Monks Communication
Monday, 31 July 2017
page 1 of 2
Newsletter Grab from Feed2Milk
For immediate release: 11 July 2012
Two newsletter grabs follow:
1. Hay prices on the rise (300 words)
2. Head: Tips for collecting feed samples (270 words)
Head: Watch out for hay quality (200 words)
With hay consumption at its seasonal peak and supply tight, dairy farmers are warned to be wary
of highly variable quality and are advised to make a visual assessment and to obtain a nutritional
analysis of the hay prior to buying.
Dairy Australia’s Feed2Milk program manager, Dr Steve Little, cautioned dairy farmers to carefully
consider hay quality before buying as a lot of hay currently available was from the 2010 season
with highly variable quality, particularly if it has been stored outside.
“Many dairy and beef producers across south eastern Australia are currently sourcing hay supplies
which they expect to be feeding into August.”
When buying in a tight market, doing a feed budget will prevent buying more or lass than will be
required. Before purchasing, Dr Little suggests doing a feed budget based on realistic estimates of
daily cow maintenance energy requirements, feed already on hand, expected pasture growth
rates and likely wastage at feedout.
“Look at the nutritional value for money rather than just the price tag. Start with a visual
assessment, looking for signs of mould and checking the moisture content,” he said.
High moisture feeds are more susceptible to mould growth before harvest or during storage.
“Various types of moulds produce mycotoxins which can be harmful to cow health and
productivity. Avoid buying any mouldy hay, grain or other feed.
“If you are happy with the visual assessment of hay, the next step is to send a sample to the lab for
nutritional analysis. The results will allow you to decide if the asking price is good value, given its
nutritional content.”
For those in a hurry, the RAPID Feed Analysis Service generally provides results in 1-2 working
days (available through dairy companies in Victoria and southern New South Wales).
“Yellow bags for feed samples can be obtained from your factory field officer or transport office.”
Dairy Australia’s website has a feed report tool to help interpret feed analysis results. Visit
www.dairyaustralia.com.au/feedreport.
Feed2Milk is one of many examples of the dairy services levy at work. For more information on
this project and other levy investments visit the Dairy Australia website www.dairyaustralia.com
ENDS
Monks Communication
Monday, 31 July 2017
page 2 of 2
Photo: To receive a high res file by automatic email, click here: [email protected]
Caption: On the rise: hay prices are expected to strengthen over coming
months due to the seasonal peak in demand, and tighter supply following last
season’s lower harvest.
Head: Tips for collecting feed samples for testing (270 words)
Increasing numbers of dairy farmers are sending hay and feed samples to the
lab for nutritional analysis. Make sure the results are a true reflection of the nutritional value by
following these sampling tips from Dairy Australia’s Feed2Milk program manager, Dr Steve Little.
Xhead: Small square hay bales
Sample 10-20 bales, selected at random, using a probe or corer (grab samples are not good
enough. Take one core from each bale, near the centre of the ‘butt’ end, at right angles to the
surface. Ensure that the corer doesn’t get too hot.
Xhead: Large round or square bales
Sample 10 bales, selected at random, using a probe or corer (grab samples are not good enough).
Take one core from the middle of the curved surface of each round bale taken through the middle
of the bale. Take one core from each side of each square bale, at right angles to the surface and at
different heights.
Xhead: Hay cubes or pellets
Select a handful of cubes or pellets from at least six locations or bags.
“Don’t forget to label all feed samples clearly with a description and sample date. And make sure
your samples arrive at the lab quickly, with minimal deterioration,” Dr Little said.
For more information about taking samples for feed lab testing, refer to the Grains2Milk fact
sheet: Feed lab testing – getting a good sample, available on Dairy Australia’s website,
http://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Animals-feed-and-environment/Feeding-and-nutrition.aspx or
contact Steve Little 0400 004 841 email [email protected].
ENDS
Media contact: This media release has been issued by Monks Communication on behalf of Feed2Milk. Contact Monks Communication for
inquiries about photos and interviews or to have your contact details removed or updated on our distribution list:
Lee-Ann Monks ph (07) 5450 0946 mob 0419 349 244 email: [email protected]
Note: we are in a poor reception area for mobile phones. Try the landline first.
About Feed2Milk (background information for media)
The Feed2milk program provides dairy farmers with the training, resources and support they need to make better decisions about
their feed base and herd nutrition. The program is funded by dairy farmers through Dairy Australia.