This year has been one to remember, with some months marking the lowest rainfall levels on record.
Undoubtedly, the dry conditions have impacted many farms, including my own.
This year marks the lowest pasture production I’ve ever witnessed in all my years on the farm.
My father, with his decades of experience, agrees that he has never seen pasture production so low.
Increased overhead and feed costs added to the challenge.
Until we receive much needed rainfall, conditions will remain tough.
As we approach mid-summer and autumn with depleted feed reserves and decreased cash flow, it’s clear that more challenging times lie ahead, along with some inevitable stress.
However, it is important to remember that we are not alone in facing these circumstances.
There are confidential support services available from WestVic Dairy, the Rural Financial Counselling Service and Agriculture Victoria.
It’s encouraging to see many farmers reaching out for various types of support, whether it be using water calculator resources or engaging in our one-on-one Our Farm, Our Plan program.
We are fortunate to be in an industry where support is available, with research and development paving the way for our future.
A challenge over the next few months is managing heat stress in our cows.
With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a hotter than average summer, it’s important to recognise and understand the signs of heat stress, and to implement strategies to reduce its impact.
The ‘Feeding Cool Cows’ research — a joint initiative between Dairy Australia, Gardiner Foundation and Agriculture Victoria — has identified feeding strategies that can reduce the negative impacts of hot weather on cows, leading to healthier, happier animals which in turn can increase milk production and profits.
If this is something that interests you, several ‘Feeding Cool Cows Research Fact Sheets’ are available at https://dairyaustralia.com.au
WestVic Dairy will also be hosting a Cool Cows workshop in the region this month. Make sure you are signed up to the WestVic Dairy Newsletter or WestVic Dairy on Facebook to register when the details are announced.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the increased fire risk this year.
Many farmers across the region volunteer as CFA members, so are well-aware of the dangers and risks of fire.
Yet, some have not completed their own fire preparedness plan.
It might have been on the to-do list for many years, or it’s been done five years ago and forgotten in a desk drawer since. Now is a good a time to develop or review your fire plan to keep the people you care about safe.
A well-prepared plan can guide you on what to do and when, to protect your family, your staff, your home, critical farm infrastructure and livestock.
Ensure you, your family, and your staff are familiar with the fire safety plan for your farm.
Resources from Agriculture Victoria and the CFA, including templates, can be very helpful. I encourage you to stay vigilant this summer by checking the fire danger rating daily.
Let’s continue to help one another until the rain arrives and embrace the opportunities for growth and innovation in the year ahead.
My best wishes to you, your family and friends for a happy and safe Christmas season.
– Brendan Rea is the WestVic Dairy chair.