COWS