Milk production Spring provided the main production peak in all regions across the state (Figure 11). Similar to last year, the North had another small peak in mid-autumn in 2016-17 while the South West had a drop in early autumn before increasing in June 2017. It appears that calving pattern in the South West has changed somewhat this year. It is difficult to determine if this is a long term change or driven by seasonality, or economics of production. The majority of Gippsland milk is produced in spring with 32% of milk production sold between September and November, a reduction in spring milk in this region this year. FIGURE 11. MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION OF MILK PRODUCTION Calving pattern Typically, calving pattern follows a similar trend to the milk production curve, with milk production peaks occurring two or so months after the calving peak. This can be seen for all regions in Figures 11 and 12. Both the (red line) and Gippsland (blue line) had strong late winter/early spring calving. However, autumn calving is more common in the North than in Gippsland showing a discernible second small peak. The larger calving peak in August and smaller peak occurring in March are followed approximately two months later by a peak in milk production for those regions. The South West, shown by the green line, has a dominant autumn calving peak with nearly 60% of calvings taking place between March and May in 2017. This calving pattern is followed closely two to three months later with an extended peak milk production from June 2017. FIGURE 12. MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION OF CALVING Part two: The North Farms NO0065, NO0066, NO0067 and NO0068 were new to the Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) this year. An uncertain milk price, a wet start to the season and a drop in milk production provided challenging operating conditions for Northern Victorian farmers. While the higher than average rainfall at the start of the 2016-17 season provided relief to the temporary water market, there were adverse effects on milk and pasture production. Above average rainfall throughout the season and mild growing conditions had a positive impact on water storage resulting in lower water prices. The temporary water price eased with both the Murray and Goulburn
FIGURE 22. NUTRIENT APPLICATION PER USABLE HECTARE – GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS - Participant farms in the North emitted an average of 15.4 t CO2-e/t MS in 2016-17 which was higher than 13.3 t CO2-e/t MS in 2015-16. Methane was the main greenhouse gas emitted from participant farms in the North accounting for 10.4 t CO2-e/t MS, 68% of the average total greenhouse emissions. Methane produced from ruminant digestion contributed 9.1 t CO2-e/t MS to regional average emission while methane from effluent ponds accounted for 1.3 t CO2-e/t MS. Carbon dioxide accounted for 3.4 t CO2-e/t MS, 21% of emissions in 2016-17 comprising of 1.4 t CO2-e/t MS from fossil fuel and 2.0 t CO2-e/t MS from pre-farm gate sources. Nitrous oxide had a recorded emission of 1.6 4 t CO2-e/t MS, 11% of all emissions. Direct emissions from applied nitrogen fertiliser, effluent management systems and animal wastes accounted for 0.9 t CO2-e/t MS. The balance of 0.7 t CO2-e/t MS came from ammonia and nitrate loss in soils as indirect sources. The top 25% of had a lower emission, an average emission of 14.7 t CO2-e/t MS. The emissions came from methane (10.4 t CO2-e/t MS); carbon dioxide (2.8 t CO2-e/t MS) and nitrous oxide (1.5 t CO2-e/t MS). The data demonstrate that farms achieve profitability and efficiency with lower environmental footprint. FIGURE 23. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS PER TONNE OF MILK SOLIDS SOLD (CO2 EQUIVALENT) – NORTH Part three: The South West In 2016-17, farm SW0050 participated for the first time. 2016-17 seasonal conditions Wet conditions provided a challenging to 2016-17. When seasonal conditions improved, good soil moisture levels allowed large amounts of pasture to be grown and increase stored fodder reserves on farm.
The standard used to estimate the inventory values of livestock were: Category Opening value ($/hd) Closing value ($/hd) Mature cows $1,500 $1,500 14/15 heifers $1,050 $1,500 15/16 heifers $450 $1,050 16/17 calves $450 Mature bulls $1,500 $1,500 Imputed owner/operator and family labour In 2016-17 the imputed owner/operator and family labour rate was $28/hr based on a full time equivalent (FTE) working 48 hours/week for 50 weeks of the year.