appears that calving pattern in the South West has changed somewhat this year. Milk production It is difficult to determine if this is a long term change or driven by seasonality, or economics of production. The Spring provided the main production peak in all regions majority of Gippsland milk is produced in spring with across the state (Figure 11). 32% of milk production sold between September and Similar to last year, the North had another small peak in November, a reduction in spring milk in this region mid-autumn in 2016-17 while the South West had a drop this year. in early autumn before increasing in June 2017. It FIGURE 11. MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION OF MILK PRODUCTION Calving pattern Typically, calving pattern follows a similar trend to the The larger calving peak in August and smaller peak milk production curve, with milk production peaks occurring in March are followed approximately two occurring two or so months after the calving peak. This months later by a peak in milk production for those can be seen for all regions in Figures 11 and 12. regions. Both the (red line) and Gippsland (blue line) had The South West, shown by the green line, has a strong late winter/early spring calving. However, autumn dominant autumn calving peak with nearly 60% of calving is more common in the North than in Gippsland calvings taking place between March and May in 2017. showing a discernible second small peak. This calving pattern is followed closely two to three months later with an extended peak milk production from June 2017. FIGURE 12. MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION OF CALVING Part two: The North Farms NO0065, NO0066, NO0067 and NO0068 were new to the Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) this year. An uncertain milk price, a wet start to the season and a drop in milk production provided challenging operating conditions for Northern Victorian farmers. While the higher than average rainfall at the start of the 2016-17 season provided relief to the temporary water market, there were adverse effects on milk and pasture production. Above average rainfall throughout the season and mild storage resulting in lower water prices. The temporary growing conditions had a positive impact on water water price eased with both the Murray and Goulburn
Milk production Spring provided the main production peak in all regions across the state (Figure 11). Similar to last year, the North had another small peak in mid-autumn in 2016-17 while the South West had a drop in early autumn before increasing in June 2017. It appears that calving pattern in the South West has changed somewhat this year. It is difficult to determine if this is a long term change or driven by seasonality, or economics of production. The majority of Gippsland milk is produced in spring with 32% of milk production sold between September and November, a reduction in spring milk in this region this year. FIGURE 11. MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION OF MILK PRODUCTION Calving pattern Typically, calving pattern follows a similar trend to the milk production curve, with milk production peaks occurring two or so months after the calving peak. This can be seen for all regions in Figures 11 and 12. Both the (red line) and Gippsland (blue line) had strong late winter/early spring calving. However, autumn calving is more common in the North than in Gippsland showing a discernible second small peak. The larger calving peak in August and smaller peak occurring in March are followed approximately two months later by a peak in milk production for those regions. The South West, shown by the green line, has a dominant autumn calving peak with nearly 60% of calvings taking place between March and May in 2017. This calving pattern is followed closely two to three months later with an extended peak milk production from June 2017. FIGURE 12. MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION OF CALVING Part two: The North Farms NO0065, NO0066, NO0067 and NO0068 were new to the Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) this year. An uncertain milk price, a wet start to the season and a drop in milk production provided challenging operating conditions for Northern Victorian farmers. While the higher than average rainfall at the start of the 2016-17 season provided relief to the temporary water market, there were adverse effects on milk and pasture production. Above average rainfall throughout the season and mild growing conditions had a positive impact on water storage resulting in lower water prices. The temporary water price eased with both the Murray and Goulburn
2016-17-DFMP-Annual-Report-FINAL-v1.docx