WestVic Dairy Newsletter July 2016

New Chair for WestVic Dairy

Profit Prophet

What’s on

YDN Update

10 tips for the coming season

Focus Farm Data

WestVic Dairy is delighted to announce the appointment of Simone Renyard to the position of Chairperson. Simone has been a member of the WestVic Dairy Board for nearly two years and milks 550 Fresians at Timboon with her husband Nick. Following her appointment, Simone expressed her gratitude to outgoing Chairman Leighton Hart, who has stepped down to focus on his farm business. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank Leighton Hart for his hard work during his term as chair of WestVic Dairy. I hope to continue the good work of WestVic Dairy and develop our strategic plan to suit the needs of our farmers” she said. Despite the current issues facing the industry, Simone remained upbeat about the prospects for recovery. “My hopes are really positive, a lot of learning comes out of tough times and we can’t underestimate how resilient we are. We will get through and be better for it” She also wanted to reassure the farming community that there is a variety of resources and organisations that can provide support. “No farmer should have to feel alone and we have every range of support available to help them”. Together with the Board, Simone voiced her concerns for farmers facing tight times. “As a Board we acknowledge the hard times that farmers are currently experiencing and we want to assure them that the levy they pay is hard at work for them” she said. There will be four vacant WestVic Dairy Board (farmer) positions at the Annual General Meeting in September and farmers are encouraged to consider their involvement.

Your WestVic Dairy Board Chairperson:

Simone Renyard

Board Members:

Gemma Chuck

Tom Newton

Karrinjeet Singh- Mahil

Harper Kilkpatrick

Kirsti Keightley

David Parkinson

Associate Board Member: Daniel Meade

Simone Renyard

WestVic Dairy Newsletter July 2016

New Chair for WestVic Dairy

Profit Prophet

What’s on

YDN Update

10 tips for the coming season

Focus Farm Data

WestVic Dairy is delighted to announce the appointment of Simone Renyard to the position of Chairperson. Simone has been a member of the WestVic Dairy Board for nearly two years and milks 550 Fresians at Timboon with her husband Nick. Following her appointment, Simone expressed her gratitude to outgoing Chairman Leighton Hart, who has stepped down to focus on his farm business. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank Leighton Hart for his hard work during his term as chair of WestVic Dairy. I hope to continue the good work of WestVic Dairy and develop our strategic plan to suit the needs of our farmers” she said. Despite the current issues facing the industry, Simone remained upbeat about the prospects for recovery. “My hopes are really positive, a lot of learning comes out of tough times and we can’t underestimate how resilient we are. We will get through and be better for it” She also wanted to reassure the farming community that there is a variety of resources and organisations that can provide support. “No farmer should have to feel alone and we have every range of support available to help them”. Together with the Board, Simone voiced her concerns for farmers facing tight times. “As a Board we acknowledge the hard times that farmers are currently experiencing and we want to assure them that the levy they pay is hard at work for them” she said. There will be four vacant WestVic Dairy Board (farmer) positions at the Annual General Meeting in September and farmers are encouraged to consider their involvement.

Your WestVic Dairy Board Chairperson:

Simone Renyard

Board Members:

Gemma Chuck

Tom Newton

Karrinjeet Singh- Mahil

Harper Kilkpatrick

Kirsti Keightley

David Parkinson

Associate Board Member: Daniel Meade

Simone Renyard

Ten tips for the coming season Michele Jolliffe, Agriculture Victoria, Warrnambool

As we start the new financial year, these ten tips are well worth keeping in mind to help tackle the season ahead.

Don't fly blind- If you haven’t done so, get your financial records up to date. This will give you a clear understanding of what you have to deal with. Update them monthly so that as things change, you can keep track of how new input and milk prices will affect your bottom line. Also consider using a trusted advisor to help assess your business and develop a plan. The Taking Stock program is a great way to do this and is available to all farmers as a free service through WestVic Dairy.

Razor gang- Examine every cost for any 'fat' that can be trimmed. However, don’t let cash flow alone determine important management decisions, such as amounts of bought-in feed. Short-term benefits can be quickly lost if cows are underfed, especially in early lactation. Poor ration balance can also lead to significant animal health problems.

Talk to debtors- Keep in contact with any lenders and keep trade debtors informed of your plans to pay any outstanding bills. Often loans can be renegotiated and bills paid over a few months if necessary.

Maximise your muck- Plan to use your dairy effluent this year to either extend your spring pasture growth or fire up a summer crop. The manure needs to be used before next winter anyway, so think through options early to grow more feed or reduce fertiliser costs.

Get in the helicopter- Assess the level of risk in your business. These challenging times can often provide useful motivation to look at the bigger picture - is the business still helping achieve personal and financial goals?

You're not alone- Keep up your contacts with sporting, school, community, discussion groups and other social groups. Chances are everyone is going through the same challenges and a chat with others can help to reduce the feeling that you are going it alone. Be sure to look after you family, friends and neighbours.

In excess for spring- Plan to grow as much forage as possible over spring to reduce cash feed costs next year. Remember - underfeeding cows by locking up more than you need will cost your business a lot more in the long run.

When you're on a good thing- Don't make significant changes to your farming system. This is not the year to try some new brave experiments! Stick to what has worked well for you in the past and use only well validated technologies or inputs.

Be nutrient savvy- If you have areas where you aren't sure how the nutrient levels are going, do a soil test. You may be able to cut back fertiliser on some areas and focus on maximising the return using straight nitrogen if levels are adequate.

Plan a break- Get off the farm when possible. Holidays don't have to cost a lot of money, but the change in perspective and fun that it can bring to everyone at home is worth a lot more than money.

Dairy Day Celebrations

Lindsay Ferguson and Liza Fahey Merv and Dave Hughes Panel discussion at Dairy Day

More than 180 people attended the inaugural ‘Dairy Day’ luncheon at Cobden Recreation Reserve on Saturday June 25th. Coordinated by AFL Western District and Worksafe, ‘Dairy Day’ featured presentations from sporting legends Keven Sheedy, Merv Hughes, John ‘Mopsy’ Rantall and comedian Dave Hughes. Each presenter expressed their support and admiration for the dairy industry and urged people to look out for one another in tough times. The luncheon was followed by the Cobden vs Koroit Hampden league match, won by Koroit. To view a photo gallery of the day go to www.standard.net.au

Ten tips for the coming season Michele Jolliffe, Agriculture Victoria, Warrnambool

As we start the new financial year, these ten tips are well worth keeping in mind to help tackle the season ahead.

Don't fly blind- If you haven’t done so, get your financial records up to date. This will give you a clear understanding of what you have to deal with. Update them monthly so that as things change, you can keep track of how new input and milk prices will affect your bottom line. Also consider using a trusted advisor to help assess your business and develop a plan. The Taking Stock program is a great way to do this and is available to all farmers as a free service through WestVic Dairy.

Razor gang- Examine every cost for any 'fat' that can be trimmed. However, don’t let cash flow alone determine important management decisions, such as amounts of bought-in feed. Short-term benefits can be quickly lost if cows are underfed, especially in early lactation. Poor ration balance can also lead to significant animal health problems.

Talk to debtors- Keep in contact with any lenders and keep trade debtors informed of your plans to pay any outstanding bills. Often loans can be renegotiated and bills paid over a few months if necessary.

Maximise your muck- Plan to use your dairy effluent this year to either extend your spring pasture growth or fire up a summer crop. The manure needs to be used before next winter anyway, so think through options early to grow more feed or reduce fertiliser costs.

Get in the helicopter- Assess the level of risk in your business. These challenging times can often provide useful motivation to look at the bigger picture - is the business still helping achieve personal and financial goals?

You're not alone- Keep up your contacts with sporting, school, community, discussion groups and other social groups. Chances are everyone is going through the same challenges and a chat with others can help to reduce the feeling that you are going it alone. Be sure to look after you family, friends and neighbours.

In excess for spring- Plan to grow as much forage as possible over spring to reduce cash feed costs next year. Remember - underfeeding cows by locking up more than you need will cost your business a lot more in the long run.

When you're on a good thing- Don't make significant changes to your farming system. This is not the year to try some new brave experiments! Stick to what has worked well for you in the past and use only well validated technologies or inputs.

Be nutrient savvy- If you have areas where you aren't sure how the nutrient levels are going, do a soil test. You may be able to cut back fertiliser on some areas and focus on maximising the return using straight nitrogen if levels are adequate.

Plan a break- Get off the farm when possible. Holidays don't have to cost a lot of money, but the change in perspective and fun that it can bring to everyone at home is worth a lot more than money.

Dairy Day Celebrations

Lindsay Ferguson and Liza Fahey Merv and Dave Hughes Panel discussion at Dairy Day

More than 180 people attended the inaugural ‘Dairy Day’ luncheon at Cobden Recreation Reserve on Saturday June 25th. Coordinated by AFL Western District and Worksafe, ‘Dairy Day’ featured presentations from sporting legends Keven Sheedy, Merv Hughes, John ‘Mopsy’ Rantall and comedian Dave Hughes. Each presenter expressed their support and admiration for the dairy industry and urged people to look out for one another in tough times. The luncheon was followed by the Cobden vs Koroit Hampden league match, won by Koroit. To view a photo gallery of the day go to www.standard.net.au

From the Regional Manager Times are still tough as farms battle against low prices for the new financial year. Every farmer and farm business is unique and will respond to this challenge in different ways. WestVic Dairy and Dairy Australia are providing a wide range of information to help with good decision-making. You can get this through extension events, fact sheets, management tools on our website or simply a phone call. Of most benefit to many is the offer of a one to one, confidential, consulting session- Taking Stock, to help you prepare an action plan to see you through this difficult period. This is a free program and offered to all farm businesses. There is also a number of social events happening for people to get away from the farm, relax, take their mind off the business and look after their family's health and well-being. On a different note, this financial year sees a number of changes at WestVic Dairy as we assume responsibility for the delivery of productivity extension from Agriculture Victoria (DEDJTR). This will include the areas of pasture and feed-base, animal performance and farm business management. To help provide this service to levy-payers we are pleased to welcome two new recruits to the WestVic Dairy extension team in Peter Gaffy and Blair Summerville. We are now fully staffed and well equipped to help you in the decision making process during these tight times. If you have any queries please give us a call on 5557 1000. Take care. Lindsay Ferguson, Regional Manager, WestVic Dairy

Camperdown Rotary members cooking up a feast

Lindsay Ferguson

Looking over the Farmgate– CFA Shed Events CFA sheds across western Victoria opened their doors on a chilly June afternoon for a lunchtime of catching up and socialising as part of United Dairy Farmers of Victoria and WestVic Dairy’s ‘Looking over the Farmgate’ event.

17 local CFA brigades welcomed brigade members, farmers and their families to a casual BBQ cooked by local community groups.

With support from the National Centre for Farmer Health and R U OK?, the event allowed farmers to come together in a relaxed environment to discuss issues, socialise and support each other in the wake of recent industry upheaval. ACE Radio featured a broadcast of the event during the ‘Country Today’ program.

Event organiser Liz Fahey was thrilled with the attendance and the response from farmers and community groups.

“It was fantastic to see a number of different groups come together. Thanks to the support of the CFA, UDV, VFF, R U OK?, Lions, Colac Sea Scouts, Rotary and Freemasons organisations we’re optimistic we’ll be able to turn this into an annual gathering for farmers and their families across western Victoria” she said.

WestVic Dairy would like to thank everybody who generously donated their time to help with this event.

Everybody kept warm in Mortlake

Enjoying lunch in Heywood

From the Regional Manager Times are still tough as farms battle against low prices for the new financial year. Every farmer and farm business is unique and will respond to this challenge in different ways. WestVic Dairy and Dairy Australia are providing a wide range of information to help with good decision-making. You can get this through extension events, fact sheets, management tools on our website or simply a phone call. Of most benefit to many is the offer of a one to one, confidential, consulting session- Taking Stock, to help you prepare an action plan to see you through this difficult period. This is a free program and offered to all farm businesses. There is also a number of social events happening for people to get away from the farm, relax, take their mind off the business and look after their family's health and well-being. On a different note, this financial year sees a number of changes at WestVic Dairy as we assume responsibility for the delivery of productivity extension from Agriculture Victoria (DEDJTR). This will include the areas of pasture and feed-base, animal performance and farm business management. To help provide this service to levy-payers we are pleased to welcome two new recruits to the WestVic Dairy extension team in Peter Gaffy and Blair Summerville. We are now fully staffed and well equipped to help you in the decision making process during these tight times. If you have any queries please give us a call on 5557 1000. Take care. Lindsay Ferguson, Regional Manager, WestVic Dairy

Camperdown Rotary members cooking up a feast

Lindsay Ferguson

Looking over the Farmgate– CFA Shed Events CFA sheds across western Victoria opened their doors on a chilly June afternoon for a lunchtime of catching up and socialising as part of United Dairy Farmers of Victoria and WestVic Dairy’s ‘Looking over the Farmgate’ event.

17 local CFA brigades welcomed brigade members, farmers and their families to a casual BBQ cooked by local community groups.

With support from the National Centre for Farmer Health and R U OK?, the event allowed farmers to come together in a relaxed environment to discuss issues, socialise and support each other in the wake of recent industry upheaval. ACE Radio featured a broadcast of the event during the ‘Country Today’ program.

Event organiser Liz Fahey was thrilled with the attendance and the response from farmers and community groups.

“It was fantastic to see a number of different groups come together. Thanks to the support of the CFA, UDV, VFF, R U OK?, Lions, Colac Sea Scouts, Rotary and Freemasons organisations we’re optimistic we’ll be able to turn this into an annual gathering for farmers and their families across western Victoria” she said.

WestVic Dairy would like to thank everybody who generously donated their time to help with this event.

Everybody kept warm in Mortlake

Enjoying lunch in Heywood

Tactics for Tight Times Connect with Dairy Australia’s Tactics for Tight Times program. There is a variety of resources and practical advice available to help farmers across western Victoria.

FACTSHEETS: Preparing for 2016/17, Taking Stock of Your Situation, Winter Nitrogen, Winter Management, Government Assistance for Farmers, Managing People in Tight Times, Feed Budgeting, Managing Wet Soils.

VIDEOS: John Mulvany from OMJ Consulting, Neil Lane from Dairy Australia, Chris Hibburt from the Vet Group, Dairy Consultant Matt Harms.

TOOLS AND RESOURCES: DairyBase, Tactics for Tight Times Budgeting Tool, People in Dairy.

To access this content simply head to www.tftt.dairyaustralia.com.au

For information on local events in western Victoria call WestVic Dairy on 5557 1000 or go to www.westvicdairy.com.au

Dairy Concessional Loans Scheme Victorian dairy farmers who had a milk supply agreement with Murray Goulburn or Fonterra for the 2015/16 year can now apply to Rural Finance for a concessional loan under the Australian Government’s Dairy Recovery Concessional Loan Scheme. $30m in funding is available for Victorian farmers at a variable interest rate commencing at 2.71% per annum and loan terms of up to 10 years with the first 5 years being interest only.

Full eligibility details are contained in the scheme Guidelines. This document and application forms are now published on the Rural Finance website under the Industry Programs section – http://www.ruralfinance.com.au/Industry-programs

The application period closes on 31 October 2016, or sooner if funding is fully committed. For further information, or to test your eligibility, contact Rural Finance on 1800 260 425. The Rural Financial Counselling Service is also able to assist farmers with the application process.

Tactics for Tight Times Connect with Dairy Australia’s Tactics for Tight Times program. There is a variety of resources and practical advice available to help farmers across western Victoria.

FACTSHEETS: Preparing for 2016/17, Taking Stock of Your Situation, Winter Nitrogen, Winter Management, Government Assistance for Farmers, Managing People in Tight Times, Feed Budgeting, Managing Wet Soils.

VIDEOS: John Mulvany from OMJ Consulting, Neil Lane from Dairy Australia, Chris Hibburt from the Vet Group, Dairy Consultant Matt Harms.

TOOLS AND RESOURCES: DairyBase, Tactics for Tight Times Budgeting Tool, People in Dairy.

To access this content simply head to www.tftt.dairyaustralia.com.au

For information on local events in western Victoria call WestVic Dairy on 5557 1000 or go to www.westvicdairy.com.au

Dairy Concessional Loans Scheme Victorian dairy farmers who had a milk supply agreement with Murray Goulburn or Fonterra for the 2015/16 year can now apply to Rural Finance for a concessional loan under the Australian Government’s Dairy Recovery Concessional Loan Scheme. $30m in funding is available for Victorian farmers at a variable interest rate commencing at 2.71% per annum and loan terms of up to 10 years with the first 5 years being interest only.

Full eligibility details are contained in the scheme Guidelines. This document and application forms are now published on the Rural Finance website under the Industry Programs section – http://www.ruralfinance.com.au/Industry-programs

The application period closes on 31 October 2016, or sooner if funding is fully committed. For further information, or to test your eligibility, contact Rural Finance on 1800 260 425. The Rural Financial Counselling Service is also able to assist farmers with the application process.

Hopefully by now you have asked the milk factory (and some alternative ones) for an income estimate; worked out your cost of production; and built a cash-flow budget. If you haven’t done this yet, Taking Stock is all about helping you get this process started (and it is free).

Profitability is about income promotion (which means more milk when the milk price drops) and/or expense minimisation. Most farmers are pretty good at expense minimisation in relation to variable costs, but be careful about what cutting these might do to income too. It is typically the fixed or overhead costs that cripple a business, particularly in the tough years. Anything you can do to reduce these (cutting them or diluting them with more milk) will be highly beneficial.

Other suggestions to help balance the budget include, talking to your bank about going ‘interest only’ and/or re-financing (particularly of the short-term debts). You should also consider negotiating with the ATO to postpone PAYG and BAS payments or go onto a payment plan; reduce the number of hire purchase leases; minimise capital expenditure and repairs and maintenance; and exploring the government’s Household Assistance Package (to take some pressure off one member of the family working off-farm). Before you put-off or cut back hours for the paid staff, make sure you will still have enough time to ‘manage’ the business. There is a reason that you put the extra staff on in the first place and this year it is vital that you have time to regularly assess how the financial situation is travelling compared to the budget.

It is also important to keep one eye on the longer term (because better seasons and milk prices will return), making sure that your cows get back in-calf, hold reasonable body condition and milk at an acceptable level, and that you keep feeding your heifers properly (otherwise you might as well get rid of some or all of them because they likely won’t finish the first lactation in the dairy anyway). To do this you can cull or dry-off under-performing cows, and manipulate the type and rate of supplements, but the most important part of this is maximising the amount of home-grown feed that you can get into every cow.

Dairy Research Foundation 2016 Symposium Daniel Meade, Associate Board Member, WestVic Dairy

Wagga Wagga was the location chosen for the Dairy Research 2016 Symposium in an effort to look outside the box and draw on expertise from surrounding industries to help determine potential for efficiency gains in dairy farming systems.

Agricultural professionals from the commercial and education fields were recruited to present to the 220 delegates in attendance. Each had the task of explaining ways the industry could discover new efficiencies. In brief ,the topics ranged from Russ Hovey’s studies of mammary gland biology and the opportunities to manipulate the cow’s production potential through nutrition. The University of Sydney’s Cameron Clark explored his topic of new technologies and specifically nominated 3 technologies for dairy to markedly improve efficiencies. Dr Chris Hibburt gave his respected insights into people management in dairying and challenged the audience to show greater empathy to potential employees.

The second day of the Symposium, held on Glen and Andrea Jollife’s Farm, gave 10 emerging scientists the opportunity to compete and present their studies on various topics all with the aim of improving efficiencies. The runner up in the delegate voted contest, Stephanie Bullen, explained how dairy heifers had the potential to develop resistance to drenches and ways to nullify the impact. Rachel Rodney was awarded the top prize for her studies into hypocalcaemia, Ms Rodney found that adding certain minerals had the potential to improve animal health at high risk periods. The Symposium demonstrated that the dairy industry has a bright future, and that investment into research from bodies like Dairy Australia is well spent.

Daniel, along with Lauren Peterson, were the YDNA delegates from the Westvic Dairy Region. They welcome enquiries from anyone wanting more information on the Symposium. Contact the Westvic Dairy office on 5557 1000

Hopefully by now you have asked the milk factory (and some alternative ones) for an income estimate; worked out your cost of production; and built a cash-flow budget. If you haven’t done this yet, Taking Stock is all about helping you get this process started (and it is free).

Profitability is about income promotion (which means more milk when the milk price drops) and/or expense minimisation. Most farmers are pretty good at expense minimisation in relation to variable costs, but be careful about what cutting these might do to income too. It is typically the fixed or overhead costs that cripple a business, particularly in the tough years. Anything you can do to reduce these (cutting them or diluting them with more milk) will be highly beneficial.

Other suggestions to help balance the budget include, talking to your bank about going ‘interest only’ and/or re-financing (particularly of the short-term debts). You should also consider negotiating with the ATO to postpone PAYG and BAS payments or go onto a payment plan; reduce the number of hire purchase leases; minimise capital expenditure and repairs and maintenance; and exploring the government’s Household Assistance Package (to take some pressure off one member of the family working off-farm). Before you put-off or cut back hours for the paid staff, make sure you will still have enough time to ‘manage’ the business. There is a reason that you put the extra staff on in the first place and this year it is vital that you have time to regularly assess how the financial situation is travelling compared to the budget.

It is also important to keep one eye on the longer term (because better seasons and milk prices will return), making sure that your cows get back in-calf, hold reasonable body condition and milk at an acceptable level, and that you keep feeding your heifers properly (otherwise you might as well get rid of some or all of them because they likely won’t finish the first lactation in the dairy anyway). To do this you can cull or dry-off under-performing cows, and manipulate the type and rate of supplements, but the most important part of this is maximising the amount of home-grown feed that you can get into every cow.

Dairy Research Foundation 2016 Symposium Daniel Meade, Associate Board Member, WestVic Dairy

Wagga Wagga was the location chosen for the Dairy Research 2016 Symposium in an effort to look outside the box and draw on expertise from surrounding industries to help determine potential for efficiency gains in dairy farming systems.

Agricultural professionals from the commercial and education fields were recruited to present to the 220 delegates in attendance. Each had the task of explaining ways the industry could discover new efficiencies. In brief ,the topics ranged from Russ Hovey’s studies of mammary gland biology and the opportunities to manipulate the cow’s production potential through nutrition. The University of Sydney’s Cameron Clark explored his topic of new technologies and specifically nominated 3 technologies for dairy to markedly improve efficiencies. Dr Chris Hibburt gave his respected insights into people management in dairying and challenged the audience to show greater empathy to potential employees.

The second day of the Symposium, held on Glen and Andrea Jollife’s Farm, gave 10 emerging scientists the opportunity to compete and present their studies on various topics all with the aim of improving efficiencies. The runner up in the delegate voted contest, Stephanie Bullen, explained how dairy heifers had the potential to develop resistance to drenches and ways to nullify the impact. Rachel Rodney was awarded the top prize for her studies into hypocalcaemia, Ms Rodney found that adding certain minerals had the potential to improve animal health at high risk periods. The Symposium demonstrated that the dairy industry has a bright future, and that investment into research from bodies like Dairy Australia is well spent.

Daniel, along with Lauren Peterson, were the YDNA delegates from the Westvic Dairy Region. They welcome enquiries from anyone wanting more information on the Symposium. Contact the Westvic Dairy office on 5557 1000

Welcome Peter Gaffy

WestVic Dairy YDN update Madeleine Francis, YDN Coordinator, WestVic Dairy

What’s happening with the Young Dairy Network?

2016 has brought with it many changes for the Young Dairy Network, but the goals and purposes remain the same – to enable young farmers, farm employees and service providers to form connections, learn and develop alongside each other. The opportunities the Young Dairy Network can offer are unique in that they are directed entirely by the active members and can offer tailored events to suit the needs of the area.

If you aren’t aware, there are four groups in the South-West, Colac, Corangamite, Warrnambool and Glenelg. The Glenelg group has done a great job in organising two events over the past few months! Since May they have held a Bull Night and a Pre-Mating Night – both giving some great technical tips and tactics going into the joining period.

Daniel Meade and Lauren Peterson were recently selected to go to the Dairy Research Foundations’ 2016 Symposium representing the Young Dairy Network Australia. They attended the symposium in Wagga Wagga, NSW from the 15th to the 17th of June. Congratulations to both of them and we look forward to hearing their experiences!

Future event wise, it is now your time to speak up and get in contact with us. If you have identified a gap in your area – whether it be technical, financial or networking opportunities – we would love to hear from you! If you would like to be involved or know anyone that would like to be involved please contact me on 0459 227 337.

WestVic Dairy is delighted to welcome two new Extension Officers to the team. Peter Gaffy and Blair Summerville commenced with WestVic in early June.

Blair grew up on a dairy farm in south east Queensland and always had a strong interest in the dairy industry, particularly animal health.

Blair attended Vet School at the University of Queensland and graduated in Veterinary Science in 2006. He then worked in a cattle practice in Smithton, North West Tasmania, for 5 years.

Chasing a sea change, Blair moved to Warrnambool to work in a dairy Veterinary practice and gained excellent exposure to the local dairy industry from Simpson to Hawkesdale. As well as taking part in herd health programs with farmers, Blair has also completed extra study in ruminant nutrition, which enabled him to take on a farm consultancy role in the last couple of years as well as working as a cattle vet.

Blair joined the WestVic Dairy team in June this year as an extension officer, with a focus on animal health, nutrition and productivity. Blair and his wife intend to permanently call the western districts home and look forward to working with dairy farmers in the area as much as possible.

WestVic Dairy welcomes new Extension Officers

Peter grew up on a dairy farm in Ardmona in Northern Victoria and graduated from Dookie College with a degree in Applied Science Agriculture. After university Peter travelled overseas on a 2 year working holiday visa in Europe.

For the last 10 years Peter has been establishing strong working relationships in the dairy industry as a milk supply officer , first in in Tasmania, then Gippsland ,and for the last 4 years in south west Victoria.

Peter is excited about his new role and is keen to see discussion groups flourish in south west Victoria. Having been an active support group member of 2 different Focus farms in Gippsland, Peter has had firsthand experience and knows the real value that can be found for all participants in these groups.

Peter is keen to hear from you about what is happening on your farm and what he can do to help support profitability into the future.

Peter calls Allansford home with his wife Fiona and daughter Lucy.

Blair Summerville

Welcome Peter Gaffy

WestVic Dairy YDN update Madeleine Francis, YDN Coordinator, WestVic Dairy

What’s happening with the Young Dairy Network?

2016 has brought with it many changes for the Young Dairy Network, but the goals and purposes remain the same – to enable young farmers, farm employees and service providers to form connections, learn and develop alongside each other. The opportunities the Young Dairy Network can offer are unique in that they are directed entirely by the active members and can offer tailored events to suit the needs of the area.

If you aren’t aware, there are four groups in the South-West, Colac, Corangamite, Warrnambool and Glenelg. The Glenelg group has done a great job in organising two events over the past few months! Since May they have held a Bull Night and a Pre-Mating Night – both giving some great technical tips and tactics going into the joining period.

Daniel Meade and Lauren Peterson were recently selected to go to the Dairy Research Foundations’ 2016 Symposium representing the Young Dairy Network Australia. They attended the symposium in Wagga Wagga, NSW from the 15th to the 17th of June. Congratulations to both of them and we look forward to hearing their experiences!

Future event wise, it is now your time to speak up and get in contact with us. If you have identified a gap in your area – whether it be technical, financial or networking opportunities – we would love to hear from you! If you would like to be involved or know anyone that would like to be involved please contact me on 0459 227 337.

WestVic Dairy is delighted to welcome two new Extension Officers to the team. Peter Gaffy and Blair Summerville commenced with WestVic in early June.

Blair grew up on a dairy farm in south east Queensland and always had a strong interest in the dairy industry, particularly animal health.

Blair attended Vet School at the University of Queensland and graduated in Veterinary Science in 2006. He then worked in a cattle practice in Smithton, North West Tasmania, for 5 years.

Chasing a sea change, Blair moved to Warrnambool to work in a dairy Veterinary practice and gained excellent exposure to the local dairy industry from Simpson to Hawkesdale. As well as taking part in herd health programs with farmers, Blair has also completed extra study in ruminant nutrition, which enabled him to take on a farm consultancy role in the last couple of years as well as working as a cattle vet.

Blair joined the WestVic Dairy team in June this year as an extension officer, with a focus on animal health, nutrition and productivity. Blair and his wife intend to permanently call the western districts home and look forward to working with dairy farmers in the area as much as possible.

WestVic Dairy welcomes new Extension Officers

Peter grew up on a dairy farm in Ardmona in Northern Victoria and graduated from Dookie College with a degree in Applied Science Agriculture. After university Peter travelled overseas on a 2 year working holiday visa in Europe.

For the last 10 years Peter has been establishing strong working relationships in the dairy industry as a milk supply officer , first in in Tasmania, then Gippsland ,and for the last 4 years in south west Victoria.

Peter is excited about his new role and is keen to see discussion groups flourish in south west Victoria. Having been an active support group member of 2 different Focus farms in Gippsland, Peter has had firsthand experience and knows the real value that can be found for all participants in these groups.

Peter is keen to hear from you about what is happening on your farm and what he can do to help support profitability into the future.

Peter calls Allansford home with his wife Fiona and daughter Lucy.

Blair Summerville

Focus Farm Data

Focus Farm Data

Contact Us Editor: Chris McNamara WestVic Dairy 214 Manifold Street Camperdown VIC 3260 (03) 5557 1000 media@westvicdairy.com.au Visit us on the web at www.westvicdairy.com.au

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WestVic Dairy Staff Contacts Lindsay Ferguson – Regional Manager – 0418 545 580

Laurie Hickey – Extension Officer – 0439 833 484

Madeleine Francis – Extension Officer – 0459 227 337

Peter Gaffy– Extension Officer – 0438 345 712

Blair Summerville – Extension Officer – 0438 336 500

Karen Hart – Workforce Planning and Action Facilitator – 0428 086 807

July 18 EVENT: NCDE Implement procedures for calving/rear newborn and young livestock WHERE: Terang CONTACT: Bec Huth on(03) 5592 2437 or 0407 552 011

July 21 EVENT: NCDE Operate Quad Bikes WHERE: Colac CONTACT: Bec Huth on(03) 5592 2437 or 0407 552 011

July 27 EVENT: Tactics for Tight Times– Feeding, Business, Health and Welfare TIME: 11:00 WHERE: Camperdown CONTACT: Amanda at WestVic Dairy – 5557 1000 or amanda@westvicdairy.com.au

July 27 EVENT: Tactics for Tight Times– Feeding, Business, Health and Welfare TIME: 10:30 WHERE: Terang CONTACT: Amanda at WestVic Dairy – 5557 1000 or amanda@westvicdairy.com.au

August 11, 18, 25 EVENT:NCDE Implement a Plant Nutrition Program WHERE: Colac CONTACT: Bec Huth on(03) 5592 2437 or 0407 552 011

August 22, 29 EVENT: NCDE Implement a Plant Nutrition Program WHERE: Terang CONTACT: Bec Huth on(03) 5592 2437 or

For the latest WestVic Dairy events head to www.westvicdairy.com.au/NewsandEvents/EventsCalendar

Contact Us Editor: Chris McNamara WestVic Dairy 214 Manifold Street Camperdown VIC 3260 (03) 5557 1000 media@westvicdairy.com.au Visit us on the web at www.westvicdairy.com.au

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WestVic Dairy Staff Contacts Lindsay Ferguson – Regional Manager – 0418 545 580

Laurie Hickey – Extension Officer – 0439 833 484

Madeleine Francis – Extension Officer – 0459 227 337

Peter Gaffy– Extension Officer – 0438 345 712

Blair Summerville – Extension Officer – 0438 336 500

Karen Hart – Workforce Planning and Action Facilitator – 0428 086 807

July 18 EVENT: NCDE Implement procedures for calving/rear newborn and young livestock WHERE: Terang CONTACT: Bec Huth on(03) 5592 2437 or 0407 552 011

July 21 EVENT: NCDE Operate Quad Bikes WHERE: Colac CONTACT: Bec Huth on(03) 5592 2437 or 0407 552 011

July 27 EVENT: Tactics for Tight Times– Feeding, Business, Health and Welfare TIME: 11:00 WHERE: Camperdown CONTACT: Amanda at WestVic Dairy – 5557 1000 or amanda@westvicdairy.com.au

July 27 EVENT: Tactics for Tight Times– Feeding, Business, Health and Welfare TIME: 10:30 WHERE: Terang CONTACT: Amanda at WestVic Dairy – 5557 1000 or amanda@westvicdairy.com.au

August 11, 18, 25 EVENT:NCDE Implement a Plant Nutrition Program WHERE: Colac CONTACT: Bec Huth on(03) 5592 2437 or 0407 552 011

August 22, 29 EVENT: NCDE Implement a Plant Nutrition Program WHERE: Terang CONTACT: Bec Huth on(03) 5592 2437 or

For the latest WestVic Dairy events head to www.westvicdairy.com.au/NewsandEvents/EventsCalendar