Victorian Dairy Farmer

The 240 hectare, 300 head dairy farm is approximately 230km south east of Melbourne with undulating to flat pastures. Two trial sites were used (Block 1 approximately 3.2ha and Block 2 approximately 2.4ha). Both blocks have sandy loam to medium clay soil, with clay nodes in certain areas. Block 1 was very acidic and had not produced Lucerne in the past. This had reduced Lucerne production to minimal levels or zero. Block 2 had a heavier soil but had grown the same crop in previous years.

• Measure herd performance. With regards to:
  • Milk production
  • Milk quality
• Block production
• Block quality

• Bactivate General Program

• Protein levels in the Lucerne.
• Reduction in pH.
• 80 bales produced when in the past there has been no production.

Block produces ryegrass silage. The protein levels had increased to 18.8% during the Bactivate
Program. Block production improved significantly during the two year trial.

It was observed that through improved feed quality that the milk production had also improved over the trial period.

• Milk production increase
  • 2009 – 25 litres/cow/day
  • 2011 – 30 litres/cow/day
• Butter milk fat
  • 2009 – 4.43%
  • 2011 – 4.53%
• Milk protein
  • 2009 – 3.28%
  • 2011 – 3.34%
• GM Return for full program for both blocks per cow per day
  Program cost – 1 cent

Gross Margin Return – $2.24