Turning grass into money
For Chris Drew, growing grass is the number one strategy towards a better farm business.
Having completed a Feeding Pastures for Profit (FPFP) course the Nyora farmer now feels he has a sustainable, year-round strategy to keep grass in front of his cows.
“I believe that for dairy farms to be profitable you need home-grown fodder – that’s what drives profit,” he said.
Before he had even finished last year’s FPFP course, Chris implemented the block system which keeps his paddocks rotating at whatever pace the season dictates. Combined with the Rotation Right tool, the 31-year-old believes he is maximising the benefits of home grown feed.
“I started using blocks straight away, splitting the farm up into 25 areas and rating all my paddocks. I’m out to a 45 day rotation at the current point,” he said.
“I also use the Rotation Right tool every day. We have staff who float in and out but I am here all the time. It’s great for them to see what I am doing, and where we are up to. If you are trying to teach someone the system, it is a really easy way to do it.”
Chris believes FPFP can be a game changer for farmers of all levels of experience.
“Absolutely. If they want to make money they need home grown fodder. That’s where it all starts,” he said. FPFP is a GippsDairy and Dairy Australia program that uses levy funds to helps farmers with: Grazing management – understanding the science behind good grazing recommendations and introducing a ‘Rotation Right’ system
Profitable feeding – the role of supplements and the interaction between grazing, supplement use and cow performance A practice based ‘individual’ system approach. The program involves two days ‘up-front’ classroom style delivery plus five on-farm group days over the next 10 to 12 months. Each participant is entitled to a one-off farm visit to support pasture rotation decisions.
Places are still available for the West Gippsland program starting on May 4. To participate, contact
GippsDairy regional extension officer Karen Romano at karen@gippsdairy.com.au or (0417 524916).