Paula and her husband Mick run a 118-hectare dairy operation in Rolland Plains on the New South Wales mid-north coast. They milk 240-260 cows and calve twice a year.
The couple chose the Port Macquarie region to provide some protection against climate change. Having seen the impact of the 10-year drought on Mick’s parents’ farm in Northern Victoria, water security was high on their priority list.
“This was about 15 years ago,” Paula says.
“Everyone’s understanding of climate change, including ours, has changed significantly since then. I don’t think we made a bad choice, but we were very naïve about heat stress.”
Their first step towards improving their farm’s resilience to increased hot weather events involved fencing to restrict stock access to waterways and installing water troughs in every paddock.
After bushfires in the region, Paula took advantage of available grants to enhance biodiversity on the farm. The Grays fenced off creeks to protect water quality and planted more than 4,000 trees to provide shade in the laneways as the cows are going to the dairy as well as habitat for wildlife.
This year, they put in a covered concrete feedpad near the dairy to ensure the cows had consistent access to feed even in very hot or very wet conditions. This not only improved herd welfare and provided shelter from conditions, but it also reduced spoilage and waste.
“We started using it at the end of July, and it’s magnificent,” Paula says.
“Prior to having the feedpad, we were very conscious with our rations because the feed would overheat and spoil. Now we can confidently provide ample feed because we have the shelter, and we can guarantee the cows will go back to it.”
The other immediate benefit they have noted is an improvement in the incidence of mastitis. Previously, they had been struggling to maintain their cell count under 200.
“When the cows went in at the end of July, we were running at 180-190. Now we’re under 100. We didn’t expect to see that for another 12 months. We’re really thrilled. Instantly the cows are telling us they’re happier and under less stress,” Paula says.
Heading into summer, Paula is keen to see the impact the shade and better surface has on milk production. Other farmers in the district have reported a one-to-two-litre increase per cow per day, and she thinks that is attainable for them also.
Paula credits Dairy Australia, along with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, with providing support and resources via the Climate Change Focus Farm program.
“Dairy Australia have some really good extension people in this area, and we go to as many courses and workshops as we can.”
Looking ahead, Paula wants to get a better understanding of their farm’s greenhouse gas emissions. They currently do targeted fertiliser applications based on soil testing and incorporate organic matter to improve soil water holding capacity, but she is keen to adopt more climate-friendly practices and be able to understand the benefits both financially and for reducing their farm emissions.
The Grays have also installed solar panels, which substantially reduced their energy costs and emissions. While solar doesn’t make a large contribution to milking, it is used for milling grain and heating water. It allows them to use solar generated energy in both houses on the property as well.
“As an individual we won’t change the climate, but we’d be foolish not to try to do everything we can to adapt,” Paula says.
To find out more about how Dairy Australia supports farmers to better manage climate and environment, visit dairyaustralia.com.au/climate-and-environment or contact your regional office.
