Initial reports from this season’s silage harvest are promising, with both yield and quality ahead of last year at this stage. Unpredictable October rain and contractor availability has made managing the harvest challenging but most farmers look to be well on their way.
The past summer has proven how important feed budgeting is, and we urge all farmers to take stock of their on farm feed levels as they finish harvest to begin assessing their position for the coming dry season. The Dairy Australia team has resources available to assist you with calculating feed budgets if needed, so please reach out.
Making sure your hay and silage is correctly tested for nutritional value will also support your feed budgeting and assist your vet or nutritionist to balance the ration correctly across the season. Focusing on what you can control will help with feelings of instability and unsureness. Knowing your numbers is essential, and preparing contingency plans can assist with feeling more secure as we head into drier months.
Don’t get caught out unprepared and consider the impacts of the decisions you make now on your production in future years. Quickly adjusting inputs like feed, nitrogen, animal health, labour and breeding strategies will have roll on effects over multiple years. Assessing every part of your business and acting with the whole picture in mind will help to make timely and efficient decisions.
Tight feed supply can result in adverse health events for dairy cattle, especially during warmer months. Consider holding a team meeting with your staff and farm vet to discuss common signs and symptoms in dairy cows, and to upskill any workers who lack confidence or experience with spotting problems. Revisiting your Standard Operating Procedures with employees trusted to treat animals can also assist with continuity and consistency of care for the whole farm team.
It is highly recommended to formally contract in purchased fodder and grain, allowing both parties the security of a written agreement and an avenue for dispute should issues with supply, delivery or quality arise. Verbal contracts can be sufficient but come with a much higher risk, especially during periods of stress and low supply like we saw last summer. Purchased feed should also come with feed tests where possible to assist your vet or nutritionist in creating a balanced ration.
Finally, there are some reports of insect damage to silage bales in more northern regions, resulting in some loss of fodder. The damage appears to be confined to the area of wrap in contact with the ground but is significant enough that it cannot be patched with silage tape and requires the bales to be re-wrapped.
In cases of heavy insect load, it’s best to store bales on bare soil and stack as high as is safe. Regular monitoring of your silage stacks will ensure you catch potential damage early and your local agronomist can assist with sprays or solutions for your situation.
As we head into summer, we urge everyone to keep their communication lines open and active with friends and family. Sometimes, the simple act of picking up the phone and calling a friend can reduce an all-consuming problem into one that is more manageable.
Mental health statistics for male farmers particularly are far from positive, and organisations like Regional Men’s Health Initiative and Rural West are available to call on if needed.
Regional Men’s Health Initiative: 08 6314 1436
Rural West: 08 6389 4500
The Dairy Australia team in WA are here to help. Please reach out to one of us to see what resources best suit the challenges you’re facing.
