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Milking Sheep: Industry With A FutureA report released several months ago by the Rural Industry Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) describes a promising outlook for the local sheep milk industry, provided world's best practice in production is adopted. By Department of Primary Industries - 17th September 2003 - Back to News The report goes on to identify two main barriers in Australia (and Victoria), ie the need to develop better genetics for milk production, and better husbandry and management.
There are several manufacturers producing for domestic and export markets. One company has highlighted the demand for export cheese products, which Australia should be able to capture - if it uses advanced technologies.
Max Coster, leader for DPI's Future Family Farms project, said the industry was a good example of where a family farm could effectively service this quite labour-intensive industry. The normal requirements for establishing a business were required, including ensuring that production was geared to service- dedicated markets.
According to RIRDC, the main basis for a flock improvement scheme is the regular measurement of milk production and components, linked to a flock breeding program. Current production levels are around 0.7 - 1.2 litres per day, and this needs to be increased as quickly as possible to over two litres per day.
It would appear that new electronic ear tags and e-boluses (electronic identifiers that sit in the rumen), promoted through the NLIS scheme, offer the opportunity for milking sheep to be connected into the herd-recording industry through the co-operatives servicing the dairy
industry. There is a need for more applied research in this area if the aspirations in the RIRDC report for a national breeding program are to be realised.
The industry is quite small and, being based around livestock, there is a need to expand slowly so that a separate market for milking sheep is not created that temporarily inflates their price.
The location of milking sheep farms on the periphery of major dairy areas enabled sheep milk producers to gain access to dairy industry expertise and infrastructure. The climate in these areas also appeared to be conducive to pasture-based sheep milk production.
For more information contact Max Coster at DPI Epsom on 5430 4560.
WHAT ARE THE $ BENEFITS IN LOW CELL COUNTS?
Herds with Bulk Milk Cell Counts that average less than 100,000 cells/mL over a whole year are $70 per cow better off every year than herds averaging 250,000 cells/mL. Does this surprise you?
Recent research by Countdown Downunder has modelled the economics of mastitis control on Australian dairy farms and compared figures for different farm strategies.
These dollar benefits occur because with better udder health there is more milk (higher production and less milk discarded) and it is sold at higher prices. Fewer treatments are required and fewer cows are culled. Of course, to achieve this requires investing in a range of activities to prevent and cure infections. But the profits are still there after that investment is included in the equation. And these are conservative figures, because the cost for extra labour needed to deal with clinical cases of mastitis has not been included.
This reaffirms that reducing mastitis significantly contributes to the profitability of dairy farming even in hard times.
For further information contact Carol Bradshaw at DPI Ellinbank on 5624 2222.
CHECK YOUR TAIL TAGS
Out with the "V" In with the "3"
Since 1976 cattle have been required to be identified with a tail tag or Transaction Tag. These tags are required to identify the property from where the cattle have come from, so that tracing for disease control purposes can be carried out. This is of particular importance to demonstrate to our overseas trading partners that we have an excellent Quality Assurance practice in place.
With the amalgamation of Shires in 1995, the Property Identification Code (PIC) was changed and new property numbers allocated that began with the numeral "3". The original tag began with the letter "V". Until now cattle owners have been allowed to use the Transaction Tags with either PIC. This has now changed and it is expected that cattle owners have had sufficient time to replace the old tags that begin with a "V" and replace them with tags that begin with a "3".
Cattle owners are advised not to use any tag that begins with a "V". A new supply of the correct Transaction Tag beginning with a "3" can be ordered by contacting Animal Health staff at the Department of Primary Industries or by phoning the Transaction Tag / NLIS hotline on
1800 678779. Please allow 10 working days for the manufacture of the new tags.
POST FIRE PASTURE RECOVERY FARM WALKS
A series of farm walks were recently held across the high country to assist landholders with pasture re-establishment on areas affected by fire.
Issues such as appraisal of fire damage to current pastures, establishment techniques to meet varying pasture recovery situations, recommended pasture species and setting up and using a seed drill were all discussed.
The farm walks were held in Omeo, Benambra, and Wulgulmerang. Local agronomist, Leo Hamilton, inspected various pastures in these areas and discussed options for improving pasture composition. Leo has produced some notes on Spring Establishment of Crops and Pastures and these notes are available by calling Carmel or Dianne at the DPI Calvert Street office on 51520600.
The farm walks were organised as part of the Bushfire Environmental Recovery Program announced earlier this year. The Bushfire Environmental Response Program was developed to assist farmers with recovery works in response to the environmental damage caused by the Bogong Complex fires to freehold land. A component of this program includes assistance with perennial pasture establishment to protect soils affected by fire.
Landholders are reminded that to participate in the Bushfire Environmental Recovery Program, an Expression of Interest form must be returned by Friday 26th September 2003.
For further information please contact Keren Walker at DPI Swifts Creek on 5159 5100.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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