The Australian dairy industry launched new breeding tools to support the National Breeding Objective (NBO) at the ADIC Industry Leaders Breakfast in Melbourne
on 28 November 2014.

Developed by the NBO Task Force and driven by the Australian Dairy Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) after
an extensive consultation process with dairy farmers from across all dairying regions, the NBO aims to deliver profitable herds that the Australian
dairy industry needs for the future.

Genetic gains deliver 30 per cent of productivity improvements on Australian farms, with the estimated gap between actual and potential genetic gains worth
$25 million per year in extra farmer profits ⁱ.

Offering a practical breeding index, which includes the breeding traits farmers want to improve in their herds, the NBO is designed to close this gap,
and increase net farm profit via genetic gain.

General Manager of ADHIS, Daniel Abernethy said the three indices; a Balanced Performance Index, a Type Weighted Index and a Health Weighted Index were
designed to align with farmers’ different breeding priorities.

“The Balanced Performance Index achieves the NBO for farm profit and will align to the breeding priorities of most Australian dairy farmers,” Mr Abernethy
said.

“Two additional breeding indices have been developed to meet the needs of those farmers whose breeding philosophies focus on type or health.”

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said the level of farmer and industry involvement in developing the Breeding Objective is a testament to the entire supply chain’s
commitment to securing a more profitable future for dairy.

“The direct input of farmers, processors and research and development bodies through participation in farmwalks, surveys and forums has directly impacted
the outcome of the NBO,” Mr Campbell explained.

“Investment in innovative genetics strategies such as the NBO and research outcomes from the Dairy Futures CRC will help our farmers to breed the type
of cow they want to milk, faster, which will improve the productivity and profitability of our herds.”

While existing programs like the Australian Breeding Values express a bull or cow’s genetic potential for a single trait such as fertility or protein kilograms,
most farmers want to improve more than one trait in their herd.

The new index will be used to rank bulls, cows and herds for breeding programs.

ADHIS is an initiative of Australian Dairy Farmers’, that receives the majority of its funding from Dairy Australia through the Dairy Services Levy.

A summary of the National Breeding Objective is available via the ADHIS website.

ⁱ Report Commissioned by Dairy Australia, Coats, S & Lacey, R., 2013, Development of Genetics Scenarios and Implications for the Australian Dairy Industry, 13 August 2013.

In December, the news of the tragic death of a child possibly linked to drinking raw milk, saddened the dairy industry and underscored the message that consumers should only drink pasteurised milk.

“Farmers, familiar with their cows and own farm hygiene practises, are known to drink fresh milk directly from their dairy but the law is very clear that the packaging, transport and selling of raw, unpasteurised milk for human consumption is illegal,” says Helen Dornom Sustainability Manager for Dairy Australia.

“Milk is a highly regulated biological product in part because of the potential growth of pathogens during storage and transport. It is important to reemphasise that unpasteurised milk can never be consumed without real risks,” she adds.

“As farmers and representatives of the industry we have to be careful not to give the impression that something a farmer might do on-farm and fully aware of the risks can safely translate to the broader community.

Unpasteurised milk has been bottled and sold as cosmetic products (labelled ‘bath milk’, ‘for cosmetic purposes only’ or ‘not for human consumption’). While the sale of these products is not illegal, consumption of the product can present a serious risk to the consumer’s health.

“The fact is that cosmetic or ‘bath milk’ is not produced under the strict standards or supervision applied to the dairy food industry and without the additional critical controls provided by pasteurisation or equivalent treatments. It may contain pathogenic bacteria that can lead to life-threatening illnesses,” says Ms Dornom.

“Everyone is vulnerable to illness caused by organisms that may be present in raw milk, but the risks are even greater for young children and for people who are elderly or those who have underlying health problems, are Immune compromised or are pregnant.”

The Australian dairy industry has a well-earned reputation for safe dairy products – let’s not jeopardise this and ensure consumers only drink pasteurised milk.

For more information about raw milk, click here.

As 2014 draws to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank all of the dairy farmers who have actively supported our commitment towards improving the profitability and sustainability of our industry over the past 12 months.

It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside many of you this year, developing and implementing sound national policies to improve dairy farming in Australia. In collaboration with the ADF Board, National Council and the five Policy Advisory Groups (PAGs), we have achieved numerous major successes in 2014.

Highlights include the repeal of the Carbon Tax, the National Dairy Farmers’ Summit and the development of the industry’s very first Australian Dairy Vision. The recent signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement with its pro-dairy outcome is another example of the positive changes our collective industry advocacy has made.

I encourage you all to read ADF’s 2013-14 Annual Review for more detailed information about these highlights and other activities over the last reporting period.

On a personal note, I would like to recognise the significant contribution of Chris Griffin and Peter Evans, two invaluable members of our industry who are stepping down from their important roles on the ADF Board. I would also like to welcome newly appointed ADF Directors, David Basham and Tyran Jones, along with reappointed Director, Simone Jolliffe.

From the whole ADF team, we wish you a safe and happy festive season. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all!

The Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework outlines the industry’s commitment to enhance livelihoods, improve wellbeing and reduce our environmental footprint.

To ensure dairy is recognised worldwide as a responsible, responsive and prosperous producer of nutritious food, the Framework sets 11 economic, social and environmental targets to be achieved by the year 2020.

The second Sustainability Framework Progress Report is due to be released in December to benchmark how the industry is tracking towards achieving these targets, including supporting case studies to back these findings.

The ADF Update had the opportunity to preview some of the report’s preliminary findings, which can be found below.

ü  14.5% reduction in volume of green house gas emissions intensity generated by dairy manufacturers’ use of fuel and electricity since 2010/11 – a 30% reduction is the target set by 2020.

ü  46% of on-farm and factory workers now have a documented occupational health and safety (OH&S) plan – by 2020, the framework aims for 100% to have completed OH&S training.

ü  56% of farmers are aware of a new set of animal welfare standards and guidelines for cattle that have been developed – whilst yet to be legislated, the industry seeks 100% compliance with the guidelines’ standards by 2020.

ü  10.5% reduction in water consumption since 2010/11 – a 20% reduction by 2020 is the target set for the manufacturing sector.

ü  44.5% reduction in waste to landfill by manufacturers since 2010/11, which has already met and exceeded the target of a 40% reduction by 2020.

Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework Steering Committee Chair, Chris Griffin said the 2014 Progress Report provides evidence the dairy industry is committed to delivering mutually beneficial outcomes for the community and the environment.

“The Report demonstrates the benefits of the value chain working together to help create value for our industry, our customers and the community,” Mr Griffin said.

“Built on existing industry activities, we hope it will provide guidance to farmers, dairy companies and industry bodies on achieving our shared priorities and commitments.”

To view the 2014 Progress Report online, stay tuned to www.australiandairyfarmers.com.au over the coming week.

The Australian dairy industry has recently farewelled two long-standing leaders; dedicated dairy farmers; husbands; fathers; and grandfathers… But most of all, two “top blokes”.

Officially stepping down from their roles as Directors on the ADF Board at the end of 2014, together  Chris Griffin and Peter Evans have served over 70 remarkable years as dairy leaders.

ADF Chair, Noel Campbell said their presence will be missed.

“Their tireless efforts and unrelenting dedication to improving and promoting our great industry over many years has not gone unnoticed,” Mr Campbell said.

With more than 35 years experience in dairying on his farm at Westbury, Gippsland, Mr Griffin has led dairy through tough times of drought and the milk price wars. He has also opened our eyes to the possibilities of the future, in new markets, new technology and innovative on-farm practices.  

Chris Griffin on his Gippsland dairy farm, Victoria

Mr Griffin, who has served as a member of the ADF Board since 2005, is the immediate past President of ADF, and former Chair of the ADIC, said the industry was full of people who care.

“People join these organisations because they are vehicles for getting things done… This is an industry in great hands and I’ll be watching with keen interest,” Mr Griffin said.

West Australian dairy farmer, Mr Evans has been active in farmers associations since 1978 and has held many notable industry positions, including having served on the ADF Board since 2007 and in the role of ADF Vice President from 2011 to 2012.

Peter Evans receiving the 2014 WA Milk Bottle Award

Most recently winner of the prestigious WA Milk Bottle Award for outstanding service to the dairy industry earlier this year, Mr Evans said he never considered himself to be a “political animal”.

“I never considered myself to be a political animal but because of poor politics in WA (at the time of industry deregulation), I found advocacy a great tool for getting things done.

“Now into my seventh year on the ADF Board, we are far from perfect but our policies are having better traction with Government than ever before,” Mr Evans said.

ADF wishes the retired Directors all the best as they look to spend more time with their families, travelling and on-farm. 

The Australian dairy industry sends its condolences to Lynne Kosky’s family, after she passed away on 4 December.

Ms Kosky, former Minister for Transport in the Brumby Government, will be remembered by Victorian farmers for her work on the state’s regional rail and transport plan.

Outside of her political career, after retiring from Parliament in 2010 due to illness, Ms Kosky was the inaugural Dairy Industry People Development Council (DIPDC) Chair until she stepped down earlier this year.

DIPDC Chair, John Versteden said Ms Kosky provided invaluable industry leadership in the people development advocacy area, “a bold industry initiative that had been difficult to navigate through in previous years”.

“Aside from her strong leadership skills and networks, Lynne’s genuine empathy and passion in the people development field provided the solid foundation upon which the Dairy Industry People Development Council was formed,” Mr Versteden said.

“The dairy industry has lost an extremely valuable friend and she will be sorely missed.”

As New Zealand (NZ) Prime Minister, John Key has reportedly been working to ensure NZ’s dairy industry receives equal benefits to our industry, it’s clear that Australia’s free trade agreement (FTA) with China has weighed up very well.

With negotiations concluded and a Declaration of Intent signed on 17 November, the China-Australia FTA has delivered a significant confidence boost to the whole dairy value chain, with the outcomes presenting real opportunities for dairy to grow and prosper.

So what does the deal promise and how does it compare to NZ’s existing FTA with China?

While the FTA is currently in its legal review phase, it has secured the following tariff outcomes:

• Elimination of the 15% tariff on infant formula over 4 years;
•  Elimination of the 10 ‐ 19% tariff on ice cream, lactose, casein and milk albumins over 4 years;
• Elimination of the 15% tariff on liquid milk over 9 years;
• Elimination of the 10 ‐ 15% tariff on cheese, butter and yogurt over 9 years; and
• Elimination of the 10% tariff on milk powders over 11 years.

In comparison to our trade deal, the China-NZ FTA contains restrictive safeguard measures on a wide range of dairy products, including liquid milk, cheese, butter and all milk powders. These safeguards or quotas mean that China raises the tariff back to the normal rate when NZ’s exports exceed a certain volume of product.

The prosperity of the Australian dairy industry is underpinned by the profitability of the cows farmers milk. New breeding indices set an exciting path for genetic improvement in Australia.

Developed by the National Breeding Objective (NBO) Task Force and driven by the Australian Dairy Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) after an extensive consultation process with dairy farmers from across all dairying regions, the NBO aims to deliver herds that the Australian dairy industry needs for the future.

Three new breeding indices will be released from April 2015. The Balanced Performance Index (BPI) will replace the Australian Profit Ranking and aims to achieve farm profit through a balance of longevity, health, type and efficient production. Two additional indices will also be introduced to align with specific breeding philosophies, namely the Health Weighted Index (HWI) and the Type Weighted Index (TWI).

Officially launched at the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Industry Leaders’ Breakfast, ADHIS General Manager, Daniel Abernethy said the new indices are backed by strong science and are in line with farmer trait preferences.

“For the first time, farmers and their advisors directly contributed towards the NBO’s development through initiatives including Australia’s Longest Farmwalk and a sector wide survey to ensure the indices are well suited for the future needs of farmers,” Mr Abernethy said.

In another industry first, the new breeding indices now also include feed efficiency – a new trait which has been developed through ground breaking research from the Dairy Futures CRC and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries Victoria, supported by Dairy Australia and The Geoffrey Gardiner Foundation.

For more information and to download a copy of the NBO, click here.

About David

David Basham operates a 380 cow dairy farm with his wife, Kate and two daughters. Their property is located in Mount Compass, 65 kilometres south of Adelaide, on the Fleurieu Peninsular in South Australia (SA). David’s family has been milking cows for more than 120 years.

David is the President of the South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association (SADA) in a role he has held since August 2005. SADA is a membership organisation that advocates and develops policies to benefit SA dairy farmers.

David has been instrumental in the development of a new brand of fresh milk, SADA Fresh, being sold in one of his state’s major retail supermarkets to generate funds for SA industry development.

Growing up in a family that has been dairy farming for over 120 years, what does dairy mean to you?

Dairy has been the lifeblood of our family. I’ve had a long history of family involvement, particularly in leadership positions, where my father was Vice President of the SADA back in the 80s and my grandfather was also passionately involved in many sectors of the industry. The dairy industry is certainly something that is in my blood to be involved in and help make a difference for.

You have been an active leader in the dairy industry for almost 10 years, what does your position on the ADF Board mean to you personally?

I am a re-appointed Director, having served almost six years in the position in the previous form of the Board. Getting involved back on a national level is vital to developing the relationships that are required at a Federal basis for connecting ADF with Dairy Australia (DA) and Government. I believe the techniques I’ve developed over the years will help to strengthen the whole industry.

What importance do you place on engaging with all sectors in the industry, including building strong relationships with Government?

Building on strong relationships with politicians and their advisors is essential. Not necessarily when you want something, but actually when you don’t want something! Meeting and talking with them on an ongoing basis is essential to building up goodwill. The important thing about relationships with Government is being able to make that phone call when you need to make that phone call – having the phone number and access is so important.

With other stakeholders, it’s so important to develop and strengthen those relationships to make sure that there is nothing in the industry that could potentially blindsides us. We need to work as a cohesive group to develop a good industry.

Animal Health and Welfare is a policy area you are passionate about, do you think the industry is being proactive enough in addressing its issues? How do you think we can improve this?

It’s a very hard space to be more proactive than we have been. It would be nice if we could, however the problem is, we have to be able to bring the industry along with us.

We’ve seen in New Zealand for example, a few years ago when they tried to ban calving induction and they did not have the support from the industry to do so. It led to enormous issues of managing the situation.

When we make significant changes to policy, particularly in the animal health and welfare space, we need to be able to bring the majority of the industry with us. There will always be those that want to make us move faster, but the difficulty is bringing the majority.

If there is one policy issue you would like to see ADF focus its advocacy efforts on in 2015, what would it be and why?

I think there are a lot of areas we need to look at in the animal health and welfare space to ensure we are constantly monitoring it. But I think we also need to look at issues that prohibit or restrict our ability to use new technologies. We need to make sure we can convince the consumer, Government and others that they are safe tools and practices that we, as dairy farmers, should be allowed to use.

You’re interstate a lot with work, how do you manage running a dairy farm, being a husband and a father, as well as an industry leader?

It is a big challenge at times. Running the farm is the easier side of things – I have two great staff who are very reliable, that carry out the day-to-day farm work. Over time, I’ve become a very good manager over the phone.

Probably the harder one to manage is the family side of things. Last night I missed my daughter receiving a reading award. This is an example of the difficult things I sometimes have to miss, however I try to be there as much as possible when I am home. Farming, to some degree, also gives you that flexibility to take a day off and go on an excursion to the zoo which may not be possible with other jobs.

We know you love swimming in bath tubs of milk, but tell us something we might not know about you…

On a personal note, I guess one thing many people don’t know about me was that I was single for a very long time and I met my wife on a winery tour, which was a complete and utter setup that I had no knowledge of. It worked quite well because within two weeks, Kate moved in to live with me!

About Tyran

Tyran Jones completed a Bachelor of Engineering and worked in that capacity, before returning to the family farm. Tyran holds a number of industry leadership positions. He is the President of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) and a Member of the Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) National Council.

In addition to these advocacy roles, Tyran was a Director of The Geoffrey Gardiner Foundation, Chair of GippsDairy, and is currently a member of the industry Steering Committees which oversee critical research, development and extension (R,D & E) national programs.

Tyran is a partner in a Victorian dairy farm and is a strong advocate for agricultural innovation. He believes that the sector needs to focus on driving a profitable, growing, industry. His vision sets bold targets and mechanisms for increasing returns on assets, growing milk production, embracing new tools and technologies, and establishing Australia’s position as a key global dairy exporter.

What is one of your fondest memories growing up on your family dairy farm?

I’ve always loved feeding calves and looking after them as they grow up. Just being outside all the time with the animals, machinery and lots of room to move around remains a fond childhood memory of mine.

How has your engineering degree supported your skill set as a dairy farmer?

The degree has provided me with good, basic training for objective assessment and logical thought processes for assessing issues that arise. In other words, it’s provided a good filter for sensible decision making.

What unique qualities do you believe you have as an industry leader, and how do you think these will compliment the ADF Board?

Having grown up on a dairy farm, with a long history in the industry working in Regional Development Programs (RDPs), and research and development projects with Dairy Australia for the last 10-12 years, I have a good understanding of the structures of the industry. I also have an accurate grasp on farmer issues – particularly around profitability and practical decision-making – and I feel I understand the industry from top-to-bottom fairly well.

Part of your vision is to embrace new tools and technologies, what actions are involved in being an advocate for agricultural innovation?

We need to always, always, always place the opportunity for farmers to make milk more efficiently and more cost-effectively first. If it means we’ve got to advocate for other parts of the industry to change – such as consumers – then that’s what we need to do.

We need to tackle these technological hurdles head on, and this is absolutely the case for the bio-tech area which may offer some significant gains for farm profitability over the longer-term.

What’s one policy issue you would like to see positively resolved next year?

I would like to see genetically modified (GM) grass approved through testing and in a position where the industry as a whole, right across the supply chain, is backing the introduction of GM ryegrass. It has the potential to increase profitability and at the same time, reduce our environmental footprint. We need to be vocal and strategic about it, and to not shy away from having these debates.

Many dairy farmers know you are very proactive in the advocacy space, however can you tell us something about you we may not know?

When I have time off (and if you look at my Twitter picture), you will see that I like to ski when I’m not dairy farming, at Mount Hotham or in Canada.

Dairying duo, Lindsay and Ann Jarvis, were recognised as the first couple to receive the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s (ADIC) Outstanding Service Award (OSA) for their collective commitment to dairy at the ADIC Industry Leaders’ Breakfast, 28 November.

ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell said like many men and women who dedicate their lives, professionally and personally to dairy, the Jarvis’ are a team.

“It would be remiss to recognise the efforts of one without the other,” Mr Campbell said.

Addressing a room filled with dairy leaders from across the whole value chain, the couple said they were humbled by the award, which recognises people as the core of what makes the industry work.

“Our ability to thrive (as an industry) requires caring, co-operation, commitment, collaboration and concentration on the wellbeing of our people,” Mrs Jarvis said.

“The best genetics, soils, research breakthroughs and new markets won’t succeed unless we are all fully are committed.”

Describing their partnership as “one part dreamer, one part doer” the Jarvis’ each bring a unique approach and skill set to dairy.

Having spent 31 years as a director at Murray Goulburn, Mr Jarvis, the ‘dreamer’ of the pair has transformed the couple’s 148 year old, 280 hectare dry-land farm into a contour flood irrigation system, used his welding skills to build a swing-over herringbone dairy.

With a belief in educating and encouraging young people and, particularly, women to engage with new challenges, Mrs Jarvis, the ‘doer’ of the pair, managed the family farm and its workers while Lindsay was off farm.  Mrs Jarvis also spent seven years volunteering for the highly respected Dookie College Advisory Committee.

Actively involved in dairy organisations their whole careers, the Jarvis’ are respected members of United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, and have each received an Order of Australia for their service to the dairy industry.

The OSA award has been traditionally presented at the ADIC Dairy Industry Leaders’ Breakfast since 2006, to recognise individual Australians who, through their leadership, dedication and commitment, have provided outstanding service for the benefit of the dairy industry.

For more information about the ADIC Outstanding Service Award, click here.

Did you know that there are 15 agricultural Research and Development Corporations (RDC) in Australia, yet only two of these have regulated levy polls?

Along with the Australian Wool Innovation, Dairy Australia (DA) is bound by a five-year levy review cycle to ensure that dairy farmers have a say towards
the amount they pay for their research, development and extension (R,D&E) levy and how it is spent.

In response to the Senate Inquiry into the system for agricultural R,D&E levies , the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has made a submission
in support of the RDC model and the opportunities for dairy farmers provided by DA.

Whilst the ADIC considers that the Levy Poll framework provides an important opportunity for DA to talk to levy payers about their levy investment,
there is scope to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the process.

Suggestions the ADIC puts forward to the Inquiry include streamlining the Levy Poll consultation approach, for example through more tailored consultation,
use of industry networks, and increased use of technology; improving engagement with farmers about the DA investment throughout the five-year period,
not just at the time of the levy poll; as well as, improving the information to demonstrate the returns to farmers from their levy investment.

As subsidiaries of the ADIC, the role of Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) and the Australian Dairy Products Federation (ADPF) in R,D&E investment
is to represent levy payers by working with DA to drive the development of strategies, highlighting priority investment areas and ensuring tangible
benefits reach the dairy community.

For more information and to download a copy of the ADIC’s submission,
click here
.