Your member magazine // May 2012

Controlling costs 21// Peter Kirk shares the benefits of knowing costs of production

06// Animal welfare Reconciling community expectations and livestock industry practices 09// Agvocacy Troy and Stacy Hadrick return down under 15// Condition scoring at calving Driving production with well managed fertility 24// Winter management for high performance weaners 34// Growing appetite for Australian lamb in the US Feedback: MLA’s member magazine May 2012

A note from the MD...

he welfare of cattle, sheep and With this changed environment as the goats is a daily high priority task backdrop, MLA and industry have Tfor Australian livestock producers. developed an animal welfare strategy which While our industry has always had a sets the vision for the next five years. spotlight on the welfare of the animals In this new landscape, future R&D will look within its care, there is growing interest for solutions to replace some existing from the broader Australian community procedures with less adverse ones, reduce in the welfare of production animals. mortality rates on farm, and minimise the It is important to keep a finger on the pain of aversive procedures, provided the community’s pulse so we know what is welfare of animals is maintained and considered an acceptable animal welfare productivity isn’t compromised. practice. Turn to pages 6–7 for an article on this new It’s equally important that our industry strategy and the rationale behind it. engages with the community to understand I welcome your thoughts any time at why they think the way they do. [email protected] While we should never let vocal minority groups overrun what the science is telling us, neither can we afford to dismiss the views of the community. After all, they are the consumers that we need to continue Scott Hansen purchasing our products. MLA Managing Director

Feedback is produced and Contents published by Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd (ABN 39 081 678 364).

Condition scoring helps cash flow The magazine is free to MLA Cover story 15 members and available on 21 Networking – a powerful from cows subscription to non-MLA members production tool 06 17 Feeding for fertility at an annual rate of $100 (including GST) within Australia and Animal welfare 18 Breaking the parasite cycle In brief $150 overseas. 20 Monitor, test, count and plan 02 Stand by what you sell MLA acknowledges the matching 23 Weighing up the scales funds provided by the Australian 02 New guide to increase beef outputs 24 Watching winter weight gain Government to support the 03 Visits to the Virtual Farm 15 research and development detailed Condition for weaners in this publication. 03 Open your gate for FarmDay scoring helps 26 The economics of molasses Feedback Reply Paid 906, Locked 04 Predicting horns or no horns cash flow Bag 991, North Sydney NSW 2059 05 In profile: John Keiller, producer consumer E: [email protected] from cows 28 Selling the sizzle in secondary cuts T: 1800 023 100 // F: 02 9463 9393 Insight www.mla.com.au 29 Recipe: Roasted beef rump 06 Animal welfare This magazine was printed on Sumo 30 ‘Chuck a Sunday’ Offset Laser, an environmentally Industry 28 30 Chopular culture off the charts this responsible paper manufactured Selling the under the environmental 08 Beef 2015 and beyond – have your say Australia Day management system ISO 14001 10 Australia readies for new US beef sizzle in 31 Higher protein diets: what’s new? using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) testing regime secondary cuts pulp sourced from sustainable markets forests. Sumo Offset Laser is FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) certified Community 32 Around the globe (mixed sources). 09 A grassroots voice for agriculture 33 Market observations Disclaimer: The views expressed in the 34 On the ground: United States Feedback are not necessarily those of On-Farm 34 Market insight MLA, its employees or agents. Feedback 11 Seek help following floods content is provided as information not as advice and you should make your own 13 Lessons learned from floods MLA IN ACtion enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests. All material in 14 Flood recovery advice 36 Past and upcoming events Feedback is copyright. Reproduction of the material is encouraged, however due Cover: Victorian cattle producer Peter Kirk. Image by Riccarda Burley. acknowledgement to Feedback is required. 01 Upfront

Your feedback

Connecting with the community

Social media is a powerful tool for producers interested in sharing their stories to the community. With more than half of all Australians now on Facebook, it’s a great place to connect with everyone from city cousins to customers. Target 100 is the new online hub for posting the industry’s sustainability credentials, and has generated a lot of online chatter over the last month. Visit www.target100.com.au to check it out for yourself and maybe add your own story to the conversation. To share your views and questions, send your feedback to the editor at [email protected]

MLA tools Social networking MLA Weaner management manual YouTube Download MLA’s new publication that is a Check out the latest episode of feedbackTV one-stop shop for managing weaners across on YouTube including tips on balancing yield online northern Australia. and eating quality in lambs. www.mla.com.au/weanermanual www.youtube.com/mlafeedbacktv

Flood recovery Flickr Read tips to help your pasture and livestock View MLA’s photo stream on Flickr recover from recent flooding and maintain including the recent Beyond the gate tour productivity. in Sydney NSW for MLA members. www.mla.com.au/floodrecovery www.flickr.com/meatlivestock

‘Chuck a Sunday’ Twitter Check out videos encouraging Australians to Read the latest tweets by following MLA ‘chuck a Sunday’ midweek in MLA’s newest on Twitter. lamb marketing campaign. www.twitter.com/meatlivestock www.themainmeal.com.au/lambroast Facebook Upcoming events Stay connected with MLA by ‘friending’ Find out about industry events during us on Facebook. May–June including Beef Australia 2012, www.facebook.com/ MLA Richmond field days, BeefUp forums, meatandlivestockaustralia BusinessEDGE workshops and Lambex. www.mla.com.au/events

fridayfeedback Get timely on-farm information and the latest market news delivered to your inbox every Friday by subscribing to fridayfeedback. www.mla.com.au/fridayfeedback 02 In-brief

Stand by what you sell

he Livestock Production Assurance The five areas LPA accreditation covers are: (LPA) program underpins 1. Property risk assessment Australia’s reputation as a T 2. Safe and responsible animal treatments producer of safe red meat, but the integrity of the program relies on 3. Stock foods, fodder crops, grain and pasture treatments producers playing their part. The reputation of Australian red meat relies Currently 190,000 livestock producers 4. Preparation for dispatch of livestock on producers being able to stand by what are LPA-accredited, guaranteeing their 5. Livestock transactions and movements they sell. customers that they have met on-farm When producers tick the box on the responsibilities in the production of National Vendor Declaration form T: 1800 683 111 quality meat. indicating they are LPA-accredited, they E: [email protected] must be able to back up the guarantee with www.mla.com.au/lpa accurate farm records.

New guide to increase beef outputs through good weaning management

A new publication has been released to rates is the key. It can also reduce calf provide northern cattle producers with mortalities and reduces the need for breeder practical insights for best practice supplementation by ensuring cows aren’t weaning to improve herd productivity feeding a calf during the dry season,” and profitability. Wayne said. Released by MLA, Weaner management in “Also, we calculated that when properties northern beef herds outlines the best with and without early weaning were management practices for weaning, as compared, the property implementing early well as the benefits of early weaning weaning showed a 19% improvement in calves in difficult conditions to improve profit, 10% improvement in gross margin breeder fertility and reduce mortality. per adult equivalent and 8% increase in The publication is a compilation of all the beef output.” Weaner management research, demonstrations and practical The publication also provides an easy-to- in northern beef herds knowledge available on weaning and read guide for maintaining the health of

Department of weaner management in northern weaners, outlining nutrient requirements Agriculture and Food Australia. It was written by a team from and other health management techniques agricultural departments in the as well as training for ease of future handling. Queensland, Northern Territory and Wayne said although the research was Weaning to improve breeder Western Australian governments and focused on larger herds in northern Australia body condition and improve features producer case studies of various the principles in the publication can be re-conception rates is the key. cattle breeding operations. relevant to all cattle herds in Australia. MLA’s Northern Research Manager, Wayne Weaner management in northern beef herds Hall, said good weaning management can complements another recently released lead to greater herd productivity. Visit www.mla.com.au/weaner publication Heifer management in northern manual to download Weaner “In order to produce a calf every year, a cow beef herds which outlines heifer management in northern beef herds needs to fall pregnant within 75 days of management principles that can significantly or for the related publication Heifer calving. So weaning to improve breeder improve herd profitability including how to management in northern beef herds www.mla.com.au/heifermanual body condition and improve re-conception improve re-conception rates. 03 In-brief

Visits to the Virtual Farm Switch on to

arly results indicate the Virtual “I learnt that not all the farmers are men; feedbackTV Farm Visit website is attracting they are also women and families.” Student episode 17 Eattention from schools. This free “It’s an exciting tool so the children are online resource for teachers and students getting on board, they’re wanting to find out Controlling pests and predators showcases what happens on Australian more about agriculture, they’re learning Take a look at work beef and sheep farms by featuring about where their food is actually coming being done to properties in the Kimberley, central from which is very important.” Simone develop new and western NSW and Gippsland. Taylor, teacher better ways to assist in the management Since going live in February 2011, the site “The Virtual Farm…has very clear links to of feral animals. has attracted more than 8,100 visits, science, to technology, to English, to maths averaging 680 hits a month. so there’s something on every one of those City kids’ virtual farm visit Monitoring shows visits escalate during farms in Virtual Farm that would interest or Children from school terms to around 900 visits a month, excite every single student in the class…” Lauderdale Primary but taper off during the school holidays, Ben Stockwin, Primary Industries Education School in Tasmania inferring a sizeable portion of users are school Foundation take us on a tour of teachers and students – the target market. their classroom while they get a tour of The latest episode of feedbackTV takes a See the current episode of feedbackTV which showcases the Virtual Farm Australia’s cattle and look at the use of the Virtual Farm Visit in a sheep properties via school. Here’s a taste of what is being said: Visit www.mla.com.au/virtualfarm the virtual farm.

Balancing yield with eating quality A new supply chain initiative with JBS Australia provides insight into the importance of producing the right lamb every time for consistent customer satisfaction*.

Industry projections – helping you make informed decisions Hear how one Open your gate for FarmDay Queensland family has changed the time of selling cattle his year Australia celebrates rural broaden awareness about food and fibre to make the most of higher prices and find Australia with the ‘Year of the production has never been greater. out what this year’s Farmer’, making it a good time to T “FarmDay is a great way for our friends in projections mean for encourage urban families out onto a farm. the big smoke to experience all the things your business. FarmDay will be held nationally on 26 and that are part and parcel of being a primary * Don’t miss out 27 May and registrations are now open. producer. This first hand-experience leads on the DVD extra: More than 1,000 farming families have to a better understanding of the agricultural Genetic selection participated since FarmDay began in 2006. sector,” Ms Bain said. 101 – the step-by-step Research commissioned by the Primary The FarmDay team matches farming process for improving Industries Education Foundation recently families with city visitors, ensuring an your flock genetics. revealed 75% of school students believe excellent FarmDay experience is had by all. cotton socks are an animal product and FarmDay is supported by MLA. If you haven’t received your 45% of school age students are unable to feedbackTV DVD with this edition, identify that everyday lunchbox items like contact MLA on 1800 675 717. bananas, cheese and bread come from farms. Further information and registration For past stories visit FarmDay founder Deb Bain says the need details are available at www.youtube.com/ www.farmday.com.au mlafeedbacktv for farmers to do everything they can to 04 In-brief

Ram breeder Mark Mortimer is already finding benefits from being able to identify genetic traits in young sheep.

Predicting horns or no horns

PP, PH and HH are three acronyms sheep Figure 1 Sire breeding values for horn status producers may see a lot more of in the future. “Sires with the PP (probability of progeny phenotype): While they look fairly simple, these three genomic genotype will breeding predictions represent a breakthrough Male progeny Female progeny produce from the Sheep CRC Information Nucleus Flock Outcome Horned Polled Horned Polled significantly more and Genomics Pilot Project. They allow the When mated to PP ‘polled’ dams offspring with identification of traits in sheep from as young as PP sire 3% 82% 1% 92% three months old. PH sire 3% 65% 1% 87% polled status than The three acronyms indicate the poll-horn status of HH sire 4% 49% 1% 82% sires with a PH or an animal. PP is polled, PH is half poll and HH is horn. When mated to HH ‘horned’ dams HH genotype.” The test for these possible genotypes has been PP sire 3% 49% 1% 82% developed using a single SNP (single nucleotide PH sire 37% 27% 5% 50% polymorphisms) on the 50k SNP panel used in the HH sire 70% 6% 8% 18% Sheep CRC Pilot Project. Estimates are based on 2,300 Merino progeny in the Sheep CRC Information Nucleus. PP = polled, PH = half poll, HH = horn Sheep Genetics Manager, Sam Gill, said the SNP is highly associated with polled and horned phenotypes and is closely linked to the polled gene which has been independently confirmed in Mark had 50 rams DNA tested at seven months as other studies. part of the second Sheep CRC Genomics Pilot Project “So testing for this SNP does not result in a simple yes late last year. In the joint CRC – MLA – Australian or no answer. Sires with the PP genotype will produce Wool Innovation project, breeders were subsidised for significantly more offspring with polled status than the first 20 rams tested. Mark then paid $100/head for sires with a PH or HH genotype,” he said. an additional 30 young rams to be tested. As it is important to understand the probabilities of “For many of the traits we would have learned this different outcomes when mating PP and HH rams to information by taking physical measurements in either horned or polled ewes, figure 1 has been another 12 months’ time. But the fact that we know developed to summarise the possibilities of various it now means we can select breeding stock earlier,” poll-horn outcomes associated with the different he said. statuses of sires or dams. “The DNA tests have provided new information about Sam Gill, MLA Ram breeder Mark Mortimer who runs Centre Plus hard to measure traits like meat quality and polled/ T: 02 6773 4296 Merinos at Tullamore in NSW is already benefiting horned genes. And for some traits the estimated E: sgill@mla. com.au from the findings of the project, saying it means breeding values (EBVs) for these weaner rams are important traits can be identified much earlier in actually more accurate than what we had when we www.sheepcrc. org.au young sheep using DNA testing. selected their sires at 19 months of age.” 05 In-brief

In profile

John Keiller Producer, Portland, Victoria

ohn Keiller makes it a processors still tends to come habit to look over the by fax – you can’t readily Jhorizon. The Portland use that information for producer of prime lambs and statistical analysis*. self-replacing maternal But we’ve still made a lot of composite genetics wants to progress over the past 20 ride the wave of change years. The genetic gain we’ve rather than be drowned by it. made in that time has been Genetics is a passion of John’s. worth $18 million a year to He considers sheep are “bags the industry. of genes” to be tuned – as for What comes next? instance, the Cashmore I think that chasing eating Oaklea Performance Maternal quality attributes, like composite – a smorgasboard of tenderness and intramuscular Coopworth, Finn, East fat and perhaps omega 3 levels Friesian, Border Leicester, are going to be useful in keeping South African Meat Merino, lamb on the dinner table at a Poll Dorset, White Suffolk, price that rewards the producer. Texel and Corriedale genetics. And welfare issues like What will guide breeders castration and mulesing won’t in designing the sheep of go away. We should keep the future? looking for better solutions. Producers think they design their sheep, but mostly the Next month, John will talk market does. If we keep at Lambex in Bendigo listening to the market, our about his operation, customers will decide where Cashmore Park, and the sheep industry needs to go “engineering the sheep”. and what type of sheep we * MLA is working to address this need to breed. with the Livestock Data Link Of course, animals must also initiative which is now ready be fit and functional within to pilot. the ecosystems they run in. Breeders have to balance consumer desires with environmental and farm system realities. John Keiller Are producers getting T: 03 5526 5248 enough feedback from www.cashmoreoaklea. consumers to make good com.au breeding decisions? For more on Lambex see That’s an issue. We don’t really the latest episode of feedbackTV. have the systems in place to give us the feedback we need, To register for Lambex www.lambex.com.au and what we do get back from 06 Insight

n the legal arena too, interest in animals is being elevated. For a few years now there have Animal welfare: Ibeen rumblings in Australian courts that are mirroring those of the broader community with reconciling community expectations legal argument proposing to treat animals not as human property but rather as creatures with and livestock industry practices intrinsic rights. Industry has the opportunity and challenge to manage the evolution of its welfare practices, to address community concerns while avoiding a reduction in productivity. In this changed landscape, some Australian and There is growing interest from the Australian global food companies have adopted strategic community in the way animals are cared for, new positions around cheap, ethical and safe fresh food and have established principles to express their research by the Department of Primary Industries in commitment to animal welfare. Victoria highlights. The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) research also refers to heightened interest and changing expectations of the broader community over some farming practices that is leading to a new environment for agriculture where social expectations place constraints on the use of new or established animal welfare practices and technologies. Roger Wilkinson, co-author of the report Victorians’ attitudes to farming, explained as consumers became 07 Insight

“It’s vital we understand where the other person is coming from, why they Animal welfare is not a new issue when you consider a practice to be inhumane, and we need to engage with them and, think that the first after going through that process, that might mean that some practices have Society for the to be changed.” Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Australia was formed in 1871. Over the years, animal welfare has moved more into the more food-secure, wealthier and better educated, understand what constitutes good animal welfare spotlight, particularly in many become concerned with addressing ethical based on scientific measures for sheep, goats and westernised countries. Once consequences of food production like animal cattle. But the measures identified may not people’s basic needs have welfare and environmental sustainability. always match what the community judges to be been satisfied they can divert reasonable, particularly in relation to some their attention to other issues “Disputes over farming issues like animal welfare – including the needs and surgical husbandry practices. appear to be influenced by a mismatch between rights of animals. more established, traditional values which focus Given this environment, MLA with industry has Since 2002 MLA has invested on production and productivity, and emerging developed an animal welfare strategy which sets $3.7 million in various animal community values which focus on caring for the R&D direction to meet community welfare projects including: animals and the environment,” Dr Wilkinson said. expectations while minimising impacts on > Polled/horned genomics “These pressures aren’t going to go away and there industry productivity. to minimise the need for are no easy answers. It’s dangerous to try to draw The new strategy takes into account the dehorning conclusions about what the average consumer community’s reasonable expectations and the > Assessing the welfare thinks, as there is wide variation in public opinion tightening laws and regulations that govern impacts of land transport on issues such as animal welfare.” animal welfare. on animals Victorians’ attitudes to farming categorised Four strategic pillars underpin future R&D: > Developing an understanding of wild dog Victoria’s adult population into six groups ranging > Develop solutions to replace some existing from ‘doubly concerned’ (accounting for 16% of behaviour and measures to procedures with less aversive ones. Priority R&D help control their numbers the sample), environmentally concerned (9%), will focus on developing replacements for surgical > Pain management including animal concerned (7%), disengaged (18%), castration of cattle, lambs and kids; tail docking non-steroidal anti- contented (32%) and supportive (18%). of lambs; and spaying, branding and ear notching inflammatory drugs and “The first three segments accounted for 32% of the for cattle needleless injections sample and we named them the ‘concerned’ > Reduce mortality rates on farm. Priority R&D A current project into a segments. They valued animal welfare or the will look to reduce mortality due to exposure remote calving alert device environment highly but had low trust in farmers and predators investigates causes of calf and to manage these issues without being forced > Increase uptake and demonstration of welfare breeder loss due to dystocia to do so.” best practice (abnormal or difficult labour). “The other large segment, which we called the The research aims to identify > Minimise the pain of adverse procedures. ‘contented’, included the people who valued the genetic, seasonal and Priority R&D will focus on developing options for animal welfare or the environment highly but physical influences on dystocia castration of cattle, lambs and kids; tail docking of and therefore aid the who – unlike the three concerned segments – did lambs and kids; and dehorning, ear marking, development of management trust farmers to manage these issues without branding and spaying in cattle and breeding programs to being forced. The disengaged and supportive did reduce the risks. not value these issues highly. An important The new strategy aims to put the livestock challenge lies in making sure the contented do industry in a position to defend its animal welfare not become concerned,” Dr Wilkinson says. practices based on science and community perception without losing markets. It’s also a Given the disparity of views Dr Wilkinson proactive approach which moves away from stressed the need to communicate and engage aversive procedures, reducing the likelihood that with the community. industry is called upon to quickly make onerous “It’s vital we understand where the other person is changes to practices. coming from, why they consider a practice to be inhumane, and we need to engage with them and, after going through that process, that might mean that some practices have to be changed.” To download Victorians’ attitudes to farming, visit www.mla.com.au/ Over the years progress has been made through vicfarmingattitudes MLA-funded and international R&D to 08 Industry

Beef strategic plan Beef 2015 and beyond – have your say

CCA President “If the beef industry is to move head, we Andrew Ogilvie need measurable goals and this is what the

process and development of the strategic plan will deliver to us,” Andrew said. The Cattle Council will run producer he call has gone out to beef forums, interviews with key industry producers across the country to leaders and stakeholders and a Tprovide input into a strategic plan comprehensive telephone survey of for the grassfed beef sector. grassfed beef producers to gather input. An initiative of the Cattle Council of “We are also making use of online Australia, Beef 2015 and beyond seeks to set platforms to reach a wider audience than “If the beef industry is to the future direction of the industry with ever before and every grassfed producer move ahead, we need widespread participation from producers. and industry stakeholder is being given the measurable goals and this is Andrew Ogilvie, President of Cattle Council opportunity to contribute to the of Australia urges all producers of grassfed development of the plan. This really is your what the process and cattle to take one of the many chance to tell the industry the direction development of the strategic opportunities to provide input into the you think it should take,” Andrew said. plan will deliver to us.” formation of their sector’s strategic plan. Further industry consultation will occur “The Cattle Council board has agreed it’s once a draft plan is created and any major time to develop a new national strategy for changes to industry policy or direction the grassfed beef industry. The strategy may be subject to a vote to demonstrate will direct and mobilise all industry industry support. resources and efforts over the next few years,” Andrew said. Importantly, Beef 2015 and beyond will also define the roles of the various parties responsible for implementing the plan To participate in online forums and – including the research and marketing surveys: www.cattlecouncil.com. service delivery body MLA. au/beef2015and beyond 09 Community

A grassroots voice for agriculture

Troy has: 4,323 followers on twitter and has made 7,497 tweets

n Queensland for Beef Australia 2012, “I have this thing called the 30-second “It’s about making connections to tell the Troy and Stacy Hadrick’s goal is to elevator speech and any farmer can do it,” truth about production systems, what we Iencourage and empower producers to Troy said. do and how we do it. Tell people how we tell their positive stories locally, care for our livestock and the environment. nationally and globally. “My 30-second elevator speech is: Producers are a fairly humble group, but ‘My name is Troy Hadrick. I’m a fifth unfortunately, that’s what we have to do Fifth generation US ranchers from South generation American rancher from Dakota, the Hadrick family runs a now. It’s not bragging, it’s just telling the real Faulkton, South Dakota. Every day my story,” Troy said. diversified grain and cow/calf enterprise but family and I work hard taking care of it is their desire to fight back against the our cattle so we can provide safe, “Through public response, we quickly untruths they say are plaguing modern day wholesome beef for your family’. realised how successful social media was as farming that drives them. a platform for telling stories,” Stacy said. “Ten years ago a reporter interviewed us for “Almost without exception this will lead to “The public listens and connects to stories a story about the beef industry,” Troy the person I’ve just introduced myself to ask about where their food is coming from and explained on the eve of his second visit me several questions. Therefore one more how it is produced.” to Australia. consumer knows the real story of With 350 head of cattle, 1,400ha of wheat, “He disregarded our real story, writing agriculture from an expert. soybean and corn crops and three small instead a misleading, inaccurate account. It “For too long we have been letting other children to raise, Stacy and Troy travel was a devastating experience for us. We people tell our story for us and that has to whenever and wherever they can manage. quickly learned the only way to put across stop. That’s what this is all about.” Word of mouth has kept them consistently in demand to speak. our story (and what farmers and ranchers Facing the same issues as Australian do), was to do it ourselves.” producers from animal rights and the The Hadricks used that single event to environment to government regulations transform their thinking and their daily and production – and feeling increasingly Visit Troy and Stacy’s website: www.advocatesforag.com lives. Since then Troy and Stacy have under siege by the growing movement Blog www.advocatesforag. presented at forums nationally and globally, questioning farmers’ ethics and practices blogspot.com determined to help empower producers to – the couple added social media like facebook, twitter.com/TroyHadrick tell their own good stories about farming. blogs, websites and twitter to fight back. 10 Industry

Fast facts Six additional non-O157 E.coli strains are estimated to cause 70–95% of all non-O157 E.coli infections in the US.

Australia readies Three Australian meat exporters agree – while new US Government requirements for additional E.coli testing will add financial and logistical for new US beef challenges to their enterprises – it should not testing regime affect their export volume to the US market.

he US government will Jenson, said the research project plant and staff will require significant capital and we also introduce routine assessed more than 1,800kg of further training. need a particular capability to Tsampling from 5 June Australian manufacturing beef Michael said the $1,400 for a full interpret the results,” Tom said. 2012 for six additional non-O157 using four different screening confirmation test, whenever a Atron Enterprises Managing E.coli strains that produce Shiga methods and found a low consignment records a potential Director, David Larkin, said as toxins. These toxins can cause prevalence of the strains positive was a dramatic increase results would now take almost illnesses ranging from mild (representing an estimated 0.02% compared to current costs of twice as long as current testing, intestinal disease to severe in Australian manufacturing beef). confirmation testing. delays to supply chain logistics kidney complications. MLA then ran two half-day About 55% of JBS Australia’s would be significant and pose Australian export processors are information seminars on how beef trimmings have been the greatest impost on business. implementing additional testing to prepare for the changes, exported to North America so Atron directs 15–20% of its beef procedures and are adding new attended by more than 100 far this year. to the US and David said the equipment to meet the new industry and processor Teys Australia’s General market would become more requirements. To minimise the important in the immediate representatives. Manager Corporate Affairs, Tom impact to sales of Australian future as demand for Australian JBS Australia Group Quality Maguire, said the change would manufacturing beef in this product grew. important market for Australian Assurance Manager, Michael require a significant additional producers and exporters, MLA Johnston, said the MLA study cost in equipment. invested in a research project to helped JBS Australia identify a Tom said MLA testing of identify the best ways to test for number of available testing pathogens in Australian meat the strains and has run industry methods, their performance helped the company make events to explain how to and required machinery. informed decisions on future manage the changes. The company will install a testing methods. Ian Jenson, MLA MLA Manager Market Access testing machine, at a cost of “This new testing requirement T: 02 9463 9264 E: [email protected] Science and Technology, Ian about $70,000, in its Dinmore means we have to invest in 11 On-farm

Research at work

Every month, check this section of Feedback to find the latest information and resources for making a difference in the paddock.

In this Flood recovery Integrated pest Weighing in Condition scores management issue Advice and lessons Northern Territory research Breeding cows in condition to help recover after Planning ahead to minimise reveals not all cattle scales score three or better prior to inundation the impact of internal are created equal calving means higher parasites in sheep re-conception rates 12 On-farm

Flood recovery Snapshot Peter and Marg Richards, Timmering, Vic.

Property: 800ha Enterprise: Self-replacing Merino flock and cropping Livestock: 1,000 Merino ewes Seek help Soil: Dryland loam Rainfall: following 445mm floods

HE physical work required to “We had sheep that were losing condition Peter said his advice to producers who were recover from major flooding is and basically everything which could go going through flooding was to talk to others Ttough – but the mental aspect of wrong with sheep, did go wrong.’’ and accept as much help as possible, either coping with sick livestock and damaged The main problems were flystrike and through official channels such as DPI and infrastructure can be tougher. pink-eye, and Peter said one moment still counseling or financial services or just That was the experience of Victorian stands out in his mind. communicating with neighbours. producer Peter Richards, whose property at A silver lining was the development of a Timmering was severely affected by “I couldn’t get on top of the flystrike, local Best Wool Best Lamb (BWBL) group, floodwater in the summer of 2011. and this day I had gone through a mob one of five formed in north-west Victoria as by putting about 10 sheep at a time in a “Stress is the biggest challenge,’’ he said. “It is an initiative of DPI’s 2011 flood project to small pen and inspecting them – that’s ensure affected sheep producers were as much a mental thing as physical and that how careful I was being,’’ he said. is why I feel so much for the people going supported during their recovery phase. through the situation now.’’ “And then when I went to let the mob out I Peter, a founding member, said the Peter and his wife Marg farm 800 hectares, noticed all these sheep I had still missed and group had been great for professional and run 1,000 Merino ewes as a self replacing I found myself standing in the sheep yards social contact. flock and a cropping program. Half their swearing, thinking I can’t do this anymore.’’ For further information see the flood property was inundated, and while most of Peter found great support in Echuca-based recovery advice article on page 14. the water drained within a fortnight, it left Victorian Department of Primary Industries widespread feed damage and animal health (DPI) district veterinarian Dr Jim Walsh. problems. “He came out and we talked through Peter Richards E: [email protected] “The first flood water that came down was problems, and he probably didn’t realise it, like sewerage. It looked black and smelt but it was great therapy and it helped me www.mla.com.au/floodrecovery www.mla.com.au/parasites rotten,’’ Peter said. keep focused and keep going,’’ he said. 13 On-farm

Lessons learned from floods 2011 flood- n the weeks after water submerged his Boort “The trick is to work backwards from when you need affected property in January 2011, Victorian farmer and feed, which means looking at the growth rates and producer Dean Iagronomist Dean Harrington struggled to find establishment times. Harrington motivation to get his cropping and 1,000-head “The minimum time is about six weeks, but only a suggests working first-cross ewe operation back on track. handful of species will do that,’’ he said. backwards from “Everything was such a diabolical mess. We were The Harringtons chose a mix of ryegrass, berseen and peak feed shell-shocked,’’ he said. “For the first six weeks I really sub clovers. thought this is it – I don’t want to be a farmer anymore.’’ demand to plan “The weight of the water on the ground for up to a month for pasture Despite 90% of their 600 hectare property being under had really compacted it and the soils had gone anaerobic re-establishment prolonged inundation and destroying its lucerne feed – the water had basically de-oxygenated it,’’ he said. following base, Dean and wife Natalie bounced back, to the point The paddocks were worked lightly with a disc cultivator. flooding where they were still able to turn off sucker lambs Another trick was high seeding rates, with the pasture that season. direct drilled following at 30kg/ha instead of the usual Large areas were under 0.5m of water for up to a month: 20kg/ha. “The water that came through was really warm too “The theory is the higher sowing rate generates more – kind of like a bath – and it killed anything it touched, dry matter per ha, and it was cheaper to buy extra seed including the weeds,” he said. than more hay.” The Harringtons’ priority was to restore some pasture After establishing well, the pasture was treated with for their ewe flock before lambing, especially after being gibberalic acid (a natural growth promoter). forced into expensive hand-feeding – something Dean It was ready for grazing in July, and the Harringtons wouldn’t repeat. were able to achieve their normal production pattern of “My advice to farmers in this situation this year is to get turning off sucker lambs at 12-weeks of age. The their sheep and cattle off on agistment until a feed paddocks also produced a cut of hay in October. wedge gets going, which is a lot simpler without stock in the system,’’ he said. Dean Harrington The Harringtons’ critical feed point is July as ewes start T: 0409 489 487 lambing in August, and as access to paddocks only www.mla.com.au/floodrecovery came in April it meant careful plant selection for resowing.

Snapshot Dean and Natalie Harrington, Boort, Vic.

Property: 600ha Enterprise: Prime lambs, vealers and cropping Livestock: 1,000 first-cross ewes and 30 F1 cows Soil: Loam to heavy black country 14 On-farm

Flood recovery advice

ecovering livestock enterprises Flystrike caused by wet wool and after prolonged flooding will pose dermatophilus (dermo) infections are Health checklist for Ra challenge for many producers common after floods. Producers need to be livestock post-flooding this year, but careful management can vigilant about lameness in sheep, as virulent > Keep livestock away from areas that help minimise the impacts on productivity. footrot (which is contagious, unlike simple have been spoilt by floodwater including dermatitis type footrot) spreads quickly. stockyards or other areas that had a high Pasture build-up of manure and urine. The effect of flooding depends on the flow Clostridial diseases such as blackleg and > Clostridial diseases such as blackleg and temperature of water, soil types, depth pulpy kidney, caused by spore producing bacteria that thrive in moist and warm and pulpy kidney can increase due to and duration of flooding, the health and bacteria commonly found in contaminated conditions, can result in high mortality rates. type of plant species growing and the water and soil. Ensure all livestock amount of silt or debris deposited (figure 1). Cattle vaccinations are up-to-date. These factors will determine if pastures While in the immediate aftermath of the > Monitor sheep daily for flystrike, successfully recover, or if resowing is floods, lameness and mastitis are the first particularly body-strike caused by wet needed due to plant deaths. challenges, producers should monitor wool and dermatitis. Victorian Department of Primary Industries animals for some time for bacteria and > Implement worm control strategies to reduce parasite burdens in both sheep and (DPI) recommends, “For ryegrass and clover insect borne disease and illness. cattle. Use worm testing tools. pastures the target is greater than 70 % plant Johann warned producers to look for: survival. If plant population gets under 50% > Investigate sheep lameness as virulent > Viral conditions transmitted by biting footrot often occurs in wet and warm action should be taken.” insects including bovine ephemeral fever, conditions. For lucerne, a plant that does not tolerate three day sickness and akabane, which can > Populations of biting insects such as wet conditions, “take action” if viable plant cause still-births or birth defects in mosquitoes increase. Look for symptoms numbers have fallen below 6/m2 in irrigated pregnant cows of diseases like Three Day Sickness and 2 Akabane in cattle. pastures and 5/m on dryland. > Bacterial diseases such as pasteurellosis, > Lactating cows and ewes need to be Sheep salmonellosis or botulism caused by ingesting contaminated feed or water monitored for environmental mastitis Dr Stephen Love, State Co-ordinator Internal caused by mud and bacteria. Parasites with the NSW DPI, said producers > Clostridial diseases such as pulpy kidney > Implement weed control and restrict should carefully manage worm control in and blackleg, caused by commonly found livestock from eating toxic plants. conditions ideal for several species to spore producing bacteria which flourish in > Inspect hay and grain for water damage flourish, including Barber’s pole – normally moist and warm conditions or toxic mould growth. only found in northern areas but which > Parasite burdens could appear in southern regions this year. > Seek immediate advice from > Mycotoxic diseases eg from eating veterinarians or DPI animal health officers MLA Project Manager Animal Health and mouldy hay if livestock show signs of ill-thrift or illness. Welfare, Dr Johann Schroder, recommended > Check fences and ensure they are stock using tools such as worm egg counts (WEC), proof to enable biosecurity to be managed larval cultures or the haemonchus dipstick Johann Schroder, MLA and protected. to develop targeted drenching and grazing T: 02 9463 9192 E: [email protected] control program. tips&tools t ip August s 20 ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE &to 08 NATURAL ols RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The factsheet Controlling lice and otheWreed externa remol implications ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE vers, of climate parasites on goats improvers pasture Australia’s insurable change agricultural – effective change. sector climate for Insurance is likely risks The most common external parasites of goats are Over weed can he to become n 2,500 species lp producers more n southlice,e ar number of species of mites and, in some Key benefitson of weeds ar control face exposed control i the Australian e currently impacting Key facts the challenge to the Worm areas, ticks. Biting flies can cause problems from environment, of risks of climate s to Australian and the cost adapting ntime systto time, sheepe nosem bots may also infest goats • Know the indicators of exteagriculturnal parasitesre now on goats of weeds • to those productio year. Weed exceeds $4 Some weath risks. rime lamb and occasionally animals can become fly struck. removers and billion per Key benefits er p • Become familiaressential with key parasites affectingpastu goatsre impr option extremes in planning and overs are is to take pose risks weed contr implementing • Ef frost and out insurance to agricultural • Understand different treatmentol program. strategies an effective fective long term flood. cover prod Lice will cont• rol of pastur against uction. Internal parasites (worms) can cause economically be obtained Overall losse weedse certain One managem oduction systems in Key benefits • Effectively and safely use external parasite from an integrated s from weather ent significant losses to prime lamb pr Tactics incorporating has coveredapp roach weather events such e from reduced Four species of lice, divided into chewing and sucking control products a range of management only catastr as fire, southern Australia. The main losses ar • Worms can cause economically significant losses to • • Projections tools.24 per ophes have fect the species, infest goats in Australia. Then Australia. chewing lice, The Implementing cent of these increased growth rate of lambs. Worm infections can also af prime lamb production systems in souther three main steps the ‘3Ds’ ofpro weedd suggest losses. since Bovicola caprae and Bovicola limbatus, feed mainly on pr of a successful can increase uctivitymanagement that climate 1980. Insura health and productivity of pregnant and lactating ewes. educed growth rate ogram are: weed management the competition from weathe change nce • The mainskin losses scurf, ar esuperficial from r skin cells and bacteria. B. caprae pasture species • Climatefrom desirable r extremes. will increase n Australia are black while minimising change the of lambs.will The infest health all bandreeds productivity of goats wheof ewesreas B limbatus, the 1. Remove the weed species sect the is likely risk to The most important worms in souther s pole weed or reduce present or. proportion ofto increase agricultural Figure 1 own stomach worms. Barber’ fected. weed seed within the pastur scour worms and br can alsoAngora be af goat chewing louse, is restricted mainly to Detecting2. infestations set. e. insurance Restrict weed premiums worm is also widespread, but only sporadically important. Angora and crossbred goats. germination. for • Unfinished lambs shedding worm eggs onto 3. Weather and climate risks to ag the agricultural Tolerance to waterlogging of pasture plants suited to non-saline areas The most common Encourageindication ofcompetition lice is the observation A recently completed MLA–SARDI (South Australian pasturesChewing in late autumn lice irritate is a majorgoats, contributingcausing them factor to itch and rub from desirable It oject investigated operty. of goats rubbing,These scratching or biting themselves. Many species. is importan ch and Development Institute) pr to the spagainstread of t rwormsees, fences on a pandr other structures. This is objectives t to distinguish Resear oduction other things can however cause goatscan only to itchbe so it is weed insurable ned- integrated appr met through control program risks. betwee riculture in Australia the economic cost of worms to prime lamb pr particularly damaging in fibre goats where lice can important to actually see lice tooach diagnose which an infestation. developing an is, ofis time.to ‘know Weather n weat • Producers should aim to have all lambs tur characteristics takes into to assess the Climatewhat you’ve is a descripti her and systems in southern Australia. decrease the amounteak. Tofo mohairachieve and this, cashmer highly e produced of both account the g pasture composition: is the got’, that on climate off before the autumn br desirable species rowth growth characteristics Climate the averag of environmental in the context oducers and significantly reduce the quality and market value of Lice can be foundThe on most parts of the body, although and weeds. of change botanical ande of wea of The project also indentified the main actions pr nutritious, low-worm risk lambing, key questions both desirable the various plantswill ther conditions conditions managin the fibre. Infestations with chewinge requir ed.Reliancelice can also affect largest numbersplanning are generally foundwhich in a shouldreas with speciesin extreme certainlyincluding recorded over g educe the impact of worms on prime weaning and finishing paddocks ar and implementing be addressed and weeds.short-term impac a short need to take to r long fibre. an in Pastur production. we t on agriculture over a lo period skin quality. and pasture effective weed e assessment Climate ather events in ng period lamb production. on drenches alone is not enough. improvement control to actsfire, as the change that the long of time. Chewing lice and‘3Ds’ sucking of lice look quite prdifogramferent. are determine the heat waves,starting point will may pre term, The sucking species (Linognathus stenopsis) and African weed management: based on the extent of the frost in helpingalter the sent the but it is whether ther The actual weed and flood. likelihood leading the increase in southern blue louse (Linognathus africanus) feed by penetrating Chewing lice have• Deliberation: a broad brown head and a pale e are sufficientagricult u problem and of extrem threat cost of worms ‘encourage’ desirableral species sector e weather to agricultural Economic capillaries with finely adapted mouthparts and sucking brown body with dark bands. The young lice (nymphs) through tather best isto highly event Highly tolerant Moderately tolerant Susceptible production systems geted weedway to management. address expos s such lamb – Wher ed as prime Merino Ewesblood. The common goat sucking louse L. stenopsis is are smaller with a cream ecolour am I?ed body and a brown Describe and Producers this to climate categorise plant exposure risks. e established found on most goat species and often occurs in mixed head, but no bands.– Sucking lice tend to be larger than following botanical speciescan mana accogr . A risk-manageme Fifteen on-farm experimental sites wer Merino ewes are an important part of many prime lamb Where do I want featur eding climate to the ee infestations with chewing lice. The African blue louse chewing lice with a narrow head andto much be? wider dark •es: risks nt appro during 2004–2008; 12 in South Australia and thr enterprises in southern Australia. Older Merino ewes in • • weed reducing by: ach is etained on property as a brown body. TheyDiversity: sometimes appear almost bluish in vs desirable risk, through ictoria. Dryland and irrigation (flood, pivot/spray) lamb are commonlywas first identified traded or in r Australia in 1988 and is probably species• mitigation in V . Producers colour because of blood ingested during feeding. • annual spreadin e included. not widespread. ound quickly – What tools vs biennial g risk, through systems wer strategy to get lambs on the gr do I need? vs •per ennialcoping diversification e of the risks associated with this. On • grass with e 28 lamb growth trials carried out on these need to beSucking awar lice can reduce weight gains and cause – How do vs broadleaf risk, through There wer Controlling liceI get there? weed• vstransferring legume cost oject. In 38% of these one of theanaemia experimental when sites,present the in death high ofnumbers. aged Merino The formation Determining risk, cutting, saving sites over the four years of the pr elatively common (4–5% of • Diligence: the level insurance through and educed the growth of lambs by 12.2%, with ewes dueof to scabby worms bleedingwas r areas, stunting of weanede not goats and of weed infestation sharing borrowin trials worms r There are two main elements of good lice control in • whether Insurance will indicate: practices g . Finishing was delayed ewes annually).occasionally Deaths death of ewes in heavily due to infestedworms we kidsr has been – How do control allows such as daily penalties averaging 19g/day goats – preventing new infestationsI stay ther e?and effective isa warranted an mutual common roneported the other however experimental heavy infestations sites. Instead, generally worms only small premium individual funds, futures Grasses kikuyu, phalaris, fescue, couch perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot, veldt, an average of 5.6 weeks. e-lambing liveweight (up to treatment when infestations occur. • which weeds produce and risks to had an adversedevelop impact when ongoats pr are in ill health or under stress. are having. the a third party r to transfer educed eproductive efficiency were Deliberation greatest impact that risks In 35% of the trials, liveweight at finishing was r 5kg penalty). No effects on r • priority paddocks reflects to the wider case weight. for weed the long-term community by 0.66kg, resulting in a 0.3kg loss in car Wher locations control and costs confirmed. e am I? their associated by paying ol was with In the remaining 27% of trials, worm contr Step • potential those one control and management adequate, with an adverse impact of worms on lamb tactics The growth not detected. first step in planning any pasture impr wimmera ryegrass Italian ryegrass ovement or 1

1

1 Legumes Lotus spp., white clover, Persian subterranean clover, lucerne, medic clover, balansa clover, murex medic www.mla.com.au/floodrecovery yanninnicum, subterranean clover www.mla.com.au/publications 15 On-farm

Northern cattle Condition scoring cows > Use a standard system to assess breeders at particular points in the Condition scoring helps reproduction cycle. > Score cows from 1 (poor) to 5 (fat) – cash flow from cows see below. Investing in nutrition and genetics to improve cow condition at calving can directly increase annual farm income.

n MLA-supported study of more “On a lot of poorer country, and particularly than 30,000 breeders in northern with first-calf cows, they will not cycle AAustralia found that breeder cow until weaned. condition significantly influenced a cow’s “Another benefit of cows in good condition at ability to conceive again. the end of the dry season is that they have 1 Cash Cow project data (figure 1) shows that body reserves which enable them to better females in poorer condition (ie below cope with a late seasonal break, say late condition score 3) in the months prior to January instead of December.” calving achieved significantly lower Mick said that northern cattle producers pregnancy rates in the next breeding season. had three tools to manage breeder body According to Mick Sullivan, Principal Beef condition: grazing management, weaning Extension Officer with the Department of and supplementation. Employment, Economic Development and Grazing management Innovation (DEEDI) at Rockhampton, 2 Cattle need adequate pasture to meet their breeders in condition score 3 or better at nutritional requirements, and Mick advised calving achieved superior re-conception that stocking rate was “super critical”. rates to those in lighter body condition. “If you’re overstocked, animals have to “We expect cows in a backward store consume more of the lower quality parts of condition (condition score 2) at calving to the pasture and also cannot obtain enough achieve a pregnancy rate of 20–50% at the forage to satisfy their appetite. Nutrient subsequent mating, whereas for cows in intake is reduced and animals struggle to body condition 3 or better, a conception rate maintain body condition,” he said. 3 of 60–90% would be expected,” Mick said. “At this time of year (April–May), it’s “When cows get run down in condition, their important to think about how much feed ovaries shut down. It can then take some you have on offer. There is unlikely to be time after the seasonal break for these cows much pasture growth from May until the to regain body condition and for the ovaries seasonal break, which in many cases won’t to re-commence cycling. happen until December.” >

Figure 1 The effect of female body condition score prior to calving on subsequent pregnancy rates (Cash Cow project, 2008–2011) 4 Subsequent pregnancy rate of females that reared a calf reared that females of rate pregnancy Subsequent 100% Southern Queensland, central Queensland and western Queensland (n=30299)

80% Northern Queensland, NT and WA (n=34603)

60%

40% 5

20% 1. Very poor 4. Forward 2. Backward 5. Very fat 0% 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 3. Moderate Body condition score of females at annual pregnancy diagnosis (August) 16 On-farm

Snapshot Ben and Vikki McGlynn, Helen > Springs Station via Tennant Creek, NT. Effectively, the feed on offer at the end of “Dry season protein supplements are half as the growing season is what cattle have to effective as weaning in reducing weight survive on until the wet season. loss,” he said. Tools such as Stocktake and grazing charts On phosphorus-deficient country, Mick said can be used to assess feed on offer, animal wet season phosphorus supplementation Property: 2 requirements and determine how long was also critical. 10,200km paddocks can be used. Enterprise: Brahman Charbray Pasture photo-standards (2003) are available cross cattle Mick Sullivan, DEEDI for most pasture types and are a valuable breeding Rockhampton // T: 07 4936 0239 tool for assessing pasture yields. E: [email protected] Livestock: 42,000 cows and Faecal NIRS (near infrared reflectance Watch Managing Breeder Condition: 1,030 bulls spectroscopy) assesses pasture quality and Body Condition Score video at: can assist planning for grazing management http://youtu.be/x2rjjBjxwoo Pasture: Mitchell and www.mla.com.au/weanermanual and supplementation. Another important Flinders grasses to download Weaner management in consideration is maintaining adequate on black soil and northern beef herds groundcover at the end of the dry season to spinifex and Buffel prevent excessive runoff. www.mla.com.au/heifermanual and Spear grass to download Heifer management in on red soil northern beef herds Weaning Soil: Weaning was a powerful tool to manage 70% black soil and cow condition, Mick said, because the 30% red soil nutritional requirements of a lactating Rainfall: breeder were around 50% above those of a 440mm dry animal. The timing of weaning and the size of the calves weaned is determined by the type of country, seasonal conditions and breeder age. “On tougher country, weaning earlier in the year and down to a younger age is critical because it’s a lot harder for cows to maintain condition,” he said. Cows weaned March–May have time to Getting breeders into condition regain body condition while there is still score 3 or better reasonable quality feed. > Condition scores can be managed “On better country, say Mitchell grass downs through nutrition and weaning, and in the longer term, through genetic selection (ie or brigalow, it’s quite normal that you breeding and selecting cows suited to your wouldn’t have to wean calves until May– operating environment). June, but keep the season in mind,” Mick > Adjust your stocking rate to match the said. quantity and quality of feed on offer at the “Well below normal rainfall by March is a end of the growing season (March–April), warning to think about how to manage your to ensure sufficient pasture to maintain breeders for the rest of the year, and to take breeders until the seasonal break. steps to maintain cow condition, such as > Adopt a flexible weaning strategy that weaning earlier and weaning calves down suits your type of country, and use triggers to a younger age.” such as rainfall patterns and pasture bulk at the end of the growing season to Supplementation change weaning time to suit the seasonal While dry season protein supplements can conditions. play an important role in maintaining > Finally, determine whether your breeder condition, Mick suggested they breeders need supplements to address were most effectively used in conjunction dry season protein deficiency or wet season phosphorus deficiency. with grazing management and weaning. 17 On-farm

Feeding for fertility Scoring cow body condition is an important tool for driving fertility rates across four different calving groups at S. Kidman & Co Ltd’s ‘Helen Springs’ Station.

elen Springs Station Manager October–December calving group Chris Towne, and his assistant undergoes a second round of pregnancy Hmanager Ben McGlynn focus on testing, and so on until all groups have been breeder re-conception rates and managed in succession. weaning numbers. While it is hard to put an exact dollar figure At first muster, Ben collects information on the benefits to the Helen Springs right across the breeder herd – and the bulls operation of condition scoring at weaning – to assist short-term decisions on feeding and pregnancy testing, Ben said the greatest and weaning, as well as long-term decisions return is in knowing exactly how many affecting whole herd fertility. kilograms of weight gain is needed to “First round, as the cows come through, we improve condition score and hence, the draft wet cows from dry ones. The dry cows chances of pregnancy. are preg. tested into PTIC (pregnancy-tested “If we look at our October to December in calf) or PTE (pregnancy-tested empty), and calving group scores in September, the the empties become sale articles,” Ben said. October calvers may average 500kg, the “We’re also collecting weights and doing a November calvers, 488kg, and the body condition score.” December calvers, 475kg, and so on. In the case of these calvers half a condition score is In the long term, this data can be used to 28kg for the group and from what we have monitor the reproductive performance of recorded if they lose half a condition score individual animals for breeding selection then 26% of these animals will drift out past decisions. our green date or become empty,” he said. “We’ve been able to identify cows that have “There is obviously a small margin for maintained a 12-month calving interval for weight gain and nutrition to maintain the past four years, and use that for fertility breeder performance, therefore monitoring selection on those animals to create our and managing breeder body condition own bull multiplier stud.” throughout the year is one of our biggest Ben explained that first time weaner heifers performance drivers.” were generally pregnancy tested in August, But Ben warned against using breeder in an average season, and aligned into one segregation as a standalone management tool. of four calving groups based on foetal ageing results (October–December, January– “Anyone could segregate cattle and monitor February, March–April or May–June). cow body condition score. While they do drive our system, our approach includes “Then we can determine our mustering many critical factors to help us increase program for the following year,” he said. herd fertility, like grazing land management, “Depending on the season, we can go out to matching cows for their nutritional our October–December calving group and requirements, supplementary feeding, either brand the calves and put them back on carefully introducing heifers and culling mum and wean them in May, or if it’s an less fertile cows,” Ben said. extended wet period, we’d probably blanket “Unless you get everything right, from critical wean the calves in the first two groups in May weaning time to cow body condition and the and the later two groups as early as practical.” nutrition of your pasture, then segregating Unless a poor season triggers an earlier breeders will not deliver the benefits.” weaning strategy, each calving group is weaned in turn, until August, when the Ben McGlynn T: 08 8964 4610 Vikki, Charlie and Ben McGlynn of Helen Springs E: [email protected] Station via Tennant Creek. 18 On-farm

Sheep and lambs Breaking the parasite cycle

argeted preparation of productivity from better feed ewes and annual mortalities of ewes and low worm- conversion, liveweight gain and 4–5% in older ewe flocks. Trisk paddocks before wool production. He said winter rainfall areas lambing can help to break the IPM strategies also reduce faced the biggest worm burden cycle of sheep internal parasites drenching costs and the risk of challenge during the winter which cost Australian sheep worm drench resistance. months from worm larvae that industries about $370 million develop in dung pellets each year. MLA-funded research has found Internal parasites cost the risks of poor intestinal deposited in autumn. The most In winter rainfall regions across Australian sheep parasite control include a susceptible mobs are lambing industries about southern Australia, effective ewes, weaners and prime lambs potential 12% reduction in lamb integrated parasite management being finished for sale. (IPM) involves having the right growth rates – as much as 19 grams/day – and delayed Johann said ewes provided with $370 genetics, strategic use of adequate nutrition during the drenches, monitoring worm finishing by almost six weeks. winter months were better able to million burdens, good sheep nutrition MLA Program Manager Animal withstand this worm challenge each year and manipulating local climatic, Health and Welfare, Dr Johann and rear a healthy lamb. seasonal and pasture fluctuations Schröder, said ewe health and to minimise sheep exposure to productivity could also be Strategic drenching intestinal worms. severely limited by Sustainable worm control The upside of these practices is gastrointestinal worms, which programs across all winter reduced ewe and lamb had been known to cause 5kg rainfall areas include mortalities and greater flock weight losses in pre-lambing appropriate drenching practices. 19 On-farm

Figure 1 Different ways of preparing low-worm risk pastures for sheep Management Duration of Residual number of Nutritive Usefulness for practice de-stocking roundworm larvae value worm control Freshly sown 32 weeks or more Decimated Very good Excellent pastures Cropping 32 weeks or more Decimated Poor Excellent cereals Rotational Grazing with cattle for Reduced Good for sheep; Very good grazing with 4-6 months poor for cattle cattle ‘Smart 1–2 months following intensive Reduced Good Very good Grazing’ grazing by drenched wethers for 1 month

Hay or silage 4–8 weeks Reduced Very good Good production Spelling Variable Depends on the season and pasture Variable Variable type (ie irrigation vs. dryland*) * Larvae rapidly killed by hot and dry conditions but can survive for long periods if cold and wet. Source: Fact sheet: Preparing low-worm risk pastures for sheep (adapted from The Cattle Parasite Atlas: a regional guide to cattle parasite control in Australia).

Dr Angus Campbell, of the University of resistance and egg counts could skyrocket Melbourne’s Mackinnon Project, said in from as low as 100 eggs/gram to 400 eggs/ Strategies to reduce worms south eastern Australia this started with a gram or more during this period. Reduce the impact of gastrointestinal summer drench for lambs at weaning and a worms on sheep production systems in He said this had potential to significantly winter rainfall areas before lambing by: follow-up in autumn as they were put on to increase pasture contamination for new finishing or irrigated paddocks. > Maintain ewes in good condition during lambs and adversely impact on ewe winter to better withstand parasites. He said this would help to avoid weaner lactation and lamb growth. > Tailor a strategic worm control program growth penalties and reduce potential Preparing low worm burden paddocks to your location and enterprise and treat worm contamination of paddocks in Brown said ideally ewes should lamb onto sheep based on egg count monitoring. autumn, winter and spring. paddocks with low worm burdens and high > Prepare dedicated high quality, nutritious In WA, Department of Agriculture and Food quality, nutritious feed. Weaners required and low worm risk pastures for lambing parasitologist Dr Brown Besier said similar paddocks (figure 1). ewes, the lactation period and weaning. drenching in summer was a high risk for > Low worm risk pastures can be set up In WA, he said stubble paddocks that had selecting for drench resistant worms. by destocking/spelling paddocks, cattle not been stocked with sheep since autumn grazing, sowing fodder break crops, hay He recommended WA producers drench all were ideal. or silage production and/or smart/ adult sheep before the autumn break to Angus said setting up low worm burden rotational grazing. reduce worm burdens going into winter and and high quality pastures for lambing and spring. Weaners drenched in summer did weaning could be achieved by grazing off not need another dose. excessive dead pastures before the autumn Johann Schröder, MLA In south eastern areas, Angus suggested break, changeover grazing with cattle, T: 02 9463 9192 regular monitoring of sheep during winter grazing with sheep that had known low E: [email protected] and treating when worm egg counts worm egg counts, using summer fodder Angus Campbell, The Mackinnon exceeded 250 eggs/gram – taking into account crops or ‘Smart grazing’. Project // T: 03 9731 2226 animal condition score and pasture quality. E: [email protected] The ‘Smart grazing’ program involves two It is recommended all ewes lambing after Brown Besier, DAFWA periods of intensive grazing for 3–4 weeks T: 08 9892 8470 June are routinely drenched pre-lambing. after each summer drench to reduce worm E: [email protected] Spring lambing ewes might not need larvae populations on pasture. Read about the management of a pre-lambing drench. Decisions should Brown and Angus said veterinarians and worms in the Making More from be based on condition score and worm animal health advisors were available to Sheep guidelines: www. egg counts. makingmorefromsheep.com.au help producers in all states design IPM Brown said this was because for up to two programs that were specifically suited to For worm control download fact months after birth, ewes experienced a sheets at www.mla.com.au/ their property. wormcontrol hormonally-induced relaxing of worm 20 On-farm

Merino weaners had low WECs of 20-40 Snapshot eggs/gram in February this year and were Stuart, Maree, not given a second drench. Allan and Ailsa Monitor, test, Fox, Merton, Vic. These sheep were grazed on a Winterford rape brassica over summer in a paddock count and plan that was spelled for some time. This year’s autumn break arrived early for the Foxes, in mid-March, and Stuart said WEC Property: monitoring would be carried out every six 4,000ha weeks during winter in the lead-up to lambing. Enterprise: Merino wool and He said further strategic drenches would be first cross prime given if the regional threshold level of 200 lambs, cattle eggs/gram was reached. breeding Stuart said the family also ensured ewes Livestock: were maintained at condition score 3–3.5 15,000 sheep and 1,000 cattle during winter, as sound nutrition appeared Pasture: to significantly reduce worm burdens. Improved phalaris “We make sure the ewes are on a rising plane and native of nutrition from pre-joining right through pastures to lambing,” he said. Soil: Clay loam “During the green pasture phase we feed Rainfall: budget for all our crossbred and Merino ewes 700mm as if they are carrying multiple pregnancies.” Preparing for low worm burden pastures during winter in readiness for lambing is complicated for the Foxes because they have only a small proportion of dry sheep in the rotation and sheep are run in big mobs wo consecutive wet summers have preparation for lambing ewes, new lambs until lambing. wreaked havoc with and weaners. Stuart said cross grazing with cattle had Tgastrointestinal worm control in Stuart said in 2010 ewes were not drenched helped to deal with the big worm outbreak in Allan and Stuart Fox’s predominantly pre-lambing based on low worm egg count 2010 by providing clean paddocks for sheep. crossbred and Merino ewe flock. (WEC) test results. But by lamb marking ewes Prior to 2010, the father and son – who farm had acquired significant worm burden’s. “Cattle have been a very useful tool in our worm management, as well as spreading in north east Victoria – rarely experienced “In 2011 we expected major problems if the our business risk,” he said. worm problems warranting more than a summer was wet again, so we gave the single summer drench. ewes a long-acting preventative drench Stuart said the family had decided to start But changing climatic conditions have before lambing,” he said. building-up the wether portion of its heightened the risks worms now pose to Merino flock this year to provide greater flexibility with rotational grazing. More land productivity in their prime lamb and wool has been purchased, which will allow them enterprises. “As a result, last year’s lamb drop was one of the best we’ve had with a 160% to run similar ewe numbers. The Foxes run about 6,500 Border-Leicester/ lambing rate across the Merinos and Summer crops are used as finishing Merino crossbred ewes joined annually to crossbreds. paddocks for weaners and this also could Poll Dorset rams to produce prime lambs help to break worm cycles. and 4,500 Merino ewes joined annually to Merino sires for wool production. “At about $2/head, that drench was an Stuart said the family would undertake regular drench resistance testing in future Prime lambs born in spring are sold the investment well made.” to monitor the status of its flock, as this following autumn and traditionally Merino Last summer prime lamb weaners and could pose a serious production challenge if wether lambs have also been sold at this ewes received a December drench and a left unchecked. time, so there have been few dry sheep on second drench in February based on quite the property during winter. high WEC results of 300–400 eggs/gram. Wet summers in 2010 and 2011 made “We would now need to see very low worm running predominantly breeding stock burdens to stop us treating crossbred challenging for breaking worm cycles and weaners with a second summer drench in Stuart Fox // T: 0428 787 779 E: [email protected] establishing low-worm risk pastures in future,” Stuart said. 21 Cover story

Cost of production

For the past decade, facing the challenges of fire, drought and flood have all been in a day’s Networking – work for Australian beef producers. However, according a powerful production tool to 2007 Victorian Beef Producer of the Year, Peter Kirk, it’s how people respond to those challenges that defines success.

At times, being involved in agriculture felt like riding a mad “Our group of 11 producers has been together since 2009. We meet “horse downhill – no control at all,” Peter said. six times a year on different properties and these meetings are “However, it taught me knowledge and useful science are freely very important to me,” Peter said. available and, by applying them to your own business, you can “The producers who attend are motivated. They’re forward thinkers. greatly reduce the impact of those challenges and consistently They’re the people you want to learn from and bounce ideas off. make better decisions.” It’s very reassuring to have access to their collective wisdom.” A registered valuer who now farms full-time on 500ha at BetterBeef Network Tallangatta Group Co-ordinator, Alison Tallangatta, about 50km from Albury-Wodonga, Peter considers Desmond, said producers were empowered by setting their own his first good decision was to learn everything he could from his agenda based on topics offered by MLA’s More Beef from Pastures mentor, local Hereford breeder and bullock finisher, Leo Lorenz. (MBfP) program. His second good move was to expand his practical knowledge by The Tallangatta group has an average age of about 55 and many embracing BeefCheque, and the third was to surround himself are still reeling financially from the string of droughts from 2002 with motivated peers through the Tallangatta BetterBeef to 2009. Consequently, cost of production (CoP) has held centre Network (BBN) group. stage with some producers having up to four years of data on which to base decisions. > 22 Cover story

> Snapshot “People think of benchmarking and Peter and immediately think of having to share Marie Kirk, personal information and being compared Tallangatta, Vic. to – and possibly even criticised by – others,” Alison said. “The information remains confidential and the farmer has complete control over how much they share. Because we have been Property: 500ha together for quite a few years, there’s a great sense of camaraderie and often a farmer Enterprise: Hereford breeder will volunteer ‘they’re my figures and I don’t and feeder steer care who knows them’ and we then have a production really meaningful discussion.” Livestock: Alison said CoP data was most useful for 300 Hereford producers trying to solve quandaries such breeders as whether to buy a tractor or hire a Pasture: contractor, comparing feed options, Phalaris, cocksfoot, fescues, ryegrass, selecting the most productive pastures and microleena and generally identifying their business volunteer grasses strengths and weaknesses. Soil: For Peter, the group’s CoP work put paid to Red brown shale any doubts he had about his daring drought clay and grey clays of granitic origin strategy of lot feeding 550 head for five Rainfall: months during 2005 and 2006 850mm “It was a huge financial outlay,” he said of the decision which saw him invest in a mixer, silos and a pad, feed and water troughs, and The couple are still production focused with All steers are turned off at feedlot entry buy in straw and grain. a keen eye kept on maximising the number liveweights of 430kg to 450kg while the “But at the end of five months, I still had my of kilograms of beef produced per hectare. entire heifer drop is retained and ideally breeding cows and weaners and the joined after their first or second cycle for six “I learned a lot about nutrition, animal health drought damage to my land was minimal. weeks. All empty females are culled. and growth from our lot-feeding experience. I had invested years in genetics. There was Fertiliser and soil health are also top no way I could have sold my herd and ever I believe it’s really important to look after priorities and CoP benchmarking has hoped to buy it back.” the female element of the herd – without proven Peter’s alternative biological Five years on, Peter and his wife, Marie, still them you’ve got nothing,” Peter said. approach is a financial winner. have their closed, 300-cow Hereford herd As a result, the Kirks supplementary feed Instead of using commercial phosphorous- based on Injemira blood. And their two their weaners a high protein ration until based fertilisers, over the past decade Peter properties – the 100ha home block, has developed his own fish emulsion for there is a ‘feed wedge’ in the paddock and Glengyle, which overlooks Lake Hume, and spraying on pastures, primarily deep rooted 400ha at nearby Spring Creek – show none aim for a weight gain of 1kg/head/day with perennials such as phalaris, cocksfoot, of the typical drought scars of erosion, emphasis on the July/August-drop heifers fescues and ryegrass. depleted pastures and dead trees. making their joining weights by June. “Using fish and biology I’ve reduced my Figure 1 Three years of data from the Tallangatta BBN group fertiliser costs considerably and I’m getting an overall better result.” Year Average price Cost of production Kg beef/ha Kg beef ha/ received (c/kg lwt) (c/kg lwt) 100ml rainfall // T: 02 6071 2643 2006/2007* 0.83 2.59 155 64 Peter Kirk E: [email protected] 2008/2009 1.49 1.12 536 na Dougal Purcell, BetterBeef Network 2010/2011 1.91 1.04 505 51 T: 03 5336 6794 * The 2006/07 data illustrates the impact of drought through higher feed and infrastructure costs and lower beef production due to E: [email protected] reduced numbers and lower weight gains. www.mla.com.au/ The BetterBeef Network is a supportive network of producer groups across Victoria aimed morebeeffrompastures at improving the profitability and net value of Victoria’s beef industry. The groups, made up www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/ of 10 to 15 producer businesses, meet for five hours, six times a year and have access to beef-and-sheep/beef/ technical specialists and the More Beef from Pastures program. betterbeef-network 23 On-farm

NT weighing systems 1. A typical weigh box system used in commercial beef operations. 2. A typical portable platform used on commercial beef properties. This platform would be inserted into the base of a crush for weighing.

Weighing up the scales

1 2

In 95% of cases, the research also found repeated weights on A Northern weigh box systems were within 4kg of each other, compared to Tips for improving accuracy Territory 11kg for portable platform systems. when weighing cattle on Department of portable platforms For producers targeting live export markets, this research highlights Resources (NT the need for weighing accuracy in light of the strict 350kg weight > Check the scales with a known weight before starting. DoR) research restriction introduced for the Indonesian live export market in 2010. project has found > Ensure load cells are sitting level in The research was undertaken as part of a larger project analysing cattle weigh boxes the base of the crush. factors affecting variations in the liveweight gain of steers on were up to three commercial cattle properties. > Remove dirt, rocks and manure times more that may build up beneath load cells accurate than NT DoR Beef Cattle Research Officer, Sarah Rothery, who ran the – repeat throughout the weighing project, said the research focused on the two most commonly used portable platform process. on-farm weighing systems, the weigh box (image 1) and the less weighing systems. > Ensure the scales return to zero expensive portable platform (image 2). between animals. “We knew this research would have significant industry relevance > Ensure animals are standing given the pressure on producers to supply cattle in specific weight squarely on the platform and not ranges for markets such as the live export and feedlot sectors,” stepping off. she said. > Ensure animals are not leaning on Sarah said producers should be aware of factors that could the side of the crush. influence the accuracy of their weighing system and follow some > Always use the same curfew (either basic protocols to ensure the most accurate result possible. full or empty) when reweighing mobs to calculate liveweight gain to avoid the gut fill effect.

Trisha Cowley // T: 08 8973 9770 E: [email protected] 24 On-farm

Watching winter weight gain for weaners

outhern Australian Ralph said major challenges for growing at a rate of at least 1kg/ HPW and Lifetime Ewe sheep producers are weaner management during month during winter. Management principles Sadvised to avoid the winter months included He said a consistent condition recommend maiden ewes should complacency with the arrival maintaining body condition score of about 2.7 during this be at condition score 3 at joining of high quality green feed in and growth on short green feed period indicated this was to achieve good conception rates. late autumn and winter. with higher intestinal parasite being achieved. Winter nutrition loads and colder weather. The focus should be on weaner Research has shown this It is estimated weaners growth and performance to MLA is contributing to the growth target can boost weaner weighing from 25 to 35kg need maximise the genetic potential Sheep CRC’s High Performance survival rates by 80–90% in about 8–9 megajoules of energy of these young sheep. Weaners (HPW) training course Merinos, especially at the tail per day to achieve growth rates Department of Primary Industries that outlines how to best manage end of the mob. of 1kg/month. weaners right throughout the (DPI) Victoria Livestock Systems Darren said ewe weaners being Feed on offer (FOO) targets to year to optimise growth rates Senior Research Scientist, Dr grown out for their first maiden meet these energy requirements and animal welfare, boost ewe Ralph Behrendt, recommends joining next autumn required are about 800–900kg green dry lamb conception rates and producers plan well ahead and regular monitoring during the matter/ha during early winter. reduce mortalities. set targets for winter liveweight winter months to ensure growth Weaner growth will accelerate if and spring growth to reach It is estimated 20% of sheep rates were being maintained. levels are higher. liveweight targets by the flocks in southern Australia “These sheep should be growing “Pasture monitoring and following summer. have a weaner mortality rate at an average 30–60g/day budgeting is important in higher than 6%. This costs “Management strategies throughout winter and to the winter and if the quality or producers up to $20/head in implemented now in the green end of spring to achieve a target quantity required is not there, expenses incurred getting each pasture phase are vital for the of 80% of their adult weight by supplements might be needed,” lamb on the ground. flock to economically gain the time feed dries off,” he said. Darren said. weight and to prepare young Winter growth rate targets “The aim then is to ensure at He said weaners put on to lush sheep for achieving high Rural Industries Skills Training least maintenance, or preferably green feed straight from dry performance at their first (RIST) HPW Program Leader, slow growth, to joining in pastures could suffer from low joining,” he said. Darren Gordon, said Merino and autumn so ewes reach fibre in their diet and scouring, prime lamb weaners should be condition score 3 at that time.” which could set back growth. 25 On-farm

Late autumn/winter management strategies to boost weaner survival and maiden ewe performance in southern production systems > Weaner ewes need to gain weight through winter – aim to reach 80% of mature weight by the end of spring and be at condition score 3 for joining. > Growth rate target for Merino weaners being held for wool production is a minimum 1kg/month. Heavier animals need higher targets. > Higher rates may be targeted for females to reach 1- or 2-year-old joining weights. > Feed budget for a minimum 800–900kgDM/ha of high quality green feed on offer (FOO). > Ensure weaners have had a primary and booster vaccination at lamb marking and weaning for protection against pulpy kidney. > Consider a third vaccination if longer than He recommended roughage be pastures, an extra vaccination promptly with an effective three months since previous provided in the transition phase should be considered. drench when drenching vaccination and lambs are thresholds were reached. going on to lush pastures, to green feed for up to 14 days if Another major issue at this time particularly lucerne or clover. necessary to allow microflora in of the year is intestinal parasites. He said veterinary advice should > Monitor intestinal worm the rumen time to adjust. Ralph said it was vital for be sought about appropriate drenching thresholds for specific burdens and treat young producers to monitor worm risks weaners promptly when worm Animal health regions at this time of year. Weaners introduced to lush green in the paddock, sheep growth egg counts exceed drenching thresholds for the region. feed in the autumn and winter and condition score, and FOO. Shearing risks > Minimise feed disruptions need to be up-to-date with He recommended weaner sheep Extended research, including by the University of Melbourne’s during shearing and provide vaccinations to protect against be regularly tested for faecal Mackinnon Project, has shown shelter and extra feeding pulpy kidney and avoid fatalities. worm egg counts from three post-shearing, especially for shearing Merino weaners in weeks after the autumn break. lighter weight weaners. If weaners are more than three autumn or early winter poses > Don’t change feed sources months past their booster Ralph said for young weaners an increased risk of deaths for a suddenly – weaners take time vaccination and going on to lush and sheep less than 12 months fortnight after shearing, especially to adjust to new feeds. lucerne or high clover content old, it was vital to treat for worms in the March to May period. >

Figure 1 Bodyweight targets for weaners and young ewes. The table provides a guide for the Adult weight Birth Weaning on dry Autumn Late winter End of spring Mating on dry target liveweight for maiden (kg) (kg) pasture (kg) break (kg) (kg) (kg) pasture (kg) Merino ewes from birth to 45 4.0 20.3 26.3 30.3 34–36 34–36 pre-mating to lamb as a two-year- 50 4.5 22.5 28.5 32.5 37–40 37–40 old. The target weight at any given time depends on the mature size 55 5.0 24.8 30.8 34.8 41–44 41–44 of the ewe. Following these 60 5.0 27.0 33.0 37.0 45–48 45–48 guidelines will help achieve high 70 5.5 31.5 37.5 41.5 52–56 52–56 rates of weaner survival and acceptable reproductive % of adult 8–9% 45% 54–58 % 59–67% 75–80% 75–80% performance in young ewes. Source: Adapted from http://makingmorefromsheep.com.au/wean-more-lambs/tool_10.5.htm 26 On-farm

HPW training The HPW course has a practical measure-to-manage approach that guides groups of up to five producers through the critical stages of the annual weaner management cycle with the help of a RIST coordinator. New HPW groups are being formed this spring.

RIST T: 03 5573 0943 www.rist.com.au Sheep CRC’s website www.sheepcrc.org.au

> This is when sheep are not acclimatised to cold weather The economics and post-shearing energy requirements and risk of exposure increase. of molasses It is recommended lighter animals are shorn first and Northern beef producers have been encouraged returned quickly to a sheltered to assess the benefits of molasses on production paddock and feeding regimes in light of rising prices. that have been in place are maintained. If poor weather is forecast in the post-shearing risk period, vulnerable sheep may have to be put back in the shearing shed.

hen used in conjunction with best practice grazing, molasses remains one of the most economic cattle Wfeed supplements in coastal cane growing regions. However like most farming inputs, the price of molasses supplements has been increasing, so it is vital producers do a cost benefit analysis for their enterprise. Alan Laing, beef extension officer and nutritionist with the Darren Gordon, RIST Department of Employment, Economic Development and T: 03 5573 0943 Innovation in Queensland (DEEDI) at Ayr said that for cattle E: [email protected] properties situated within a reasonable distance from sugar mills, Ralph Behrendt, molasses remained one of the best feed supplement options. DPI Victoria T: 03 5573 0979 A by-product of sugarcane processing, more than one million E Ralph.Behrendt@dpi. tonnes of molasses is produced in Queensland each crushing vic.gov.au The economics adds up for Robert season. About 50% of Australian molasses is used domestically for www.makingmore Rea who feeds molasses to his stock feed, ethanol and rum production, according to the Australian fromsheep.com.au herd on Lisgar Station, Home Hill. Cane Farmers’ Association (ACFA). 27 On-farm

Mr Laing said the cost of these additives were a key factor in what molasses mixes were viable to use. Molasses can be used as a carrier for urea when nitrogen levels in the diet are low – at about $900/t – currently the high cost of urea is limiting the use of mixtures such as M8U (molasses with 8% urea), which is commonly used as an ad-lib supplement to supply protein and energy and help cattle maintain weight during drought periods or times of low quality feed. Mr Laing said a popular mix being used instead was MUP – molasses with 3% urea and up to 10% protein meal. Using computer modeling, he said when fed to weaner cattle at a rate of 1.5kg a day, this mixture cost 29¢/day. Mr Laing said such a ration wouldn’t achieve big weight gains but would help the weaners maintain a forward growth plane until better pasture was available. He said research had shown weaners supplemented with a molasses mix during their first dry summer season achieved better growth rates and fertility later in life. “Just by gaining 100 grams a day as a weaner during their first dry season from having access to a fortified molasses supplement, heifers will have higher fertility when mated as two-year-olds and have better fertility for life,” he said. Molasses can also be used as an energy supplement. Mr Laing said the cost of using the MUP mix as an energy feed to help fatten cattle would vary depending on the quality of pasture the animals were on, their size and genetic potential to convert feed into weight gain. At a rate of 5kg/head/day of MUP, the cost would be 93 cents a day. If the cattle needed to consume 8kg/day, the cost would rise to $1.50/day. He said such supplement levels should be capable of achieving weight gains of up to 1.1kg/day for cattle grazing average pastures. For example, if at current beef prices a beast gains at 1.1kg/day and it is costing only $1.50 to achieve that gain, then it will still be cost effective to feed the molasses brew. It really depends on current beef prices, the cost of feeding and the target markets. “What producers need to consider is whether the cattle they are feeding have a target market and sale value that makes the feeding program viable, and the figures will be different for each individual property,” he said. Therefore, its value is linked to a number of local and global supply and demand factors, but generally strong end-user demand for molasses Mr Laing said farmers needed to be careful not to ad-lib feed cattle has created a rising price trend for the product in recent years. with very palatable mixes of molasses, as consumption levels would rise beyond what was economical. Alan said raw molasses currently costs about $117.50/tonne plus GST and freight for delivery. He advised producers to assess the size of feed troughs and to know how many cattle being fed and at what kilogram rates, so a set “Molasses is still a cost effective supplement provided a property is amount of molasses supplement could be fed out each week. within reasonable reach of sugar mills to avoid high freight costs,” Mr Laing said. Mr Laing said to make the most economical use of molasses a producer needed to have bulk storage tanks for volume deliveries, “But the economics of feeding a molasses supplement comes back to and pumps and mechanical mixers to reduce labour costs. an individual property and what they are wanting to achieve with their cattle and what other feed options are available to them.” Molasses itself is palatable, high in sulphur and with good energy Alan Laing, DEEDI Qld // T: 07 4720 5115 levels of about 11MJ/kg, but is low in protein and phosphorous. E: [email protected] These elements have to be added into molasses, where once Read the MLA final reportHigh-input systems for mechanically mixed through they remain (some dissolved and Northern breeding herds: www.mla.com.au/highinputsytems some suspended) at safe levels for cattle to consume. 28 Consumer

Selling the sizzle in secondary cuts

A connoisseur of What does your role bring to the industry? all that is red meat, I work specifically on secondary cuts and capability David Carew training. I draw on the latest technology to increase shared his flair at carcase utilisation for cuts ideal for restaurants and Beef Australia 2012. hotels. We develop and promote secondary cuts in global markets, with the aim of making them more MLA’s resident widely accepted. This results in people worldwide chef and Product eating more meat. Innovation Manager, David How do you increase carcase utilisation? runs chef To increase the carcase value we draw on Meat Masterclasses and Standards Australia (MSA) principles to develop value added red meat from secondary cuts. We develop red meat cutting technologies, build scientific and technical and cooking knowledge, provide information and technical demonstrations at support services’ and undertake market research to trade shows and identify new product opportunities. industry New technologies have increased product shelf life workshops around and utilisation of low value cuts to meet consumer the globe. needs for healthy and convenient food products. Winner of eight My job is to identify unmet consumer needs, provide Australian technical assistance to foster innovative secondary Innovation awards cuts and create new products and recipes for the and specialising in industry. SmartShape is one of our unique inventions. the technical side It shapes red meat into a log and places it into a round of meat plastic package. The meat maintains its round shape, and taste and tenderness are unchanged by the preparation, here process. SmartShape provides better portion control, David explains to less waste, uniform presentation, consistent cooking Feedback just what time and the ability to create new products ideal for his role involves. foodservice and airline catering. Explain what you do in a typical demonstration, at events such as this month’s Beef Australia 2012? I demonstrate seam cutting of beef secondary cuts and discuss technical interventions MLA has designed to assist the value proposition. At Beef Australia I showcased SmartShape and introduced menu design and MSA Cut to Cook principles to provide the knowledge to successfully embrace increased carcase utilisation. Producers also got some great tips to impress their family when they’re next in the kitchen. 29 Consumer

100 Recipe cooking demos a year performed by David 10,000 people watch David’s cooking demos a year 2 to 200 in a demo audience

The three components of David’s demonstration at Beef Australia 2012 were: > Plate profiling: A beef carcase offers many tasty steak options for the diner which don’t necessarily look like a scotch fillet. Plate profiling details the method used to shape non-loin cuts into more manageable and user-friendly meat portions for food service and manufacturing. In turn this alleviates the reliance on loin muscles and enhances new product opportunities for what were previously considered secondary cuts. It also moves top quality beef into mainstream catering, where lower price meat options are sought. > Cut to cook: This articulates to the trade the most ideal cooking method for Roasted beef rump individual muscle meat to achieve the best possible eating result. with mushroom sauce > Menu design: A pathway to deliver ultimate value for every part of a primal. Serves: 4 Method 4. Remove meat from oven and Most red meat users buy multiple parts 1. Preheat oven to 100°C. rest in a warm area. for their menu independently and pay a Preparation time: Remove rump from premium on each product. Menu design 15 minutes 5. Meanwhile heat olive oil in pan refrigerator 30 minutes shows how to minimise cost by buying Cooking time: 1 hour and cook sliced mushrooms secondary cut muscle meat products. It prior to cooking. on high heat looking for colour Ingredients encourages more use of red meat, 2. Brush rump with olive oil and about 3–4 minutes stirring 1 Smart Shape Rump ultimately increasing menu opportunities. season with salt and pepper. frequently until lightly (or ask your butcher to Seal meat in a hot frying pan browned. Add 100ml of the prepare a whole rump beef stock and stir until it centre and cut into on each side for two minutes. reduces by half. Add another 3 pieces cutting head to 3. Place on an open rack in the 100ml and reduce. tail direction) oven and cook. Using a meat 6. Remove pan from heat and 250gms field thermometer, the meat will mushrooms reach 60°C internal stir through the butter until melted. Slice meat and pour 200ml of beef stock temperature for rare, 62°C for medium and 68°C for well sauce over. 50gms butter done. This should take Serving suggestion 2 tablespoons of olive oil. approximately 30–50 minutes. Serve with roast potatoes and Salt and pepper steamed green vegetables. David Carew, MLA Above: From a beef rump centre cut created using SmartShape, T: 02 9463 9205 featuring a new cooking protocol designed for the airlines to www.mla.com.au/ E: [email protected] deliver an economy meal option. masterpieces 30 Consumer

‘Chuck a Sunday’ with a mid-week lamb roast

PLEASE amb roast may have been voted the Lamb roast was voted TAKE ME nation’s favourite dish in 2010*, but

Enjoy a weeknight Lamb Roast, it’s still considered a ‘Sunday’ meal. Australia’s #1 dish with these easy-cook Lamb cuts. L Barbecue roasted Lamb Choose cuts like easy carve Lamb legs or boned shoulders. Go for smaller sizes with lentil and spinach salad so they cook quickly. A 1kg Lamb Roast will cook in under an hour and feed 4-6, MLA’s new lamb marketing campaign in a 2010 poll of 24,000 Australians. with leftovers for lunches. Serves: 4-6 • Preparation time: 15 minutes • Cooking time: 40 minutes (medium) Barbecue roasting butterflied Lamb legs or shoulders in a covered barbecue is a 1kg boned and butterflied Lamb shoulder or leg fast way to cook Lamb Roast. Lamb has an uneven thickness. The thinner parts aimed to change this view by inspiring

2 tbsp olive oil will cook faster than the thicker parts. Cooking to no more than medium 1 small red onion, finely chopped doneness will keep all the meat juicy and not overcooked. 1 small carrot, finely chopped Mini Lamb Roasts, like Lamb rumps, round or topside, are speedy options 1 stick of celery, finely chopped Australians to ‘Chuck a Sunday’ with a for a midweek Lamb Roast. They’re also delicious and flavoursome. 2 rashers bacon, finely chopped Note: You may need to pre-order them from your meat retailer. 400g can lentils, drained, rinsed 2 cups (60g) baby spinach leaves Need to get dinner on the table really fast? Think Lamb cuts like Lamb backstrap 2 tbsp French dressing or Lamb steaks. They’re great to barbecue roast, char-grill or slice and stir-fry. midweek lamb roast. “Our market research has told us that Preheat a covered barbecue to 200ºC (burners set at medium heat). Brush 1 tbsp 1. of oil over both sides of Lamb. Season with salt and pepper. Roasting know-how 2. Place Lamb in centre of barbecue, skin side up. Turn burners directly under Barbecue roasting a boned, butterflied Lamb leg or a shoulder? Launched on 15 April, the campaign educating consumers about the variety of the Lamb off. Close lid and cook: 30 minutes for rare, 40 minutes for medium. Cook by indirect heat in a covered barbecue at 200ºC. Rare 15-20 minutes. Remove Lamb. Cover loosely with foil. Rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Medium 20-25 minutes. (Per 500g). 3. To make the salad, pan-fry the onion, carrot, celery and bacon in remaining Roasting a Lamb leg, easy carve leg, boned or non boned shoulder? cuts available for roasting and how they can oil for 2-3 minutes, then stir in lentils. Toss spinach and lentils with dressing. Cook at 180ºC. Rare 20-25 minutes. Medium 25-30 minutes. featured a new television commercial Serve salad with the sliced Lamb. Well done 30-35 minutes. (Per 500g).

Roasting topside mini roasts, Lamb round or Lamb rump? Cook at 220ºC. Rare 15-20 minutes. Medium 20-25 minutes. bringing the activities most Australians prepare a faster lamb roast midweek is Well done 25-30 minutes. (Per 500g).

Test doneness with tongs. Gently prod the Lamb, rare is soft when pressed, associate with Sunday, including reading important. As with all our campaigns, we’ve medium is springy and well done is very firm. Give the Lamb time to rest after cooking. It will remain juicy and tender if you do. the newspaper, mowing the lawn, playing developed a range of collateral including a For more recipe ideas and tips visit themainmeal.com.au WITH THESE GREAT MIDWEEK LAMB RECIPES Roasted Lamb, carrots and parsnips Lamb mini roasts with thyme Quick Lamb, potato and spinach curryin the park and the highlight – a delicious recipe booklet to inspire and help consumers with cumin and mint Serves: 4 • Preparation time: 10 minutes • Cooking time: 20 minutes (medium) Serves: 4 • Preparation time: 5 minutes • Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 4-6 • Preparation time: 5 minutes • Cooking time: 50 minutes (medium) 2 Lamb rump, round or topside mini roasts (about 500g each) 600g Lamb steaks or Lamb eye of shortloin/backstrap family lamb roast – to a midweek day, prepare lamb roasts,” said Mr Cox. 3 tsp sweet paprika 2 tbsp oil 1kg easy carve leg of Lamb 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves 1 small red onion, diced 1 tbsp cumin seeds 1 1 tbsp olive oil / 3 cup korma or mild curry paste 1 tbsp dried mint 300g piece butternut pumpkin, cut into small wedges 1½ cups beef stock 1 tbsp olive oil making it feel like ‘another Sunday’. 1 medium sweet potato, peeled, cut into small wedges 2 medium potatoes, peeled, cut into small dice Public relations activities included a 2 bunches whole baby carrots, peeled 1 cup light sour cream 250g pkt frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed dry 4 small parsnips, peeled, quartered lengthways grated rind and juice 1 lime ½ cup coconut cream steamed green vegetables, to serve extra 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves 2 tsp cornflour 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Combine cumin, mint and oil, rub over the Lamb workplace competition with Nova radio 1. Preheat oven to 220ºC. Combine paprika, thyme and oil and rub over 1. Trim Lamb, cutting across the grain into thin slices. Add “We’re1 tbsp oil to Lamb, moving away from simply promoting and season with salt and pepper. Place Lamb in a roasting dish. the Lamb. Season well. Place Lamb on a rack, in a roasting dish. mix well. 2. Roast the Lamb: 40 minutes for rare, 50 minutes for medium, 60 minutes for 2. Microwave pumpkin and potato for 2-3 minutes to soften. Pat with kitchen 2. Heat a wok or large frying pan until hot. Cook Lamb in 3 batches. Cook first well done. About 20-25 minutes before the Lamb is ready, place the carrots paper, place on a roasting tray lined with baking paper, spray or brush with oil. side until the first sign of moisture appears on the uncookedlamb side, turn and for mother’s day and instead station-created hype and conversation about and parsnips around it. Brush with a little oil and continue to roast. cook 1 minute more. Reheat pan between batches. 3. Roast the Lamb: 15 minutes for rare, 20 minutes for medium, 25 minutes 3. Remove the Lamb. Cover it loosely and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Keep carrots for well done. Roast the pumpkin and sweet potato alongside the Lamb. 3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining oil to pan. Add onion, cook until and parsnips warm. Serve Lamb together with steamed green vegetables. soft. Add curry paste, cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add stock and potatoes, stir. ‘chucking a Sunday’ with a lamb roast. 4. Remove Lamb, cover loosely, rest for 10 minutes before slicing. positioning lamb roast as a casual mid-week Bring to the boil. Whisk sour cream, rind, juice and extra thyme together. Serve Lamb with pumpkin, sweet potato and cream. 4. Reduce heat to low, simmer for 6-8 minutes or until potatoes are just tender. Add spinach, cook for 2 minutes. Stir in combined cream and cornflour,meal simmer for autumn. The new campaign for 1-2 minutes. Return Lamb to pan, simmer for 1 minute to warm through. carries the ‘chuck a Sunday’ message as * News Limited poll, February 2010. we’d like to see consumers inserting a family lamb roast into their busy midweek Andrew Cox, MLA lives,” said Andrew Cox, MLA’s Marketing T: 02 9463 9158 E: [email protected] Manager Brands and Strategy. Chopular culture off the charts Recorded lamb sales: this Australia Day Best ever week: Lamb sales value up by 32% to $18.5m for week LA’s Australia Day 2012 campaign, fronted by Sam Kekovich, contributed to a including Australia Day since record four-week period for lamb sales value, with the week including MLA began tracking in 2000. MAustralia Day, the highest recorded by MLA. Record month: January lamb Figures for lamb sales value for the week including Australia Day were up 32% on average weekly sales, reaching $18,552,911. Meanwhile the value share of lamb sales also performed sales value was the highest for the strongly for the month of January, up 13% on the previous year. past 12 months, averaging $15.9m The campaign – which ran in the lead up to, and including, Australia Day – featured a per week and reaching $63.6m traditional Sam Kekovich rant, this time against pop culture and a pop-song parody. Sam’s in total. ‘remake’ of the ‘90s hit ‘Barbie Girl’ could be viewed online via YouTube and was a radio hit. Highest butcher participation: Audiences were drawn to the song with more than one million online views recorded. The 86% of butchers surveyed by MLA highly anticipated campaign also made twitter’s list of top 10 conversation topics in participated in the campaign. Australia on the day it was launched. Sam made 75 appearances promoting lamb across radio, television, online, print and events. Big audience: The campaign had “We are very happy with the success of this year’s Australia Day lamb campaign. It caught an audience reach of 146 million consumers’ attention and received a lot of support from retailers, with 86% of surveyed people. That’s more than six times butchers participating – the highest for any promotion we have run,” said Andrew Cox, for every Australian. MLA’s Marketing Manager Brands and Strategy. 31 Consumer

Higher protein diets: lookgood what’s new? feel good

igher protein diets for different life The benefits of a higher protein diet for stages were the focus of more than meeting nutrient requirements, including H450 dietitians attending the recent iron, zinc and vitamin B12, were also nutrition symposia series hosted by the highlighted. Dietitians’ Association of Australia (DAA) These studies showed red meat, as part of a a and sponsored by MLA. WEIGHT higher protein diet and combined with a LOSS PLAN Held in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, healthy lifestyle, contributes to good health. for young women the symposia heard the findings from MLA’s 1 Look Good Feel Good Human Nutrition Research program. The symposia was sponsored by Look good, feel good brochure. Presenters from the University of Sydney and Deakin University highlighted the MLA as part of its efforts to benefits of a higher protein diet for ensure the nutritional benefits of managing insulin resistance in overweight red meat as part of a healthy diet adolescents (Dr Sarah Garnett); improving are underpinned by credible compliance with weight management in young women (Dr Helen O’Connor); and, scientific evidence. together with an exercise program, for building muscle health in older women New weight loss brochure for Almost 200,000 copies of the brochures (Professors Caryl Nowson and Robin Daly). young women will be inserted into the July edition of In a world of plenty, effective weight Cosmopolitan magazine, popular with management is becoming increasingly young women. important, especially for young women The Look good, feel good brochure has aged 18 to 25. been independently reviewed by the In response to rising obesity levels and a Dietitians’ Association of Australia (DAA) lack of effective weight loss strategies, and will be distributed to more than a new Look good, feel good brochure, funded 10,000 health care professionals, including and produced by MLA, provides young GPs, dietitians, practice nurses and women with a higher protein weight loss fitness professionals. plan. Look good, feel good outlines the benefits of protein-rich foods to provide critical nutrients that can be lacking in young women’s diets. The information in the brochure is informed by research undertaken at the University of Sydney, funded by MLA, comparing the Sam Kekovich may not have the singing effectiveness of a higher protein diet with a prowess of the world’s biggest popstars, but higher carbohydrate diet. While women lost when it comes to promoting lamb on weight on both diets, those on the higher Australia Day, he has rhythm. protein diet tended to lose more weight. Andrew Cox, MLA The Look good, feel good brochure provides Veronique Droulez, MLA T: 02 9463 9158 information on nutrient-rich protein foods, a T: 02 9463 9239 E: [email protected] daily food guide, eating plan, tips for E: [email protected] Visit www.youtube.com/ managing alcohol, encouraging exercise View the Look good, feel good lambaustraliaday to view Sam’s and how to prepare healthy meals with easy brochure at www.themainmeal.com. ‘Barbie Girl’ video clip. au/red+meat+and+nutrition beef and lamb recipes. 32 Markets

Around the globe

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

MLA marketing initiatives help boost demand for Australian red

meat both at home information on the Australian 1 US 3 Lebanon and in our global red meat industry. marketplace. Revamped website in Muscling in on the ‘Monaco’ North America 2 EU of the Middle East MLA’s US office has just Redoubling market access Australian beef and lamb was launched a redesigned website efforts in the EU promoted in Lebanon last month at the only annual for American consumers, In recognition of the difficult foodservice trade show, retailers and the restaurant nature of market access HORECA. MLA coordinated trade. Designed with progress, particularly within the exhibition stands with four foodservice, retail and EU, the recent industry importers and their export consumer focused components, taskforce for Europe and Russia partners to actively promote www.australian-meat.com endorsed the addition of an Australian red meat. MLA also highlights practical instructions agricultural trade lawyer to sponsored junior culinary on the use of primal beef and MLA’s current team competitions throughout the lamb cuts, recipes and of one. show. Importers were inundated with enquiries to supply high quality chilled beef and lamb cuts. Beirut is fast developing a reputation as the ‘Monaco of the Middle East’ and the Lebanese market is an emerging market for the Australian red meat industry with significant hotel and restaurant developments.

Revamped website in North America 33 Markets

Market observations 4 United Arab 6 Korea Emirates Non-loin cuts highlighted Dubai in Korea Consumers in Seoul were Mixed trading introduced to MLA’s ‘Masterpieces’ program, which environment outlines how to utilise non-loin cuts during a HojuChungjung Woo masterclass. The class was for Aussie beef held from 4–5 April to increase Australian beef exporters continue to witness two distinct awareness of the quality of Australian beef and lamb, by markets on the global stage: a bullish manufacturing demonstrating cooking market and a more subdued market for premium cuts. methods for a wide variety of This is having implications for livestock prices back on MLA hosted 19 Australian red cuts. The interactive event home soil. meat exporters in Dubai during served as a platform for February at Gulfood - billed as promoting clean and safe the world’s largest annual food Australian beef and lamb. and hospitality show. Consumers also learned how to from the world’s three largest utilise cuts that are not Tim McRae beef importers US, Japan commonly used in Korean MLA Economist and Russia. cooking styles. The event 5 Taiwan attracted plenty of media What about the premium cuts? Australian beef on the move attention for Australian beef With Australia’s trade heavily focused on North Asia, the and lamb. ince the onset of the GFC combination of the higher A$, in late 2008, demand for 7 2012.01.13 sluggish demand for higher Japan lower priced Australian S priced beef and increased Aussie beef – the perfect beef products has been ジェイコブス・クリーク 春キャンペーン企画 ビジュアルご提案 competition from the US has partner for your glass relatively robust – at times influenced returns, especially of wine positively surging. ◆ボトルネックPOP_赤ワイン表面（W200×H142mm） for chilled beef. This has occurred despite the One of the most heavily rising A$ reducing the price impacted sectors has been the competitiveness of Australian Working in collaboration with chilled grainfed market, with product. In contrast, demand seven major red meat importers, returns for Australian exports for high quality and high MLA has designed and of chilled shortfed fullsets priced beef cuts have developed mobile averaging 8% below the experienced a tumultuous advertisements promoting five-year average in the first period, led by the very difficult Australian beef on 13 meat two months of 2012. Chilled trading environment to importer delivery trucks. strip loins and tenderloins Japan, Australia’s largest beef have also averaged well below The travelling advertisement export market. the five year average. for Australian beef provides Demand and prices for This trading environment for reassurance to Taiwanese manufacturing and lower Australian beef exports has consumers of our clean, safe, priced beef has been high been displayed in several ways and chemical residue-free while interest in high quality MLA is supporting a spring to producers, most visibly in product, at a time when concern beef has been low. The global outdoor campaign run by sustained strong returns for has been raised about beef benchmark for manufacturing Jacob’s Creek which features cows (traditionally sourced for imported from the United beef is known as 90CL in the Aussie Beef recipes attached to manufacturing beef), while States into Taiwan. US and commonly used in the wine bottles. The recipes included returns for heavy grainfed production of hamburger The ads feature the new in the campaign were specially animals have been weaker. patties in the foodservice Australian beef logo and have created by Ken Tanaka – trade. It’s global benchmark been developed in line with new Japanese outdoor lifestyle surged to record highs in early point-of-sale material displayed campaigner and Aussie beef and 2012, driven by a combination Tim McRae, MLA in hyper- and supermarkets, for lamb cooking expert. The of falling US beef production T: 02 9463 9112 a stronger impact on consumers campaign is being run until the E: [email protected] and robust global competition at retail level. end of May. 34 Markets

On the ground Market insight United States The world’s largest beef Stephen Edwards MLA Regional Manager North America market develops a taste E: [email protected] for lamb

ith Australian beef and lamb exports to the US predicted to rise by 12% and W6% respectively this year, market development in the grassfed and natural categories will be imperative to see the US return as a major export destination for The US is the world’s he US sheep industry is rooted in history and Australian red meat. largest producer and tradition, dating back to the second voyage of The nutritional focus of the US consumer creates consumer of beef. Yet TColumbus in 1493, when sheep were primarily tremendous opportunities for the Australian red when it comes to used for wool for home-produced textiles and, to a meat industry. Australian product is well lamb, consumption lesser extent, meat. Today, the US sheep industry has evolved to provide meat, wool and pelts for textiles positioned to take advantage of opportunities in remains relatively and milk in the emerging dairy sheep industry. the grassfed, natural and pasture-raised beef and small, with nearly lamb categories. three-quarters of US Despite the sheep industry’s long history and Alongside expectations for a US economic consumers reported versatility, the US sheep flock has been on a steady decline since the mid-1940s, from a record high of 56 recovery, the interest in healthy living is quickly to have never eaten million head in 1942 to 5.3 million head at 1 January, growing. Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign lamb. However, 2012, the lowest level in recorded history. to combat child obesity is gaining momentum, change is underway Over 55 years ago, about 25% of US consumer with a number of restaurant chains now and increased responding to the new health conscious expenditure on food was in restaurants. Today, the demand for healthy, US restaurant industry accounts for nearly half of the consumer. Some restaurants are either changing naturally raised their core menus or adding limited-time offers of consumer’s food dollar. US consumers are also foods is one of the lower calorie, healthier choice meal options. One increasingly interested in food from natural origins factors expected to restaurant chain is showcasing an entire menu and which has high nutritional values. with dishes less than 475 calories (1,988 kilojoules). help lift Australian From March all supermarkets are required to carry lamb exports to the US by 6% this year. Americans say they nutrition labelling for all cuts of protein. This 3 out of 4 have never eaten lamb regulation stems from the nutrition and food safety focus on the Obama administration’s agenda for the coming election. From Cuts to Cuisine From Cuts to Cuisine As lamb’s popularity continues to grow As the US produces 11.9 million tonnes of beef, 10.3 A PROFESSIONAL’S GUIDE TO AUSTRALIAN LAMB million tonnes of pork and 16.9 million tonnes of throughout North America, retail meat chicken, it’s difficult for Australian exporters to buyers, meat managers, butchers, compete on volume and price. Instead, MLA is restaurateurs and chefs are working with importers to position Australian red increasingly being asked to look meat as a product for consumers who are looking beyond the rack and chop for more innovative cuts and variations. MLA’s for a point of difference to what’s currently on offer. new foodservice resource From Cuts to Sustainability is also a strong message for the Cuisine, featuring recipes and other Australian red meat industry, which is why MLA information, shows chefs how to utilise partnered with importers to tell Australia’s red cuts commonly exported to the US meat sustainability story to the US foodservice other than the rack to add value to their industry through a dedicated session on menu offer. Australia’s sustainable farming practices at the Protein Innovation Summit in April. 35 Markets

What does this mean for Australian lamb exports? The US market has played a significant role in transforming the Australian lamb industry with US consumer research leading early 1990s on-farm research targeting larger, leaner lambs. Marked by its distinct flavor, nutrient-dense and natural attributes, Australian lamb has risen in popularity with US consumers over the past two decades. Of the 100 countries Australian lamb is exported to, the US is by far the single largest export market. Last year exports reached 34,334 tonnes swt, fetching about A$350million for the industry. With higher imports of Australian lamb into the US but lower local supply and imports of NZ product, the Australian share increased last year to just under one-third of the total US lamb market. Continued good seasonal conditions in eastern US lamb Australia so far this year are expected to see the million km2 area Australian sheep flock expansion supporting The world’s third largest market share production. Australian lamb slaughter is expected to 9.8 country by size – about half increase throughout 2012, with shipments to the US the size of Russia forecast to rise 6%, to 36,300 tonnes swt.

Australian lamb’s cut of the market million people living there The world’s third-largest The majority of Australian lamb is sold through the 313.8 country by population retail sector in the US. Yet, with high US protein prices across all categories, chefs at foodservice have been increasingly sourcing lamb as a point of difference in GDP per capita their restaurants. $48,100 and total GDP of US$15.04 trillion, nearly a quarter of While Australian lamb racks remain popular in the US, world’s economy Australia: 32% other cuts requiring different cooking methods and New Zealand: 14% providing opportunities for alternative presentation US: 53% have proved popular with consumers both at retail billion tonnes of coal reserves and foodservice. Such cuts include lamb shank, 491 Contains the world’s largest which is used as lamb osso bucco, and lamb legs. reserves and accounts for Australian lamb 27% of the world’s total exports to the US by cut billion barrels of oil consumed per day 19.15 and 683.3 billion cubic From Cuts to Cuisine metres of natural gas The book features a step-by-step guide to lamb cuts, per year all the way from primal cuts through removal of bones and fat trims to the final stage of cooking and The world’s largest transportation systems presentation. Alongside the cut guide, the book highlights that Australian lamb is prepared under airports strict specifications and packed in accordance with 15,079 stringent quality assurance standards. With Leg: 38% nutrition labeling important in the US, the From 244,792 km of railway Shoulder: 17% Cuts to Cuisine book features the essential nutrients Rack: 16% of Australian lamb and provides a simple guide to 6.5 million km of roadways Shortloin: 12% handling, storage and cooking the product. Shank: 10% Carcase: 4% Manufacturing: 2% See the current episode of feedbackTV which Other: 1% showcases the US as a market for Australian beef 36 MLA in action

Beyond the gate Sydney, NSW

hirty five NSW producers took a tour along the supply chain in March, discovering how their livestock travelled through the processing, foodservice, retail sectors and Tfinally onto the plates of consumers. The producers saw first-hand the programs MLA invests their marketing levies in that aim to increase demand and position red meat ahead of its competitors in the domestic market. The producers visited Murray Valley Meat Co to get a better understanding of the Meat Standards Australia grading process before moving onto Vic’s Meats Wholesale Division where Anthony Puharich discussed how Vic’s Premium Quality Meats business grew from a small butcher store to premium supplier that Anthony Puharich takes producers through the services retail customers and top Australian restaurants. Vic Meats Foodservice Processing plant. The producers visited the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre to take a behind the scenes tour of the kitchens that cater for over 600 annual events and then to the upmarket Victor Churchill butcher, which for many was an experience they weren’t expecting. The day concluded with a Racking Up Your Profits masterclass and Masterpieces dinner, where producers learnt how MLA educates butchers about adding value to red meat and demonstrates the benefits to chefs of cooking with non-loin cuts of red meat. David Carew and Doug Piper share a few cooking Producers gather outside Victor Churchills in tips that butchers are using to keep red meat on anticipation of a unique display of premium Australian red meat. the shopping list.

Chefs get a taste of Paddock to Plate

wenty three chefs from NSW, ACT and Queensland recently joined the MLA-organised Grazing Club Paddock to Plate two-day tour in TTamworth. The group had an opportunity to see the whole red meat Paddock to Plate process to enhance their knowledge of the industry and the full process behind getting quality red meat in their kitchens and onto consumers’ plates. The group visited JBS Swift’s Caroona Feedlot, where quality Meat Standards Australia (MSA) product produced at the feedlot was showcased, a ‘Hilltop’ Boer Goat property to look at the production of quality farmed goats, and the Peel Valley Processing Plant where Country Fresh Lamb is produced. Goatmeat was on the menu with a sampling of six goat dishes which followed a Chefs at the ‘Hilltop’ Boer Goat property discussing the production demonstration on the breakdown of a goat carcase, to familiarise the and supply of quality farmed goats. chefs on working with goatmeat.

BusinessEDGE Lambex Upcoming A two-day financial and A compelling two-day conference for business management lamb and sheep producers, featuring training workshop for outstanding speakers, an extensive northern beef producers. trade exhibition, quality entertainment events and an opportunity to communicate When and where: 22–23 May, Katherine NT with all sectors of the lamb value chain. 29–30 May, Charleville Qld When and where: 29–30 May, Goondiwindi Qld 28–29 June, Bendigo, VIC Bookings: 0488 599 033 Bookings: 1800 177 636 or esther@ businessedge@ estherpricepromotions.com.au jkconnections.com.au Find more events and information www.mla.com.au/ at www.mla.com.au/events EDGEnetwork 37 MLA in action

Butchers shown how to ‘chef up’ their shops

LA’s Red Meat Networking Club (RMNC) held its annual national tour in Victoria recently, with 75 butchers from around Australia joining in. The RMNC brings together retail Mbutchers to share ideas on innovative ways to promote red meat. On the four day tour, the butchers visited a number of Victorian meat retailers including Rainbow Meats in Chirnside, Dench’s Meats in Hoppers Crossing, Elg and Robinson in Williamstown as well as a Certified Australian Angus Beef property. Nick Edwards, South Australian A hands-on ‘chefing up your shop with beef Research and Development and lamb’ demonstration was also part of Institute (SARDI), discusses the tour, with a professional chef providing pasture establishment at the MLA producer demonstration site. value-adding recipes to help increase sales of non-loin cuts. Producers Butchers outside Montrose Meats. investigate pasture in South Aussies win Trans-Tasman butchery challenge Australia ustralian butchers have proven the best butchery skills are this side of the Tasman, winning the second Trans-Tasman butchery challenge against rivals, New Zealand. William Angliss n March approximately ATAFE in Melbourne 100 producers inspected hosted the competition Ithe producer which required each team to demonstration site (PDS) in breakdown, value-add and the Lucindale region in South display one lamb carcase and Australia during the biennial a side of beef. The Australian Pasture Update forum. The team was made up of one forum was conducted by butcher from each state. South East Prime Livestock Congratulations to Trevor Achievers and the Grasslands Hill (SA), Michael James Society of Southern (QLD), Larry Brewer (WA), Australia. This event Adam Stratton (NSW), investigated a combination of Anthony McGregor (VIC) pasture species mixes, and Team Captain Jodie seeding rates and planting Hummerston (National methods to identify the Meat Industry Training optimal combination for Advisory Council). perennial pasture The Australian team won by two points. establishment in the region.

Meat Profit Day – Growing BeefUp forums Benalla (Welcome Cattle Council of Australia MLA Richmond to ‘meat’ the future Discover how to make Swallow) beef field day producer forum field days A chance for WA more money from your The program includes an Take part in discussions on Hear about the latest producers to hear from beef production enterprise update on animal health the grassfed beef industry challenges and a stimulating panel of at MLA’s BeefUp forums. management, the Angus/ strategic plan Beef 2015 opportunities facing the speakers on the latest R&D When and where: Charolais crossbreeding and Beyond. red meat industry at the tools and industry outlook. 31 May, Durong Qld program, pasture When and where: Beef Industry Dinner. When and where: 1 June, Biggenden Qld technology and local and 29 May, Casino NSW When and where: 28 August, Albany WA 6 June, Texas Qld international beef market 15 June, Richmond Qld trends. Bookings: Bookings: 7 June, Nindigully Qld [email protected] Bookings: [email protected] 22 June, Croydon, Qld When and where: richmondfielddays@ Bookings: 1800 675 717 16 May, Benalla, VIC mail.com Bookings: 03 9731 2225 201ex2 A lamb industry event of excellence, designed to

The Australian sheep and lamb industry is invited to attend this compelling two day conference, featuring outstanding speakers, an extensive trade exhibition, quality entertainment and an opportunity to communicate with all sectors of the lamb value chain.

Early bird registration for June 28 & 29, 2012 farmersJune closes 1.

Book early to take Bendigo Exhibition Centre advantage of the $100 saving! www.lambex.com.au Department of Primary Industries

RURAL PRESS Enquiries LIMITED ESTHER PRICE PROMOTIONS Ph: 1800 177 636 | Mob: 0418 931 938 | Email: [email protected]