It’s mid-May as I write this report, and I watch from my office window as the last of the glorious red leaves cling vainly to the ornamental grapevine covering our pergola — winter looms.
Calving is in full swing and we had a terrific run of heifer calves, thanks largely to the use of our herd monitoring program, sexed semen and synchronisation programs.
It really is amazing the advances in technology in recent years and the difference that can make to the all-important bottom line.
We are very fortunate at WestVic to have Deb Twiss working with us in the animal health and performance space and, together with resources and research via DataGene, this critical component of farm performance has really accelerated.
The Silage Wrap Recycling Trial is in full swing and we thank all those who expressed interest in participating in this important trial — which was oversubscribed!
It’s a clear indication that farmers are concerned about the environmental impact of their operations, and are very committed to ensuring well researched and implementable solutions are found.
I recently attended a session co-hosted by the Central Otway Landcare Network, in association with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority regarding their Small Producers Program.
The synergies between the work Dairy Australia/WestVic Dairy, our catchment authorities and the Landcare networks undertake are testament to the importance of merging landscape science, applied agro-ecology and whole farm planning.
As land stewardship becomes an increasingly important aspect of both our day-to-day and long-term planning, a weather eye across all sources of information and support would be wise.
My grandchildren apparently have taken to referring to me as ‘Captain Cautious’ — I’m sure meant with a great deal of love and affection — all because I am constantly reminding folks to put their helmets on (and fasten them), put the seatbelt on in the side-by-side and report any issues they notice about the farm promptly so they can be fixed.
Many years ago, in another work life, a WorkSafe inspector quoted the mantra, “the standard you walk past is the standard you will get”.
A powerful statement about a whole lot of things — but when it comes to farm safety, it’s a pretty simple message.
I was reminded of this when recently asked for advice about farm safety resources. So check the WorkSafe website, the VFF has some good resources as does the Dairy Australia website, or you can give Matt Wood at WestVic a call.
I’m happy to wear the ‘Captain Cautious’ cape because it, too, is worn with great love and affection!
Our Great South West Dairy Awards event was held in great style at the new Matilda Room at the Warrnambool Racetrack early in May.
Many thanks to our wonderful sponsors, our judging team and the WestVic staff — but most importantly, to the participants who accepted their nominations and followed through with the judging process.
What an impressive group of enthusiastic, committed and passionate people we have working in dairy!
Congratulations to Mark Billing, Larpent, on being elevated to the honour board in 2022, and thanks to all who came along and supported this important opportunity to celebrate the collective achievements of the dairy industry in the south-west.
Jacqueline Suares
WestVic Dairy chair