A workshop at Noorat on Thursday, June 22 aims to help dairy farmers get the best quality fodder from their crops this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) chief executive John McKew said an abundant supply of fodder had been produced in many regions throughout Australia this year but the “higher yields do not always deliver the quality required in today’s modern dairy enterprises.”
The AFIA, in partnership with TPC Agriculture, aims to remedy that situation with an “Our Place” workshop at Will Conheady’s dairy operation, 360 McKinnons Bridge Road, Noorat, on Thursday, June 22, from 11.30am.
Will Conheady is involved in a 2500 cow dairy operation over five milking farms with an autumn calving pattern that seeks to make the most of the spring flush of grass.
The enterprise is a low input system and has average production of around 580 a kilogram milk solids.
It runs a primarily grazing based system, finding it provides the best economical returns with feeding of fodder occurring mostly in the summer months when the cows have been dried off.
Most fodder is home produced silage and purchased fodder is usually in the form of protein hay to feed out in winter.
Economics are important and the aim is to fill the cow up and balance the ration.
Seventy to 80 per cent of the diet is fixed and is primarily pasture with fibre to hold them together and grain to fit the ration.
Currently the grain ration is higher in wheat composition with a focus on the cents per litre for energy.
Depending on the time of the year, the enterprise will target protein or energy and consults with its feed mill for nutritional advice.
Fodder purchases are made from growers they have been buying from for many years, which helps guarantee they have a secure feed source.
The enterprise has found those relationships are very important to ensure its paramount concern of getting quality hay and securing their fodder needs.
Feed tests are used but they also like to do visual assessments.
To RSVP to the workshop, contact Renata Cumming from TPC Agriculture on 0419 600 334 or via email at workshops@afia.org.au. A free barbecue lunch will be provided after the workshop.
