Macalister Demonstration Farm in Riverslea, Victoria, Australia | Agricultural cooperative

Macalister Demonstration Farm

Locality: Riverslea, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 488 175 366

Address: 285 Boggy Creek Road 3860 Riverslea, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.macalisterdemonstrationfarm.com

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25.01.2022 Newsletter 102 now available for viewing: follow the link below.

25.01.2022 IN THE NEWSLETTER THIS MONTH STOP PRESS: MDF wins Food & Fibre Gippsland Award First steps into a new future The 2018-19 Season in Review... Taking up the challenge How can we harvest another tonne of dry matter/ha? MDF Financials 2019-19 & Budgets for 2019-20 Guangdong VTR Yeast Supplement Extension Trial Update Farm Manager Incentive Program The End of Calf Induction at the MDF Q-Fever Policy at the MDF Sexed Semen for our Heifers Upcoming Events Advance Notice Click the link below

24.01.2022 Reminder: TACTICS FOR DRY TIMES - MACALISTER DISTRICT OPEN DAY With Host Farmers Mike and Sarah OBrien... Facilitator Matt Harms with Jacob Malmo and Ross Anderson Macalister district farmers, plus Gavan Lamb 618 Maffra-Rosedale Road, Denison (500 metres north of the Denison School) Look for the GippsDairy Field Day signs Friday 11 December from 10.30am to 1.00pm Topics covered will relate to issues on both irrigation dairy farms and runoff blocks: o Summer feeding plans, feed options and costs o Animal health o Young stock feeding strategies o Water supply irrigation and stock water o Grazing and protecting pastures o Working with farm financials o Government farmer assistance Light lunch, tea coffee and cool drinks provided, come for a cuppa from 10.00am onwards. All dairy farmers and people interested in the dairy industry are welcome. These Open Days are funded by Dairy Australia, and GippsDairy Your Levy at Work For more information call John Gallienne 0407 863 493, email [email protected]

24.01.2022 Final year vet students have spent 2 days at the MDF learning about mastitis and pasture management

23.01.2022 Newsletter 101 now available for viewing - follow the link below:

22.01.2022 MACALISTER DEMONSTRATION FARM AGM & ANNUAL FIELD DAY A REVIEW OF MDF PERFORMANCE OVER THE LAST YEAR A LOOK AT TWO EXCITING NEW PROJECTS... - Split herd yeast supplement feeding trial - Solar Dairy Project GUEST SPEAKER: SOUTHERN RURAL WATER Understanding Water Allocations in the MID Can we be confident in the 100% allocation when the weir isnt full already? Macalister Demonstration Farm, Boggy Creek Rd, Riverslea Tuesday 24th October, 2017 at 10.00am 2pm Light lunch provided.

18.01.2022 The wind from last Wednesday night / Thursday morning took its toll on a number of sheds around the district and Macalister Demonstration Farm was no exception. The calf shed / hay shed lost its roof plus the framing to hold the iron in place. Our insurer was notified first thing on Thursday morning and he attended the farm (along with some others who had reported damage) on the same morning. A claim has been submitted and a quote to fix the shed will be obtained in the coming days.

16.01.2022 Fortnightly update now available for viewing by following the link below:

16.01.2022 REMINDER MACALISTER DEMONSTRATION FARM NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING macalister Demonstration Farm will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 20th October 2015.... Venue: Duart Homestead, Maffra 20 McLean Street, Maffra, Victoria 3860 Order of Proceedings: 6.00 6.30 pm AGM 6.30 6.50 pm RF (Bob) Pitman Award 6.50 9.30 pm Dinner, presentations and keynote speaker Shareholders are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting especially if you would like to have input into the future direction of the Macalister Demonstration Farm. Keynote speaker for this event will be Wayne Dowsey, Associate Director Corporate Interest Rates, CBA. If you would like to attend this meeting please RSVP your attendance to the Secretary, by phone 0488 175 366 or by email [email protected]. Numbers are required for catering purposes. This event is sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank.

15.01.2022 The May edition of the MDF Newsletter is now available. If you would like to subscribe to the free MDF Newsletter please email [email protected] and let us know. Here what youll find inside: IN THE NEWSLETTER THIS MONTH... The Solar Dairy Project on the move Is yeast the answer? Feeding trial final report Extension of the VTYeast Trial for a 300-day lactation Smarter Irrigation Project Outcomes Johnes Disease MDF response to managing the disease following Government changes MDF Demonstrating Dairy Futures Forum You told us what you want the MDF to be MDF works with Wellington Shire on the silage wrap problem Weve got a new Gator! Become a Friend of the MDF Happy reading! Neil Baker MDF

14.01.2022 DALE SCOTT ANNOUNCED WINNER OF THE 2015 RF (BOB) PITMAN AWARD Local dairy identity, Dale Scott, has been selected as the 2015 recipient of the RF (Bob) Pitman Award. Mark Humphris, Chairman of Macalister Demonstration Farm (MDF) presented Dale with his award at the recent MDF Annual General Meeting. The RF (Bob) Pitman Award is made available annually by the Board of the MDF to someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty with integrity, humility and altruism to str...ive to better the lot for the broader dairy farming community. On receiving his award, Dales initial response was how embarrassing, but Im honoured and proud. He also went on to add that the award is really for Dale and Robyn Scott Dales recognition of Robyns enduring endeavour in supporting Dale in achieving his goals. Dales unassuming demeanour as he worked tirelessly on things he is passionate about has earned him the respect and belief by his peers as being one of the dairy industries quiet achievers. He has been known to open up his home to aspiring veterinary graduate students requiring accommodation in the Maffra district. Local media recognised Dale as the go to man to receive commentary on local events, milk prices, weather conditions and even on extreme events such as flood and fire. Dale was instrumental in organising events to support farmers through difficult and stressful conditions in time of drought; and in times of flood and fire, Dale was again at the forefront: organising fodder and relief for affected farmers. For many years he sat at the helm of the local chapter of UDV, representing the MID at both state and VFF forums. He was also a long standing member of the local dairy industrys Macalister Extension Group. Dale has never shirked from giving his time freely to position himself to assist, guide and advance the betterment of not only the dairy industry but on things for which he has a passion. Aside from his efforts within the dairy industry, Dale is a strong community minded person and his many years of involvement with the Nambrok Cricket club, roles as past president for the Local Landcare Group and chair of the Wellington and District Blackberry Task Group, all volunteer duties, are testament to his commitment to community. Dale is a natural teacher and says that helping others is a rewarding experience. His advice is simple: work on something you are passionate about and just go for it!

12.01.2022 Fortnightly update for 28 August now available for viewing by following the link below:

11.01.2022 Macalister Demonstration Farm Update 460 (Week ending October 20, 2017) Whats been going on at the MDF? This fortnight we report on the results of the Spring sowing that has been done at the MDF. In total, 6.8ha were topped up and another 7ha were fully renovated.... The 6.8ha consisted of four paddocks which needed to be bulked up a bit. Three of these were sown on 18th August, and the fourth was sown on 6th September. These paddocks were all direct drilled with Aston, an Italian ryegrass which is characterised by fast establishment and high yields. The result of this has been very pleasing with excellent establishment and growth, and these paddocks have already had their first grazing. The remaining 7ha was a full renovation, which saw the subsurface irrigation area sprayed out before being direct drilled with Matrix at a rate of 25kg/ha on September 22nd. This area is proving slower to germinate and establish due to the reliance on natural rainfall to trigger germination, as moisture from above is required for germination rather than coming from below the soil surface. At present, this area is germinating, but it is somewhat patchy.

09.01.2022 IN THE NEWSLETTER THIS MONTH -Smarter Irrigation Project Field Day Is yeast the answer? VTYeast Trial Field Day Were looking for a Farm Hand Mid-seas...on production and financial review Theileria Reducing the impact at the MDF The Solar Dairy Project MDF hosts Nepalese delegation Farm Consultant Matt Harms is moving on MDF Open for Business! Become a Friend of the MDF CLICK THE LINK BELOW

09.01.2022 Research and Development helps us collaborate and innovate - well done to the Macalister Demonstration Farm team for engraving your name on the trophy in this c...ategory in the augural year - youve set the bar pretty high for 20 for 20 Thanks Federation University Australia your support of this award in our inaugural year

07.01.2022 Fortnightly update available for viewing by following the link below: http://www.macalisterdemonstrationfarm.com//fortnightly-u/

07.01.2022 Macalister Demonstration Farm were fortunate enough to put the name on the Research & Development trophy on Friday night at the recent Food & Fibre Gippsland aw...ards. Attending the night on behalf of the farm were Mahesh Singh - Farm Manger Neil Baker - Chairman of the MDF Sandra Jefford - Board Member See more

06.01.2022 Last spring the MDF undertook a trial to assess a yeast supplement developed by Guangdong VTR Biotech that had had good results under feedlot condition is China. They were keen to test it under an Australian pasture-based system so we designed a controlled trial with 66 cows in each group to find the answer. If you are a results driven dairy farmer this is for you. This is a new product to Australia and shows great potential so I encourage you to come along to find out how it... went. And you can also hear about how the MDF now has the capacity to undertake split herd feeding trials in conjunction with industry partners. Please note the date and time of the field day has been changed to what has previously been advertised. Neil Baker Chairman Is yeast the answer? Hear the results of the split-herd VTYeast feeding trial at the MDF You WILL be Surprised!! Just 40g/hd/day lifts milk production, improves feed conversion efficiency and lowers cell count JOIN US FOR THE PRESENTATION AND LUNCH THURSDAY 15TH MARCH 12:00 2:00 PM MACALISTER DEMONSTRATION FARM 285 Boggy Creek Road, Riverslea Lunch Provided Please register for catering: Text 0488 175 366 or Email : [email protected] Sometimes we come across something that is AMAZING!

06.01.2022 Yes! The heifers are home for 2020 calving season. Looking good and ready for mid July calving.

04.01.2022 Fortnightly update available for viewing by following the link below

04.01.2022 NOW AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING FROM MDF WEBSITE: Annual Report and Financial Report for 2015 by following the link below: http://www.macalisterdemonstrationfarm.com/publications2/

04.01.2022 Happy heifers at Macalister Demonstration Farm. Currently 75+ heifers on the ground (not all in the paddock yet). Target number to keep for replacements is 90 which includes a bank of about 5 to10 heifers.

03.01.2022 Are you looking to further your career in the dairy industry? FARM HAND (Full-Time)... The Macalister Demonstration Farm is looking for a skilled and ambitious farm hand looking to build their career in the dairy industry. You will be smart, hard working and looking to build your skills to take the next step. You will have at least two years working in the industry with excellent references. Pay rate and employment package will be negotiated with the successful candidate. For further information about the role call Mahesh 0457 506 981 For a Job Description or to submit your resume with referee contact numbers [email protected] Closing Date: 13th February 2018

03.01.2022 Allan focussed on dairy performance GIPPSDAIRYs newly appointed regional manager wants farmers to get value for their dairy service levy dollar. Allan Cameron... said improving the performance of Gippsland dairy farms would always be at the forefront of his thinking when dealing with the challenges and opportunities of the Gippsland dairy industry. The fundamental thing is whether we can help farmers improve their productivity and profitability, he said. At the end of the day, GippsDairy receives a significant portion of its funding from the levies paid by dairy farmers. So the tagline of your levy at work is critical. We need to listen to dairy farmers to make sure we are continually justifying the trust they have in paying over a levy to us. Allan, who has an agricultural science degree from Melbourne University as well as graduate diplomas in applied finance and financial planning, has most recently been working as a key account manager with Elders looking after corporate agribusiness clients and high net worth family farming businesses. Growing up on a sheep and beef property on Phillip Island (where he still lives), the 43-year-old said he would admire his dairy farmer neighbours for their willingness to innovate in the way they operated their businesses. Over a long period time, Ive always thought dairy farmers have been the ones who are proactive and always looking to improve. There is an immediacy about their performance each evening and morning they can measure their performance in the volume of milk in the vat. I think that has meant they can be very proactive with what they do. Ive always appreciated watching over the fence at dairy farmer productivity. With a strong financial background, Allan is keen to use GippsDairys resources to further improve the financial literacy of dairy farmers, while also helping improve their capacity to grow grass and produce milk. Its about building on the capability of those who are looking to improve by looking at who is best practice and highlighting what they are doing, he said. The benchmarking side of things and financial literacy is very important. Looking at what are the things that are the key drivers for farm profitability, drilling down into those issues and then being able to get that message across. GippsDairy chair Graeme Nicoll said an exhaustive search had been conducted to find the right person for regional manager position, with the board delighted to have selected Allan, who will start his new role on November 23. This is a key position in the Gippsland dairy industry, so we needed someone who could tick the boxes of understanding farming, financial acumen and having a drive to improve the industry in the region, he said. Allan has the ability to listen, learn and use that knowledge to ensure GippsDairy leads the way in providing services and support for dairy farmers, building relationships and ensuring the Gippsland dairy industry continues to evolve as a professional and efficient sector. The board and staff at GippsDairy are genuinely excited to have Allan on the team to help us continue to improve on the great work already being done. See more

01.01.2022 At the last Focus Farm Support Group meeting: Brilliant grass cover leads to early silage! The support group focused on current and future grass allocation, identifying paddocks to cut for silage as soon as possible (cut anything above 3000 kg DM). Rotation length 30 days with the potential to lock up more paddocks. The plan is to feed cows more grass to push milk production up. Currently grain being fed is 3.5kg/day, there will be no change to this as there is plenty of gras...s available. The breeding / joining program has been developed with the high risk cows being metri checked. To tighten the calving pattern, the program will include tail paint 1 month prior, non-cycles will be AId on Mating Start Date (MSD), the rest will be synced prior to MSD with a single dose of PG. Other topics covered at the session included milk fever issues, budget, pasture renovation and breeding programs.

01.01.2022 Paddock renovation time. Few paddocks were badly pugged and damaged by dry cows during wet winter. With few drains, deep ripping and power harrows, sowing perennial seeds should provide good pasture harvest from these paddocks.